Theology and Practice of Pastoral Care (DP2500T)

Content

This unit explores relationships between theology, pastoral practice, and context. It aims to help students develop a reflective capacity in pastoral ministry that is grounded in the Christian tradition, and in particular Christian theology of the human person. Consideration will be given to such matters as: the distinctiveness of ‘pastoral’ care; the roles of prayer, scripture and Christian spirituality in pastoral care; attention to the socio-economic and cultural setting of pastoral care; and differences between various traditions of pastoral theology. Scope will be given for students to explore a range of contextual issues and questions in pastoral ministry.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

1 x Level 1 unit in Field D

Pedagogy

lectures, discussions, student presentations.

Indicative Bibliography

Allain-Chapman, J. Resilient Pastors: The Role of Adversity in Healing and Growth. London: SPCK, 2012. Burns, S. Pastoral Theology for Public Ministry. New York, NY: Church Publishing, 2015. Doehring, C. The Practice of Pastoral Care: A Postmodern Approach. Louisville, TN: WJKP, 2006.

• Dykstra, R., ed. Images of Pastoral Care: Classic Readings. St Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2004. Graham, E. Words Made Flesh: Essays in Pastoral and Practical Theology. London: SCM Press, 2009. Gula, R.M. Just Ministry: Professional Ethics for Pastoral Ministers. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2006. Kujawa-Holbrook, S. and K. Montagno, eds. Injustice and the Care of Souls: Taking Oppression Seriously in Pastoral Care. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2010.
• Lartey, E.Y. Pastoral Theology in an Intercultural World. Peterborough: Epworth Press, 2006. McGarrah Sharp, M. Misunderstanding Stories: Toward a Postcolonial Pastoral Theology. Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 2013. Ramsey, N., ed. Pastoral Care and Counseling: Redefining the Paradigms. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2005. Pattison, S. The Challenge of Practical Theology. London: Jessica Kingsley, 2007.

Assessment