Routledge Poetry, Practical Theology and Reflective Practice (Explorations in Practical, Pastoral and Empirical Theology)

This groundbreaking study offers an innovative critical analysis of poetry as a resource for reflective practice in the context of continuing professional development. In the contemporary drive in all professions for greater rigour in education, training, and development, little attention is paid to the inner shape of learning and meaning-making for individuals and groups, especially ways in which individuals are formed for the task of their work. Building on empirical research into the author’s professional practice, the book takes the use of poetry in clergy continuing ministerial development as a case-study to examine the value of poetry in professional learning. Setting out the advantages and limitations of poetry as a stimulant for imaginative, critical reflexivity, and formation within professional reflective practice, the study develops a practical model for group reflection around poetry, distilling pedagogical approaches for working effectively with poetry in continuing professional development. Drawing together a number of strands of thinking about poetry, Practical Theology, and reflective practice into a tightly argued study, the book is an important methodological resource. It makes available a range of primary and secondary sources, offering researchers into professional practice a model of ethnographic research in Practical Theology which embraces innovative methods for reflexivity and theological reflection, including the value of auto-ethnographic poetry. Review ‘I am delighted to see the publication of this highly original book, (one of) the first to critically evaluate the use of poetry in theological reflection on practice. In it, Mark Pryce consolidates his reputation as both a brilliant poet and a shrewd analyst. The book is worth buying for its poems alone, but provides so much more. An innovative, essential – and very enjoyable – addition to the literature of Practical Theology.’ – Stephen Pattison, Professor of Religion, Ethics and Practice & HG Wood Professor of Theology, University of Birmingham, UK‘This book contains much scholarly resource, alongside theological and practical wisdom, which can enable clergy and practical theologians to reflect on their practice and way of being in, and encounter with, their world, through the medium of poetry. At a time when self-care and reflective practice is increasingly recognised as an important part of spiritual formation, practical theology and in building resilience in dealing with an evermore increasing complexity that is ‘Ministry’, Mark Pryce offers a useful book that gives permission for self-awareness to be embraced, creatively freed and developed through Reflective Practice Poetry Groups, which in turn offer opportunities for grounding, understanding and creativity towards being a more effective Priest, Pastor, and Practical Theologian.’ – Peter Madsen Gubi, Professor of Counselling and Spiritual Accompaniment, University of Chester, UK and Minister of Dukinfield Moravian Church, UK‘This is both a useful and a beautiful book. It is useful in the contribution it makes to developing reflective practice within faith-based communities. It offers new resources to practitioners and outlines processes of ‘poetic’ theological reflection that will be of immense value not only in pedagogy and professional development but also in personal formation and pastoral care. The beauty of the book lies in its poetic vision and the manner in which it celebrates poetry as fruit of the creative spirit which enlivens faith but cannot be confined within its bounds.’ – Heather Walton, Professor of Theology and Creative Practice, University of Glasgow, UK‘This is a hugely valuable contribution to the growing canon of research methods literature in Practical Theology which shows, from the inside, how a skilled reflective practitioner goes about his work. It will inform and inspire all those wishing to combine forms of creative practice with ad