Practical Theology is a vibrant field of study. For the practical theologian, situations and circumstances are worthy of rigorous investigation and theological reflection—not least because the Spirit is alive and active in the daily life of the world. Evangelicals Engaging in Practical Theology is a book that pauses to reflect on the state of the field from an British evangelical perspective.

The situatedness of this book is (in the first place), wholly appropriate for a field where location matters. Whilst some forms of theology make broad sweeping claims, practical theology often focuses on the minutiae of life. Second, the evangelical voice is interesting since practical theology has received far less uptake in the evangelical world than in mainline denominations. For some reason, the evangelical church has treated this field with skepticism. Despite this, Helen Morris and Helen Cameron show that generative work is being done in an evangelical key.

The essays that comprise this work are firmly rooted in traditional practical theological perspectives—John Swinton, Harriet Mowat, Bonnie Miller-McLemore, Pete Ward, and Stephen Pattison are all quoted multiple times. The work doesn’t live in the past, however. The first section of articles propose new methodological approaches. This work closes with Mark J. Cartledge’s insightful article that explores the current state of the field and potential trajectories.

As with any edited volume of essays, the quality is somewhat uneven. Furthermore, the diversity of topics can be challenging to follow. In one chapter, Chloe Lynch (brilliantly) appropriates Brueggeman’s idea of the prophetic imagination to reflect on the role of imagination in practical theology. A few chapters later, Isaac McNish reflects on the challenge of teaching critical thinking skills in a small group. Readers will naturally be drawn to some essays over others.

In the end, Morris and Cameron have done the evangelical academy and practical theologians in general a great service in compiling and shaping this work. It is a must read for practical theologians, especially those serving the evangelical world.

Morris, Helen and Helen Cameron, eds. Evangelicals Engaging in Practical Theology: Theology that Impacts the Church and World. Routledge, 2022. Explorations in Practical, Pastoral and Empirical Theology.