Opening the Field of Practical Theology: An Introduction

Opening the Field of Practical Theology introduces students to practical theology through an examination of fifteen different approaches―ranging from feminist to liberationist, Roman Catholic to evangelical, Asian American to Latino/a.

After an introduction to the field of practical theology and its broad range of practice today, the book features chapters written by leading experts in the discipline. Each chapter has an identical structure to facilitate comparison, covering historical context, key features and figures, norms and sources of authority, theory-practice, contexts, interdisciplinary considerations, areas of current and future research, and suggested readings.

Opening the Field of Practical Theology is an ideal introduction to the field, highlighting the diverse ways practical theology is engaged today.

Kathleen A. Cahalan is professor of theology at Saint John’s School of Theology and a past president of the Association of Practical Theology. She is the author of several books, including Introducing the Practice of Ministry.

Gordon S. Mikoski is associate professor of Christian Education and director of the Master’s Studies Program at Princeton Theological Seminary. He serves as editor for Theology Today and is a past president of the Association of Practical Theology and an ordained Presbyterian minister.