RT Article
T1 Speaking Christian: a retrospective journey in practical theology
JF Practical theology
VO 14
IS 5
SP 454
OP 466
A1 Oliver, Gordon
LA English
PB Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group
YR 2021
UL https://www.ixtheo.de/Record/1779733143
AB Practical theology is developed through overlapping conversations or ‘speaking Christian’ in contexts as various as ministry in urban and rururban settings, mental health, counselling, as a college lecturer, a diocesan training officer and staring out of windows. The author’s perception of ‘God’ changed as he struggled with the realities of suffering and pastoral care. Tensions with the ‘traditional disciplines’ are highlighted as a pressure as he sought to move a theological college’s pastoral offer from a therapeutic toward a mission-focused paradigm. Influential resources for his development include BIAPT, the editorial board of CONTACT / Practical Theology and The Bible in Pastoral Practice Project. He worked towards integrating pre- and post-ordination training locally and denominationally, such that practical theology became a lived as well as a researched discipline. The practical theology ‘conversation’ has developed into a multi-cultural and many-faith discourse involving people well beyond the practical theology constituency.
K1 Contemplation
K1 Missional
K1 Bible
K1 BIAPT
K1 Theological Education
K1 Practical Theology
DO 10.1080/1756073X.2021.1881706