"Through a series of essays contributed by leading experts in the field, The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Practical Theology presents an introduction to practical theology as a major area of Christian study and practice, including an overview of its key developments, themes, methods, and future directions: the first comprehensive reference work to provide a survey, description and analysis of practical theology as an area of study; a range of leading scholars in the field provide original contributions on the major areas, issues, and figures in practical theology; reviews an extensive range of methods for studying theology in practice, along with sub-disciplines in theological education such as pastoral care and preaching; covers developments in the discipline in a range of global contexts and distinct Christian traditions; and shows how practical theology is relevant to everyday life." -- Publisher's description.