Action Research as Professional Development: Educating for Performative Knowledge and Enhancing Theological Capital

This article explores the use of theological action research as a mode of professional development in Christian mission or ministry. Drawing on a case study of a cycle of theological action research within a Christian youth work agency in London, the benefits of action research are interpreted through the influence that participation has on theological capital. Theological capital is developed as a construct to indicate the relative agency Christian youth workers experience in fulfilling the intentional Christian ministry they aspire to perform. The case study explores the theological capital required in the challenging contexts and inter-disciplinary settings in which Christian youth work occurs. From this, action research is posited as a method of professional development for those engaged in such roles.