A GUIDE TO THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION

A Fresh Approach for Practical

Ministry Courses and

Theological Field Education

Jim L. Wilson and Earl Waggoner

ZONDERVAN ACADEMIC

A Guide to Theological Reflection

Copyright © 2020 by Jim L. Wilson and Earl Waggoner

ISBN 978-0-310-09393-0 (softcover)

ISBN 978-0-310-09394-7 (ebook)

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Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.Zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®

Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version. Public domain.

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Cover design and artwork: Emily Weigel

DEDICATION

To our supportive wives

Proverbs 18:22

To my wife, Kris—dearest love and greatest encourager

—Earl Waggoner

To my wife, Susan, my best friend and ministry partner

—Jim L. Wilson

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

SECTION 1:

The Theological Reflection Process

Chapter 1: The Need for Theological Reflection

Chapter 2: A Definition of Theological Reflection

Chapter 3: A Model for Theological Reflection

SECTION 2:

The Tools of Theological Reflection

Chapter 4: Experiencing a 360° Ministry Support System

Chapter 5: Exploring God’s Activity around Me

Chapter 6: Fostering Intentionality in Ministry

Chapter 7: Examining Past Ministry, Preparing for Future Opportunities

Chapter 8: Planning for Professional and Personal Growth

Chapter 9: Ministerial Success

Bibliography

Scripture Index

General Index

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

RESEARCH TEAM

We wish to acknowledge our coworkers on this project, Mark Bradley and Glenn Prescott, who served as the research team for the book. They produced the first drafts of some of the book, and helped with the refinement of the rest of the book.

Dr. Bradley is a New Testament scholar with rich pastoral ministry experience and currently serves as associate professor of leadership and director of Gateway Seminary’s Pacific Northwest campus.

Dr. Prescott ...