Content

This unit explores the theological nature of pastoral care and the relationship between theology and pastoral skills as well as providing an insight into recent trends in the nature and practice of pastoral care. It aims to help students develop a reflective basis for their own pastoral practice which is grounded in Christian theology and Biblical studies. Consideration will be given to some of the challenging questions raised in situations of crisis, and to the appropriate use of prayer and Scripture in pastoral situations. Scope will be given for students to explore a range of contemporary issues and questions in pastoral ministry and to offer a way of dealing with these issues and questions which integrates sound theology and helpful practice.

Unit code: DP8509P

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary trends and directions in pastoral care

2.

Articulate and critique the integrative connections between theology and pastoral practice

3.

Illustrate the importance of a solid theological foundation to the practice of pastoral care

4.

Engage with challenging questions raised in contemporary pastoral ministry in such a way that demonstrates an integration of theology and pastoral practice

Unit sequence

At least 30 points of Foundational study

Pedagogy

Engagement in online materials, tasks and tutorial discussion

Indicative Bibliography

  • Clebsch, W. A. and C. R. Jaekle. Pastoral Care in Historical Perspective. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, 1964.
  • Evans, G. R. ed. A History of Pastoral Care. London: Cassell, 2000.
  • Van Deusen Hunsinger. D. Pray Without Ceasing: Revitalizing Pastoral Care. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2006.
  • Dykstra, R. Images of Pastoral Care. St Louis, US: Chalice Press 2005
  • Gerkin, C. An Introduction to Pastoral Care. Nashville: Abingdon, 1997.
  • Graham, E. Transforming Practice: Pastoral Theology in an Age of Uncertainty. London: Mowbray, 1996.
  • Lyall, D. The Integrity of Pastoral Care. Ottawa: Novalis, 2002
  • Pattison, Stephen. A Critique of Pastoral Care. 3rd ed. London: SCM, 2000
  • Patton, J. Pastoral Care in Context: An Introduction to Pastoral Care. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1993.
  • Pembroke, N. Renewing Pastoral Practice: Trinitarian Perspectives on Pastoral Care and Counselling. Aldershot: Ashgate, 2006
  • Poling, J. N. and D. E. Miller. Foundations for a Practical Theology of Ministry. Nashville: Abingdon, 1985.
  • Purnell, D. Conversation as Ministry. Cleveland: Pilgrim Press, 2003.
  • Stone, H. W. and J. O. Duke. How to Think Theologically. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1996.
  • Thornton, S. Broken Yet beloved: A Pastoral Theology of the Cross. St Louis: Chalice Press 2005
  • Woodward, J. and S. Pattison. The Blackwell Reader in Pastoral and Practical Theology. Oxford: Blackwell, 2000.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

essay of 2500 words based on the class presentation

2500 30.0
Essay

Reflective paper (2500 words) which sets out the student’s understanding of pastoral care and grounds it in Christian theology and biblical studies

2500 40.0
Oral Presentation

15 minute class presentation about how the integration of theology and ministry skills was approached by a student in a particular context (1000 words equivalent)

1000 30.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 31 Dec, 2014

Unit record last updated: 2020-10-28 14:50:33 +1100