Units timetabled for 2013 and 2014 are provisional only, and details of semester and time will change. The official timetable for each year is released on 1 September of the prior year.

Archived unit descriptions for 2011 are available here.

Effective Christian Leadership and Ministry

Unit Code: 
DP480
RTI: 
United Faculty of Theology
Unit Value: 
15 points

This unit explores the personal, spiritual, professional and ecclesial aspects of ordained and lay ecclesial ministry. Designed to strengthen participants’ ability to collaborate and communicate more effectively, the unit seeks to integrate the collective wisdom of the Christian tradition with personal praxis in contemporary ministry contexts. The diverse and constantly changing demands of life in our twenty-first century church and world call for a baptismal commitment that opens us to deeper and more inclusive understandings of ecclesial leadership. Students will examine the implications of understandings of baptism, vocation, and commitment for shaping Christian identity and community life, and in particular how such understandings shape effective leadership in the twenty-first century Church.

Learning Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:

  1. critique models of faith leadership for effectiveness within their particular faith community
  2. reflect critically on their exercise of team leadership as appropriate within their particular field of ministry
  3. demonstrate integration of theological and pastoral understandings of ministry in their own context
  4. analyse and communicate the effectiveness of collaboration with other ministers and coworkers in their area of ministry
Lecturer/s: 
Maryanne Confoy
Timetabling
Semester: 
Intensive
Location: 
Centre for Theology and Ministry
Unit Frequency: 
Biennial
Years Offered: 
2012
Years Offered: 
2014
Notes: 

In 2012 this unit will be taught from 9am-5pm on 15, 22, 29 Sep, 6 Oct, and from 1pm-5pm on 20 Oct.

Unit Fields
Courses: 
Master of Arts (Theology)
Courses: 
Master of Divinity
Courses: 
Master of Theological Studies
Courses: 
Postgraduate
Field: 
Field D Theology: Mission and Ministry
Disciplines: 
Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies
MDiv Field: 
Faith and Ministry Praxis
Department Name: 
Department of Moral and Practical Theology
Unit Level
MDiv Type of Study: 
Integrative
Prerequisites: 

At least 15 points each in Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology and Pastoral Theology & Ministry Studies

Corequisites: 

none

Prohibited Combinations: 

none

Mode of Teaching: 
Intensive
Teaching Methods: 

Lectures and small group work

Workload
Workload: 

4 x 8 hour classes held on 4 Saturdays plus a 4 hour integrative workshop held on a 5th Saturday

Assessment
Assessment TypeWeightingLearning Outcomes Assessed
Assessment Type: 

1 x 6,000 word essay

Weighting: 
100%
Learning Outcomes Assessed: 
1, 2, 3, 4
Recommended reading: 

* = set texts recommended for purchase

  • * Doohan, Leonard. Spiritual Leadership: The Quest for Integrity. Dublin: The Columba Press, 2005.
  • * Dorr, Donal, Spirituality of Leadership: Inspiration, Empowerment, Intuition and Discernment. Dublin: The Columba Press, 2006.
  • Fox, Zeni & Regina Bechtle, eds. Called & Chosen: Toward a Spirituality for Lay Leaders. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2005.
  • Gittins, Anthony J. Called to be Sent: Co-missioned as Disciples Today. Liguori, MO: Liguori Publications, 2008.
  • * Killen, Patricia O’Connell and John de Beer. The Art of Theological Reflection. New York: Crossroads, 1998.
  • Palmer, Parker. A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life. San Francisco: Jossey Bass, 2004.
  • Paver, John. Theological Reflection and Education for Ministry, Burlington, VT: 2006
  • Shea, John J. Finding God Again: Spirituality for Adults. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2005.
  • Wagner, Tony et al. Change Leadership: A Practical Guide to Transforming Our Schools, San Francisco: Jossey Bass, 2006.
  • Whitehead, James D., & Evelyn Eaton Whitehead. The Promise of Partnership: A Model for Collaborative Ministry. Lincoln, NE: iUniverse, 2000.
  • Whitehead, James D., & Evelyn Eaton Whitehead. Method in Ministry. New York: Seabury 1980.

© United Faculty of Theology, 2008-2012.