Practical theology’s overall task is, in effect, to develop for practical implementation the methods by which women and men interact with God to fulfill the divine intent for human existence. That intent for the church is twofold: the effective proclamation of the Christian gospel to all humanity, making “disciples” from every nation or ethnic group, and the development of those disciples’ character into the character of Christ himself “teaching them to do all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:20). If these are done well, all else desirable will follow.
