Practical Theology

Practical Theology

Practical Theology is that theological discipline which has for its objective the study of praxis through which God comes to the people in his word, especially the praxes of the church. It concerns itself with developing a theology of ministry to people. Experience and experimental sources are vital to the discipline of Practical Theology for the formation of models for ministry in the world today. Courses in this department are inspired by the three goals of the institution which are; spiritual Formation, Theological Training and Transformational Development, this is relevant when discussing the liturgy and worship, Spirituality, preaching as well as pastoral care and counselling, and how all other praxes of the church ought to function in the church. It has been understood as a theology of action in human life as it is lived in social situations and transformation. The emphasis of Practical Theology is not simply to contemplate or comprehend theological doctrines but to move beyond that to applying those doctrines in everyday Christian life so that we contribute to the world’s becoming what God intends it to be. Practical theology differentiates between theological knowledge and learning and the actual experience and needs of Christian communities.  Practical theology has often sought to address a perceived disconnection between theology as an academic discipline on the one hand, and the practical life of the church on the other. This area of theology often focuses on principles of liturgical worship, Homiletics, Pastor and ministry, Christian Entrepreneurship and sustainable ministry, church administration and management, Christian education, Christian Spirituality and church planting; women and gender studies, and the interaction between various institutions within the congregation. The church does not exist in isolation. Therefore, to address societal issues, practical theology takes a liberative approach to be critical and engages not only in the functioning of the church but also in the life of the society. It should be noted that practical theology draws heavily on the paradigm of the social sciences for its methods and is therefore necessarily interdisciplinary in nature. Students preparing for pastoral work in the congregation, while here in the PTS shall be treated to the following courses under the discipline of Practical Theology that aim at equipping them in addressing people daily experiences in relation to their faith in God.