Content

In this unit students engage in theological, confessional and empirical reflection on the nature of the pastoral ministry especially as it is understood in the Lutheran Church of Australia today. Students will focus on the pastoral ministry involved at key times of people’s lives such as birth, marriage and death, and studies in selected Lutheran Church of Australia’s Rites (for example, baptism, marriage, funeral).

Unit code: DP9003L

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Communicate a coherent, theologically based explanation of the practice of LCA pastoral ministry in terms of servanthood and leadership

2.

Interpret and clarify how a Lutheran sacramental theology informs pastoral practice at key times in people’s lives

3.

Analyse and explain the appropriate use of the Lutheran Church of Australia’s Church Rites in congregational, school and aged care ministry

4.

Demonstrate an informed capacity to engage in the processes of theological reflection on the pastoral role in the church.

Unit sequence

Course relationship: A level 9 unit in postgraduate theology and ministry courses

Prerequisites: At least 24 points in the discipline of Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies (DP)

Pedagogy

This unit is underpinned by teaching practices and strategies (e.g. lectures, reading and reporting and class discussion) which encourage student engagement and participation in a variety of learning tasks and opportunities which foster deep learning.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. 1985. Spiritual care. Translated by Jay C. Rochelle. Philadelphia, PA: Fortress Press.
  • Chemnitz, Martin. 1981. Ministry, word and sacraments: an enchiridion. Translated by Luther Poellot. St Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.
  • Gehrke, Jason, and Jennifer H. Maxfield, eds. Pastoral theology in the light of the Lutheran Confessions: papers presented at the Congress on the Lutheran Confessions, Bloomington, Minnesota March 25-27, 2008. St Louis, MO: Luther Academy, 2012.
  • Gregory I, Pope. 2007. The book of pastoral rule: St Gregory the Great. Translated by G.E. Demacopolous. New York: St Vladimir’s Seminary Press.
  • Lutheran Church of Australia. Commission on Worship. 1998. Rites and resources for pastoral care. Edited by David A. Schubert. Adelaide, SA: Openbook Publishers.
  • McClintock, Karen A. 2004. Preventing sexual abuse in congregations: a resource for leaders. Herndon, VA: Alban Institute.
  • Neff, Blake J. 2006. A pastor’s guide to interpersonal communication: the other six days. New York, NY: Haworth.
  • Peterson, Eugene H. 2011. The pastor: a memoir. New York, NY: Harper Collins.
  • Senkbeil, Harold L. The care of souls: cultivating a pastor’s heart. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2019.
  • Warneck, Richard. Pastoral ministry: theology and practice. St Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2018.
  • Wengert, Timothy J. 2009. The pastoral Luther: essays on Martin Luther’s practical theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Book Review

A critical review of a pastoral theology text

2000 25.0
Report

A report that provides an evaluation of a text or resource in a specific area of pastoral ministry

2000 25.0
Essay

Essay on a topic which demonstrates insights and implications for pastoral ministry and congregational life

4000 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 22 Sep, 2021

Unit record last updated: 2021-09-22 15:56:01 +1000