Introduction
This study aims to analyze Jane Leach’s ‘Pastoral Theology as Attention’ model (Leach, 2007) by applying it to a personal example, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and compare and then comparing this model with the Pastoral Cycle model (Cameron, Reader & Slater, 2012). I propose to analyze the five steps of Jane Leach’s model and independently go through the path of reflection on the personal situation under consideration. After reflection, it will be possible to evaluate the pros and cons of the Leach’s model critically. Finding strengths and weaknesses will allow further development of recommendations to complement the reflection model.
The situation under consideration, to which this approach will be applied, is a constant increase in the number of atheists in my community and, accordingly, the difficulties that parishioners face when expressing their own sense of the divine under the influence of fear of condemnation.
In this essay, my analysis of Leach’s ‘Pastoral Theology as Attention’ model will be broken down in the following sections: Section 1 is the Introduction and Section 2 offers an overview of the approach Jane Leach has developed. The next five sections address these elements of Leach’s model: Attention to Voices; Attention to Wider Issues; Attention to One’s Own Voice; Attention to Theological Tradition; and Attention to Mission of the Church. Section 8 is about the method of evaluation of the mode and Sections 9 and 10 respectively discuss about Advantages and Disadvantages. Section 11 is about the comparison with the Pastoral Cycle model. Section 12 discusses the differences between the models and possible additions are discussed in Section 13. Section 14 concludes the essay.
Overview of the Approach
Jane Leach has developed a theoretical framework for student ministers to understand their role in theology and to preach accordingly, appropriately to the situation. Leach, who has been Principal of Wesley House since 2011, specialises in pastoral theology and was the president of the Cambridge Theological Federation for a year, which allowed her to implement and test her approach (Thomson, 2020). Leach conducts research in the field of practical theology based on the sociological aspects of theological problems. Originally written in 2007, this approach to theological practice has been tested for fifteen years (Leach, 2007). The model establishes the discipline of theological reflection in preparing student ministers as part of a valuable discernment of God’s public affairs and opportunities for their communication to the parishioners (Leach, 2007). Theological reflection is helpful because it can be used to show people how to live righteously without compromising religious principles (Cameron, Reader & Slater, 2012). Leach suggests five steps more related to analysing the preacher’s audience and the cultural background.
Some steps suggest that theologians should listen more to the inner voice in order to analyse one’s own and the Church mission for a this or that sociological group. Leach’s approach calls for both a rational assessment of the situation and an analysis of feelings. The first step involves analysing the voices that are verbally and non-verbally expressed in the community or situation. The preacher’s next goal is to understand what cultural layers characterise the presented community or situation and to select academic evidence for the analysis of current issues.
The third step is for the preacher to understand the role and mission in a particular social and cultural situation and to understand social problems. Further, the theologian, relying on the ethical norms already established in society and the resonating biblical texts, intervenes in the course of the case. Finally, it is important to realize the general role of the Church as a social institution in a particular society and make further plans for preaching in a specific community.
Attention to the Voices
The first step in analyzing a situation should always be fundamental. Leach invites practitioners to pay attention to the voices expressed by society. The voice is supposed to be more than a verbal sign; but also, body language, general tangible feelings, and impressions (Leach, 2007). At this step, it is proposed to analyze the social side of the issue: what voices are heard in society and what agents are suppressed (Leach, 2007). It is also necessary to understand what opinion is dominant, what feelings people may experience, and what influenced the formation of such an opinion.
Reflection
Analysis of the situation should always precede any activity, including the activities of ministers. The attitude towards the divine in my community shows that the leading voices are not in awe of theological practices. As a result, parishioners also experience difficulties in expressing their attitude and sincere feelings towards God. Accordingly, the role of the practitioner in such a community can be reduced to an attempt to appeal to a spiritual led by emotions, rather than a rational attitude to interaction with the divine. Leach rightly points out that the voices of the people should be fundamental to the practitioner’s choice of tactics, as they allow one to understand what people in a particular community expect from a relationship with God.
Attention to the Wider Issues
From analysing the situation in relation to the internal life of the church, it is proposed to move on to broader issues. Leach offers to explore the cultural background of the current particular situation and its relationship with the previous tradition (see below) to understand the psychology of behaviour and encourage the study of academic sources (2007). Reflections on one’s role must be consistent, creative, and appeal to deep internal analysis (Leach & Paterson, 2015). The second step allows the practitioner to look at the situation in society more rationally, enabling them to analyse the problem from a broader perspective.
Reflection
Based on the analysis of the first step, the peculiarity of people from my community to weak expression of feelings and emotions is revealed. This aspect directly affects the popularity and credibility of spiritual practices, preventing their spread. With the leading role of the atheistic agenda in modern society, the open expression of emotions from communication with the divine, as a rule, is not encouraged. This aspect can be considered as a more rational approach to the situation, which Leach calls for in order to provide a broader study of cultural prerequisites (2007). The environment of the parishioners exerts considerable psychological pressure on people’s attempt to turn to the divine. Consequently, human behaviour outside the church is regulated by an overwhelmingly atheistic society, which prevents the appeal to the emotional part.
Attention to Own Voice
After analysing the current social situation from the sensual and rational side, it is necessary to understand the practitioner’s role in this matter. Leach suggests assessing the practitioner’s role, understanding their location in the situation, and clarifying what impressions can be used to resolve the problem (Leach 2007). It is supposed to use the emotional attitude to the case again and back it up with personal experience or evidence from the Holy Scriptures.
Reflection
Analysing the practitioner’s role is crucial for choosing the tactics of behaviours in a particular community. In the current situation – the lack of a sensual approach to the divine and the growing number of atheists. I have a different view as a Christian, it may consist of an attempt to appeal to the true purpose of the divine in everyday human life, to direct parishioners and ordinary people to the right path. In my experience and thinking, appealing to the emotional side should have a decisive impact in getting people to become more spiritual. In my opinion, Leach correctly identifies the need for internal analysis to determine the next steps.
Attention to the Theological Tradition
The fourth step should be one of the most serious, requiring a detailed structured analysis of the practitioner’s actions. Leach suggests understanding what ethical standard applies to the situation, what the Bible says about it, and how realistic the position taken is (2007). In addition, it is necessary to analyse how the current situation can be changed by appealing to theological resources (Leach, 2007). An example of a well-conducted practice will be the inner transformation of the preacher and the parishioners (Thompson, Thompson & Pattison, 2018). The fourth stage of analysis involves using all the accumulated knowledge and experience to solve the problem in the best way.
Reflection
In a situation with an increased pragmatic attitude towards the divine, the ethical norms of non-disclosure of the inner world of a person in society are realized. Indeed, expressing one’s feelings and emotions can be difficult, as a person is afraid of facing condemnation from the non-religious part of society. Holy Scripture teaches us to be more tolerant of those who call themselves atheists and suggests that each person can have their own way of expressing his attitude towards God. Holy Scripture, which is necessary to be guided in this situation, shares a tolerant attitude, and does not force people to change their approach. Changing the position seems realistic in this context, as parishioners can be given a way to express their true feelings. In my opinion, church hymns are best suited, and the organization of a church choir is also possible. One of the best methods of theological influence involves appealing to spiritual feelings and sensations (Graham, Walton, & Ward, 2005). During the singing, people will have the opportunity to express their emotions and feel spiritual unity with God and the rest of the parishioners.
Attention to the Mission of the Church
The last section offers an assessment of the Church’s and the minister’s overall role in addressing the identified matter or problem. Leach also proposes to analyse the future reaction of the minister, as well as ways to evaluate the effectiveness of the chosen approach. Researchers offer practitioners a challenging role: adapt to public opinion, exercise patience, and appeal to spiritual principles (Cameron et al., 2010). The final part proposes to decide on the approach, predict the outcome and give a specific assessment of the actions.
Reflection
The role of the Church in resolving the situation under consideration is to direct people to the proper path, an appeal to their inner spirituality. My part is to help people and be patient with both those who do not believe and those who are looking for a suitable way to express their faith. I would choose the path of hidden instruction, teaching people to see the divine in all its manifestations. References to divine manifestations in a person’s daily life can be a way of referring to spirituality (Walton, 2014). My future actions would depend on the outcome of the chosen practice. Most likely, I would not deviate from the intended path since social changes usually take a long time. In the future, I would like to adjust my attitude to the situation: to become more tolerant of different opinions and easier to adapt to social changes.
Method Evaluation
Leach’s approach seems comprehensive, and the list of questions (provided in the model?) encourages social analysis and self-reflection. The steps involved in personal research worked best since the preacher’s conviction is beyond doubt. The sociocultural analysis turned out to be an intricate part since it requires reference to additional sources in the future. However, it becomes clear that without an analysis of the causes (of what?), it is impossible to develop an effective strategy. In general, everything works in Leach’s approach; in some moments, it turns out to be more complex and more profound than others. Pastoral Theology as Attention, to pay attention to all aspects of a particular situation, provokes critical thinking.
Advantages of the Pastoral Theology as Attention Model
The advantages of Leach’s approach include a clear structuredness of the proposed analysis. Moving from step to step and from question to question, one can get a complete picture of the problem and possible solutions. Leach pays excellent attention to self-reflection and sociocultural analysis, which is also undoubtedly a plus. The Leach approach allows one to develop an intelligent way of doing things that benefit people.
Disadvantages of the Pastoral Theology as Attention Model
Despite the overall coherence of Leach’s approach, some shortcomings can be identified. For example, the application of any plan developed by this approach takes a significant amount of time. In addition, it is not always possible to trace and analyse cause-and-effect relationships in every situation. Finally, this theory model requires many skills on the part of the practitioner, which may not be available, such as psychological and social analysis.
Comparison with the Pastoral Cycle Model
The Pastoral Cycle is a guide to action for the theological practitioner. The Pastoral Cycle method reviews life based on three steps: See – Judge – Act (Cameron, Reader & Slater, 2012). This method includes not only the theological approach but the social side of the issue, offering to choose the most rational approach to a particular community. The technique, known by several names, consists of several phases, the judgment of which remains the same. Sociocultural analysis and theological reflection give a complete picture of the current problem and suggest solutions.
Differences between the models considered
Leach and Pastoral Cycle models seem to be quite similar, as both suggest drawing on sociocultural analysis rather than just theological practices. The main difference between the two approaches is that the Pastoral Cycle model is presented as a more generalized model. The Leach’s model looks more detailed, and the practitioner’s self-reflection plays a more significant role. The disadvantages of the Pastor’s Cycle model include the lack of specific guidance and a generalized approach. However, there is a plus: the Pastoral Cycle model can be called a model that applies to most situations, even those unrelated to theology.
Additions
The Leach method seems to be complete, not requiring any additions. The Pastor’s Cycle model appears to be a general guide to action, requiring a more detailed explanation. The Pastor Cycle model needs a lot of clarification and more specificity, so Leach’s straightforward approach can be an excellent addition to it. A combination of two approaches – general and particular – can provide both the applicability of the model and a clear guide to action.
Conclusion
Leach’s proposed method provides an opportunity to develop a detailed plan of action for a specific situation or a specific society. Leach emphasizes the practice of self-reflection for the ministers and the importance of sociocultural analysis in evaluating the activities of a position. Despite some shortcomings, the approach is structured and offers different aspects of the coverage of the problem. The ministers can use the Leach approach to resolve spiritual difficulties and organize daily work with congregations or Church community.
References
Cameron, H., Bhatti D., Duce, C., Sweeney J., & Watkins, C. (2010). Talking about God in Practice: Theological Action Research and Practical Theology. Journal of Adult Theological Education, 7(1), pp. 108–109. Web.
Cameron, H., Reader, J., & Slater, V. (2012). Theological reflection for human flourishing: pastoral practice and public theology. Hymns Ancient and Modern Ltd.
Graham, E., Walton, H., & Ward, F. (2005). Theological Reflection: Methods. SCM Press.
Leach, J. (2007). Pastoral Theology as Attention. Contact, 153(1), 19-32. Web.
Leach, J., & Paterson, M. (2015). Pastoral Supervision: A Handbook. 2nd Edition. SCM Press. Thomson, C. (2020).
Pastoral supervision and redeemed embodiment. St Mark’s Review, 254 (1), 50-64. Web.
Thompson, J., Thompson, R., & Pattison, S. (2018). SCM Study Guide: Theological Reflection. 2nd Edition. SCM Press.
Walton, H. (2014). Writing Methods in Theological Reflection. SCM Press.