The Body of Christ: Foundations of Pastoral and Congregational Formation (DP8041L)

Content

In this unit students will explore the theological foundations for Christian discipleship and pastoral ministry, and the role of pastors as leaders in Christian formation in a parish setting.

Students will examine different vocational understandings in light of the church’s expectations of pastors, and reflect on the servant nature of pastoral ministry in light of reading selected biblical and theological foundations for public ministry in the church. The unit explores how pastor and people work together in congregational life and aims to equip and enable students for effective catechetical leadership in the educational program of a Christian congregation.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Course relationship: A level 8 unit in postgraduate theology and ministry courses

Pedagogy

This unit requires the student to have access to online unit material and weekly seminars. Students will engage with foundational biblical and confessional understandings of pastoral ministry and Christian discipleship from a Lutheran perspective. Weekly topical content, weekly readings and reflection on selected readings provide the basis for weekly discussions. The essay and report provide the opportunity for the student to reflect on previous understandings in light of new information, and provide the groundwork for assignment three.

Indicative Bibliography

• Arand, Charles P. That I may be his own: an overview of Luther’s catechisms. St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2000.
• Engelbrecht, Edward, ed. To all eternity: the essential teachings of Christianity. St Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2004.
• Everist, Norma Cook, ed. Christian education as evangelism. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2007.
• Hebart, Friedemann, tr. Luther's large catechism. Adelaide, SA: Lutheran Publishing House, 1983.
• Lutheran Church of Australia. Commission on Worship. Church Rites. Edited by David A. Schubert. Adelaide, SA: Openbook Publishers, 1994.
• Peters, Albrecht. Commentary on Luther’s catechisms. Vol. 4, Baptism and Lord’s Supper. Translated by Thomas H. Trapp. St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2012.
• Pless, John. Praying Luther’s Small Catechism: the pattern of sound words. St Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2016.
• Radcliffe, Tim. Take the plunge: living baptism and confirmation. London: Bloomsbury, 2012.
• Senkbeil, Harold. L. The care of souls: cultivating a pastor’s heart. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2019.
• Weedon, William. Thank, praise, serve and obey: recover the joys of piety. St Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2017.

Assessment