Brimming with God: Reflecting Theologically on Cases in Ministry

by Barbara J. Blodgett (Editor), Matthew Floding (Editor)

The yearning to be a theologian is widespread. Pastors, students, supervisors, and mentors all wish to think theologically about their ministries but often feel inadequately prepared. This book seeks to respond by showcasing a variety of approaches to theological reflection brought to bear upon actual situations in ministry. It is written by theological field educators. We define theological reflection as reflection upon lived, embodied experiences in ministry that seeks to make sense of practice and form reflectors in habits for competent ministry. An introductory chapter defines theological reflection as practiced within field education and points readers toward a diversity of approaches. Eleven subsequent chapters present two reflections upon the same case, each reflection written by a different author and representing a different reflection method. The book's significance is as a resource for teaching theological reflection in a range of settings. It not only offers a definition of and rationale for theological reflection but models various approaches to it. Its use of cases furthermore models the use of case studies in theological education and pastoral practice more widely.

Genres: Theology

176 pages, Paperback

First published August 13, 2015

Reviews

[Mason Smith]

So I didn't finish this book so I won't rate it (but I want a record that I looked at it so I'm marking it read). I will say it was more helpful than I anticipated being. Cool concept

[Andrew DiDio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brimming with God: Reflecting Theologically on Cases in Ministry. Ed. Barbara Blodgett and Matthew Floding. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2015. 157pp.

Brimming with God by Blodgett and Floding includes 23 field evaluators describing 23 different theological methods by which to evaluate pastoral cases. This book must be read with the expectation that not all stated theological methods are of equal merit. There will be multiple methods that include doctrinal differences to one another and to the reader’s previously identified theology. If the reader attempts to read this work with the expectation that they will agree with every theological response to every pastoral case, then they will find themselves thoroughly unimpressed. Readers will not agree with every aspect of every case study. It can be easy to disagree with the background of authors or the minutiae of the case studies instead of reflecting on the actual issues in the case and the author’s responses.

This read, however, helps aspiring pastors and laypeople alike better prepare for pastoral ministry specifically with dealing with tension and frustration in the church. Every chapter includes a case study in which 2 or 3 theological methods are offered for analyzing the case study. The purpose of the work is to get the reader to understand the vast array of theological methods their colleagues and fellow believers may embody while also aiding the reader in developing their own theological method for work in ministry. This book was practical and identified real life examples preparing the reader for how they might respond to future similar situations. Readers will find themselves reading this work with Bible open and pen in hand, which by my estimation, is the best way by which to read a book.

My Preferred Theological Method

The empathetic social analysis of Nanette Banks (Chapter 3) paired with the biblical commitment and reliance upon experience of George Hillman (Chapter 10) most resonated with me. Banks intentionally identified generalizations and proclaimed that everyone has a unique story. After seeking more information, she then diagnosed solutions. Hillman developed a foundation that can be tried regardless of the situation. The Bible, history, culture, and personal experience prepare one to apply a case study.

Evaluating the Theological Method

The strengths of this combined model are predicated on relationships being built. This helps field evaluators move past the generalizations of a person and truly understand their story. This method fosters humility within the observer as they must recognize that without hearing the person’s story, they will most likely misdiagnose a potential solution. The strength of Hillman’s method is that it is systematic and covers a wide swath of upfront information. The weakness of potentially being too formulaic and relying on one’s studies to supersede any relationships can lead to being evaluative before having enough information. This can be mitigated by complimenting Banks’ method. As Banks seeks to intentionally understand the unique individual the information produced by Hillman’s method becomes integral. Seen together, the Bible, church history, culture, and personal experience ought to set the foundation and provide context for the relationship with the unique individual and ought to be the foundation for knowing what questions to ask in learning one’s story and providing an effective solution for that particular individual.

[Jordan Hoyt · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Okayest text assigned in FIT's mentored ministry course. Idk where they dug this up but the ammount of times I've read and re-read the case studies contained in this tome is sigh worthy. It's decent busy-work for graduate students, but the text makes about as much sense as the title.