Introduction to Pastoral Theology (DP1103W)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

Content

This foundational unit explores the dynamic relationship between theological reflection and everyday Christian practice, with particular application to life and ministry within the church. Students will engage with foundational concepts and methods of pastoral theology, examining how these can be applied to real-world faith practices including pastoral care, social justice and community leadership. Special attention will be given to the idea of context, with an emphasis on local Indigenous perspectives.

Unit code: DP1103W

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Whitley College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Define fundamental concepts of practical theology, including its historical development, core principles and contemporary relevance
2.

Apply basic frameworks to analyse context and address live issues in church settings
3.

Explain a model of practical theology that would enable the application of theory from other fields of theology to practice
4.

Develop skills in theological reflection, enabling students to evaluate their own beliefs and practices in light of theological and ethical considerations

Indicative Bibliography

  • Anderson, Ray S. The Shape of Practical Theology: Empowering Ministry with Theological Praxis. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2001.
  • Benson, David, Martin Karan and Andrew Sloane, eds. Transforming Vocation: Connecting Theology, Church, and the Workplace for a Flourishing World. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2021.
  • Cameron, Heather, John Reader, Victoria Slater, and Christopher Rowland. Theological Reflection for Human Flourishing. London: SCM, 2012.
  • Eidelson, Meyer. Melbourne Dreaming: A Guide to Important Places of the Past and Present. 2nd Edition. Canberra, ACT: Aboriginal Studies Press, 2014.
  • Ezigbo, Victor I. The Art of Contextual Theology: Doing Theology in the Era of World Christianity. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2021.
  • Hussey, Ian and Anne Klose. Vital: An Exercise in Practical Theology for Australian Churches. Macquarie Park, NSW: Morling Press, 2023.
  • Long, Susan, ed. Transforming Experience in Organisations: A Framework for Organisational Research and Consultancy. Milton Park, Oxon: Routledge, 2018.
  • Osmer, Richard, R. Practical Theology: An Introduction. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 2008.
  • Pascoe, Bruce. The Little Red Yellow Black Book: An Introduction to Indigenous Australia. 4th Edition. Canberra, ACT: Aboriginal Studies Press, 2018.
  • Pears, Angie. Doing Contextual Theology. Milton Park, Oxon: Routledge, 2010.
  • Volf, Miroslav, and Dorothy C. Bass, eds. Practicing Theology: Beliefs and Practices in Christian Life. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2002.
  • Ward, Pete. Introducing Practical Theology: Mission, Ministry, and the Life of the Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2017.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Summative Reflection - Three Reading Reflections 1500 35.0
Material Culture Analysis (identification and description of artefacts) - Contextual Analysis 1000 30.0
Essay - Pastoral Theological Proposal 1500 35.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 8 Oct, 2024

Unit record last updated: 2024-10-08 13:35:00 +1100