Ordination Studies (DP8020P)

Content

This unit explores theologies of ministry and ordination in the Uniting Church in Australia, setting these in ecumenical and historical contexts, and relating them to tasks and practices enjoined on those ordained. Firmly contextualizing ordained ministries—deacon and minister of the word—in the worship, witness and service that the UCA envisions for all its members, it emphasises the representative and collaborative nature of all ministry. The unit encourages critical skills in reading and interpreting the confessional foundational documents of the church and the debates they represent, encouraging and embodying their concerns in Christian assembly, and grasping the particular responsibilities of ordained ministries within Christian assembly in UCA contexts and the collective, varied, dispersed witness of all the church’s members, formed by the vision and shaped by the values of the UCA. To this end, the unit involves elements of practicum.

Learning outcomes

Pedagogy

Input, peer-groups, guided reading, reflection, research, practicum

Indicative Bibliography

• Bos, R. and G. Thompson, eds, Theology for Pilgrims. Sydney: UC Press, 2008.

• Dutney, A. Angels in this Wilderness. Adelaide: MediaCom, 2020.

• Emilsen, W. ed., An Informed Faith. Melbourne: Mosiac, 2014.

• Thompson, G. Disturbing Much, Disturbing Many. Melbourne: UAP, 2016.

• Thompson, G. In His Own Strange Way. Adelaide: MediaCom, 2019.

• UCA, Uniting in Worship 2. Sydney: UC Press, 2005.

• Walker, C. ed. Building on the Basis. Sydney: Assembly of the UCA, 2012.

• WCC. Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry. Geneva: WCC, 1981.

• Theology for Pilgrims and Building on the Basis collect UCA documents.

Other documents will also be used, such as The Manual for Meetings (Uniting Church in Australia).

Assessment