A Guide to Theological Reflection: A Fresh Approach for Practical Ministry Courses and Theological Field Education

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. Review 'Using excellent resources from Christian thinkers and marketplace leaders, the authors have contributed an approach to theological reflection that takes this hidden gem of education out of unconscious preoccupation and into intentional habit. Their model is very useful and applicable across cultures for many reasons, especially for its emphasis on the community's participation in one's growth in self- and God-awareness. I recommend this hope-inspiring guide to everyone engaged in theological training and continuing education.' -- CHOON SAM FONG, academic dean, Baptist Theological Seminary, Singapore'Jim Wilson and Earl Waggoner have written an important and helpful book for pastors engaged in the practice of ministry. Ministry flows from the inside out. Pastors need to attend to their interior life in order to serve in ways that are obedient and faithful. The authors invite ministry leaders to pause in the middle of their work to focus on deeper theological reflection so that in greater ways they might live into matters of character and abiding in Christ. I highly recommend this book to you.' -- KURT N. FREDRICKSON, associate dean for doctor of ministry studies, associate professor of pastoral ministry, Fuller Theological Seminary'Theological reflection is an essential skill for ministry leaders, yet many have never learned how to do it well. Leaders think about theology and ministry but lack a model for flowing those two streams together in meaningful ways. The men who wrote this book model this process, have coached hundreds of emerging leaders on developing these skills, and now have produced this helpful guide to teaching others how to do it. Theology must inform practice. The insights you are about to read outline a workable process to make that happen.' -- JEFF IORG, president, Gateway Seminary'In a culture defined by hurry, A Guide to Theological Reflection asks busy pastors, leaders, and ministry students to do the unthinkable--to pause and reflect on how our beliefs translate into our ministry. With seasoned wisdom, accessible style, and practical tools, this volume helpfully coaches us on the who, what, when, where, why, and how of this crucial reflection.' -- CHRIS MORGAN, dean and professor of theology, School of Christian Ministries, California Baptist University'It's tempting to assume that doing theology means getting your doctrine right with ever-increasing levels of precision. That might be okay for students in a systematic theology class, but it's a bad assumption for those ministering to real people. As Jesus showed us with people as diverse as the rich young ruler, the tax collector Zacchaeus, and the woman at the well, he didn't lecture them on doctrine; his theology was embodied in the way he treated them. Those of us seeking to proclaim and exemplify good theo