SEMINAR DESCRIPTION:

The seminar will introduce students to important recent studies of practical theology and examine its relation to other theological disciplines--especially biblical studies, systematic theology and Christian ethics. It will also develop a model of practical theology that makes room for reflection of, by and for the people of God. The hermeneutical implications of a praxis based theology of ministry will be considered, along with reflection upon the normative sources for a practical theology that is engaged in God's mission within the church and the world. A Trinitarian approach to spirituality, community and vocation will form a vital part of these explorations.

Participants will develop an understanding of what is distinctive about practical theology and of the range of methodologies that are appropriate to it. This will yield critical and constructive criteria for priorities in ministry at the level of spiritual resources, church renewal and servant leadership.

The seminar will generally meet for three hours once a week during the quarter, with each student presenting a book report or case study reflection at some point. There will be a focus on both theory and practice, and a search for the best theological and pedagogical ways of relating these in the class.

Students will read approximately 3,000 pages of relevant materials, including the following books:

Anderson, Ray. Ministry on the Firing Line: A Practical Theology for an Empowered Church. InterVarsity, 1993.

Augsburger, David. Pastoral Counseling Across Cultures. Westminster, 1986.

Banks, Robert. God the Worker: Journeys into the Mind, Heart, and Imagination of God. Judson Press, 1994.

__________. Redeeming the Routines: Bringing Theology to Life. Victor, 1993.

Browning, Don. A Fundamental Practical Theology: Descriptive and Strategic Proposals. Fortress, 1991.

Browning, Don, ed. Practical Theology: The Emerging Field in Theology, Church, and World. Harper & Row, 1983.

Dyrness, William A. Invitation to Cross-Cultural Theology. Zondervan, 1992.

Mouw, Richard. Consulting the Faithful: What Christian Intellectuals Can Learn from Popular Religion. Eerdmans, 1994.

Mudge, Lewis S. and James N. Poling, eds. Formation and Reflection: The Promise of Practical Theology. Fortress, 1987.

van der Ven, Johannes. Ecclesiology in Context. Eerdmans, 1996.

In addition to seminar presentations, a major seminar paper of around 40 pages, along with a one page annotation of each book read for the course and participation in one of three case-studies during the course. Students should choose an area for their major paper that will contribute to refining their dissertation topic, and through that develop a model for practical theological reflection that will guide their approach.

None.