Rev Dr Carver L Anderson

• Diploma in Theology (Ebenezer Bible Institute, Birmingham, now The Leadership Training Centre, Northampton,1985)
• Diploma in Social Work ( Birmingham Polytechnic, now  Birmingham City University, 1986)
• Certificate of Qualification in Social Work ( Birmingham Polytechnic, now Birmingham City University,1986)
• Master of Social Science (Socio-Legal Studies) (University of Birmingham, 1992)
• PTLLS –Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector(Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, 2011)
• Doctor of Philosophy (University of Birmingham, 2015)

I am a practical theologian and social scientist. As  a qualified social worker, I have over 35 years’ experience at practitioner and senior management levels, working with individuals, families and communities plagued by multiple and complex challenges. I am presently one of the Executive Directors and cofounder of the Bringing Hope Charity in Birmingham, working to support individuals and families impacted by crime and serious violence, which includes perpetrators and victims. 

Over the years, I have chaired and been part of numerous committees and conferences regarding family and community associated issues as well as concerns. This included, being a member of four Home Secretary’s Round Tables for both Labour and Conservative Governments; considering community-involved and community-led interventions, connected to gang/youth related violence in the UK. In my various roles, I have taught, lectured and presented at seminars, conferences, workshops  and retreats across Africa, Jamaica, Europe, USA, also in many UK cities, relating to :practical theology, youth crime, black young men, social ethics and faith-based interventions). I am a strong advocate, for faith groups to work within interdisciplinary frameworks and partnerships regarding community concerns. My interests therefore lie principally in practical theology, and ethics, using interdisciplinary tools to explore key issues.  

 I have applied a practical theological approach to explore concerns regarding black young men (BYM) labelled ‘problematic’, involved in crime and gang-associated, also categorised, ‘hard to reach’. Their over-representation in the criminal justice system, their deaths at each other’s hands, has been the subject of studies and debates in the USA and the UK. Responses and interventions to these concerns have been numerous and varied. Consequently, as a black Pentecostal pastor in Birmingham, I have taken time to research the pertinent issues, and have offered a framework, from which Churches/relevant institutions, might be able to develop more effective responses to the interests and needs of BYM. In essence, my research interests are as follows:

• Practical Theology
• Developing community-led and community- involved perspectives associated with key issues/concerns
• Black men’s development and social justice
• Youth crime and violence (www.westmidlands-pcc.gov.uk)
• Black young men’s desistance
• Faith-based interventions associated with criminal justice and other community concerns
• Social ethics   

I am an Associate Visiting Academic at Birmingham City University. Furthermore I am a Facilitator at the New Testament Church of God Leadership Training Centre (www.ntcg.org.uk), where I train leaders regarding practical theology and Church involvement in local community issues.  I have presented at numerous conferences, seminars and workshops at such places as Leeds University, University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, and The Queen’s Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education, some Birmingham schools and a number of Faith institutions, in particular Church groups.