Content

This unit invites an engagement with the practical aspects of day-to-day ministry. Particular attention will be given to contemporary practices involved in leading congregations and community/parachurch organisations, including: communication skills; leading teams; identifying and encouraging gifts; intergenerational and intercultural ministry; strategic planning/time management; self- care.

Effective ministry practice will be developed within a framework of critical theological reflection enabling ministry leaders to build intentional processes for sustainable, accountable and fruitful leadership.

Unit code: DP9046W

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.

Critically evaluate principles of practical leadership

2.

Demonstrate effective communication skills across a range of ministry contexts

3.

Assess the relevance of theological and pastoral practices of team leadership for engagement with inter-generational and intercultural groups

4.

Apply Biblical foundations of congregational discernment

5.

Formulate a personal strategic plan for effective time management and self-care

Pedagogy

Lectures, workshops, small group discussion, student presentations, peer feedback

Indicative Bibliography

  • Anderson, Ray S. The Shape of Practical Theology. Illinois: IVP Academic, 2001.
  • Burns, Bob, Tasha Chapman & David Guthrie. Resilient Ministry: What Pastors Told Us About Surviving and Thriving. Downers Grove: IVP, 2003.
  • Kim, Eunjoo Mary. Preaching in an Age of Globalization. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010.
  • Martoia, Ron. Transforming Architecture: Reshaping Our Lives As Narrative. Michigan: Zondervan, 2008.
  • Osmer, Richard R. Practical Theology: An Introduction. Michigan: William B Eerdmans, 2008.
  • Pembroke, N. Pastoral Care in Worship: Liturgy and Psychology in Dialogue. London: T & T Clark, 2010.
  • Pratt, Andrew. Practical Skills for Ministry. London: SCM Press, 2010.
  • Shawchuck, N., & R. Heuser. Leading the Congregation: Caring for yourself while serving the people. Nashville: Abingdon, 1993.
  • Taylor, Steve. Built For Change: A Practical Theology Of Innovation And Collaboration In Leadership. Unley, SA: Mediacom, 2016.
  • Willimon, H. William. Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2016.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Oral Presentation - 3x 500 word Oral speeches/presentations 1500 30.0
Report - Strategic Plan 1000 10.0
Documented Interview - Documented Interview 2500 30.0
Critical Review - Critical Review 2000 30.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 9 Oct, 2020

Unit record last updated: 2020-10-09 17:57:51 +1100