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The Church of England is living through a time of significant change in attitudes towards local church ministry, congregational participation and pastoral practices. As it seeks to respond with integrity to changes in contemporary society the Church’s dialogue with empirical social research is beginning to develop more fully. This thesis focuses on a pioneer national project to explore the effectiveness of pastoral ministry in contemporary church weddings. The social science research methods used in this project revealed insights into the ministry of contemporary church weddings with the intention of shaping responsive parochial wedding policies. This thesis considers the potential for further local enquiry by individual marrying clergy to understand the ordinary theology (proposed by Astley) of their communities using methods of ordinary research alongside a shared reflective practice. It highlights the socio-theological interface within reflective empirical theology by pastoral practitioners in the Church. A model of participatory action research incorporating online clergy forums and change agent groups is explored to stimulate parochial and institutional change among clergy in partnership with each other. The role of priest researchers is proposed and identified in other pastoral contexts to examine factors that motivate clergy to participate in the development of pastorally responsive national policies. A methodology of personal diaries, focus groups and one to one interviews is used to explore the responses of clergy to participating in reflective praxis. The findings point to key factors in developing pastoral practice and policies involving the place of ministerial development and attitudes towards collaborative working. A typology of pastoral ministry is developed towards identifying priest researchers in the Church. The research affirms the contribution of pastoral practitioners towards the development of pastorally responsive national policies but the nature of parochial deployment and clergy relationships with each other and the Church institutions frequently preclude much of this contribution.

The pastoral visitation practice of Continuing Witness Training (CWT) is theoretically intended to cooperate with God to lead individuals to Christian conversion, but reconciles fewer individuals to God than anticipated. This empirical theological study of Praxis 1 analyzed the visited individuals' (1) perception of care-concern by the visitors, (2) post-visit positive mood, (3) satisfaction with the visit, (4) sense of God's presence in the visit, and (5) decision to pray to establish a relationship with Jesus Christ. in association with (a) the amount of the CWT presentation given, (b) the length of the visit, and (c) prior religious involvement. Greater amounts of the CWT presentation given resulted in greater satisfaction and greater conversion prayer. Longer pastoral visits resulted in greater satisfaction among females and males, in greater conversion prayer in females, and in higher post-visit positive mood in males. Lower prior religious involvement resulted in greater amounts of the CWT model presentation being given to females, and in greater conversion prayer in males. Although 60% of Individuals visited reported no or minimal religious involvement, the complete CWT presentation was given to only 19%, and a substantial portion of CWT was given to an additional 17%. Among this 36% of those visited who received the CWT presentation, 55% decided to pray to establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This situational analysis identified four praxis problems: ( 1) inconsistent application of the CWT model with unchurched individuals, (2) dissatisfaction among 25% of individuals visited, (3) lack of sense of God's presence in the visit reported by 23% of individuals visited, and (4) 31% of those visited being outside the stated unchurched target population for CWT visits. These praxis problems and related findings in the descriplive theological research were addressed by formulating a revised practical theology upon which to base Praxis 2. This revised theology of evangelism incorporated a multi-modal model of pastoral role-fulfillment (inYolving ketygma, didache, and paraklesis) as an agogic situation of primary initiation of a person into the kingdom of God, by proposing multiple contacts within a pastoral theology of care and counseling. / Practical Theology / Th. D. (Practical Theology)

The pastoral visitation practice of Continuing Witness Training (CWT) is theoretically intended to cooperate with God to lead individuals to Christian conversion, but reconciles fewer individuals to God than anticipated. This empirical theological study of Praxis 1 analyzed the visited individuals' (1) perception of care-concern by the visitors, (2) post-visit positive mood, (3) satisfaction with the visit, (4) sense of God's presence in the visit, and (5) decision to pray to establish a relationship with Jesus Christ. in association with (a) the amount of the CWT presentation given, (b) the length of the visit, and (c) prior religious involvement. Greater amounts of the CWT presentation given resulted in greater satisfaction and greater conversion prayer. Longer pastoral visits resulted in greater satisfaction among females and males, in greater conversion prayer in females, and in higher post-visit positive mood in males. Lower prior religious involvement resulted in greater amounts of the CWT model presentation being given to females, and in greater conversion prayer in males. Although 60% of Individuals visited reported no or minimal religious involvement, the complete CWT presentation was given to only 19%, and a substantial portion of CWT was given to an additional 17%. Among this 36% of those visited who received the CWT presentation, 55% decided to pray to establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This situational analysis identified four praxis problems: ( 1) inconsistent application of the CWT model with unchurched individuals, (2) dissatisfaction among 25% of individuals visited, (3) lack of sense of God's presence in the visit reported by 23% of individuals visited, and (4) 31% of those visited being outside the stated unchurched target population for CWT visits. These praxis problems and related findings in the descriplive theological research were addressed by formulating a revised practical theology upon which to base Praxis 2. This revised theology of evangelism incorporated a multi-modal model of pastoral role-fulfillment (inYolving ketygma, didache, and paraklesis) as an agogic situation of primary initiation of a person into the kingdom of God, by proposing multiple contacts within a pastoral theology of care and counseling. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / Th. D. (Practical Theology)

This empirical and theological project researches physical and emotional weakness in the context of spiritual leadership, in order to discover what consequences these impediments have on church development. Selected representatives (national leaders - or at least regional leaders - of Swiss state and free churches) have therefore been interviewed. It was possible to describe four contrasting typologies which describe the different effects of handicapped leaders and to deduce various consequences for the understanding of church leadership and development. This research is an attempt to contribute to a differentiated practice of dealing with physically and emotionally suffering leaders in the field of church development. It can be seen as a first explorative study of the evaluation of institutional practice. / Philosophy, Practical & Systematic Theology / M.Th. (Practical Theology)

This empirical and theological project researches physical and emotional weakness in the context of spiritual leadership, in order to discover what consequences these impediments have on church development. Selected representatives (national leaders - or at least regional leaders - of Swiss state and free churches) have therefore been interviewed. It was possible to describe four contrasting typologies which describe the different effects of handicapped leaders and to deduce various consequences for the understanding of church leadership and development. This research is an attempt to contribute to a differentiated practice of dealing with physically and emotionally suffering leaders in the field of church development. It can be seen as a first explorative study of the evaluation of institutional practice. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M.Th. (Practical Theology)

Text in Afrikaans / Huisbesoek is 'n kerklike bandeling wat algemeen in gereformeerde kerke beoefen word. Die bandeling is omstrede en word geassosieer met baie besinning en bespreking. Hierdie studie gaan van die standpunt uit dat die teoriee grondliggend aan buisbesoek, nie in ooreenstemming is met die verwagtinge van lidmate nie. In die bantering van die probleem is die teorie van buisbesoek ondersoek met bebulp van 'n literatuur studie. Huisbesoek word ook beskrywe as pastorale sorg. Daarom is die teorie van pastorale so~g ook ondersoek. Empiriese navorsing is gedoen om die verwagtinge van lidmate te bepaal. 'n Ideografiese strategie is gebruik en lidmate is per onderboud gevra na bulle siening. Vanuit die ondersoek bet dit geblyk dat die teorie die praxis van buisbesoek in meeste instansies nie meer ondersteun nie. Vanuit die bevinding sluit die studie af met die trek van enkele riglyne, om teorie nader aan die verwagtinge van lidmate te bring. / Visitation is an activity generally practised in reformed churches. It is not without problems, and form the topic of many discussions. This study works from the premise that the theoretical foundation of visitation, are out of touch with the expectations of church members. In the approach to the problem, the theory of visitation is explored in a literary study. Because visitation can be described as pastoral care, the theory of care has been included in the study. Empirical research was done to ascertain the expectations of church members with regards to visitation. This has been done according to a idiographic strategy, by interviewing church members. From the research the conclusion was drawn that there is a gap between theory and praxis in regard to visitation. In the last paragraphs the author explores ways in which to bring theory closer to the expectations of members. / Practical Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology)

This research project in empirical theology draws on qualitative empirical methods to examine the topic of inclusion as it applies to disability and leadership in the context of state and free churches in Switzerland. Its goal was to ascertain how the challenging inclusion of religious leaders with physical, emotional or mental impairments can be theoretically and practically improved within the Swiss churches. From a theoretical point of view, aspects of labour theory and ecclesiastical law that pose challenges for church leaders with disabilities were foregrounded, as were theological positions defining the pastoral role. From a practical point of view, structural, technical and similar barriers demanded investigation, along with the adaptability of church practices and of work structures. To that end, the topics of inclusion, disability and leadership responsibility in the church were initially studied from a theoretical and interdisciplinary perspective and the relationships between them were traced. Male and female church leaders (clergypersons, priests, pastors and the like) affected by the issue and employed by state and free churches in Switzerland were then interviewed individually and together with their partners, their superiors and members of local church councils. Analysis of the data thus gathered revealed three empirical-theological models and three conceptions of how inclusion might be theorized. These describe both numerous challenges in the inclusion of church leaders with various disabilities and specific measures for improving the inclusion of those affected. Among other results, it proved possible to derive and elaborate a multifunctional practical concept for the inclusion of church leaders with disabilities that has practical-theological applications in the context of the state and free churches in Switzerland. / In dieser Forschungsarbeit wurde Inklusion am Beispiel von Behinderung und Leitungsverantwortung im Kontext von Landes- und Freikirchen der Schweiz empirisch-theologisch bzw. qualitativ-empirisch untersucht. Es war das Ziel, herauszufinden, wie die problematische Inklusion von Leiterinnen und Leitern mit körperlichen, seelischen und geistigen Einschränkungen in Landes- und Freikirchen der Schweiz theoretisch und praktisch verbessert werden kann. In theoretischer Hinsicht standen dabei unter anderem die für Leitungspersonen mit Behinderung herausfordernden arbeitstheoretischen oder kirchenrechtlichen Gegebenheiten sowie die theologischen Überzeugungen zum pastoralen Berufsbild im Vordergrund. Aus praktischer Perspektive galt es bspw. die architektonischen, technischen u.a. Barrieren oder die Anpassungsfähigkeit der Kirchenpraxis und der Arbeitsgestaltung zu erforschen. Dazu wurden die Themen Inklusion, Behinderung und Leitungsverantwortung in der Kirche zuerst theoretisch bzw. interdisziplinär aufgearbeitet und ihr Verhältnis zueinander bestimmt. Danach wurden betroffene Leiterinnen und Leiter (Pfarrpersonen, Priester, Pastoren u. Ä.) aus Landes- und Freikirchen der Schweiz einzeln und gemeinsam mit Partnerinnen oder Partnern, Vorgesetzten und Mitgliedern von lokalen Kirchenleitungen in einer Gruppendiskussion befragt. In der Danteanalyse wurden drei empirisch-theologische Typen bzw. theoretische Inklusionskonzepte herausgearbeitet. Diese beschreiben sowohl zahlreiche Herausforderungen in der Inklusion von kirchlichen Leitungspersonen mit unterschiedlichen Behinderungen als auch konkrete Massnahmen dazu, wie der Einbezug von Betroffenen verbessert werden kann. Aus den Gesamtresultaten liess sich u.a. ein multifunktionales Praxiskonzept für die Inklusion von kirchlichen Leitungspersonen mit Behinderung erstellen und praktisch-theologisch bzw. für den landes- und freikirchlichen Kontext anwendbar machen. / Practical Theology / D.Th. (Practical Theology)

This research project in empirical theology draws on qualitative empirical methods to examine the topic of inclusion as it applies to disability and leadership in the context of state and free churches in Switzerland. Its goal was to ascertain how the challenging inclusion of religious leaders with physical, emotional or mental impairments can be theoretically and practically improved within the Swiss churches. From a theoretical point of view, aspects of labour theory and ecclesiastical law that pose challenges for church leaders with disabilities were foregrounded, as were theological positions defining the pastoral role. From a practical point of view, structural, technical and similar barriers demanded investigation, along with the adaptability of church practices and of work structures. To that end, the topics of inclusion, disability and leadership responsibility in the church were initially studied from a theoretical and interdisciplinary perspective and the relationships between them were traced. Male and female church leaders (clergypersons, priests, pastors and the like) affected by the issue and employed by state and free churches in Switzerland were then interviewed individually and together with their partners, their superiors and members of local church councils. Analysis of the data thus gathered revealed three empirical-theological models and three conceptions of how inclusion might be theorized. These describe both numerous challenges in the inclusion of church leaders with various disabilities and specific measures for improving the inclusion of those affected. Among other results, it proved possible to derive and elaborate a multifunctional practical concept for the inclusion of church leaders with disabilities that has practical-theological applications in the context of the state and free churches in Switzerland. / In dieser Forschungsarbeit wurde Inklusion am Beispiel von Behinderung und Leitungsverantwortung im Kontext von Landes- und Freikirchen der Schweiz empirisch-theologisch bzw. qualitativ-empirisch untersucht. Es war das Ziel, herauszufinden, wie die problematische Inklusion von Leiterinnen und Leitern mit körperlichen, seelischen und geistigen Einschränkungen in Landes- und Freikirchen der Schweiz theoretisch und praktisch verbessert werden kann. In theoretischer Hinsicht standen dabei unter anderem die für Leitungspersonen mit Behinderung herausfordernden arbeitstheoretischen oder kirchenrechtlichen Gegebenheiten sowie die theologischen Überzeugungen zum pastoralen Berufsbild im Vordergrund. Aus praktischer Perspektive galt es bspw. die architektonischen, technischen u.a. Barrieren oder die Anpassungsfähigkeit der Kirchenpraxis und der Arbeitsgestaltung zu erforschen. Dazu wurden die Themen Inklusion, Behinderung und Leitungsverantwortung in der Kirche zuerst theoretisch bzw. interdisziplinär aufgearbeitet und ihr Verhältnis zueinander bestimmt. Danach wurden betroffene Leiterinnen und Leiter (Pfarrpersonen, Priester, Pastoren u. Ä.) aus Landes- und Freikirchen der Schweiz einzeln und gemeinsam mit Partnerinnen oder Partnern, Vorgesetzten und Mitgliedern von lokalen Kirchenleitungen in einer Gruppendiskussion befragt. In der Danteanalyse wurden drei empirisch-theologische Typen bzw. theoretische Inklusionskonzepte herausgearbeitet. Diese beschreiben sowohl zahlreiche Herausforderungen in der Inklusion von kirchlichen Leitungspersonen mit unterschiedlichen Behinderungen als auch konkrete Massnahmen dazu, wie der Einbezug von Betroffenen verbessert werden kann. Aus den Gesamtresultaten liess sich u.a. ein multifunktionales Praxiskonzept für die Inklusion von kirchlichen Leitungspersonen mit Behinderung erstellen und praktisch-theologisch bzw. für den landes- und freikirchlichen Kontext anwendbar machen. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / D. Th. (Practical Theology)

Text in Afrikaans / Huisbesoek is 'n kerklike bandeling wat algemeen in gereformeerde kerke beoefen word. Die bandeling is omstrede en word geassosieer met baie besinning en bespreking. Hierdie studie gaan van die standpunt uit dat die teoriee grondliggend aan buisbesoek, nie in ooreenstemming is met die verwagtinge van lidmate nie. In die bantering van die probleem is die teorie van buisbesoek ondersoek met bebulp van 'n literatuur studie. Huisbesoek word ook beskrywe as pastorale sorg. Daarom is die teorie van pastorale so~g ook ondersoek. Empiriese navorsing is gedoen om die verwagtinge van lidmate te bepaal. 'n Ideografiese strategie is gebruik en lidmate is per onderboud gevra na bulle siening. Vanuit die ondersoek bet dit geblyk dat die teorie die praxis van buisbesoek in meeste instansies nie meer ondersteun nie. Vanuit die bevinding sluit die studie af met die trek van enkele riglyne, om teorie nader aan die verwagtinge van lidmate te bring. / Visitation is an activity generally practised in reformed churches. It is not without problems, and form the topic of many discussions. This study works from the premise that the theoretical foundation of visitation, are out of touch with the expectations of church members. In the approach to the problem, the theory of visitation is explored in a literary study. Because visitation can be described as pastoral care, the theory of care has been included in the study. Empirical research was done to ascertain the expectations of church members with regards to visitation. This has been done according to a idiographic strategy, by interviewing church members. From the research the conclusion was drawn that there is a gap between theory and praxis in regard to visitation. In the last paragraphs the author explores ways in which to bring theory closer to the expectations of members. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology)