A Toolbox for Ethical Pastoral Leadership (DP9014W)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit invites a critical examination of the responsibilities of congregational leadership. Particular attention will be given to contemporary theory and practice concerning the themes and issues encountered in ministry practice: self-care and healthy practice, boundaries, conflict, change, supervision, codes of conduct, ministry ethics. A framework for theological reflection will be developed in order to discern ongoing processes for healthy leadership.

Unit code: DP9014W

Unit status: Approved (Minor revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Whitley College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Critically evaluate concepts of boundaries, leadership and power, ethical practice, self-care, conflict, change.
2.

Demonstrate theological and pastoral insight into the principles behind specific examples of codes of ethics for pastoral leaders.
3.

Outline the factors contributing to the establishment of pastoral identity and leadership responsibility.

4.

Analyse the ways ministry and practice are informed and resourced by their theological, biblical, pastoral and spiritual formation processes.
5.

Articulate a theology of church leadership that integrates the elements of personhood, vocation and ethical leadership.

Unit sequence

DA8001 Living the Faith or DP8001 Theology and Practice of Pastoral Care or equivalent

Pedagogy

Lectures and tutorials

Indicative Bibliography

  • Anderson, R. Spiritual Caregiving as Secular Sacrament: A practical theology for professional care-givers. London: Jessica Kingsley, 2003.
  • Bush, J. Jr. Gentle Shepherding: Pastoral ethics and leadership. St Louis, MO: Chalice, 2006.
  • Gardner, F. Critical Spirituality: A Holistic approach to contemporary practice. London: Ashgate, 2011.
  • Gula, R. Just ministry: Professional ethics for pastoral ministers. New York: Paulist Press, 2010.
  • Milco, M. Ethical Dilemmas in Church leadership: Case studies in Biblical Decision making. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 1997.
  • Miller-McLemore, B. The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Practical Theology. London: Wiley-Blackwell, 2012.
  • Shawchuck, N., & R. Heuser, Leading the Congregation: Caring for yourself while serving the people. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1993.
  • Thompson, J., S. Pattison & R. Thomson. SCM Study Guide to Theological Reflection. London: SCM Press, 2008.
  • Trull, J., & Carter, J. Ministerial Ethics: Moral Formation for Church Leaders, (2nd. Ed.) Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2004.
  • Whipp, M. SCM Study Guide to Pastoral Theology. London: SCM Press, 2013.
  • Wicks, R. The Resilient Clinician. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Reflection

Three 650 word Theological Reflection paper

 1950 25.0
Case Study

One 3000 word Case Study

3000 35.0
Essay

3000 word Essay

3000 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 22 Sep, 2023

Unit record last updated: 2023-09-22 17:09:35 +1000