Consensus and Conflict: Practical Theology for Congregations in the Work of Richard R. Osmer

Most students of practical theology recognize Richard R. Osmer as the originator of the consensus model of practical theology one of the most accessible and widely used models of practical theological model in the world. Yet Osmers influence extends beyond practical theological method. Over his long career his writing and teaching spanned Christian education youth ministry spirituality and evangelism as well giving each of these congregational practices new theological substance. A pastor as well as a scholar at heart Osmer writes with the American congregation in mind insisting on making theology central to every Christian practice. Consensus and Conflict traces Osmers multi-faceted intellectual career from his days as seminarian through his professoriate at Princeton Theological Seminary and his role in the founding of the International Academy of Practical Theology. These themes unfold against the backdrop of ecclesial change that Osmer barely anticipated as a young pastor in New England and western North Carolina. The contributors to this volume bear witness to Osmers indebtedness to social sciences theologians like Moltmann and Barth his wide range of interests ranging from confirmation to redemptive agriculture to church planting and his deep hope that the theological disciplines will play a more vital role in practical theologys future. Ever intent to integrate theology and Christian living Rick Osmer has been a pathfinder for the rest of us in Practical Theology. This fine collection of essays by leading scholars is a fitting testimony to his rich and varied contributions across the years. --Thomas Groome Boston College author of Faith for the Heart Rick Osmers teaching ministry has profoundly impacted both church and academy in the discipline of Practical Theology and well beyond. In this delightful collection of essays colleagues and friends celebrate his contribution to Christian witness and education while honoring a professor whose giftedness will continue to bless future generations of scholarly evangelists in pulpit pew and classroom. --Ross Lockhart St. Andrews Hall & The Vancouver School of Theology