Practical theologians involved with action research will know the importance of conversation within any research project using participative data collection methods. The contention of this paper is to argue that everyday conversation can provide opportunities for faith formation. This is achieved by using Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (Jn 4.1-42) as a case study and drawing upon scholars who have written on Johannine literature. The main conversation partner is Claire Watkins, who has written on the role of ordinary conversation that leads to faith formation and how everyday messy chatter leads to theological learning for the participants and reflector groups involved in Theological Action Research (TAR). Although Watkins, Clare. 2022. Conversatio: Conversation, and the Generation of Theological Knowledge in Practice. Unpublished manuscript suggests that scripture, especially Jesus' conversations in the Gospels, are examples of ordinary conversing, which leads to faith formation, she does not have space to explore this. This article further develops Watkins's research by exploring a theology of conversation framework through Jn 4.1-42 and how it leads to boundary-breaking acceptance of marginalised people, leading to divine revelation. This is significant for those who want to use participative methods within their research as it draws attention to the value of 'ordinary chatter' for faith formation and moves away from more traditional and formal ways (5).
Oliver Elliott (Wed,) studied this question.