Ministry Placement: Pastoral Care and Visitation (DP3024L)

Content

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 and leading public worship, including church rites, 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 pastoral visitation, pastoral care and counselling and consider how the church's safeguarding and professional ministry standards are enacted in this context. They will meet regularly with their workplace supervisor and the College's STFE Coordinator or delegate. Assessment will include both practical and reflective components.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

This unit cannot be undertaken by a student as a sole first unit of study. Prior to commencement of 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.

Pedagogy

This STFE learning is informed by relevant professional development, Workplace Director observation, pastoral supervision and/or mentoring, and student reflective integrative responses.

Indicative Bibliography

• Becker, Arthur. The compassionate visitor: resources for ministering to people who are ill. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg, 1985.
• Doka, K. Living with grief: before and after the death. Washington: Hospice Foundation, 2011
• Heywood, David. Kingdom Learning: Experiential and Reflective Approaches to Christian Formation. London, UK: SCM Press, 2017.
• Kincaid, William B. How theological field education shapes pastoral identity. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2012.
• Lutheran Church of Australia. Commission on Worship. Rites and resources for pastoral care. Edited by David A. Schubert. Adelaide, SA: Openbook, 1998.
• Luther, Martin. 'Luther: letters of spiritual counsel.' Vol. 18 of The Library of Christian Classics. Edited and Translated by Theodore G Tappert, London: SCM, 1955.
• Nelson-Jones, Richard. Basic counselling skills: a helper’s manual. 3rd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2011.
• Oden, Thomas C. Classical pastoral care. Vol. 1–4. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1987-1994.
• Peterson, Eugene H. The pastor: a memoir. New York: Harper Collins. 2011.
• Savage, John. Listening and caring skills: a guide for groups and leaders. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1996.
• Wright, Norman. Recovering from the Losses of Life Grand Rapids: Morgan & Scott, 2006

Assessment