Garland, Gareth Neal (2022) An exploration of classical and emergent theologies of ordained / accredited Baptist ministry amongst Baptist ministers within the Baptist Union of Great Britain. Doctoral thesis, York St John University.
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Abstract
This is an empirical investigation of Baptist ministry using the framework of ‘theological voices’. The aims were to identify what theologies of ordained / accredited ministry are most espoused and operated by Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) ministers. Theologies of ministry were conceptualised using early ordination sermons, formal writings, and BUGB documents. The constructs identified were used in a questionnaire.
Constructs identified included ‘Classical’ theologies: Function; Pastoral; Representation; Sacrament; Word, and ‘Emergent’ theologies: Leadership; Ontological; Sacramental. Each was measured in the espoused and operant voices. The questionnaire was distributed to 1,377 ministers, with 295 completed. Information was collected on participants’ demographic and church; personality was assessed using the Francis Psychological Type Scales.
Ministers who strongly espoused a theological construct generally also rated it highly in the operant voice. The exceptions were Word and Ontological (more strongly espoused), and Pastoral (more strongly operationalised). The constructs in Classical and Emergent theologies tended to cluster together in the empirical data. A distinct group of theologies: Leadership and Word, was termed ‘Eldership’.
Data showed, a commitment to Baptist life and ecumenism, meant ministers were less likely to adopt a theology of Leadership. Ecumenical commitment indicated a preference for ministry as Sacramental, but less for Word. The college attended, and profile of church, predicted the extent to which Leadership and Word were emphasised.
The psychological type data showed that ministers who preferred intuition, and perceiving, favoured Emergent theologies. Analysing personality temperaments showed the contrast and potential tension between Epimetheans (SJ) (favouring Classical) compared with Prometheans (NT) (favouring Emergent).
The study identified that the variety of theologies identified are also present in the espoused and operant voices. Rediscovering a theology of Word in practice has been identified as a key area, whilst understanding psychological type alongside theological preferences represents an area for further consideration.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion |
| School/Department: | School of Humanities |
| URI: | https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/7948 |
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