The Bible in Pastoral Ministry: The Quest for Best Practice

Abstract

This article reflects on the findings of an empirical research project on "The Use of the Bible in Pastoral Practice" funded by Cardiff University and the Bible Society over the years 2002-2003. This project was part of a larger series of related works into Bible use in pastoral ministry involving a team of international scholars and Bible practitioners, culminating in a Symposium at Cardiff in September 2005. The published outcome to date is Paul Ballard and Stephen R. Holmes (eds.), The Bible in Pastoral Practice: Readings in the Place and Function of Scripture in the Church (London: Darton, Longman & Todd, 2005), and Gordon Oliver's Holy Bible, Human Bible: Questions Pastoral Practice Must Ask (London: Darton, Longman & Todd, 2006). This fieldwork component was exploratory; to see what was happening on the ground—to discover people's stories. It was also governed by the important demands of utility; to be useful in promoting good practice among this and the next generation of Bible educators and practitioners. In this sense, the project was viewed as having the potential to inform and transform practice.