The Connection Between Ministry, Learning, and Research

As I worked with the D. Min. group this week on learning to do praxis research for the Doctor of Ministry Project, I was struck at the deep connection between doing ministry, learning from and reflecting on life and ministry and doing research. Except for those who insist on continuing to do ministry the way they've always done it (those who tend to have one year experience in ministry 10 times instead of 10 years of experience), we're lifelong learners who learn and grow in ministry. When we see a service or a program that needs to be done, we figure out what we need to know and who we need to work with, and we equip ourselves and our community of faith to do that ministry. We define the problem or question, reflect on it theologically and biblically, set a goal, select strategies and actions to meet the goal, get to work and do the ministry, and then we evaluate it. Research for ministry, as done in a praxis oriented, practical theology Doctor of Ministry program, follows the same process. The difference is that research tends to be more intentional, pays more attention to the steps, and expect a more specific outcome or result from the action. Because research is usually "written up" and shared with others who might face a similar question or problem, it is also subject to review and critique by others in ministry. Nevertheless in ministry, learning and research: something is addressed, something is done, something is learned, and implications for future action are drawn. These three are connected to joining God in the process of transformation!