Introduction 1 Locating the origins and context of the study 2 Researching poetics 3 Poetry in professional development – a case-study 4 Reflective practice poetry groups – pedagogy and process 5 The generative power of poetry in reflective practice 6 Conclusion and implications
Mark Pryce is a practical theologian, poet and Anglican priest. He is a leading practitioner in ministerial formation and continuing ministerial development, serving as Director of Ministry for Church of England Birmingham. Mark is Chaplain to The Queen, an Honorary Canon of Birmingham Cathedral, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Visiting Research Fellow at The Queen’s Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education Birmingham, and Visiting Scholar of Sarum College, Salisbury.
‘I am delighted to see the publication of this highly original
book, (one of) the first to critically evaluate the use of poetry
in theological reflection on practice. In it, Mark Pryce
consolidates his reputation as both a brilliant poet and a shrewd
analyst. The book is worth buying for its poems alone, but provides
so much more. An innovative, essential – and very enjoyable –
addition to the literature of Practical Theology.’ – Stephen
Pattison, Professor of Religion, Ethics and Practice & HG Wood
Professor of Theology, University of Birmingham, UK‘This book
contains much scholarly resource, alongside theological and
practical wisdom, which can enable clergy and practical theologians
to reflect on their practice and way of being in, and encounter
with, their world, through the medium of poetry. At a time when
self-care and reflective practice is increasingly recognised as an
important part of spiritual formation, practical theology and in
building resilience in dealing with an evermore increasing
complexity that is ‘Ministry’, Mark Pryce offers a useful book that
gives permission for self-awareness to be embraced, creatively
freed and developed through Reflective Practice Poetry Groups,
which in turn offer opportunities for grounding, understanding and
creativity towards being a more effective Priest, Pastor, and
Practical Theologian.’ – Peter Madsen Gubi, Professor of
Counselling and Spiritual Accompaniment, University of Chester, UK
and Minister of Dukinfield Moravian Church, UK‘This is both a
useful and a beautiful book. It is useful in the contribution it
makes to developing reflective practice within faith-based
communities. It offers new resources to practitioners and outlines
processes of ‘poetic’ theological reflection that will be of
immense value not only in pedagogy and professional development but
also in personal formation and pastoral care. The beauty of the
book lies in its poetic vision and the manner in which it
celebrates poetry as fruit of the creative spirit which enlivens
faith but cannot be confined within its bounds.’ – Heather Walton,
Professor of Theology and Creative Practice, University of Glasgow,
UK‘This is a hugely valuable contribution to the growing canon of
research methods literature in Practical Theology which shows, from
the inside, how a skilled reflective practitioner goes about his
work. It will inform and inspire all those wishing to combine forms
of creative practice with advanced research enquiry.’ – Elaine
Graham, Grosvenor Research Professor of Practical Theology,
University of Chester, UK‘This book is essential reading for all
who are involved with ministerial formation as well as those who
want to reflect deeply on the practice of priesthood today. The
assurance and clarity with which the author explores the tension
between formation, creativity and growth and the pressures of
ecclesiastical politics and bureaucracies reveals his expertise and
decades of experience in this field. An unexpected delight is the
deep reflection on the role of poetry within theology as heart
language about God, a new window with which to explore a creative
and expansive view of the divine. His research on the use of poetry
within clerical professional development is ground-breaking and
provides an excellent model for theological reflection, as well as
demonstrating the potential of poetry as attentiveness, practical
wisdom and as a space for diverse and silenced voices. Qualitative
and practitioner researchers will also find in this book an honesty
and transparency about the research process which is refreshing and
helpful, and highly reflexive. A highly enjoyable book to challenge
and inspire.’ – Manon Ceridwen James, Director of Formation for
Licensed Ministry for the Church in Wales, St Padarn’s Institute,
UK‘The power of poetry is that it has the ability to unlock the
anarchic, the beautiful, the prophetic and the pain. In this book
Mark Pryce explains to us how poetry can reshape our world - both
interior and exterior - and then through a series of facilitated
workshops shows us what this looks like. Mark unlocks for us the
impact poetry can have and explores how poetry can make us more
attentive not only to our own lives but also to those of others.
This is a highly practical book that shows us this process at work.
Irish poet and philosopher, John O'Donohue claims that beauty is
not a luxury but a necessity. I believe the same is true of poetry
and Mark demonstrates that superbly in this wonderfully readable
book.’ – Cathy Ross, Tutor in Contextual Theology, Ripon College
Cuddesdon and MA Coordinator for Pioneer Leadership Training at
CMS; Canon Theologian Leicester Cathedral, UK‘There are so many
important voices in this book: the scholars and theorists whose
work is so well represented and ordered here, the poets whose words
break like cloudburst on page after page, the clergy whose wisdom
is drawn out by the author’s patience and care in the practice of
verbatim. And the result is extraordinary, often beautiful. Mark
Pryce—himself poet, practical theologian and clergy educator—has
produced an astonishing book, at once diligent, adventurous, moving
and deft. Very highly recommended.’ – Stephen Burns, Professor of
Liturgical and Practical Theology, Pilgrim Theological College,
University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia‘In this wonderful,
rich, imaginative study of poetry and of people, Mark Pryce makes
visible and accessible the fruits of a fascinating piece of
reflexive research in practical theology. It is a hospitable book,
inviting the reader in, and richly opening up our imagination. It
tells us about research, about poetry , and about what it means to
be a reflective practitioner. The book is shot through with the
‘transparently particular voice’ of the poems, and with the
engaging voices of the researcher and his participants. A
treasure!’ – Zoe Bennett, Practical Theologian and Ruskin Scholar.
Former Professional Doctorate Programme Leader, Anglia Ruskin
University, UK‘This is a very remarkable and radical book. It
offers an overview of the history of ministerial development in the
Church of England as the cultural forces of professionalization and
accountability have taken shape amongst the clergy. There is an
insightful and highly fluent understanding of the nature of
Pastoral and Practical Theology and this is put to innovative use
through reflective practice poetry groups. In the insightful
analysis the radicalism of what poetry can release in individuals
as listening and attentiveness to human experience in the light of
faith is explored. Grounded, expansive and imaginative, with
intellectual rigour of the highest quality, are key features of
these chapters. It represents a major contribution to the
developing literature on reflective practice that can reshape role,
identity and practice. Researchers will find a trusted guide
through the meticulous description of the research process.
Practitioners will see demonstrated the practice of theology and a
significant contribution to the discipline. In this complex
academic terrain, Mark Pryce, writes clearly and beautifully
demonstrating his own skill as an educator and communicator.’ –
James Woodward, Principal of Sarum College, Salisbury, UK and
Visiting Professor in Theology, University of Winchester, UK
‘I am delighted to see the publication of this highly original
book, (one of) the first to critically evaluate the use of poetry
in theological reflection on practice. In it, Mark Pryce
consolidates his reputation as both a brilliant poet and a shrewd
analyst. The book is worth buying for its poems alone, but provides
so much more. An innovative, essential – and very enjoyable –
addition to the literature of Practical Theology.’ – Stephen
Pattison, Professor of Religion, Ethics and Practice & HG Wood
Professor of Theology, University of Birmingham, UK‘This book
contains much scholarly resource, alongside theological and
practical wisdom, which can enable clergy and practical theologians
to reflect on their practice and way of being in, and encounter
with, their world, through the medium of poetry. At a time when
self-care and reflective practice is increasingly recognised as an
important part of spiritual formation, practical theology and in
building resilience in dealing with an evermore increasing
complexity that is ‘Ministry’, Mark Pryce offers a useful book that
gives permission for self-awareness to be embraced, creatively
freed and developed through Reflective Practice Poetry Groups,
which in turn offer opportunities for grounding, understanding and
creativity towards being a more effective Priest, Pastor, and
Practical Theologian.’ – Peter Madsen Gubi, Professor of
Counselling and Spiritual Accompaniment, University of Chester, UK
and Minister of Dukinfield Moravian Church, UK‘This is both a
useful and a beautiful book. It is useful in the contribution it
makes to developing reflective practice within faith-based
communities. It offers new resources to practitioners and outlines
processes of ‘poetic’ theological reflection that will be of
immense value not only in pedagogy and professional development but
also in personal formation and pastoral care. The beauty of the
book lies in its poetic vision and the manner in which it
celebrates poetry as fruit of the creative spirit which enlivens
faith but cannot be confined within its bounds.’ – Heather Walton,
Professor of Theology and Creative Practice, University of Glasgow,
UK‘This is a hugely valuable contribution to the growing canon of
research methods literature in Practical Theology which shows, from
the inside, how a skilled reflective practitioner goes about his
work. It will inform and inspire all those wishing to combine forms
of creative practice with advanced research enquiry.’ – Elaine
Graham, Grosvenor Research Professor of Practical Theology,
University of Chester, UK‘This book is essential reading for all
who are involved with ministerial formation as well as those who
want to reflect deeply on the practice of priesthood today. The
assurance and clarity with which the author explores the tension
between formation, creativity and growth and the pressures of
ecclesiastical politics and bureaucracies reveals his expertise and
decades of experience in this field. An unexpected delight is the
deep reflection on the role of poetry within theology as heart
language about God, a new window with which to explore a creative
and expansive view of the divine. His research on the use of poetry
within clerical professional development is ground-breaking and
provides an excellent model for theological reflection, as well as
demonstrating the potential of poetry as attentiveness, practical
wisdom and as a space for diverse and silenced voices. Qualitative
and practitioner researchers will also find in this book an honesty
and transparency about the research process which is refreshing and
helpful, and highly reflexive. A highly enjoyable book to challenge
and inspire.’ – Manon Ceridwen James, Director of Formation for
Licensed Ministry for the Church in Wales, St Padarn’s Institute,
UK‘The power of poetry is that it has the ability to unlock the
anarchic, the beautiful, the prophetic and the pain. In this book
Mark Pryce explains to us how poetry can reshape our world - both
interior and exterior - and then through a series of facilitated
workshops shows us what this looks like. Mark unlocks for us the
impact poetry can have and explores how poetry can make us more
attentive not only to our own lives but also to those of others.
This is a highly practical book that shows us this process at work.
Irish poet and philosopher, John O'Donohue claims that beauty is
not a luxury but a necessity. I believe the same is true of poetry
and Mark demonstrates that superbly in this wonderfully readable
book.’ – Cathy Ross, Tutor in Contextual Theology, Ripon College
Cuddesdon and MA Coordinator for Pioneer Leadership Training at
CMS; Canon Theologian Leicester Cathedral, UK‘There are so many
important voices in this book: the scholars and theorists whose
work is so well represented and ordered here, the poets whose words
break like cloudburst on page after page, the clergy whose wisdom
is drawn out by the author’s patience and care in the practice of
verbatim. And the result is extraordinary, often beautiful. Mark
Pryce—himself poet, practical theologian and clergy educator—has
produced an astonishing book, at once diligent, adventurous, moving
and deft. Very highly recommended.’ – Stephen Burns, Professor of
Liturgical and Practical Theology, Pilgrim Theological College,
University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia‘In this wonderful,
rich, imaginative study of poetry and of people, Mark Pryce makes
visible and accessible the fruits of a fascinating piece of
reflexive research in practical theology. It is a hospitable book,
inviting the reader in, and richly opening up our imagination. It
tells us about research, about poetry , and about what it means to
be a reflective practitioner. The book is shot through with the
‘transparently particular voice’ of the poems, and with the
engaging voices of the researcher and his participants. A
treasure!’ – Zoe Bennett, Practical Theologian and Ruskin Scholar.
Former Professional Doctorate Programme Leader, Anglia Ruskin
University, UK‘This is a very remarkable and radical book. It
offers an overview of the history of ministerial development in the
Church of England as the cultural forces of professionalization and
accountability have taken shape amongst the clergy. There is an
insightful and highly fluent understanding of the nature of
Pastoral and Practical Theology and this is put to innovative use
through reflective practice poetry groups. In the insightful
analysis the radicalism of what poetry can release in individuals
as listening and attentiveness to human experience in the light of
faith is explored. Grounded, expansive and imaginative, with
intellectual rigour of the highest quality, are key features of
these chapters. It represents a major contribution to the
developing literature on reflective practice that can reshape role,
identity and practice. Researchers will find a trusted guide
through the meticulous description of the research process.
Practitioners will see demonstrated the practice of theology and a
significant contribution to the discipline. In this complex
academic terrain, Mark Pryce, writes clearly and beautifully
demonstrating his own skill as an educator and communicator.’ –
James Woodward, Principal of Sarum College, Salisbury, UK and
Visiting Professor in Theology, University of Winchester, UK"This
reviewer yearned for each of these stanzas to be its own chapter.
Overall this is a good sign in a book. It’s a rare occasion that a
reader leaves an academic book wishing the book were longer. When
this happens the reviewer should conclude by recommending the book
to others. This review will close by doing just that." - Mark Pyce,
Reading Religion
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