Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry

•  
•  

Introduction

This issue of Discernment brings a diverse group of offerings. Rosanna Anderson opens with "Text Mining Stewardship Sermons," in which she applies the concept of text mining to a large volume of sermons to determine the extent to which a group of ministers followed best practices in delivering their stewardship sermons. In "Using the Labyrinth to Foster Community Prayer and Devotion," Denice F. Knight-Slater imagines the spiritual discernment and formation possible within a community if they experience a labyrinth together. Giving an overview of his long-term Doctor of Ministry project, "An Adaptive Change Project in Developing Leaders," Scott Laird describes the efforts of a moderate-sized congregation in shaping spiritual leaders. Beth Ann Fisher presents a book review of a significant work on practical theology: Christian Practical Wisdom: What It Is, Why it Matters.