Sense of Community in Churches: A Practical Theological Perspective. Abstract Sense of community and the related concept, sense of belonging, are crucial features of church life. A well-accepted model of Sense of Community is that of McMillan and Chavis. 1 This article takes a Practical Theological methodology to the McMillan and Chavis’ model in order to consider its applicability to church contexts. Suggestions for appropriate application of the model to foster sense of community in churches are described. Introduction It is not the purpose of this article to set out a theological case for the importance of community in the life and mission of the Church. It will be assumed that readers are already convinced of this. The purpose of this article is to bring a Practical Theological perspective to a social scientific model of “Sense of Community” and generate recommendations on how churches can develop stronger community on the basis of this interaction. Methodology The methodology of this article is Practical Theology. Swinton and Mowat define Practical Theology as “critical, theological reflection on the practices of the Church as they interact with the practices of the world, with a view to ensuring and enabling faithful participation in God’s redemptive practices in, to and for the world.” 2 In particular, this article will practice “mutual critical correlation.” Practical Theology is “correlational” because it tries to hold together and correlate at least three different perspectives—the situation, the Christian tradition and another source of knowledge that is intended to enable deeper insight and understanding. 3 However, theology and the social sciences are not equal conversation partners. Theology has logical priority. Theology is “an independent source of knowledge that draws on qualitative research for the purposes of clarification and complexification, but has no need of it in terms of its self-understanding.” 4 It should also be noted that the goal of this process is not primarily pragmatic—to solve problems and help communities function more effectively. Rather, the goal is interacting with situations and challenging practices in order that individuals and communities can remain faithful to God and to participate faithfully in God’s mission. 5 1 David W. McMillan and D. M. Chavis, "Sense of Community: A definition and theory," Journal of Community Psychology 14(1986). 2 J. Swinton and H. Mowat, Practical Theology and Qualitative Research (London: SCM, 2006). 6. 3 Ibid., 76. 4 Ibid., 87. 5 Ibid., 257. 1 | Page