Content

This unit theologically and pastorally considers the practice of ministry within the house-hold & communal context. The unit will consider the various family frameworks and social trends in Australia today. Drawing on recent theological and sociological literature, participants will consider social and spiritual aspects of the life-cycle, particularly children, adolescence, marriage and singleness. Concepts of wellbeing, happiness and shalom will be considered alongside challenges to family wellbeing, with practical and reflective responses developed.

Unit code: DP9037W

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

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.

Articulate a theology of ‘wellbeing’ which demonstrates a strategy for pastoral practice within a diverse consideration of family styles.

2.

Describe critical aspects of childhood and youth in Australia, demonstrating a pastoral strategy for supporting healthy growth.

3.

Develop a theologically informed pastoral approach for care and support of people throughout the life-cycle.

4.

Identify and develop ministry tools sensitive to various aspects of family systems that encourage well-being in the home.

5.

Develop a pastoral theology and informed response for responding to family dysfunction, including developing supports for the well-being of individuals and family systems.

Unit sequence

This unit is an elective Pastoral Theology unit, building on the skills introduced in DA8001 and DP8001

Pedagogy

This unit encourages students to engage with theoretical materials applying their theological understanding to lived experience. They are prompted to reflect weekly upon their readings, and to develop a link between a case-study example and their theological frameworks. Through content delivery, theological reflection methods, case studies, practice exercises and assessment tools, learning opportunities will be offered.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Austrian S. G. ed. Developmental Theories Through the Life Cycle. New York: Columbia University Press, 2008.
  • Cooper-White, P. Shared Wisdom: Use of the Self in Pastoral Care and Counseling. Minneapolis; Fortress, 2004.
  • Dayringer, R. Life Cycle: Psychological and Theological Perceptions. New York: Haworth Pastoral Press, 2000.
  • Franklin C. & R. Fong. A Church Leaders Counselling Resource Book. New York: Oxford University Press, 2011
  • Mason, M. The Spirit of Generation Y: Young People’s Spirituality in a Changing Australia*. Melbourne: John Garrett Publishing, 2007.
  • Patton, J. Pastoral Care: An Essential Guide. Nashville: Abingdon, 2005.
  • Purnell, D. Conversation as Ministry: Stories and Strategies for Confident Caregiving. Cleveland: Pilgrim, 2003.
  • Rose, J. Psychology for Pastoral Contexts. London: SCM, 2013.
  • Webb, L. Crisis Counselling in the Congregation. Nashville: Abingdon, 2011.
  • Whipp, M. Pastoral Theology. London: SCM, 2013.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper

Tutorial Paper (2000 words)

2000 25.0
Essay

Essay (3,500 words)

3500 50.0
Portfolio

Portfolio (2000 words)

2000 25.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 31 Dec, 2018

Unit record last updated: 2019-06-21 15:09:22 +1000