Case Study supplemental resources

This page is a supplement to discussions and exercises used in IC3610, Exercises in Biblical Theology.

Here are some ways to prepare for the case study process that we'll use in the class this fall. One of the challenges in using case studies is to pick an evocative case that has a lot with which to grapple, and then create a context in which you can collaboratively engage it.

Once you've read the course book, Shared Wisdom, and begun to write a draft of your case, then try out the following sites for more ideas and process.

• Almond Springs, a multiple episode case study based on a fictitious Christian church, found at the Resources for Christian Leaders site. This narrative develops over several episodes (you can always link to the timeline if you get confused), and provides additional links to useful essays and web sites that supplement some of the issues raised.
• The Action Design group's case study guide. Although this group does not focus on ministerial practices, it has particularly useful supports for thinking through how you can reflect on cases. Try starting with their Action Design Resources page, and then working with their Core Concepts. There is also an essay entitled "The Muck Stops Here" that is full of useful ideas.
• Further resources for thinking about and moving beyond "stuck" dialogues, the Public Conversations Project has a useful annotated bibiography.
• Further resources for exploring case studies in a ministerial context can be found through an annotated bibliography at the Plowshares Institute site.
• The meditation we used in class can be found on the web at http://www.publicconversations.org/Pages/sarmed.html

As you wander the web from these starting points, you will likely find others that are particularly relevant and useful. Please be sure to pass them on to us!

Return to main page. Last updated September 2000 by Mary Hess.