[3] Ray Anderson writes that the first person to give practical theology a definition, C.I.
[6] Theologian Elaine Graham posits that practical theology has evolved over time.
[9] This approach focuses on ministering to the personal needs of others, primarily individuals going through crises of a temporal nature.
This may include individuals and families experiencing poverty, ill health, stigmatization, or ostracization from mainstream society.
"Convergent practical theology" has emerged from the combined studies and practice of missiology with organizational development since the publication of Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America.