Content

Supervised Theological Field Education (STFE) is an intentional learning process undertaken though a supervised placement in a ministry setting . It includes engaging with relevant theory, practical ministry experience, theological reflection, and supervision. This STFE unit focuses on developing the skills of preparing, writing and preaching the sermon within the environment of a ministry placement for a minimum of 96 hours. The student will reflect theologically and pastorally on the ministry of the Word. They will practise exegetical skills by working with lectionary readings in preparing sermons, gain and implement feedback before and after preaching, and consider the church's safeguarding and professional ministry standards in the context of preaching. They will meet regularly with their workplace supervisor and the College's STFE Coordinator or delegate. The assessment will include both practical and reflective components.

Unit code: DP9034L

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Prepare, write and preach sermons which appropriately reflect text and context.

2.

Critically reflect, theologically and pastorally, on the ministry of the Word

3.

Integrate Child Safeguarding and Professional Ministry Standards as they apply in the context of preparing, writing and preaching the sermon

4.

Assess their ministry disposition and skills in relation to the task of preparing, writing and preaching sermons

5.

Critically evaluate the contribution of the field placement to spiritual formation and personal development, and readiness for vocation

Unit sequence

This unit cannot be undertaken by a student as a sole first unit of study or by one who does not have formal permission of the ALC Principal or a District Bishop to preach. DP9034L and DP9021L is a precluded combination. 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 LCA or the placement organisation must have been completed.

Pedagogy

The fieldwork experience is informed by relevant professional development, Workplace Director observation, pastoral supervision and/or mentoring, and student reflective integrative responses.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Brueggemann, Walter. Finally Comes the Poet: Daring Speech for Proclamation. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 1989.
  • Childers, Jana (ed.). Birthing the Sermon: Women Preachers on the Creative Process. St Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2001.
  • Giver-Johnston, Donna. Writing for the Ear, Preaching from the Heart. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2021.
  • Hannan, Shauna K. The Peoples' Sermon: Preaching as a Ministry of the Whole Congregation. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2022.
  • Hogan, Lucy Lind. Graceful Speech. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2009
  • Lewis, Karoline M. A Lay Preacher’s Guide : How to Craft a Faithful Sermon. Working Preacher, vol. 4. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2020.
  • Lischer, Richard. The End of Words: The Language of Reconciliation in a Culture of Violence. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2005.
  • Pless, John T. Handling the Word of Truth: Law and Gospel in the Church Today. St Louis, MO: Concordia, 2004.
  • Thompson, Lisa L. Preaching the Headlines: Possibilities and Pitfalls. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2021.
  • Troeger, Thomas H., and H. Edward Everding, Jr. So that all Might Know: Preaching that Engages the Whole Congregation. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2008.
  • Wilson, Paul Scott. Four Pages of the Sermon: A Guide to Biblical Preaching. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2018.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Portfolio

A series of written and oral tasks due progressively through the semester which explicitly address the learning outcomes.

1500 30.0
Skill Demonstration

Evidence of preparation, delivery, feedback and reflection on preaching

4000 70.0
Workplace evaluation

The evaluation will include a record of the placement hours and feedback from the Workplace Director, pastoral supervisor and STFE Coordinator.

0 NGP
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 19 Sep, 2025

Unit record last updated: 2025-09-19 14:59:40 +1000