Reimagining Reflective Practice as Lifelong Learning for Professional Development Within Christian Ministry

Abstract

Within Christian education, the subject of reflective practice is often addressed through practical training programmes such as internships or pastoral courses like Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). There is, however, a need to reimagine reflective practice in the context of lifelong learning for those involved in Christian ministry due to the ever-changing nature of ministry and society and the increasing demands of leadership in this context. In order to better cope with such continuous change, professional development through reflective practice is required to both challenge and renew expertise. As a result, reflective practice can become the foundation of intentional professional development in Christian education. Components of this approach will include Intentional reflective practice as the central methodology, Communities of practice as the central location for reflective practice and Facilitation as the central mechanism for reflective practice.