Assessment

Seminar presentations and end of term essay (c. 7,000 words).

Module Aims

The aim of the seminar course is to employ the contribution of Johannes van der Ven to the discipline of Practical Theology, in order to explore key themes, methodologies and implications of empirical research for practical theology. Van der Ven pioneered ‘empirical theology,’ which permitted the methodological perspectives and tools of the social sciences to be regarded as appropriate and legitimate means for conducting theological enquiry. He integrated such tools into practical theology itself, favouring an intra-disciplinary perspective, whereby the tools of the social sciences become the tools of the practical theologian. This seminar examines the principles of van der Ven’s empirical-theological approach and instances of such research in the subject area of ministry and mission. Several of the inputs will facilitate the learner draft an empirical research proposal of their own, in order to draw out methodological awareness, and ethical and ecclesial implications.

Indicative Syllabus:

• An empirical approach in practical theology
• Normativity and the value-laden character of all empirical research
• Qualitative and Quantitative Methods
• Models of Research
• Ethical Responsibility and Research with Individuals and Communities
• ‘Professionalising the Shepherds’
• ‘The Legitimation of Parish Leadership’
• ‘Ecclesiological Explorations from Volunteer Ministry’

Each seminar is two hours long. In addition six hours is allocated per week for the preassigned reading and input on a Moodle Discussion forum.

Learning Outcomes

• — LO1: evaluate critically with the work of Johannes van der Ven.
• — LO2: appraise the different theoretical and practical methodological approaches to empirical research in theology.
• — LO3: employ with rigour the requirements of ethical responsibility in research on humans and communities.
• — LO4: extrapolate implications of an empirical practical theology for consideration of ecclesial self-understanding, structures and social concerns.
• — LO5: employ the resources of the Christian tradition in a coherent manner when addressing presenting issues in medicine and clinical practice.
• — LO6: draft a research question and hypothesis, identifying suitable methodologies.

Bibliography

• — Carmeron, Helen and Catherine Duce, Researching Practice in Ministry and Mission – A companion, London: SCM Press, 2013.
• — Hermans, Chris A. M. and Mary E. Moore, eds. Hermeneutics and Empirical Research in Practical Theology: The Contribution of Empirical Theology by Johannes A. Van Der Ven. Empirical Studies in Theology 11. Leiden, Netherlands: Brill, 2004.
• — Osmar, Richard A. Practical Theology: An Introduction. Grand Rapids, Erdsmans, 2008.
• — Schilderman, J. B. A. M, J. A. van der Ven, and A. J. A. Felling. ‘Professionalising the Shepherds.’ Journal of Empirical Theology, 12, no. 1 (1999): 59-90.
• — Sonnberger, Klaus and Johannes A. van der Ven. ‘The Legitimation of Parish Leadership: An Empirical-Theological Approach.’ Journal of Empirical Theology 10, no. 2 (1997): 5-32.
• — ---.‘The Structure of the Church.’ Journal of Empirical Theology 8, no. 1 (1995): 24-45.
• — Van der Ven, Johannes A. ‘An Empirical or a Normative Approach to Practical-Theological Research? A False Dilemma.’ Journal of Empirical Theology, 15, no. 2 (2002): 5-33.
• — ---. Practical Theology: An Empirical Approach. Translated by Barbara Schultz. Kampen, The Netherlands: Kok Pharos Publishing House, 1993.
• — ---. ‘Practical Theology: from Applied to Empirical Theology.’ Journal of Empirical Theology 1, no. 1 (1988): 7-27.
• — Van der Ven, J. A. and G. T. van Gerwen. ‘Ecclesiological Explorations from Volunteer Ministry.’ Journal of Empirical Theology 3, no. 1 (1990): 27-45.
• — Van der Ven, Johannes A. and Michael Scherer Rath, eds. Normativity and Empirical Research in Theology. Empirical Studies in Theology 10. Leiden, Netherlands: Brill, 2004.
• — Wolfteich, Claire. Invitation to Practical Theology: Catholic Voices and Visions. Mahweh: Paulist Press, 2014.