Content

This STFE unit assists students to learn the art of reflective practice by creating the environment for targeted reflective process based in a ministry placement of a minimum 96 hours. It is supported by class time and/or other forms of formal learning which includes pastoral supervision and deliberation on the exercise of professional ministry standards in relation to the care and safeguarding of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Opportunities for reflection may include but are not limited to mentoring, peer group review, case studies, workplace guidance and personal writing.

Unit code: DP3032L

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Practicum

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

Develop and evaluate ministry goals

2.

Assess ministry disposition and skills required for contextual ministry practice

3.

Reflect theologically on the contribution of ministry engagement to spiritual and personal development, and awareness of personal readiness for vocation

4.

Integrate understanding of Child Safeguarding and Professional Ministry Standards

Unit sequence

Course relationship: A Supervised Theological Field Education (STFE) unit in both the Bachelor of Theology and Bachelor of Ministry. Enrolment would normally be in the final three semesters of the degree.

Prerequisites: 18 points in the discipline of Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies (DP)

Co-requisites: Prior to commencement of placement, completion of a learning module on the University code of conduct and/or safeguarding processes including children and vulnerable persons, as required by the LCA, UCSA or other relevant church or professional bodies.

Pedagogy

This STFE learning is informed by relevant literature, Workplace Director observation and supervision, and student reflective integrative responses.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bass, Dorothy C., and Craig Dykstra, eds. For life abundant: practical theology, theological education and Christian ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm B Eerdmans, 2008.
  • Campbell-Reed, Eileen R. Pastoral Imagination: Bringing the Practice of Ministry to Life. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2021.
  • Floding, Matthew ed. Welcome to theological field education! Herndon, VA: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2011.
  • Graham, Elaine, Walton, Heather & Ward, Frances. Theological Reflection: Methods. London, UK: SCM Press, 2005.
  • Heywood, David. Kingdom Learning: Experiential and Reflective Approaches to Christian Formation. London, UK: SCM Press, 2017.
  • Killen, Patricia & de Beer, John. The Art of Theological Reflection. New York, NY: Crossroad Publishing, 1994.
  • Kincaid, William B. How theological field education shapes pastoral identity. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2012.
  • Trist, Richard. Ministry in Context: A Guide to Theological Education and Ministry Internships in Australia and New Zealand. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2023.
  • Walton, Heather. Writing Methods in Theological Reflection. London. UK: SCM Press, 2014.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Report

Formulate learning goals and evaluation criteria for the placement

500 10.0
Workplace evaluation

An evaluation of the ministry dispositions, skills and ethical standards required in the placement context

2000 40.0
Essay

A theological reflection on the contribution of the placement to readiness for ministry

2000 40.0
Personal & Professional Evaluation

The evaluation will include a record of the placement hours and feedback from the workplace director and the pastoral supervisor, as well as the student’s evaluation of their progress towards their placement learning goals.

500 10.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 7 Sep, 2023

Unit record last updated: 2023-09-07 15:37:42 +1000