Pastoral Ethics in the BUV (DP9014W)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit invites a critical examination of the ethical responsibilities of congregational leadership in relation to the Baptist Union of Victoria’s Code of Ethics for Pastoral Leaders & Companion Guide. Particular attention will be given to contemporary theory and practice concerning issues encountered in ministry, such as boundaries, leadership and power, ethical practice, self-care, conflict and change management. Students will develop skills of theological reflection in order to negotiate ongoing ethical ministry and leadership practice.

Unit code: DP9014W

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: Whitley College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Critically evaluate concepts such as boundaries, leadership and power, ethical practice, self-care, conflict and change management
2.

Demonstrate theological and pastoral insight into the principles behind the Baptist Union of Victoria’s Code of Ethics for Pastoral Leaders & Companion Guide
3.

Outline the factors contributing to the establishment of pastoral identity and leadership responsibility
4.

Analyse some ways ministry practice is informed and resourced by theological, biblical, pastoral and spiritual formation processes
5.

Articulate a theology of church leadership that integrates the elements of personhood, vocation and ethical leadership

Unit sequence

24 points in Field D; PS8001Z Foundations of Professional Supervision; or equivalent

Pedagogy

This unit is delivered within the learning community of the BUV’s ordination program and so, while there is some lecture content, much of the class is directed by student experience and inquiry. There will be a mix of face-to-face and asynchronous content.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bretherton, Luke. A Primer in Christian Ethics: Christ and the Struggle to Live Well. Cambridge University Press, 2023.
  • De La Torre, Miguel A. Doing Christian Ethics from the Margins. 3rd edition. Orbis Books, 2023.
  • Gardner, Fiona. Critical Spirituality: A Holistic Approach to Contemporary Practice. Routledge, 2016.
  • Goodliff, Paul. Shaped for Service: Ministerial Formation and Virtue Ethics. Lutterworth Press, 2017.
  • Kao, Grace Y., and Ilsup Ahn, eds. Asian American Christian Ethics: Voices, Methods, Issues. Baylor University Press, 2015.
  • Lee, Hak Joon. Christian Ethics: A New Covenant Model. William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2021.
  • Long, Susan, ed. Transforming Experience in Organisations: A Framework for Organisational Research and Consultancy. Routledge, 2018.
  • Miller-McLemore, Bonnie J., ed. The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Practical Theology. Wiley-Blackwell, 2012.
  • Peñamora, Aldrin M., and Bernard K. Wong, eds. Asian Christian Ethics: Evangelical Perspectives. Langham Global Library, 2022.
  • Reuschling, Wyndy Corbin. Reviving Evangelical Ethics: The Promises and Pitfalls of Classic Models of Morality. Brazos Press, 2008.
  • Toyama, Nikki A., and Tracey Gee, eds. More Than Serving Tea: Asian American Women on Expectations, Relationships, Leadership and Faith. InterVarsity Press, 2006.
  • Wheeler, Sondra. The Minister as Moral Theologian: Ethical Dimensions of Pastoral Leadership. Baker Academic, 2017.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Critical Review

3x 650 word Reading Review

 1950 20.0
Case Study 3000 40.0
Essay 3000 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 2 May, 2025

Unit record last updated: 2025-05-02 15:29:26 +1000