P8101 Introduction to Pastoral and Practical Theology

Unit code P8101

Unit name Introduction to Pastoral and Practical Theology

Unit weighting 9 cp

Prerequisites N/A

Exclusions P7101 Introduction to Pastoral Theology and Ministry

Curriculum objective This graduate course unit provides a foundation in pastoral and practical theology for ministry. It serves to introduce students to the biblical and theological basis for ministry and prepare them for further study in ministry applications.

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

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the contemporary complex issues relating to the practice of pastoral care
2. Present a critical evaluation of the role of the human sciences in pastoral theology and ministry
3. Critically apply insights of biblical and theological scholarship to the practice of ministry
4. Demonstrate mastery of complex theological reflection in the practice of ministry
5. Use knowledge and skills to independently analyse professional ministry practice within a leadership context

Content

1. The theological, epistemological and biblical foundations of pastoral theology
2. Aspects of church ministry: Church structures and caring ministry
3. Key methodologies: Human sciences
4. Developing basic listening skills
5. Theological reflection on contemporary pastoral issues
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. Explain contemporary issues relating to the practice of pastoral care and the role that the human sciences play in pastoral care. (Outcomes 1, 2)
2. Critically apply pastoral skills within a pastoral care context. (Outcomes 1, 3)
3. Analyse and reflect on the practice of ministry within a leadership context. (Outcomes 4, 5)