Practical Theology
Department chair: Prof. Dr. Jos de Kock
Studies in Practical Theology
The material object of practical theology is lived religion. Research within the department of Practical Theology at ETF Leuven therefore focuses on how religion is practiced and experienced by individuals and groups in everyday life. This potentially includes a wide range of topics, both in terms of subject matter (within and outside the church) and involves diverse research methodologies.
Much practical theological research draws on empirical research methods. It also explicitly reflects on the positionality of the practical theologian. Practices are studied critically and normatively by bringing them into dialogue with sources and tradition. To do this effectively, practical theology is often interdisciplinary in nature. It engages with other theological subdisciplines as well as with other scientific disciplines.
Each practical theological study seeks answers to one or more of the following questions: How can a particular practice of lived religion be adequately described? How can it be properly understood? How can it be theologically and normatively evaluated? What perspectives for action can be offered based on the research?
The department of Practical Theology contributes to the third research line of ETF Leuven’s research program: Religion and Church in Contemporary Society – “Religious Presence in a Pluralist World.” More specifically, the department does so in the following areas:
- Meaning-making and faith formation among young people in various contexts, such as the church, education, or youth care;
- Spirituality and lived experience in settings such as healthcare or spiritual care;
- Church development and leadership
Independent Academic Personnel
| Prof. Dr. Jos de Kock | Children & Youth – Religious Education – Education & Catechetics – Research Methodology |
| Dr. Maria Verhoeff | Spirituality, spiritual care |
Special Academic Personnel
| Prof. Dr. Hubertus (Bert) Roebben | Religious Education |
| Prof. Dr. Jack Barentsen | Church Office & Leadership, Practical Ecclesiology, Church Pedagogy & Christian Education |
External Instructors
| Dr. Dejan Aždajić |
| Drs. Oeds Blok |
| Egbert Brink, ThD |
| Dr. Annemiek de Jonge |
| Dr. Hilton Scott |
Doctoral Students (with or without AAP/SAP-status)
| Eliezer Victor Pereira Ramos | Transformational Leadership and Preaching |
| Thomas Kräuter | New Forms of Church in Vienna |
Research Institutes and Groups
Institute of Leadership and Social Ethics (ILSE)
Initiative for the Study of Religious Education and Youth Ministry (ISREYM)
