Evangelicals learning practical theology

Abstract

The theological centre of gravity of practical theology has been a liberal one for the most of the field’s history. In recent decades, however, there has been an increasing engagement by evangelicals with practical theology. This chapter explores how evangelicals learn practical theology through reflecting on my own experiences of learning, teaching, and researching practical theology, both before and after I had heard of such a thing. This autobiographical account draws selectively on five learning contexts, namely my earlier formation in churches and Christian organisations, my formal theological education, my experience of research, being part of the British and Irish Association for Practical Theology, and teaching Pentecostals practical theology. Along the way, I consider the nature of practical theology, culture, theology shock, how evangelical engagement with practical theology has changed, the importance of theological role models and mentors and learning communities, criticality, and the flaws and gift of theological reflection.