Upcoming training: The next training is on 20th-21st April 2023 on Zoom. Book here.
Our theological action research training is aimed at doctoral students and researchers. It is interactive and conversational and takes place on Zoom. Based around the 5 characteristics of theological action research it is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills they need to embark on their own theological action research.
The training is run by Dr Helen Cameron, Research Fellow of the Centre for Baptist Studies at Regent’s Park College, Oxford and Dr James Butler, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Roehampton and MA lecturer at the Church Mission Society, Oxford.
The training runs three times per year and the timings of each training differ to allow participation from around the world. The pattern of the training is below and dates are displayed at the top and bottom of the page:
- Our September training runs from 9.30am to 3.30pm (UK time) allowing easy participation in the UK and Europe.
- The January training runs from 2.15pm to 8.30pm (UK time) meaning it works in the UK and Europe and makes it accessible in the Americas.
- The April training runs over two days from 9am-12midday (UK time) remaining accessible in the UK and Europe, but also becoming accessible to countries to the east of the UK including Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
You are welcome to join any of the training days no matter what time zone you are in. We have had people getting up at 3am to join us!
Links to the booking page will appear approximately 3 months before the training.
Confirmed dates for upcoming training:
20th-21st April 2023 Book here.
Price: £35 doctoral students, £50 waged researchers.
An early bird discount of £5 will be available. Sign up to our regular newsletter or follow us on Twitter to receive an alert when booking opens.
Feedback from Previous Participants
“I think everything worked really well. I really enjoyed it thank you and so many of my questions were answered via the jam board and feedback from the groups. Three key insights: the type of conversations in Reflector meetings, a theology of revelation, the data is also reading me/us.”
“The insights are really questions about how to let go of the research question, which is also related to not looking at the data as a problem to be solved, as I understand it. Those questions are sticking with me if this is the right methodology for my project. I also appreciate how much this promotes ownership, which is key for my research. I liked the online format — it made it possible for me to attend.”
Three key insights: “Be prayerfully attentive to the data. The formal voice can include other disciplines. TAR is about discernment through conversation.”
“I have definitely learned about the power of conversational method through this training especially group conversations we had.”
“[My understanding of theological action research is now] deeper – surprise and conversation all now have more weight and validity.”
“Today has made me realise that I’ve missed having theological conversations! Hearing other people made me realise how much I’ve grown in this area since I first heard about it… so feel more confident. Will certainly pay attention to whose voices are at the table and whose voices may be missing.. so will apply that to the conversation partners.”
“A group can quickly become comfortable using language and concepts [of] the four theological voices. The processing of data in a group setting can produce outcomes greater than the sum of its parts. TAR is more adaptable and flexible that I had understood. Of course I would have loved more time and time together in person, but this was an excellent training given the constraints we are all under.”
“The categories and characteristics have been filled out, the group work gave a first taste of the difficulty and promise of the conversational approach and the four voices. the interview and summaries added a lot of practical wisdom about the practice.”
“The exercises in groups and general session were informative. I really loved the polyphonic and dialogical nature of the methodology. Stimulating and inspiring.”
Theology and Action Research Network 