This reflection emerges in light of a recent global recognition by ScholarGPS, which ranked me among the top 0.5% of scholars worldwide in the field of Religion and Theology, and #1 in Ghana and West Africa. Marking a decade of theological research and nearly 150 publications, I offer a theological meditation on the meaning of academic excellence, rooted in humility, contextual relevance, and communal responsibility. Drawing on theology, the ethics of scholarly labor, and lessons learned from my formative years as a Seminarian, this blog reflects on how such recognition should shape the vocation of African theologians.
- Recognition as a Theological Moment
Being named a 2024 Top Scholar in Religion and Theology by ScholarGPS—ranked #1 in Ghana, #1 in West Africa, #7 in Africa, and #67 globally—is both affirming and deeply humbling. According to ScholarGPS, this distinction places me in the top 0.5% of scholars worldwide, based on publication output, citation impact, and scholarly quality in the past five years. While I am grateful for this recognition, I receive it not as a personal achievement to be celebrated, but as a theological moment—a prompt for reflection on calling, responsibility, and service.
Such acknowledgment invites me to return to the heart of my vocation as a Christian scholar in Africa. It reminds me that excellence in research is not an end in itself but must be understood as diakonia—service—rendered to the Church, the academy, and society. As Paul reminds us, “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Cor. 4:7). Every gift and every recognition is ultimately a stewardship of grace, meant not for self-exaltation but for edification.
This milestone, therefore, leads me to ponder deeper theological questions: What does it mean to do theology from Africa, for Africa, and with Africa? How can academic visibility be harnessed not merely for influence, but for transformative engagement with the continent’s pressing issues—poverty, injustice, religious pluralism, and cultural identity? How do we ensure that our scholarship remains prophetic, rooted in Scripture, and attentive to the lived realities of our people?
In this light, the ScholarGPS recognition is not a terminus but a signpost, calling me to greater faithfulness, deeper reflection, and renewed commitment. It is an invitation to continue the journey of faith seeking understanding (cf. Anselm), not in isolation, but in dialogue with Scripture, with tradition, with culture, and with the global body of Christ. It encourages me to remain vigilant against the temptation of academic elitism and to remember that our scholarship, however sophisticated, must always lead us back to the foot of the cross and the service of neighbor.
- Theological Scholarship as Vocation and Witness
Theology, for me, is far more than an academic discipline—it is a sacred vocation, a lifelong commitment to fides quaerens intellectum (faith seeking understanding) amidst the complex and dynamic realities of African life. From my formative years as a Seminarian to my present engagements as a researcher, lecturer, and writer, I have understood theological inquiry as a response to God’s call to love him with all my heart, soul, and mind (Matt. 22:37). This calling drives me to produce research that is both biblically grounded and contextually responsive—anchored in the Word of God and attentive to the lived experiences of African communities.
My theological work has never been disconnected from the pressing questions that arise from daily realities. For me, issues such as poverty, sin, salvation, religious pluralism, cultural hybridity, and postcolonial struggle are not abstract themes for intellectual entertainment; they are the crucible in which real faith is tested and formed. As in the prophetic tradition of Scripture, theology must “seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” (Mic. 6:8), especially in contexts marked by exploitation, marginalization, and systemic brokenness.
In this light, academic excellence is not measured solely by publications, citations, or institutional accolades. Rather, it is a form of witness—a thoughtful and faithful offering of the mind and heart to the service of God and humanity. It is an act of worship through which the theologian discerns the signs of the times and speaks a timely word from the Lord. It is also an expression of solidarity, recognizing that the questions we ask and the answers we propose must emerge from and speak to the particular histories, hopes, and wounds of our people.
My commitment, therefore, is to theology that listens deeply to both Scripture and context, that values critical scholarship without losing its prophetic edge, and that seeks to equip the Church and society to live more faithfully in a complex world. In all this, I am guided by the conviction that theology is not only about God, but also about what it means to be human in light of God—a task that remains urgent, humbling, and deeply rewarding.
- Key Principles on the Path to Recognition
- Humility and Openness to Criticism
One of the most critical and transformative lessons I learned early in my academic career is the enduring importance of humility in research and scholarship. In a field where intellect and insight are highly valued, it is easy to become overly attached to one’s ideas or credentials. However, I quickly discovered that true academic maturity is marked not by defensiveness but by a readiness to listen, reflect, and adapt. Whether receiving feedback from anonymous peer reviewers, engaging in spirited debate with colleagues, or mentoring students through their first research projects, I have come to regard critique not as a threat, but as a gift—one that refines thought, sharpens clarity, and deepens both rigor and insight.
Humility enables a scholar to hold their conclusions with conviction but also with openness to correction and revision. It fosters an environment where scholarship becomes a dialogue rather than a monologue, and where each publication is not a final word, but a stepping stone toward greater understanding. I have learned that success in academia—whether through publishing, teaching, or leading research initiatives—should never make one immune to correction. Instead, it should broaden one’s capacity for critical engagement and collaborative growth. Every article, book chapter, or lecture should bear the marks of intellectual honesty, responsiveness to critique, and the humility to acknowledge that we are all still learning. In this light, academic work becomes not merely a means of advancing one’s career, but a contribution to a collective journey of inquiry, growth, and discovery.
- Hard Work, Planning, and Discipline
Recognition is never accidental; it is often the fruit of unseen labour, consistent effort, and deliberate sacrifice. During my seminary years, I routinely spent over ten hours a day reading, researching, and writing—planting seeds of scholarship that I am still cultivating, refining, and publishing today. Those long, disciplined hours were not glamorous, but they were foundational. They instilled in me a work ethic that continues to shape my academic life. Scripture affirms the value of diligence and intentionality in one’s labour. Proverbs 13:4 observes, “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” Likewise, Ecclesiastes 9:10 exhorts, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.” These verses underscore that excellence is rarely spontaneous; it is cultivated through focused effort and a faithful stewardship of time and energy.
As my family and professional responsibilities have grown, I have come to realise that working long hours is not enough—working wisely is essential. The wisdom tradition of Scripture underscores the importance of planning and diligence, noting that thoughtful preparation and steady effort lead to fruitfulness, while haste often results in lack (Prov. 21:5). In this light, strategic thinking, intentional scheduling, and structured routines have become vital tools in my vocation, enabling me to steward both time and calling more effectively.
Each year, I prayerfully set an academic target and commit to working diligently toward its fulfillment. The planning process typically begins in the final quarter of the preceding year, allowing for intentional reflection, goal-setting, and strategic alignment. In 2024, for example, I set a personal goal of producing 25 publications. By God’s grace and through disciplined effort, the year concluded with 33 publications—four of which were full-length books.
Excellence, then, is not merely about how many hours one works, but how one structures those hours through prayerful planning, disciplined execution, and a clear sense of purpose. Jesus himself modeled this rhythm of intentional work and rest—rising early to pray (Mark 1:35), staying focused on his mission (John 9:4), and withdrawing to recharge (Luke 5:16). His example reminds us that fruitfulness is not merely a matter of effort, but of alignment—with God’s will, timing, and grace.
- Collaboration and Scholarly Networking
In academia, collaboration is not merely a strategy—it is a lifeline for sustained growth, learning, and mutual enrichment. My own academic journey has been significantly shaped by collaboration with more experienced scholars. Through joint research projects, editorial work, and conference engagements, I have benefited from experiences that have sharpened my research skills and also opened doors to new disciplines, methods, and global platforms.
Collaboration in academic research is a mutual relationship. Each contributor brings unique insights and efforts to the table, and when approached with humility and trust, no one feels short-changed. Instead of competing, we complement one another—learning from each other’s strengths, compensating for each other’s weaknesses, and achieving more than we could alone. This reflects a biblical principle: just as one part of the body cannot say to another, “I have no need of you,” so too in scholarly work we flourish when we work interdependently (1 Cor. 12:21).
Networking is equally essential. Over the years, I have witnessed how simple connections—sometimes forged through emails, referrals, or shared research interests—have led to endorsements, invitations, and even job opportunities. I have received forewords and commendations from senior scholars I have never met physically, simply because our work intersected through mutual networks. Attending conferences, seminars, and workshops—whether national or international—has been instrumental in building and sustaining these connections.
The African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” speaks deeply to the nature of academic pursuit. True progress is not made in isolation but through networking. Scripture affirms that wisdom is found in the counsel of many (Prov. 15:22), and that we are to encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). These values are embodied in academic networks where encouragement, critique, and shared vision go hand in hand.
In today’s digital world, platforms like Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Academia.edu, and Semantic Scholar have made it easier than ever to connect with researchers globally, track scholarly impact, and initiate new partnerships. For emerging scholars especially, embracing these tools can be a powerful means of visibility, growth, and contribution to the global academic conversation.
- Looking Ahead
As I look to the future, I remain deeply committed to theological scholarship as both vocation and witness—one that is responsive to God’s call and relevant to Africa’s evolving contexts. The road ahead is filled with both challenges and promise. Theological discourse in Africa must now grapple not only with questions of faith and culture but also with the demands of digital transformation, social justice, climate crises, and postcolonial reconstruction. These realities require a theology that is not only intellectually rigorous but also spiritually grounded, socially transformative, and pastorally responsive.
In this light, I envision the establishment of an institution of higher learning—one dedicated to training Christian scholars who will integrate academic excellence with spiritual maturity and contextual relevance. This future institution will serve as a hub for nurturing biblically rooted, critically engaged, and culturally conscious Christian scholars who are equipped to serve the Church and influence society with wisdom and integrity. It will be a space where faith and reason meet, where African Christian voices are cultivated and commissioned for global impact.
Alongside this institutional vision, I also see immense potential in managing a theological journal. This platform is not just an outlet for academic publishing; it is a prophetic space to project robust Christian scholarship and amplify voices that often go unheard. Through this platform, I hope to spotlight emerging African theologians. It will be a space that celebrates scholarship as worship—anchored in Scripture, shaped by African realities, and attuned to the global Church.
Looking ahead, I am committed to deepening my efforts in mentorship, collaborative research, and public theology. I will continue to build networks across Africa and the global South, seeking partners who share a vision for transformative education and faithful scholarship. I also aspire to write more accessibly—not only for academics but also for pastors, students, and communities longing for theological insight that speaks to their lived realities.
By Isaac Boaheng (PhD-UP; PhD-UFS)
