INTRODUCTION TO PASTORAL AND PRACTICAL THEOLOGY

Unit Weighting                       

9 cps

Type of Unit                

Foundational

Prerequisites                

None

Academic Staff            

Rev. Alan Galt OAM (2006), BA (Sydney 1964) MA (Macquarie 1980), Acting Level 3 Supervisor of CPE (2003), Senior Lecturer

Curriculum Objectives

This course unit is an introduction to pastoral and practical theology for ministry. It is also an opportunity to overview the biblical and theological foundations of ministry. Common aspects of ministry will be considered.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the unit students will be able to:

1. demonstrate advanced knowledge of the contemporary complex issues relating to the practice of pastoral care
2. present  a critical evaluation of the role of the human sciences in pastoral theology and ministry
3. apply advanced critical skills and insights of biblical and theological scholarship to the practice of ministry
4. demonstrate mastery of complex theological reflection in the practice of ministry
5. use technical and communication skills to independently analyse professional practice

Content

1. The theological, epistemological and biblical foundations of pastoral theology
2. Aspects of church ministry: Church structures and caring ministry
3. Key methodologies: Human sciences
4. Developing basic listening skills
5. Theological reflection on contemporary pastoral issues
6. Methods of ministry and the place of ordination / leadership

Assessment Profile

1. Personal journal (1,500 words). Value: 30%
2. Egan assignment (1,500 words). Value: 30%
3. 2 pastoral theology papers (1,000 words each). Value: 40%

Schedule

3hr lecture per week on campus, or via distance education