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

'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.''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 theology in ministry situations can learn a lot from Jim Wilson and Earl Waggoner's book. A Guide to Theological Reflection is the GPS for getting from doctrine to redemptive ministerial practice.''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.''Socrates was reputed to have said, 'An unexamined life is not worth living.' The contention of this book is that an unexamined ministry is just plain dangerous. The authors then makes several radical but important claims, such as that ministry leaders need more theological reflection, not less; that our ministry action should grow from our theology; and that Scripture should be our first and primary source folcÎ