As a student of Theology and Religion from the University of Pretoria, Susanne Thyroff continues to be blessed with ever-expanding influence in her chosen field of academic inquiry, as well as ever increasing leadership responsibility in the areas of ministry and outreach, most notably through her new role as the head of Transworld Radio in Germany.

Known as Evangeliums-Rundfunk, or ERF – der Sinnsender in the German language, the core mission of this organization, “is to reach people with the hope of the Gospel through media. [They] are committed to providing spiritual guidance and support, especially to those who feel isolated or are seeking a deeper meaning in life.” It is to this mission that Ms Thyroff will bring all her training, experiences and vision for service, as outline in the interview below:

T&R – Tell us about your personal and spiritual roots?

Thyroff – I’m originally from Germany, and my spiritual journey began in a Pentecostal free church where my father served as a pastor. This background has shaped my faith deeply, grounding me in a tradition that values community, worship, and outreach.

T&R – Can you shed some light on your academic background?

Thyroff – I studied at the Akademie für christliche Führungskräfte in Germany, focusing on Christian Leadership. Currently, I am in the final stages of my Master’s degree in Theology at the University of Pretoria, where I recently submitted my thesis, titled "Silence – A Forgotten Virtue for Christian Leaders: Kirchner's Approach from a Free-Church Perspective." The research explores the role of silence as a virtue for Christian leaders, analyzing Catholic theologian Baldur Kirchner’s approach to contemplative silence and assessing its relevance for Pentecostal leaders. Kirchner’s integration of monastic principles into Christian leadership offers a new perspective on silence, not only as a personal practice but as a powerful means of fostering spiritual growth and maturity.

T&R – Where has your career path led so far?

Thyroff – Before my role at ERF, I worked several years in strategic communications and marketing at a leading international pharmaceutical company (Boehringer Ingelheim), managing complex projects and focusing on impactful communication strategies. Additionally, I’ve been active in church ministry, leading communication efforts and preaching in my local congregation, and serving on the board of the local ecumenical council (ACK).

T&R – Of what will your role consist as you work to advance the ERF mission?

At ERF, I am dedicated to expanding our outreach through innovative media formats that resonate with today’s audience, especially via digital channels like podcasts and social media. My goal is to ensure that our message meets people where they are, with encouragement and hope that speaks to their daily lives.

The faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria takes great pride in the impact it continues to have on the world through the dedicated service of its students and graduates within the communities where they are located. The exciting new opportunity Ms Thyroff has been given through ERF is one more example of how these mighty women and men of valour are sharing the love and truth of God, so that all people might have the chance to walk from darkness into the light.