Content

This unit will critically evaluate two distinct approaches to theological reflection, namely the Pastoral Cycle and the Four Voices Model. Students will then apply these to their own practice. The unit is designed to stimulate greater student reflexivity in relation to context, tradition, Scripture, justice and power. Students will also develop skills in two specific processes which will be used throughout the unit and which will create an ongoing set of tools for theological reflection.

Unit code: DP9305B

Unit status: Archived (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Critically assess the pastoral cycle and the four voices model approaches to theological reflection.

2.

Demonstrate personal reflexivity in theological reflection with regard to context, tradition, Scripture, justice and power.

3.

Model skills in two processes that facilitate effective theological reflection, namely trios and faith-based facilitation.

4.

Critically evaluate and illustrate the relevance of the two processes to their practice.

5.

Critically apply reflection on practice by exploring issues, undertaking theological reflection and articulating processes and outcomes.

6.

Critically assess conversations between academic discourses inherent in pastoral/practical theology.

Unit sequence

48 points in Fields B or C or equivalent 24 points in Field D or equivalent

Pedagogy

Lectures, Workshops, Tutorials

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bennett, Zoe. Using the Bible in Practical Theology: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives. Farnham: Ashgate, 2013.
  • Cameron, Helen. Resourcing Mission: Practical Theology for Changing Churches. London: SCM Press, 2010.
  • Cameron, Helen, John Reader and Victoria Slater. Theological Reflection for Human Flourishing: Public Theology and Pastoral Practice. London: SCM Press, 2012.
  • Cameron, Helen. Just Mission: Practical Politics for Local Churches. London: SCM Press, 2015.
  • Dadswell, David. Consultancy Skills for Mission and Ministry: A Handbook. London: SCM Press, 2011.
  • Graham, Elaine L., Heather Walton and Francis Ward. Theological Reflection: Methods (Volume one). London: SCM-Canterbury Press, 2005.
  • Green, Laurie. Let's do Theology: Resources for Contextual Theology. London: Mowbray, 2009.
  • Maher, Anthony. (ed.) Explorations in Practical Theology: Bridging the Divide Between Faith, Theology and Life. A Forum for Theology in the World Vol 2. No 2. Adelaide: ATF, 2015.
  • Sedmak, Clemens. Doing Local Theology: A Guide for Artisans of a New Humanity. MaryKnoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2003.
  • Slater, Victoria. Chaplaincy Ministry and the Mission of the Church. London: SCM Press, 2015
  • The Salvation Army. Building Deeper Relationships: A Guide to Faith-Based Facilitation. London: International Headquarters, 2009.
  • Thompson, Judith, W. Stephen Pattison and Ross Thompson. SCM Studyguide to Theological Reflection. London: SCM Press, 2008.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

4,500 integrated theological reflection

4500 60.0
Oral Presentation

1,250 word presentation (issues based)

1250 20.0
Critical Review

1,250 critical evaluation (process based)

1250 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 20 Jul, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-05 15:52:18 +1100