Practical Theology is often misunderstood, and I can understand why. For some, the very expression is an oxymoron. Theology refers to how you think about God while practical refers to the things you do—right? It’s not so simple.

Complicating the issue further is the fissure between conservative and liberal approaches to the field. Practical Theology is historically rooted in the training of ministers, an idea called the ‘clerical paradigm’ which is disdained by many modern practical theologians. On the more liberal side of the spectrum, you have people like Elaine Graham who argue that Practical Theology is “a form of interpretation that focuses on the social and cultural reality of the Christian community” (86). Taken to its extreme, this definition can collapse Practical Theology into Social Anthropology.

Pete Ward in Introducing Practical Theology provides a map of the field with all of its idiosyncrasies. His definition of the topic is intentionally broad:

Practical Theology [is] any way of thinking that takes both practice and theology seriously (5).

This broad definition allows him to negotiate the various approaches to Practical Theology as he defines his own perspective. Ward engages the full gamut of scholarship on the topic with respect and clarity.

One of the best insights in Ward’s book is this: if you are thoughtfully involved in church life, you are already a practical theologian. Introducing Practical Theology will equip you to reflect more intentionally and faithfully on the practices that make us who we are.

Ward, Pete. Introducing Practical Theology: Mission, Ministry, and the Life of the Church. Grand Rapids: BakerAcademic, 2017.