P7101 Introduction to Pastoral Theology and Ministry

Unit code P7101

Unit name Introduction to Pastoral Theology and Ministry

Unit weighting 9 cp

Prerequisites N/A

Exclusions P5101 Introduction to Pastoral Ministry and Practice

Curriculum objective This course unit is an introduction to practical theology for ministry. It provides a grounding in the biblical and theological foundations of ministry and addresses a number of aspects of ministry which are common to practitioners.

Learning outcomes At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of key issues relating to the practice of pastoral care
2. Display a sound understanding of the role of the human sciences in pastoral theology and ministry
3. Analyse insights derived from biblical and theological foundations and their connection to the practice of ministry
4. Demonstrate the process of reflection in the practice of ministry
5. Develop and apply effective skills for pastoral ministry

Content

1. The theological, epistemological and biblical foundations of pastoral theology
2. Aspects of church pastoral and caring ministry 
3. Human science perspectives on contemporary pastoral issues
4. Basic listening skills
5. Developing reflective practice in pastoral ministry
6. Methods of ministry and the place of ordination / leadership

Assessment profile In this unit, the required assessment tasks will enable students to demonstrate how successfully they can:

1. Critically analyse biblical and theological foundations for pastoral care and the relevant role of the human sciences. (Outcomes 1, 2)
2. Demonstrate familiarity with pastoral skills. (Outcomes 1, 3, 5)
3. Demonstrate the ability to reflect in the context of pastoral ministry. (Outcomes 1, 3, 4)