Practical Skills for Ministry (DP1018L)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

Content

The unit equips students with essential practical skills that enable them to more efficiently carry out the daily tasks of their ministry context. Topics covered include: self-care practices; time management; setting goals; project planning; effective team ministry; and conflict resolution.

Unit code: DP1018L

Unit status: Approved (Assessment revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Integrate selected practical skills and/or resources into their ministry context(s)
2.

Discuss strategies for effective team ministry
3.

Reflect on how selected strategies impact on ministry practice

Pedagogy

This unit is underpinned by teaching practices and strategies (e.g. engagement with online learning materials, audio/video, tasks, forums, and asynchronous discussion) which encourage student engagement and participation in a variety of learning tasks and opportunities which foster deep learning.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Briggs, J. R. Fail: Finding Hope and Grace in the Midst of Ministry Failure. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2014.
  • Brown, Brene, Dare to Lead: Brave Work, Tough Conversations, Whole Hearts. London, England: Vermillion, 2018.
  • Covey, Stephen, R. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1989.
  • Lehr, J. Fred. Clergy Burnout: Recovering from the 70-Hour Work Week … and Other Self-Defeating Practices. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2006.
  • Malphurs, Aubrey. Developing Emotionally Mature Leaders: How Emotional Intelligence Can Help Transform your Ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2018.
  • McGeorge, Donna. The First 2 Hours: Make Better Use of Your Most valuable Time. Milton, Australia: John Wiley & Sons, 2019.
  • Melander, Rochelle, and Harold Eppley. The Spiritual Leader’s Guide to Self-Care. Bethesda, MD: Alban Institute, 2002.
  • Nieuwhof, Carey. At Your Best: How to Get Time, Energy, and Priorities Working in Your Favor. Colorado Springs: Waterbrook, 2021.
  • Osborne, Larry. Sticky Teams: Keeping Your Leadership Team and Staff on the Same Page. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010.
  • Sande, Ken. The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2004.
  • Wright, Alan N. Spiritual Dimensions of Team. Saint Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2010.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Portfolio 4000 100.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Naomi Wolfe on 20 Aug, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-08-20 02:52:19 +1000