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 and leading public worship, including church rites, within the environment of a ministry placement for a minimum of 96 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. The student will reflect theologically and pastorally on the ministry of pubic worship and consider how the church'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.

Unit code: DP9035L

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 and lead public worship suitable for the denominational tradition and contemporary context

2.

Critically reflect, theologically and pastorally, on the responsibilities associated with leading public worship and enacting church rites

3.

Integrate Child Safeguarding and Professional Ministry Standards as they apply in the context of preparing and leading worship and enacting church rites

4.

Assess their ministry disposition and skills relating to leading worship and enacting church rites

5.

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

Unit sequence

This unit cannot be undertaken by a student as a sole first unit of study. DP9035L and DP9022L 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

  • Bradshaw, Paul F. Early Christian worship: a basic introduction to ideas and practice. 2nd ed. London: SPCK, 2010.
  • Day, Juliette, and Benjamin Gordon-Taylor, eds. The study of liturgy and worship: an Alcuin guide. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2013.
  • Heywood, David. ingdom Learning: Experiential and Reflective Approaches to Christian Formation. London, UK: SCM Press, 2017.
  • Just, A.A. Heaven on earth: the gifts of Christ in the divine service. St Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2008.
  • Kincaid, William B. How theological field education shapes pastoral identity. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2012.
  • Lutheran Church of Australia. Lutheran hymnal with supplement. Adelaide, SA: Lutheran Publishing House, 1989.
  • Lutheran Church of Australia. Commission on Worship. Church rites. Edited by David A. Schubert. Adelaide, SA: Openbook Publishers, 1994.
  • ————. LCA worship planning page, 2020. Accessed 13 August 2020. https://www.lca.org.au/worship/wpp/
  • Precht, Fred, ed. Lutheran worship: history and practice. St Louis, MO: Concordia, 1993.
  • Senn, Frank C. Introduction to Christian liturgy. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2012.
  • Warneck, Richard H. Pastoral ministry: theology and practice. St Louis, MO: Concordia, 2018.
  • Weedon, William. Celebrating the saints: the feasts, festivals, and commemorations of Lutheran service book. St Louis, MO: Concordia, 2016.

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 leading public worship and church rites

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 29 Aug, 2025

Unit record last updated: 2025-08-29 11:32:25 +1000