Methods of practical theology
METHODS I USEMethod
Method
Method
Four Tasks
The four tasks method
The Four Tasks Method is a way to faithfully and intentionally question how things work, and apply truthful change in community using theological creativity and communal goals. It derives from Richard Osmer’s work with Practical Theology. Learn more about different parts of my engagement with each task below!
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An in depth and intentional description of your observations of the context being studied. The descriptive task is the foundation of all work towards faithful and ethical change. In a method, and area of study, focused on change, doing so without understanding of the context is malpractice.
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The “what is happening here” part of the method, this is where I brought in outside resources to interpret what was happening in the context I studied. Using the work of those who have come before use and synthesizing it with our own allows us to have a more supported, trustworthy understanding.
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Bringing in sources that hold authority within the context being studied, the question, “what should be happening in this context?” Is attempted to be answered. I learned that if I do not know who the community strives to be, I can not construct a faithful step towards being that community.
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The “next steps” as discussed in previous tasks. In this step I learned there are many ways to take steps forward…and usually the next step will ask a new question that leads restarting this process with new information. Practical Theology, and The Four Tasks Method, are not meant as a one-off process; it is continuous and ever forming
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To be added at a later date
Structured Precision, Every Step
Discovery
We initiate each engagement with a focused discovery phase.
Analysis
Collected data is subjected to rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis.
Strategy Design
Insights inform a tailored strategy that addresses defined goals.
Implementation
Approved strategies transition to implementation under disciplined governance.
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