Skills for Practical Ministry (DP1018L)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

Content

The unit equips students with the essential practical skills that enable them more efficiently to carry out the daily tasks of their pastoral ministry. Topics covered include: pastoral self-care; developing a devotional life; setting goals; time management; mentoring; being a member of a team; administration; conflict resolution.

Unit code: DP1018L

Unit status: Approved (Minor revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate the theological basis for attending to daily, practical matters of their ministry
2.

Utilise case-study and/or journaling methodologies in the practice of ministry
3.

Integrate their learning about practical skills for ministry into their personal practice
4.

Find the necessary resources to meet daily practical needs as these arise

Unit sequence

Course relationship: A level 1 unit in undergraduate theology and ministry courses

Pedagogy

This unit is underpinned by teaching practices and strategies (e.g. engagement with online learning materials, audio/video, tasks, forums, and asynchronous discussion) which encourage student engagement and participation in a variety of learning tasks and opportunities which foster deep learning.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bachkirova, Tatiana, Gordon Spence, and David Drake, eds. The Sage handbook of coaching. Los Angeles, CA: Sage Reference, 2017.
  • Briggs, J. R. Fail: finding hope and grace in the midst of ministry failure. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2014.
  • Burns, Bob, Daniel Guthrie, and Tasha Chapman. Resilient ministry: what pastors told us about surviving and thriving. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2013.
  • Cole, Kadi. Developing female leaders: navigate the minefields and release the potential of women in your church. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2019.
  • Halaas, Gwen W. The right road: life choices for clergy. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg, 2004.
  • Lehr, J. Fred. Clergy burnout: recovering from the 70-hour work week … and other self-defeating practices. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2006.
  • Malphurs, Aubrey. Developing emotionally mature leaders: how emotional intelligence can help transform your ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2018.
  • Melander, Rochelle, and Harold Eppley. The spiritual leader’s guide to self-care. Bethesda, MD: Alban Institute, 2002.
  • Osborne, Larry. Sticky teams: keeping your leadership team and staff on the same page. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010.
  • Sande, Ken. The peacemaker: a biblical guide to resolving personal conflict. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2004.
  • Stoddard, David A., Robert J. Tamasy, and Mac Brunson. The heart of mentoring: ten proven principles for developing people to their fullest potential. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2009.
  • Wright, Alan N. Spiritual dimensions of team. Saint Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2010.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Portfolio

Reflective journal

 1200 30.0
Essay

Summary learning experience self-assessment and reflection

 400 10.0
Investigation

In-depth research in a negotiated project

 2400 60.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 7 Sep, 2022

Unit record last updated: 2022-09-07 16:16:32 +1000