About the project

How can corps in the Salvation Army function as a community of practice to better meet vulnerable people such as victims of exploitation.

The proposed study outlines a research project within the field of diaconal studies and the congregation’s work to include vulnerable people. The focus will be how corps can be better equipped to face the challenges that an increasingly secularised society throws at them, such as reduced funding for institutionalised care. A corps (congregation) that is functioning as a community of practice can both document the difference they are making, build a faith-based and evidence-based mission, and become more resilient in order to prosper as a church. There is a lack of literature addressing this particular issue and this study will contribute to the wider both theological and diaconal perspectives. The method will primarily be action research, where the researcher works together with corps to implement knowledge and develop services which are sensitive to the specific target group.

The main research question will be:

How can corps use the idea of a community of practice to better support and include people experiencing exploitation/forced labour?

The study will describe the corps possibilities and limits when working with the concept of Community of practice. This study´s aim is to develop the idea of a community of practice within a corps, and assess whether the method can improve the corps programs when confronted with the needs of vulnerable people. Testing and developing practical guidelines, methods and resources will be part of the study.

The overall aim is for the study is to contribute to a wider discussion about how we understand what a corps is and how it can function in changing times where vulnerable people are looking for help and support.

Background

Master in Diaconia

Research group

CODE research group