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Reimagining Emotional Intelligence as Theological Praxis in Anglican Ministry

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 September 2025

Neville J. Emslie Open the ORCID record for Neville J. Emslie [Opens in a new window]
Neville J. Emslie*
Affiliation:
Director of Mission and Ministry, Diocese of Canterbury, Honorary Fellow in Theology and Ministry within the World Religions and Education Research Unit, Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, England and Diocese of Canterbury, Diocesan House, Lady Wootton’s Green, Canterbury, UK
*
Email: nemslie@diocant.org
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Abstract

This article reimagines emotional intelligence as a theological and sacramental dimension of Anglican ministry, moving beyond secular paradigms of psychology towards a model rooted in incarnational presence, pastoral vulnerability and ecclesial formation. Drawing on qualitative research with Church of England Archdeacons, it explores clergy emotional ecology, the affective demands of priesthood and the implications for ministerial formation, discernment and leadership. The study proposes that emotional intelligence, when understood as theological praxis, contributes to spiritual maturity, vocational resilience and ecclesial integrity. It calls for integrative pedagogies, reflective disciplines and ecclesial cultures that honour emotional life as a site of divine encounter and priestly authenticity.

Keywords

Emotional intelligenceAnglican ministrytheological formationpastoral presenceclergy wellbeingsacramental theology

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Anglican Studies , First View , pp. 1 - 21
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Journal of Anglican Studies Trust

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