This volume contributes to closing the unfortunate divide that still exists today between the so-called ‘practical’ and ‘classical’ disciplines in seminary curricula. It builds a bridge across a chasm that should not exist. The chapters reflect ‘working on the bridge’ through a collegial model of sustained conversation out of the contributors’ different disciplines within Bible and Practical Theology. The authors in this volume desire to break out of academic silos that too often lead to fragmented student learning and disjointed ministry practices, in the hope that the imaginations of students, scholars, and ministers may be stimulated in the service of holistic ministry. The book is divided into two sections, I: Theoretical Frameworks, in which the authors invite the reader to look more broadly at issues of method, context, geography, and culture as biblical texts and practical theology are brought into dialog, and II: Reading Biblical Texts, which explores biblical books or texts while wearing the lenses of practical theology to mine the intersections and complexities of the encounter across disciplines. Whether singly or jointly authored, these essays model a dynamic, interactive reading of human situations and biblical texts in order to reveal their multivalent complexities.

"This is a must read for practical theologians everywhere there is an engaging, even unique, freshness in the manner in which the [authors] choose their topics and develop their insights". Rev. Dr. Gerald A. Arbuckle, S.M., Consultant Anthropologist and Co-director, Refounding and Pastoral Development Unit, Sydney, Australia. "This volume breaks new ground in providing a deeply contextual work of practical theology from Oceania The volume presents a dialogical practical theology that is open to wisdom from all sources and seeks mystical-political transformation a much-needed contribution to the international conversation in practical theology and to the global church". Associate Professor Claire Wolfteich, Co-Director, Center for Practical Theology, Boston University, U.S.A; President of the International Academy of Practical Theology.

In this power-packed book, Rob McCorkle explains how the Word and the Spirit became separated and why people discount the supernatural. Without compromising the truths of God's Word, Rob calls all believers to a life of holiness while exploring how the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit should accompany one who is consecrated to Christ. Learn why biblical Christianity is the fusion of purity and power; the marriage of the Word with the Spirit. Discover anew Jesus' call to a lifestyle of intimacy with Him and how from that posture you can become a student of the Word and a practitioner of the Spirit. Bridging the Great Divide is a book that will both provoke and encourage you. As you journey through the Bible, history, theology, and practical stories, you will end up next to Jesus. Rob McCorkle is the Founder of Fire School Ministries. Established in 2008, Fire School has a specific mission to re-dig the wells in the Holiness movement uniting the message of purity and power. Along with pastoring in Columbus, Ohio, Rob travels speaking in revivals and conferences, equipping believers to replicate the life and ministry of Jesus. Rob received his Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in the fusion of Word and Spirit. He and his wife Cindy have two married children and one grandchild.

Whether singly or jointly authored, these essays model dynamic, interactive reading of human situations and biblical texts. The exchange between texts and human situations reveals the multivalent complexities of both human situations and scriptural texts, and cautions against a simplistic use of the Bible and of pastoral theory and practices. Drawing upon both texts throughout the Bible and diverse psychological theories, the authors bridge the long-standing divide between the "classical" and "practical" disciplines in biblical studies and pastoral care. The aim of this book is to spur readers' imaginations toward critical engagement with the Bible and with one another to promote healing, connection, and justice in a world crying out for wholeness. Gems hidden in plain sight within the Bible can become powerful tools for illuminating the pains and promises of the human condition.

The sacred-secular divide continues to threaten the health of the global church, disempowering lay Christians and undermining the call to integrate all aspects of life under the lordship of Christ. Theological educators seeking a path out of this dichotomy will find themselves both challenged and encouraged by this collection of essays drawn from the 2018 ICETE conference in Panama City. Within its four sections, contributors explore biblical frameworks for integration, urge seminaries to value identity formation as much as skill acquirement, call for a robust theology of work, and challenge theologians to consider their responsibility to the world beyond the church’s borders. Filled with thought-provoking questions and practical suggestions, this book is an excellent resource for all those pursuing a holistic approach to theological education.

Worshiping in Season guides ministers through a meaningful framework for ecologically oriented worship. Following the liturgical calendar and maintaining a Christocentric emphasis, Joseph E. Bush Jr. aligns earthly seasons with the liturgy and suggests readings, songs, and other acts of worship to amplify an ecologically informed Christology. The seasons of Lent, Easter, and Pentecost and Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany recall and reenact dramas about Jesus Christ that entail good news for the natural world and for the flourishing of earthly creatures. Bush examines the Christological and ecological importance of selections from the Roman Catholic Lectionary for the Mass and the Revised Common Lectionary that is used in ecumenical Protestant denominations. Creation and Christ weave together in concert, and Christian worship is seen as an opportunity to participate in both creation’s longing and in Christ’s saving work. Each chapter includes resources and suggestions for worship as well as biblical commentary and theological interpretation helpful to preaching. This book is a valuable companion in preparing for worship during the important seasons of the Christian year, giving voice to our faith in Christ and our hope for the Earth.

Exploring the concept of church as refuge, offers a way to bridge the gap between black theology, with its social and political concerns, and black churches, with their emphases on pastoral care and piety.