Guide to Theological Reflection A Fresh Approach for Practical Ministry Courses and Theological Field Education
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Jim L. Wilson (DMin, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of leadership formation and director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Gateway Seminary. He has authored many books, including Future Church: Ministry in a Post-Seeker Age. Earl Waggoner (PhD, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as Dean, Biblical Studies & Theology, College of Adult & Graduate Studies, Colorado Christian University. He taught previously for Gateway Seminary at their Denver and Los Angeles campuses, focusing on systematic theology and church history. His research interests include ecclesiology, pneumatology, Baptist history, and the intersection of pop culture and theology. Prior to serving in theological education, he was a pastor and a television professional.'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.'
CHRIS MORGAN, dean and professor of theology, School of Christian Ministries, California Baptist University
'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.'
MARSHALL SHELLEY, director of the doctor of ministry program, Denver Seminary
'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.'
KURT N. FREDRICKSON, associate dean for doctor of ministry studies, associate professor of pastoral ministry, Fuller Theological Seminary
'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 for such reflection. This book recommends useful tools to help us pause from our incessant ministry activity to reflect on what and how we are doing and if we are pursuing ministry success as God sees it.'
DONALD W. SWEETING, president, Colorado Christian University
'Theological reflection is an essential skill for ministry leaders, yet many have never learned how to do it well. Leaders think about theology and ministry but lack a model for flowing those two streams together in meaningful ways. The men who wrote this book model this process, have coached hundreds of emerging leaders on developing these skills, and now have produced this helpful guide to teaching others how to do it. Theology must inform practice. The insights you are about to read outline a workable process to make that happen.'
JEFF IORG, president, Gateway Seminary
'Using excellent resources from Christian thinkers and marketplace leaders, the authors have contributed an approach to theological reflection that takes this hidden gem of education out of unconscious preoccupation and into intentional habit. Their model is very useful and applicable across cultures for many reasons, especially for its emphasis on the community's participation in one's growth in self- and God-awareness. I recommend this hope-inspiring guide to everyone engaged in theological training and continuing education.'
CHOON SAM FONG, academic dean, Baptist Theological Seminary, Singapore
'Wilson and Waggoner have pulled theological reflection off the dusty seminary shelf and breathed it full of new life. They offer specific hands-on tools for reflection during that much-needed 'pause'--the space before we act in specific ministry situations. This is a thorough yet practical work, bringing theological reflection directly to bear on ministry practice. It's a vital resource for mentors, seasoned leaders, and rookies in ministry. Plus, the excellent bibliography is worth the cost of the book.'
DARYL L. SMITH, associate professor emeritus of mentoring and leadership, Asbury Theological Seminary