Content

In this unit students will explore the theological foundations for Christian discipleship and pastoral ministry, and the role of pastors as leaders in Christian formation in a parish setting. Students will examine different vocational understandings in light of the church’s expectations of pastors and reflect on the servant nature of pastoral ministry in light of reading selected biblical and theological foundations for public ministry in the church. The unit explores how pastor and people work together in congregational life and aims to equip and enable students for effective catechetical leadership in the educational program of a Christian congregation.

Unit code: DP1041L

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Identify biblical and theological foundations for the pastoral ministry

2.

Describe the special relationship between a Lutheran pastor and the congregation

3.

Describe the implications of Lutheran theology for the formation of Christian discipleship

4.

Reflect on the significance of Luther’s catechisms for the nurture and formation of Christian faith

Pedagogy

This unit requires the student to have access to online unit material and weekly seminars (hopefully as a study cohort). Students will engage with foundational biblical and confessional understandings of pastoral ministry and Christian discipleship from a Lutheran perspective. Weekly topical content, weekly readings and reflection on selected readings provide the basis for weekly discussions. The essay and report provide the opportunity for the student to reflect on previous understandings in light of new information and provide the groundwork for assignment three.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Arand, Charles P. 2000. That I may be his own: an overview of Luther’s catechisms. St. Louis, MO: Concordia.
  • Everist, Norma Cook, ed. 2007. Christian education as evangelism. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress. 2007
  • Hebart, Friedemann, tr. Luther's large catechism. Adelaide, SA: Lutheran Publishing House, 1983.
  • Lutheran Church of Australia. Commission on Worship. 1994. Church rites. Ed. David A. Schubert. Adelaide, SA: Openbook Publishers.
  • Peters, Albrecht. 2009. Commentary on Luther’s catechisms. Vol. 1, Ten Commandments. Translated by Holger K. Sonntag. St Louis, MO: Concordia. 2009
  • ———. 2012. Commentary on Luther’s catechisms. Vol. 4, Baptism and Lord’s Supper. Translated by Thomas H. Trapp. St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.
  • Pless, John. Praying Luther’s Small Catechism: the pattern of sound words. St Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2016.
  • Radcliffe, Tim. 2012. Take the plunge: living baptism and confirmation. London: Bloomsbury.
  • Senkbeil, Harold. L. The care of souls: cultivating a pastor’s heart. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2019. (eBook in ALC Library).
  • Warneck, Richard H. Pastoral ministry: theology and practice. St Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2018.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Essay 1250 words

1250 30.0
Essay

Report 1250 words

1250 30.0
Portfolio

Portfolio 1500 words equivalent

1500 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 26 Sep, 2019

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:51 +1000