Almost every book on theological reflection written after 1982 refers to the methods and models developed by James D. Whitehead and Evelyn Eaton Whitehead in their book, Method in Ministry. James is a pastoral theologian and Evelyn a developmental and social psychologist. Together they formed Whitehead Associates, training people in ministry to make connections between experience, tradition and culture. Based for many years in a Catholic context in Chicago (Institute of Pastoral Studies at Notre Dame University) the Whiteheads have made a huge impact on theological education as well as continuing education for ministry, both lay and ordained. This couple never seem to stop.They continue to publish very helpful material on spirituality, sexuality and community. They’re both involved in Ricci Institute for Chinese-Western Cultural History. The Whiteheads live in South Bend, Indiana, but I haven’t found a web presence for Whitehead Associates.
The Whiteheads republished Method in Ministry in 1995, integrating learnings from their conversations with other theologians and writers. They still use the three-stage method of theological reflection: attending, asserting and pastoral response. The style developed in this edition however takes a more personal, imaginative, playful and conversational tone.
Method in Ministry: Theological Reflection and Christian Ministry