Communities of Practice

This chapter considers the importance of ‘communities of practice’ for advanced research in practical theology. Whilst the norm in the arts and humanities has generally been that of the individual scholar working alone, the pursuit of practice-based research is not necessarily an entirely solitary activity. Research often grows out of communally generated needs and perceptions, may be pursued with others and may impact on wider groups of stakeholders. In considering the importance of such communities of practice in and for advanced research in practical theology, therefore, this chapter examines how these might contribute towards developing greater insight, understanding and support for researchers. Much of this chapter reflects directly on the experiences of those who have conducted theological research in varieties of communities of learning and practice.