A theological and ethnographic exploration of three pioneering contexts in Gloucestershire through the lens of “earthed spirituality.”

Abstract

This research explores the missiological outworking of pioneer ministry rooted in an ‘earthed spirituality’ which engages deeply with practical societal and environmental concerns and can be described in the phrases: ‘down to earth’ and ‘of the earth’. At the centre of the study is ethnographic research in three pioneering contexts in Gloucestershire which live out an ‘earthed spirituality.’ An ethnographic description from each context has been produced, as well as an extended theological reflection from each on a theme which was both prominent in the research and has not received significant attention within missiology. Significant themes explored are first the outworking of the kenotic dynamic in missional practice that draws on insight from Asset Based Community Development. A second reflection advocates for the use of ‘liberation’ as a framing of the core gospel in a context where individuals have been sinned against, both structurally and in terms of challenging life histories. The final reflection explores the spirituality of activism in a context where Extinction Rebellion have prominence, with a particular focus on the importance of ‘hope’ to counter eco-anxiety and enable activists to continue their work. Overall is an exploration of the nature of the core gospel for pioneers rooted in an earthed spirituality. In additional, two portfolio articles are included, the first exploring a holistic approach to evangelism, and the second, rooted in fieldwork, the insight embedded within Forest Church. The strands are drawn together in the final chapter which explores the society’s need for a new story to live by that enables both human and environmental thriving. The insights from each context offer Christian perspectives to the movement to address the human and environmental challenges within contemporary society.

Date of Award	25 Oct 2021
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Benjamin Pugh (Co Supervisor) & RMS UnKnown (Main Supervisor)