This introduction to the field of practical theology reclaims a theological vision for the life and work of the church. Pete Ward dispels the myth that practical theology is a distraction from the "real" tasks of ministry or from serious academic theological work. He argues that practical theology is part of the everyday life of the church and that there are a variety of possible approaches, helping readers evaluate the approach that is most appropriate to their ministerial context and theological tradition. This reliable, accessible resource will work well for those in training or in ministry.

In this groundbreaking book exploring Christianity and contemporary culture, internationally-renowned scholars (including David Martin, Alister McGrath, Billy Abraham, Billy Kay and Pete Ward), interface with the legacy of Andrew Walker's work and look forward in their own predictions of trends. Following Walker's special interests in house churches, charismatic renewal, culture and faith, this book picks up on these themes and also looks more broadly at topics such as Pentecostalism, Alpha and post-Evangelicalism.

In this groundbreaking book exploring Christianity and contemporary culture, internationally-renowned scholars (including David Martin, Alister McGrath, Billy Abraham, Billy Kay and Pete Ward), interface with the legacy of Andrew Walker's work and look forward in their own predictions of trends. Following Walker's special interests in house churches, charismatic renewal, culture and faith, this book picks up on these themes and also looks more broadly at topics such as Pentecostalism, Alpha and post-Evangelicalism.

Celebrity Worship provides an introduction to the fascinating study of celebrity culture and religion. The book argues for celebrity as a foundational component for any consideration of the relationship between religion, media and culture. Celebrity worship is seen as a vibrant and interactive discourse of the sacred self in contemporary society. Topics discussed include: Celebrity culture. Celebrity worship and project of the self as the new sacred. Social media and the democratisation of celebrity. Reactions to celebrity death. Celebrities as theologians of the self. Christian celebrity. Using contemporary case studies, such as lifestyle television, the religious vision of Oprah Winfrey and the death of David Bowie, this book is a gripping read for those with an interest in celebrity culture, cultural studies, media studies, religion in the media and the role of religion in society.

Celebrity Worship provides an introduction to the fascinating study of celebrity culture and religion. The book argues for celebrity as a foundational component for any consideration of the relationship between religion, media and culture. Celebrity worship is seen as a vibrant and interactive discourse of the sacred self in contemporary society. Topics discussed include: Celebrity culture. Celebrity worship and project of the self as the new sacred. Social media and the democratisation of celebrity. Reactions to celebrity death. Celebrities as theologians of the self. Christian celebrity. Using contemporary case studies, such as lifestyle television, the religious vision of Oprah Winfrey and the death of David Bowie, this book is a gripping read for those with an interest in celebrity culture, cultural studies, media studies, religion in the media and the role of religion in society.

Within the disciplines of religious studies, systematic theology, and practical theology there exists a divide between empirical and theological analyses of the church. Each volume in the cross-disciplinary series Studies in Ecclesiology and Ethnography attempts to address this gap by exploring the methodological and substantive issues that arise from both theological and empirical studies of the church's practices and social reality. Perspectives on Ecclesiology and Ethnography, the inaugural volume in the series, proposes that if theology is to regain its relevance to the church today, theologians must utilize ethnographical tools in order to provide more accurate, disciplined research that is situated in real contexts. Using -ethnography- in its broadest sense -- encompassing any form of qualitative research -- this volume proposes that the church is both theological and social/cultural, which implies the need for a methodological shift for researchers in theology. Contributions from twelve scholar-practitioners lead the way forward. Contributors Luke Bretherton Paul S. Fiddes Nicholas M. Healy Mary McClintock Fulkerson Alister E. McGrath Richard R. Osmer Elizabeth Phillips Christian Scharen John Swinton Pete Ward Clare Watkins John Webster

'By placing culture at the heart of practical theology, Pete Ward opens up new ways of thinking about the ways in which divine presence, theology and cultural life are deeply inter-twined. This is conceptually-rich work that will be invaluable for people wanting to make meaningful connections between their understanding of God and their cultural practices in different ministerial and every-day life settings. Participation and Mediation creates new possibilties for how people do practical theology and deserves to be widely read.' Gordon Lynch, Professor of Sociology of Religion, Birkbeck, University of London 'With appreciation for youth perspectives and cultural theorists, Pete Ward powerfully conveys the challenges facing Christians and churches today. He offers an alternative to conventional views, calling us beyond present structures into greater engagement with cultural realities. His is a thoroughly practical theological vision, at once demanding and encouraging.' James Nieman, Professor of Practical Theology, Hartford Institute for Religion Research 'In a culture which has been taught the impossibility of God and the irrelevance of the gospel it is difficult to see why theology might matter. Pete Ward offers us a different vision; a vision that takes both theology and culture seriously in ways that make it possible to see ourselves and our culture differently and in so doing begin genuinely to live as church. Ward makes an important and much needed contribution to cultural studies and helps us to remember that practical theology is first and foremost theology. Theology matters ' John Swinton, Professor in Practical Theology and Pastoral Care, University of Aberdeen To make sense of the contemporary nature of the Church we must understand the way that encounter with God is mediated by cultural expression. Through participation in expression the contemporary Church is both a lived in 'culture' while it is also 'in-dwelt' by the Trinitarian God. Participation and Mediation explores the cultural and theological nature of the contemporary Church. The book divides into three parts. The first discusses modern theology, mission studies and practical theology as part of a converging on the cultural. It sets Practical Theology within a wider theological discussion within modernity and a turn to 'culture'. The second part argues for a theological approach to Practical Theology based on a theology of participation and mediation. The relationship between theology and the operation of media is discussed. Part Three deals with the Liquid Nature of the Church based around the Christian Culture industry, commodification and identity. Pete Ward is Senior Lecturer in Youth Ministry and Theological Education at King's College, London, UK.