Supervised Theological Field Education (STFE) is an intentional learning process undertaken though a supervised placement in a ministry setting . It includes engaging with relevant theory, practical ministry experience, theological reflection, and supervision. This STFE unit focuses on developing the skills of preparing, writing and preaching the sermon within the environment of a ministry placement for a minimum of 96 hours. The student is supported by a minimum of 6 hours of pastoral supervision and 18 hours of class time and/or other forms of formal theological reflection. The student will reflect theologically and pastorally on the ministry of the Word. They will practise exegetical skills by working with lectionary readings in preparing sermons, gain and implement feedback before and after preaching, and consider the church's safeguarding and professional ministry standards in the context of preaching. They will meet regularly with their workplace supervisor and the College's STFE Coordinator or delegate. Assessment will include both practical and reflective components.
Unit code: DP3021L
Unit status: Approved (Major revision)
Points: 18.0
Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3
Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies
Delivery Mode: Practicum
Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | Prepare, write and preach sermons which appropriately reflect text and context |
| 2. | Reflect, theologically and pastorally, and with self-awareness, on the ministry of the Word |
| 3. | Integrate Child Safeguarding and Professional Ministry Standards within the context of writing and preaching the sermon |
| 4. | Evaluate the contribution of the field placement to spiritual formation, personal development, and readiness for vocation |
This unit cannot be undertaken by a student as a sole first unit of study. If the placement is taking place in a Lutheran context, students must have formal permission of the ALC Principal or a District Bishop to preach. Prior to commencement of the placement, a learning module on the University code of conduct; safeguarding processes, including children and vulnerable persons, and any additional professional standards obligations required by the LCA or the placement organisation must have been completed. Enrolment in an STFE unit must be preceded by an interview with the college STFE Coordinator.
The fieldwork experience is informed by relevant professional development, Workplace Director observation, pastoral supervision and/or mentoring, and student reflective integrative responses.
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | A series of written and oral tasks due progressively through the semester which explicitly address the learning outcomes. |
1500 | 30.0 |
| Skill Demonstration | Evidence of preparation, delivery, feedback and reflection on preaching |
3500 | 70.0 |
| Workplace evaluation | The evaluation will include a record of the placement hours and feedback from the Workplace Director, pastoral supervisor and STFE Coordinator. |
0 | NGP |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 19 Sep, 2025
Unit record last updated: 2025-09-19 14:59:52 +1000