Question and Hypothesis for the Praxis Thesis

Question and Hypothesis for the Praxis Thesis

 

Approaches to the Praxis Thesis.

The  Doctor of Ministry program permits you to select one of three approaches to your work:

(a) develop and test a model which investigates a practice with implications for the larger church;

(b) investigate a context that suggests an unidentified or unaddressed need in a congregation or denomination, and propose a strategic model for meeting that need; or

(c) analyze an existing practice or need in the Church.

 

focal question

The Question focuses an issue, problem, or anomaly

1. for which you do not know the answer
2. that requires research and increased understanding in order to address it
3. for which there is a good chance of success
4. for which the answer will significantly benefit the local situation and other ecclesial contexts.

 

A good question

1. is brief
2. is specific
3. invites complexity
4. thrusts you deeper into the situation and into the cloud of unknowing.
5. can be answered, at least provisionally.

 

hypothesis

The Hypothesis  tries to answer the question. It is your best informed but provisional thinking about how to address the question, about what to do in the situation. Aspects of a hypothesis:

1. one sentence
2. identifies the problematic situation or question
3. identifies the main sources upon which you draw
4. indicates the solution
5. entices the reader to read on.

 

Example:

Question:

 

Weak question:

Why are my congregants disinterested in their Wesleyan heritage?

My congregants are disinterested in their Wesleyan heritage.

How can I make my congregants appreciate their Wesleyan heritage?

 

Better Question:

Preliminary research with active members of WWW congregation has revealed a decrease of spiritual vitality and a lack of knowledge of their Wesleyan heritage. How might Wesleyan practices evoke greater spiritual vitality and an interest in their Wesleyan heritage within WWW congregation?

 

Hypothesis:

Weak Hypothesis:

The congregation will be spiritually renewed when every person is in a class meeting.

A Wesleyan perspective on small groups and sacramentality will transform the congregation.

 

 

Better Hypothesis:

The dual Wesleyan emphases upon small group formation and sacramental participation has great potential to revitalize the congregation because the covenantal format can be combined with a sacramental process to generate a deeper shared life in Christ in every aspect of congregational life.