Prof. Dr. Balázs Siba
University Professor
Department of Diaconry and Christian Social Studies
Institute of Social Work and Deaconry
Faculty of Economics, Health Sciences
and Social Studies
Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary
H-1131 Budapest, Reitter Ferenc str. 132.
Dr. Balázs Siba is a Hungarian theologian, author, and professor at the Faculty of Economics, Health and Social Sciences of Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary. He earned his PhD in pastoral theology and has been involved in higher education for 17 years, focusing on Christian education, social pedagogy, narrative identity, and faith-based approaches to social responsibility. His teaching and research bridge theology, psychology, and social care, with particular interest in the development of training programs for helping professionals. He has led numerous interdisciplinary initiatives and projects aimed at integrating theological reflection with practical service. Dr. Siba is a member of the European Council for Pastoral Care and Counselling and a core member of the Gyökössy Institute for Pastoral Care and currently serves as the president of the Pastoral Psychology Section of the Doctoral College of the Reformed Church in Hungary. His academic and educational contributions have been recognized with three “Lecturer of the Year” awards and the Knight of Cross from the Order of Merit of the Hungarian Republic. Alongside his academic career, he remains committed to church-based innovation, training professionals and volunteers for mission and diaconia in both local and national contexts. Beside teaching, and being a pastor, he was also a business consultant and supervisor. He gained experience in the church, civil sphere and forprofit sphere as well.
Education
2009 Doctor of Theology (Summa Cum Laude), Gáspár Károli Reformed University
2003 – 2007 Ph.D. student, Gáspár Károli Reformed University, Budapest
2005 – 2006 Research Scholarship, Ludwig-Maximilian Universität, Munich, Germany
2002 – 2004 European Union Expert, College of Dunaújváros
2001 – 2002 Master of Arts in Christian Education, Union-PSCE, Richmond, Virginia
1995 – 2001 Masters of Divinity, Gáspár Károli Reformed University, Budapest
International Research Projects
2010 – International Network for Research and Development of Confirmation and Christian Youth Work
2012 – 2015 Fachkompetenz, Management und Spiritualität in Leitungspositionen, GRUNDTVIG Lernpartnerschaften
2008 – 2009 Consultation of the CPCE Study Group on New Challenges in Social Justice for the Protestant Churches in Europe
Professional experiences
2013 – leader of OD division at Civil Support Ltd.
2012 – nonprofit organization development consultant and trainer at GROW
2010 – senior lecturer, Institute of Social and Communication Sciences, Károli Gáspár Reformed University (teaching: OD, leadership, group dynamics, etc.)
2008 – 2011 trainer, Helyi(M)érték Foundation, Budapest
2007 – 11 Hungarian Reformed Church Youth Office, office manager