Feedback and evaluation, both of oneself and by others, are the lifeblood of a successful ministry experience. In A Guide to Theological Reflection, experienced practical ministry professors Jim Wilson and Earl Waggoner introduce the processes and tools of theological reflection for ministry. Effective evaluation includes critique and potential course correction for the honest and willing minister, as well as positive affirmation of how one's desires influence good ministry decisions. A Guide to Theological Reflection introduces tools by which a minister can interact with his or her own thoughts, beliefs, and feelings; external feedback, such as that of a ministry supervisor; and Scripture to inform deep and transformative theological reflection. Designed as a textbook for practical ministry courses and theological field education, A Guide to Theological Reflection can also be used in ministry contexts. It provides guidance for students, ministers-in-training, mentors, and advisors, laying a theoretical foundation for theological reflection and demonstrating step-by-step how to practice it well.

Here is a book for the millions of Christians who want to make a vital connection between their faith and their lives. The authors describe theological reflection as "the artful discipline of putting our experience into conversation with the heritage of the Christian tradition." Their practical book provides a way for all of us to experience greater meaning in life and a more tangible sense of God's creative presence.

A major and continuing problem for theological education and the practice of Christian ministry is how to best achieve a genuine integration between theory and practice, theology and experience. The key claim of this book is that theological reflection, beginning with experience, is a method of integration and that pastoral supervision is a vehicle for theological reflection. In establishing this claim, John Paver demonstrates that the model and method have potential to be a catalyst for reform within theological colleges and seminaries. Three different theological reflection models are developed and critiqued in this book, and their capacity to be developed in particular contexts is explored. This book does not stop at ministry, cultural and personal integration, but is bold enough to make recommendations for structural integration within the theological institution.

What would theological reflection look like if scripture were the starting point? For many, beginning the process of formation the bible is already a natural place to begin, and models of theological reflection which start in other places can be hard to swallow. All too often, as a result, they reject the idea of reflecting theologically altogether, an outcome which is damaging for their future ministry and for the church as a whole. This book to re-discover the theological heart of the discipline of practical theology and develop new methods which take scripture and tradition more seriously. Offering an alternative to the usual models of theological reflection, this careful and helpful guide demonstrates to students the possibilities which emerge when the starting point for theological reflective practice

"Theological reflection is a form of theologizing that begins with lived experience, correlates this with the sources of Christian faith and draws out concrete implications for praxis. Robert Kinast finds five distinct types of theological reflection from within this common form: ministerial, spiritual wisdom, feminist, inculturation, and practical theology" "Each of these styles is analyzed in terms of the type of experience it favors, the way it connects this experience to theology and what sort of praxis it envisions. The end result is a succinct overview of this wide-ranging and diverse approach to theology."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Practical theology and theological reflection are growing areas of theological studies. This book aims to create a bridge between pastoral practice and public theology.

Decades of use and refinement have solidified the place of How to Think Theologically as the indispensable guide to helping students of theology realize their call to be theologians. By focusing not on thinkers or thoughts, but on thinking, Stone and Duke induct readers into those habits of mind that lead to understanding all things--social, cultural, and personal--in relation to God. The new edition includes: Expansions of existing chapters An annotated bibliography of recommended reading An appendix of theological labels An expanded glossary Key points highlighted in call-outs throughout Updated case studies Discussion questions Both experienced teachers and beginning students will benefit from Stone and Duke's latest revision of their classic text.

Theological Reflections: Methods, offers a comprehensive collection of models of theological reflection. By bringing this diverse collection together in one place, the editors create a unique reference work that allows a clear and visible contrast and comparison as each model is treated formally and in a standard format. Throughout each chapter the distinguishing features of the model are examined, the geneology and origins are discussed, worked examples of the model applied to contemporary theology are provided, and critical commentary, future trends and exercises and questions are provided. Now firmly established as an essential text on theological reflection, this new edition has been revised and updated with a new introduction, updated examples, and refreshed bibliographies

Making faith-sense is a new term for an ancient practice. It is what the early Christians called mystical or wisdom theology: understanding life in the light of God's participation recorded in the Gospels, recognizing the signs of God's presence in everyday events and shaping one's life accordingly. In Making Faith-Sense, Robert Kinast shows all who seek to unify their life experience around their belief in God how to follow that ancient practice. Drawing upon the award-winning process he has used with students for the ministry, Father Kinast explains how to make sense of family, work, and cultural experience from the perspective of Christian faith. Each chapter contains numerous real-life examples and practical guidelines that can be used privately or with a group.

Many people today are asking the "meaning-making" questions. We want our lives to have meaning. We want to know how our faith informs our work life, how our family life enhances our spirituality, and how we can feel less fragmented and more whole. These are the spiritual questions of life. They are wisdom-seeking invitations stirring within the depths of our souls. These are the hungers that theological reflection can help feed. This book offers an understanding of theological reflection--a model and a method. It will not only illustrate how readers may use theological reflection in their own spiritual development but will also show how to facilitate the process with others. --From the introduction In "Theological Reflection: Connecting Faith and Life," principles of theological reflection are presented to help the believer connect faith teaching and life. Catholic Basics: A Pastoral Ministry Series offers an in-depth yet accessible understanding of the fundamentals of the Catholic faith for adults, both those active in pastoral ministry and those preparing for ministry. The series helps readers explore the Catholic tradition and apply what they have learned to their lives and ministry situations. Includes study questions and suggestions for further reading.