Supervised Theological Field Education 1 (DP9032L)

Content

This STFE unit assists students to engage in the process of reflective practice within the environment of a ministry placement for a minimum of 150 hours. The student is supported by a minimum of 6 hours of pastoral supervision and 18 hours of class time and/or other forms of formal theological reflection. These may include but are not limited to mentoring, peer group review, case studies, workplace guidance and personal writing. Student will set and evaluate their progress towards suitable goals for the placement and reflect theologically and pastorally on the placement and how it has contributed to their personal growth. They will consider how the church or placement organisation's safeguarding and professional ministry standards are enacted in this context. They will meet regularly with their workplace supervisor and the College's STFE Coordinator or delegate. Assessment will include both practical and reflective components.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

This unit cannot be undertaken by a student as a sole first unit of study. DP9032L and DP9036L is a precluded combination of units. Prior to commencement of placement, a learning module on the University code of conduct; safeguarding processes, including children and vulnerable persons, and any additional professional standards obligations required by the relevant church or the placement organisation must have been completed. Enrolment in an STFE unit must be preceded by an interview with the college STFE Coordinator.

Pedagogy

This STFE learning is informed by relevant professional development, Workplace Director observation, pastoral supervision and/or mentoring, and student reflective integrative responses.

Indicative Bibliography

• Bass, Dorothy C., and Craig Dykstra, eds. For life abundant: practical theology, theological education and Christian ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm B Eerdmans, 2008.
• Campbell-Reed, Eileen R. Pastoral Imagination: Bringing the Practice of Ministry to Life. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2021.
• Floding, Matthew ed. Welcome to theological field education! Herndon, VA: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2011.
• Graham, Elaine, Walton, Heather & Ward, Frances. Theological Reflection: Methods. London, UK: SCM Press, 2005.
• Heywood, David. Kingdom Learning: Experiential and Reflective Approaches to Christian Formation. London, UK: SCM Press, 2017.
• Killen, Patricia & de Beer, John. The Art of Theological Reflection. New York, NY: Crossroad Publishing, 1994.
• Kincaid, William B. How theological field education shapes pastoral identity. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2012.
• Trist, Richard. Ministry in Context: A Guide to Theological Education and Ministry Internships in Australia and New Zealand. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2023.
• Walton, Heather. Writing Methods in Theological Reflection. London. UK: SCM Press, 2014.

Assessment