Forming the Practitioner: Practical Theology Across Professional, Digital, and Academic Contexts
Location
CAC 302
Start Date
4-6-2026 3:15 PM
End Date
4-6-2026 4:45 PM
Description
This session explores how practical theology bridges the gap between abstract belief and concrete action within contemporary professional and cultural landscapes. Bringing together insights from digital ecology, professional education, and interprofessional care, the presenters demonstrate how theological reflection shapes moral and spiritual formation in real-world contexts. Together, these papers illustrate that Practical Theology is not merely a subfield of ministry, but a dynamic, lived methodology essential for faithful engagement in our digital habits, academic disciplines, and professional vocations. Convener: Mason Lee, Abilene Christian University Digital Formation and the Rule of Life: A Practical Theology of Attention in Technological Culture - Lars Coburn, Bushnell University From Situations to Wisdom: Practical Theology as an Academic Faith Integration Method for Scholar-educators in Professional Disciplines - Paul Kaak, TheoMetrics Listening Together in a Fragmented Age: Communal Practices for Hearing the Preached Word - Nathan Burrow, Hillcrest Church of Christ Interprofessional Formation as Practical Theology - Karon Johnson, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and Vanderbilt Divinity School Respondent: Ronald Kastens, Emmanuel Christian Seminary Oral Session 405E
Forming the Practitioner: Practical Theology Across Professional, Digital, and Academic Contexts
CAC 302
This session explores how practical theology bridges the gap between abstract belief and concrete action within contemporary professional and cultural landscapes. Bringing together insights from digital ecology, professional education, and interprofessional care, the presenters demonstrate how theological reflection shapes moral and spiritual formation in real-world contexts. Together, these papers illustrate that Practical Theology is not merely a subfield of ministry, but a dynamic, lived methodology essential for faithful engagement in our digital habits, academic disciplines, and professional vocations. Convener: Mason Lee, Abilene Christian University Digital Formation and the Rule of Life: A Practical Theology of Attention in Technological Culture - Lars Coburn, Bushnell University From Situations to Wisdom: Practical Theology as an Academic Faith Integration Method for Scholar-educators in Professional Disciplines - Paul Kaak, TheoMetrics Listening Together in a Fragmented Age: Communal Practices for Hearing the Preached Word - Nathan Burrow, Hillcrest Church of Christ Interprofessional Formation as Practical Theology - Karon Johnson, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and Vanderbilt Divinity School Respondent: Ronald Kastens, Emmanuel Christian Seminary Oral Session 405E