PRACTICAL
THEOLOGY
The Practical Theology Study Group is a space for scholars wishing to engage in practical research whilst also taking seriously the authority of the Bible and Christian doctrine. Practical Theologians usually sit at the intersection between Theology and other Humanities disciplines. We use various methods to research contemporary situations and experiences, in order to reflect upon them theologically.
We meet in-person at the annual Tyndale Fellowship conference, along with the Fellowship's other study groups.
Chair
Co-Chair
Helen Collins
Abi Maguire
Tyndale Fellowship Practical Theology
Study Group
2027 Call for Papers
A Practical Theology of Discipleship and Formation
2027 will be the fifth meeting of the Practical Theology Study Group, and we have noticed that each year, whatever the theme, issues of discipleship, formation and spirituality have frequently emerged as co-ordinating concepts for our shared work of theological reflection for the life of the church. Therefore, we look forward to the opportunity to explore these themes in more depth at our next meeting. We are keen to explore what it means to ask questions of discipleship as practical theologians, and what it means to answer them as evangelicals. What does it mean to become a disciple, and what actually forms us? What kinds of people and communities does Christian discipleship seek to produce, and how might we know whether formation is achieving its intended ends?
This is a call for 20 minutes papers which seek to address these themes.
Relevant topics might include:
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The results of empirical work examining discipleship and formation in local church context(s)
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Biblical, historically, doctrinal, ecclesial and/or interdisciplinary perspectives on discipleship and formation
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Analysis of discourse around discipleship and formation in different ecclesial, cultural or educational settings
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Questions of power, agency, identity, context, and intentionality in processes of Christian formation
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Reflections on church or community practice in relation to discipleship and formation
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Critical or constructive approaches to contemporary models and practices of discipleship and formation
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The impact of discipleship and formation on methods and models of evangelical practical theology
Scholars and doctoral students from across disciplines with an interest in these questions are invited to submit a 300 word abstract and a short biography to helen.collins@trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk
and abi.maguire@moorlands.ac.uk by Thursday 10 December 2026.
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Tyndale Fellowship Study Groups annual summer conference takes place Wednesday 30 June - Friday 2 July 2027 at High Leigh, Hoddesdon, UK. Registration and bursary applications will open on 15 January 2027. Early bird registration runs for 1 month, and bursary funds are usually fully allocated by March.
All seven study groups of the Tyndale Fellowship meet concurrently in the same venue, sharing mealtimes, coffee breaks, Tyndale Fellowship Lectures, a prayer meeting, worship service and members' meeting. Attendees are welcome to spend time in the other study groups during the conference.