Theology and Practice of Pastoral Care (DP9500T)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

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.

Unit code: DP9500T

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Trinity College Theological School

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Learning outcomes

1.

Demonstrate an understanding of biblical and theological foundations of pastoral care.
2.

Communicate a theology of the human person.
3.

Articulate integrative connections between pastoral practice, theology, and context.
4.

Critically evaluate various models of pastoral care in the light of pastoral practice.
5.

Evaluate a ministry with respect to its integration of theology with pastoral practice.

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. (recommended for purchase)
  • 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. (recommended for purchase)
  • 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

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Book Review

2 x book responses of 1,500 words in total

 1500 20.0
Essay

Essay of 2,250 words

 2250 40.0
Essay

Essay of 2,250 words

 2250 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 31 Dec, 2014

Unit record last updated: 2019-10-09 13:38:20 +1100