This unit explores the theological and practical dynamics of forming Christian communities in diverse contexts. Students will critically examine how worship, sacraments, pastoral practices, and communal narratives shape identity and mission. Emphasis will be placed on advanced reflective practice and the integration of theory and experience, enabling students to evaluate and articulate approaches to community formation in light of contemporary challenges and theological traditions.
Unit code: DA8001Z
Unit status: Approved (Major revision)
Points: 24.0
Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational
Unit discipline: Mission and Ministry
Proposing College: St Francis College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | Analyse theological perspectives on the formation of Christian communities. |
| 2. | Interpret the role of worship, sacraments, and communal practices in shaping identity and mission |
| 3. | Apply advanced reflective practices to integrate experience with theological understanding |
| 4. | Evaluate diverse approaches to community formation in light of contemporary contexts and theological traditions. |
Synchronous and asynchronous lectures and text-based tutorials
WCC, Faith and Order Paper No. 181, The Nature and Purpose of the Church. World Council of Churches: Geneva, 1989.
Osmer, Richard R. Practical Theology: An Introduction. Eerdmans, 2008.
Ward, Pete. Introducing Practical Theology: Mission, Ministry, and the Life of the Church. Baker Academic, 2017.
Thompson, Judith et al. SCM Studyguide: Theological Reflection. (2nd ed.) SCM Press, 2019.
Green, Laurie. Let’s Do Theology: Resources for Contextual Theology. Bloomsbury, 2012.
Doehring, Carrie. The Practice of Pastoral Care: A Postmodern Approach. Presbyterian Publishing Corp, 2014.
Day, Juliette J. Reading the Liturgy: An Exploration of Texts in Christian Worship. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2014.
Thompson, Steve. The Visual Preacher: Proclaiming an Embodied Word. 1517 Media, 2022.
Chapman, Mark. D., Sathianathan Clarke, Martyn Percy. The Oxford Handbook of Anglican Studies. Oxford University Press, 2015.
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 1500 | 20.0 | |
| Critical Review | 1500 | 20.0 | |
| Portfolio | Theological Reflections |
2000 | 25.0 |
| Essay | 3000 | 35.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 27 Oct, 2025
Unit record last updated: 2025-10-27 10:03:39 +1100