Paul H. Ballard

All clergy, ministers, church-related community workers and lay leaders need to understand how they and their churches may relate to the community in which they are set, and this is an essential part of their training. This book provides a thorough and professional introduction to the subject, and includes: what is community?; community work and mission; models of community work; ethnic, cultural and religious diversity; the local authority and voluntary agencies; working with volunteers; and spirituality in community participation.

Using everyday stories and case histories the authors explore pastoral situations and reflect on them theologically. This new edition has been extensively revised to take into account the changes of the past ten years. The first part of the book (The Foundations) looks at the theory of practical theology, and models for its application. The second part covers tools for practical theology; learning from experience, interdisciplinary working, theological reflection, action and spirituality; and to this has been added new material about mission in context today.

An introduction to theology for all those involved in pastoral care and in applying Christian thinking to the service of church and society. Using everyday stories, the authors explore a variety of pastoral situations and reflect on them theologically.