Brimming with God

The yearning to be a theologian is widespread. Pastors, students, supervisors, and mentors all wish to think theologically about their ministries but often feel inadequately prepared. This book seeks to respond by showcasing a variety of approaches to theological reflection brought to bear upon actual situations in ministry. It is written by theological field educators. We define theological reflection as reflection upon lived, embodied experiences in ministry that seeks to make sense of practice and form reflectors in habits for competent ministry. An introductory chapter defines theological reflection as practiced within field education and points readers toward a diversity of approaches. Eleven subsequent chapters present two reflections upon the same case, each reflection written by a different author and representing a different reflection method. The book's significance is as a resource for teaching theological reflection in a range of settings. It not only offers a definition of and rationale for theological reflection but models various approaches to it. Its use of cases furthermore models the use of case studies in theological education and pastoral practice more widely.

""Theological reflection is foundational to ministry formation and thus to field education. However, it can be a complex, diverse, and multifaceted discipline. Brimming with God addresses those complexities and provides a wonderful guide to the diversity of theological reflection. It offers clear explanations and examples of how to do theological reflection effectively. This is a resource no field educator should be without.""
--Lee Beach, Assistant Professor of Christian Ministry, McMaster Divinity College

""This book is brimming with wise insight. . . . Theology practiced is the theme that runs through the essays in this useful book by some of our most astute teachers of practical theology. Anyone who cares about the practice of Christian theology will profit from this book.""
--Will Willimon, author, United Methodist bishop, retired, and Professor of the Practice of Theology, Duke Divinity School

""In an age of answers, Brimming with God cultivates knowledge. The weaving together of personal authenticity and faithfulness; diverse experiences; communal peril and potential; and conversations that are hospitable yet charged--all instill wisdom.""
--Jaco J. Hamman, Director of the Program in Theology and Practice, Associate Professor of Religion, Psychology and Culture, Vanderbilt Divinity School

""Here is a book that shows you how theological reflection works. Using a variety of approaches, expert practitioners demonstrate how to theologically think about concrete, particular ministry situations. This is practical thinking that matters for the church. Every theological educator can benefit from this group of master practitioners.""
--Kathleen A. Cahalan, Professor, St John's University School of Theology and Seminary


Barbara J. Blodgett is the Donald and Lillian Nunnelly Assistant Professor of Pastoral Leadership at Lexington Theological Seminary. She served as Director of Supervised Ministries at Yale Divinity School from 1998 to 2009. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, she has served in parish ministry as well as the national setting of the UCC in addition to field education. She has published three books, including Becoming the Pastor You Hope to Be.

Matthew Floding is Director of Ministerial Formation and Field Education at Duke Divinity School. An ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America, he has served as pastor, college chaplain, and Director of Field Education at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. Floding is a past chair of the Steering Committee of The Association for Theological Field Educa