Practical Theology And Qualitative Research Second Edition

Practical Theology and Qualitative Research examines methodologies of the social sciences and questions how they can enable the task of theological reflection. The authors offer the latest thinking on how to use theological learning in practical situations.

Practical Theology used to be a subject where students were left to fend for themselves, using what they had learnt from their scholarly studies in history, biblical and systematic theology and applying it where they could. Things have moved on however and practical theology is a growing discipline in its own right, and the latest thinking in practical theology; of how to use theological learning in practical situations, is fully explored in this textbook. This text examines methodologies of the social sciences and questions how they can enable the task of theological reflection. They begin by tracing the development of practical theology as a discipline and comment on current methodological practices, and trace the movement from practical theology as applied theology, ie a discipline which simply takes data from the other theological disciplines (historical, systematic and biblical theology) towards a model which understands the practical theological task in terms of the theology of practice. The authors examine the relationship between qualitative and quantitative methods and highlight the significance of both for the task of practical theology. They also take the reader through the actual process of developing and carrying out a research project using the author's own research as case study examples. Case studies include: the rise in spirituality; the decline in church attendance, evidence-based medicine compared to needs-led assessments, the growth in chaplaincy and how it is understood as separate from parish ministry.

Practical Theology is a growing discipline in its own right, and the latest thinking in practical theology; of how to use theological learning in practical situations, is fully explored in this new edition of an established textbook. The authors examine methodologies of the social sciences and questions how they can enable the task of theological reflection; examine the relationship between qualitative and quantitative methods and highlight the significance of both for the task of practical theology. They also take the reader through the actual process of developing and carrying out a research project using the author's own research as case study examples. Previous case studies include: the rise in spirituality; the decline in church attendance, evidence-based medicine compared to needs-led assessments, the growth in chaplaincy and how it is understood as separate from parish ministry. In this second edition, case studies and all bibliographies have been updated plus a new chapter has been added.

The second edition of Qualitative Research responds to the growing need in Doctor of Ministry programs for a textbook that guides students in Participatory Action Research, prospectus, and dissertation that reflect the recent trends in the discipline of practical theology. The Standards of Accreditation for the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools states, “The Doctor of Ministry is an advanced, professionally oriented degree that prepares people more deeply for religious leadership in congregations and other settings.” Standard 5.3 states, “The Doctor of Ministry degree has clearly articulated student learning outcomes that are consistent with the school’s mission and resources and address the following four areas: (a) advanced theological integration that helps graduates effectively engage their cultural context with theological acumen and critical thinking; (b) in-depth contextual competency that gives graduates the ability to identify, frame, and respond to crucial ministry issues; (c) leadership capacity that equips graduates to enhance their effectiveness as ministry leaders in their chosen settings; and (d) personal and spiritual maturity that enables graduates to reinvigorate and deepen their vocational calling.” In accordance with the standards, Qualitative Research guides students through appropriate research methods to satisfy the objectives of the degree in order to enhance ministerial leadership for the transformation of communities of practice.

Qualitative research fits naturally within the field of practical theology as it delves deeper into the essence of human experience and the meaning of lived experiences. With a great diversity of data collection and analysis methods, it provides a wide spectrum of resources to evaluate, explore, and understand and address issues related to practice, context, and application of Christian faith to everyday life. It is highly flexible in dealing with multiple data sources to ensure the multidimensional perspective of the issue under exploration.This book is an indispensable tool for Christian researchers as it presents a balanced approach to a practical research from scientific and theological perspective. It brings together the strengths of social science research methods and practical theology. Moreover, this book guides the researchers step by step through the process of qualitative research from conceptualizing the study to collecting, analyzing, interpreting data, and reporting the results. Graduate and doctoral students, as well as novice and experienced qualitative researchers in practical theology will find this book very useful, user-friendly, and practical. To make writing the dissertation project a successful enterprise, the book provides essential exemplars of various parts of the research paper. Last, the book provides several illustrations in different chapters.

Talking about God in Practice details the challenges and complexities of real theological conversations with practitioners, whilst providing an example of appropriate process, and a model of theological understanding by which to negotiate these complexities fruitfully.

Through a series of essays contributed by leading experts in the field, The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Practical Theology presents an introduction to practical theology as a major area of Christian study and practice, including an overview of its key developments, themes, methods, and future directions. The first comprehensive reference work to provide a survey, description and analysis of practical theology as an area of study A range of leading scholars in the field provide original contributions on the major areas, issues, and figures in practical theology Reviews an extensive range of methods for studying theology in practice, along with sub-disciplines in theological education such as pastoral care and preaching Covers developments in the discipline in a range of global contexts and distinct Christian traditions Shows how practical theology is relevant to everyday life