Paul De Neui

Education

PhD, Intercultural Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary
ThM, Missiology, Fuller Theological Seminary
MDiv, Cross-Cultural Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary
BS, Ornamental Horticulture, California Polytechnic State University

Profile

Dr. Paul DeNeui serves as Professor of Missiology and Intercultural Studies and directs the Center for World Christian Studies at North Park Theological Seminary. His calling to global ministry began through early experiences serving on Navajo reservation, and grew into a lifelong commitment to contextualized mission.

Commissioned as a Covenant missionary to Thailand in 1987, Dr. DeNeui spent nearly two decades engaged in holistic ministry—integrating community development, leadership training, and church planting in partnership with Thai leaders. His work emphasized sustainable agriculture (raising fish and pigs!), local empowerment, and ministries of compassion among those affected by HIV/AIDS.

After earning his PhD in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary, Dr. DeNeui joined the NPTS faculty, where he teaches courses in missiology, contextual theology, and global Christian communication. Fully tenured in 2011, Dr. DeNeui equips students for intercultural leadership through programs that foster spiritual depth, cultural awareness, and global collaboration, and is known for his travel courses.

De Neui is ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church since 1991. Since studying horticulture in college, he retains a deep interest in agriculture, and is a master gardener.

Recent Publications

“I was in Prison and You Educated Me: A Missiological Analysis.” Witness: The Journey of the Academy for Evangelism in Theological Education (AETE). Presented at the Association of Professors of Mission Conference, June 2024.

“Temptations of Eden: Complexities of Three-Dimensional Reconciling Mission.” Ex Auditu, “Creation Care: Biblical Foundations & Practical Implications.” Presented at Symposium for Biblical Interpretation, North Park Theological Seminary, Sept 2023.

“Up from the Ashes: The Swedish Evangelical Mission Covenant (SEMC) in Global Dialogue.” Covenant Quarterly. Vol. 81, No. 2 Fall/Winter 2023. Pp. 32-44.

“From Commodification to Community: Lessons and Confessions.” Covenant Quarterly.  Vol. 81, No. 1 Spring/Summer 2023. Pp. 41-56.

“Is Conversion Your Primary Concern? Rethinking Motives for Ministry with Children in the Buddhist World.” Co-written with Heather Askew. Presented at SEANET XXI Conference, Chiang Mai, Thailand January 7.

Emerging Faith: Lessons from Christian History in Asia. Editor. Colorado Springs: William Carey Library.

Sacred Moments: Reflections on Buddhist Rites and Christian Rituals. Editor. New Delhi: Christian World Imprints.

“Transforming Mission Through String-Tying Ritual.” Sacred Moments: Reflections on Buddhist Rites and Christian Rituals. Editor. New Delhi: Christian World Imprints. Pp. 143-158.

Gift and Duty: Where Grace and Merit Meet. Editor. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publisher.

Restored to Freedom from Fear, Guilt, and Shame: Lessons from the Buddhist World. Editor. Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library.

“String Tying Ritual in Thailand.” A case study in Intercultural Discipleship: Learning from Global Approaches to Spiritual Formation. W. Jay Moon. Grand Rapids, MI: eBaker Academic.

Book Review of On the Road to Siangyang: Covenant Mission in Main China (1890-1949) by Jack Lundblom (Pickwick, 2015). The Covenant Quarterly. Hauna Ondrey, ed. Vol. 75, No. 2 May 2017. Pp. 45-46.

Seeking the Unseen: Spiritual Realities in the Buddhist World. Editor. Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library.

Book review of The Truth Within: A History of Inwardness of Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism by Gavin Flood (Oxford University Press, 2013). International Bulletin of Missionary Research 60.

Becoming the People of God: Creating Christ-Centered Communities in Buddhist Asia. Editor. Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library.

Professional Organizations & Associations

Association of Professors of Mission
American Society of Missiology
Director, Center for World Christian Studies
Editor, Covenant Quarterly
Global Personnel and Director with Serve Globally of the ECC
Hollywood North Park Community Association
International Missionary Training Network
Master Gardeners of Illinois
Pioneer Society of Santa Clara County
Qualified Administrator, Intercultural Development Inventory
River Church Community, San Jose, CA

Courses Taught

Practicing Neighborology
Sacred Portals: Iconography as Spiritual Practice
Communicating the Faith in the Contemporary World
Cultural Dimensions of Mission
Global Partnership: Practicing Biblical Koinonia
Globalization and Mission
Mission of God: Insights for Service
Religions and Cultures
Rethinking Mission: Lessons from Christian Art, History and Practice
God’s Global Vision: Missional Theme of the Bible
Intercultural Travel courses to Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Missionary Equipping and Training Event (METE) for new Covenant missionaries. Annual summer missiology training and Intercultural Development Inventory debriefing.