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.

Theology and Skills of Pastoral Care

Unit Code: 
ODP350
RTI: 
United Faculty of Theology
Unit Value: 
15 points

This unit explores the theological nature of pastoral care and the relationship between theology and pastoral skills as well as providing an insight into recent trends in the nature and practice of pastoral care. It aims to help students develop a reflective basis for their own pastoral practice which is grounded in Christian theology and Biblical studies. Consideration will be given to some of the challenging questions raised in situations of crisis, and to the appropriate use of prayer and Scripture in pastoral situations. Scope will be given for students to explore a range of contemporary issues and questions in pastoral ministry and to offer a way of dealing with these issues and questions which integrates sound theology and helpful practice.

Learning Outcomes: 

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

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of recent trends and directions in pastoral care
  2. Articulate and critique the integrative connections between theology and pastoral practice
  3. Illustrate the importance of a solid theological foundation to the practice of pastoral care
  4. Engage with challenging questions raised in contemporary pastoral ministry in such a way that demonstrates an integration of theology and pastoral practice
Lecturer/s: 
Randall Prior
Timetabling
Semester: 
Semester 2
Unit Frequency: 
Biennial
Years Offered: 
2011
Years Offered: 
2013
Unit Fields
Courses: 
Graduate Diploma in Theology
Courses: 
Master of Divinity
Courses: 
Master of Theological Studies
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
GradDip Field: 
Elective
MDiv Type of Study: 
Integrative
Prerequisites: 

At least 30 points of Foundational study including 15 points in Groundwork for Christian Ministry

Prohibited Combinations: 

DP350 Theology and Skills of Pastoral Care

Mode of Teaching: 
Online
Teaching Methods: 

There are six fortnightly sessions covering the theology and skills of pastoral care. Each session consists of guided reading from the set texts, additional reading resources and some notes, together with an online tutorial.

Workload
Total workload hours per week: 
0
Assessment
Assessment TypeWeightingLearning Outcomes Assessed
Assessment Type: 

Participation in each of the six online tutorials, comprising intentional, reflective and critical interaction with lecturer and peers to the equivalent of 1500 words.

Weighting: 
20%
Assessment Type: 

One project chosen in consultation with the teacher, which provides a concrete context or situation for exploring the student’s understanding of the theological foundations of pastoral practice, a critical engagement with the issues involved, and the connection between their own theology and pastoral skills. The student will produce a written report totalling 4500 words.

Weighting: 
80%
Recommended reading: 

* = set texts recommended for purchase

Clebsch, W. A. and C. R. Jaekle. Pastoral Care in Historical Perspective. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, 1964.

Evans, G. R. ed. A History of Pastoral Care. London: Cassell, 2000.

Graham, E. Transforming Practice: Pastoral Theology in an Age of Uncertainty. London: Mowbray, 1996.

Pattison, Stephen. A Critique of Pastoral Care. 3rd ed. London: SCM, 2000 

Patton, J. Pastoral Care in Context: An Introduction to Pastoral Care. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1993.

Poling, J. N. and D. E. Miller. Foundations for a Practical Theology of Ministry. Nashville: Abingdon, 1985.

Purnell, D. Conversation as Ministry. Cleveland: Pilgrim Press, 2003.

Stone, H. W. and J. O. Duke. How to Think Theologically. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1996.

Van Deusen Hunsinger, D. Theology and Pastoral Counselling: A New Interdisciplinary Approach. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995.

Van Deusen Hunsinger, D. Pray Without Ceasing: Revitalizing Pastoral Care. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2006.

* Woodward, J. and S. Pattison. The Blackwell Reader in Pastoral and Practical Theology. Oxford: Blackwell, 2000.

© United Faculty of Theology, 2008-2012.