Mimi Kelly (PhD)

Mimi teaches Pentecostal History, study skills and academic guidance and assists on the MA programme.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Mimi Kelly (Dr Miriam A Kelly) and I grew up in Irishtown; a little village near Sandymount Strand on the Southside of Dublin. When I was growing up our family spent the summer months on the beach and I still love swimming and going for walks by the sea with my husband Tony.

My main role in IBI is overseeing and supporting the students on our Master’s programme. I also help out on our undergraduate programme and provide academic guidance to the students and I teach the Story of the Irish Church Module.

Why are you passionate about Church History?

From a very young age history and how society functions have always fascinated me and the story of the Irish Church is an important module for anyone who lives and works in Ireland. Understanding that Ireland has a very rich and ancient history, yet is a relatively new Republic can help students fully appreciate the context in which they live and minister. If contextualising the Gospel in contemporary Irish society is a key goal for the church then gaining a broader appreciation of Irish history and the history of Christianity in Ireland, then the story of the Irish Church is a valuable module.

How does Church History shape - head, hands, heart?

The story of the Irish Church module gives the student an opportunity to engage and interact with primary sources from the early church and see how Christianity has shaped Irish society through the centuries. It offers different perspectives on a range of key developments and major figures that have helped shape Irish society and the Irish church. Time for discussion and reflection is important part of the module as it aids students to explore how they can apply their learning in their own context and helps them appreciate the history of different faith traditions in contemporary Ireland.