Diversity, disruption and deconstruction in theological education: reflections on a theological action research project

ABSTRACT

This paper draws on a Theological Action Research Project undertaken at a U.K. Theological Education Institution (TEI) to reflect on three related themes: that of diversity within the learning community and pedagogical practices and those of disruption or deconstruction in the learning process in student experience. Reporting on the data from student and staff groups the article aims to contribute to ongoing reflection on the significance of different kinds of diversity – whether ethnic, gendered, sexual, socio-economic and other aspects of intersectional identity, or ecclesial, theological and denominational – within the life of the churches, and particularly within adult learning in the churches.

KEYWORDS:

• Diversity
• disruption
• brokenness
• theological action research
• formation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 The research project we report on here formed part of a wider project undertaken by the Roehampton team on learning within the Methodist church (see https://theologyandactionresearch.net/projects/susanna-wesley-foundation-southlands-methodist-trust-project-2/).

2 The invitation to participate in focus groups was made to cohorts who had left Queen’s five years prior or more. All who chose to participate were ordained in the Church of England or the Methodist church.

3 The project went through ethical clearance at the partner university; standard procedures such as information sheets and consent forms were used, participants given the right to withdraw and the opportunity to comment on the research process.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by The Susanna Wesley Foundation.

Notes on contributors

Andrew Hayes

Andrew Hayes is Director of the Centre for Discipleship and Theology at the Queen’s Foundation, Birmingham.

Nicola Slee

Nicola Slee is Director of the Centre for Research and Global Partnerships at the Queen’s Foundation, Birmingham; professor of Feminist Practical Theology at Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, and Visiting Professor at the University of Chester.