HDR Candidate: Rengger, James


Title of Project A Mixed Methods Study of the Trinitarian Foundations of Local Church Caregiving 'In the Moment': Integrating Clinical Pastoral Education Practices and the Theology of Jürgen Moltmann into C3 Church Caregiving Praxis.
Course of Study Doctor of Philosophy
Language of Instruction English
Abstract

According to research conducted by James Rengger during a Master of Theology research project, 87% of surveyed pastoral care volunteers expressed that to some degree, they have had challenges in confidently responding in 'helpful' ways 'in the moment' during their pastoral care encounters. Therefore, this research project will explore the lived experiences of volunteer pastoral caregivers in local C3 churches. This research project will seek to achieve this through exploring the question ‘'In what ways does the Trinitarian theology of Jürgen Moltmann provide a framework to outline, engage in, and clinically analyse volunteer pastoral care experiences in C3 local churches? The project will use a mixed-methods approach, including literary analysis, quantitative research, and a phenomenological report through an explanatory sequential mixed method design. This project's motivation is to support volunteer caregivers in C3 churches to be clear about their pastoral care commission, situation, and goal within their unique context in Australian society. The project will attempt to achieve this through utilising the most up to date and relevant data to ensure local C3 church congregations are practically outworking volunteer pastoral care practice as part of God's eschatological plan for creation.