The Practice of Christian Ministry (DP8001Z)

Postgraduate, 18.0 points

Content

This unit introduces the key elements and considerations of engaging in the practice of formal and informal Christian ministry. It assists students to understand the nature and breadth of Christian ministries to which they may be called. Students will reflect on their role as participants and leaders within their ministry context. This unit also explores the biblical and theological basis for Christian ministry and selected cultural, legal, ethical and other factors relating to contemporary ministry practices.

Unit code: DP8001Z

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Proposing College: Uniting College for Leadership and Theology

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate a theology of ministry, vocation and service based on Scripture and other Christian sources.
2.

Critically analyse the nature and practices of Christian ministry and identify factors which influence ministry practice.
3.

Evaluate personal strengths, weaknesses and biases brought to ministry practice.
4.

Implement appropriate guiding principles for ministry practice.

Unit sequence

Foundation post-graduate unit that can be included in post-graduate courses.

Pedagogy

Group discussion and interaction, case studies, reflective journalling, critical reflection on readings and guest speakers.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bass, Dorothy C & Dykstra, C (editors). For Life Abundant: Practical Theology, Theological Education and Christian Ministry. Eerdmans Publishing, 2008.
  • Cahalan, Kathleen A. Introducing the Practice of Ministry. Liturgical Press, 2010.
  • Casey, Michael. Grace: On the Journey to God. Paraclete Press, 2018.
  • Dalton, Ron. Discovering Christian Ministry: Theology and Practice. Beacon Hill Press. 2016.
  • Keller, Timothy. Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-centred Ministry in Your City. Zondervan. 2012.
  • Marshall, Colin and Tony Payne. The Trellis and the Vine: The Ministry Mind-Shift That Changes Everything Sydney, NSW: Matthias Media, 2009.
  • Mayes, Andrew D. Another Christ: Re-envisioning ministry. SPCK Publishing, 2014.
  • Nouwen, Henri. Creative Ministry. Image Books, 1978.
  • Purves, Andrew. The Crucifixion of Ministry: Surrendering our Ambitions to the Service of Christ. IVP Books, 2007.
  • Purves, Andrew. The Resurrection of Ministry: Serving in the Hope of the Risen Lord. IVP Books, 2010.
  • The Uniting Church in Australia Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice for Ministers in the Uniting Church in Australia (2025).
  • Basis of Union, Constitution and Regulations Uniting Church in Australia. Mediacom Education Inc., 2018.
  • Smith, James KA. Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview and Cultural Formation Ada, MI: Baker Academic. 2009. Williams, Rowan. *Being Disciples: Essentials of the Christian Life. SPCK, 2016.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Portfolio 5500 100.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 15 Apr, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-04-15 10:17:41 +1000