"Straw for the Bricks" explores theological reflection as a tool for ministerial training and development. The book offers a new resource for theological conversation and breaks new ground in exploring how a model of conversation can be used to lay a foundation for learning for both academic curriculum and personal formation. This will become an important resource for those within theological education institutions, adult theological educators; those with responsibility for continuing ministerial development, mentoring and discipleship; and any lay person who seeks to live a life of faith in conversation with culture and the Judaeo-Christian tradition.

"Straw for the Bricks" explores theological reflection as a tool for ministerial training and development. The book offers a new resource for theological conversation and breaks new ground in exploring how a model of conversation can be used to lay a foundation for learning for both academic curriculum and personal formation.

Liz Shercliff

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List of Figures and Tables

Preface

Introduction

Part one: Straw for the Bricks

1. Introducing the model

2. Researching the model

3. Using the basic model in practice

4. Developing skills and understanding

Part two: Theological Reflection in Practice

5. Teaching biblical studies

6. Theological reflection and exegesis

7. Reflective preaching

8. Using group theological reflection to prepare sermons

9. Poetry

10. Theological reflection as praxis

11. Theological action research

12. Final thoughts

Glossary

Bibliography

\* Editors are well-networked within the EfM international community. 8,000 students in the United States and several hundred in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom \* A unique approach combines an approach which considers best practice as well as the lived experience of educators \* Firmly rooted in practice, and therefore set to become a vital textbook resource

"Straw for the Bricks" explores theological reflection as a tool for ministerial training and development. The book offers a new resource for theological conversation at the beginning of the 21st century: it breaks new ground in exploring how a model of conversation can be used to lay a foundation for learning which provides a new architecture for both academic curriculum and personal formation. In addition, this book offers a practical guide to good practice supported by the lived experience of educators from All Saints Centre for Mission and Ministry working across several disciplines. No other such detailed practical guide is currently in print. This will become an important resource for those within theological education institutions, adult theological educators; those with responsibility for continuing ministerial development, mentoring and discipleship; and any lay person who seeks to live a life of faith in conversation with culture and the Judaeo-Christian tradition.

"This book is a useful contribution to the field of Practical Theology, informed by the authors' extensive experience of enabling people to engage with the transformative potential of theological reflection. It advocates for a conversational, four-source method and gives detailed guidance on how to use the model within the context of group reflections. Especially helpful are the discussions of how the method can inform biblical studies, preaching and reflective practice, and will be of relevance both for ministers-in-training and established ministerial practitioners."

This book is a banqueting table groaning with goodies. Like any good meal, or effective theological reflection, this is a rich shared experience, so pull up a chair. This will nourish practical theologians, preachers and teachers as we refine our various approaches. It will feed poets, enable facilitators of parish debate, and offer sustenance to all who seek God in the earth of the everyday. It offers dishes flavoured with thought, practicality and wisdom; a nourishing feast.

I particularly appreciate O'Neill's insistence on asking the right interrogatory questions during the Theological Reflection process, and honing them until they evoke the sort of response that will deliver ever more depth, insight and therefore action in daily Christian living. Whether a newcomer to the skills, or an old hand at the process of Theological Reflection, O'Neill's approach invites us to take time to draw deeply from the Four Sources of Tradition, Culture, Action and Position in a way that will challenge and enrich individuals and groups alike. Shercliff's drawing on her own extensive preaching and teaching experience illustrate the richness of the fresh approach outlined in "Straw for Bricks". This is a book as much for EFM 'junkies' like me, as for those looking for something that will add value to the skills and techniques of sermon preparation, small group leading, and anyone attempting to drill more deeply into biblical texts and themes in a way that speaks into today's world and society.

\["For anyone with heart for practical theology","These reflections help connect theology with the 21st century","A great resource for informing different fields of ministry"\]

A helpful look at practical theology in the 21st century, Straw for the Bricks is a vital resource for up-to-date ministry in both educational and church fields.

Straw for the Bricks

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