Details for Foundations of Pastoral Ministry
In this introductory unit, students will explore a broad variety of topics that form the very basis of pastoral ministry. Primarily, students will consider contemporary pastoral models that connect academic reflection with the real world. Topics discussed will range from defining ministry, calling and ordination to conflict resolution, and being effective in caring for others. Students will also be provided with ample opportunity to engage creatively with these topics to make connections with their own contexts.
Quick Info
- Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
- Course code: MIN101
- Credit points: 10
The unit Foundations of Pastoral Ministry is part of the subject area Ministry and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Bachelor of Applied Theology (Korean) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)), Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).
Unit Content
Curriculum Objective
This unit is an introduction to the practice of ministry. It is also an opportunity to overview the biblical and theological foundations of ministry. Common aspects of ministry will be considered.
Subject Content
- The theological and biblical foundations of pastoral care
- Aspects of church ministry: Church structures caring ministry etc
- Gifts and ministry
- Basic listening skills
- Theological reflection on common pastoral issues
- Methods of ministry and the place of ordination / leadership
This course may be offered in the following formats
Lectures small group discussion and exercises
Assessment Methods
Major Essay (50%, 2000 words); Forum Postings (20%, 2000 words); Devotional Reflection (30%, 1250 words)
Prescribed Text
No Textbook.
Recommended readings:
- David G. Benner, Strategic Pastoral Counseling: A Short-Term Structural Model,Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003.
- Charles V. Gerkin, An Introduction to Pastoral Care, Nashville: Abingdon, 1997.
- John Patton, Pastoral Care: An Essential Guide, Nashville: Abingdon, 2005.
- Alfred Poirer, The Peacemaking Pastor: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Church Conflict, Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2006.
Representative References
- Brister, C.W. Pastoral care in the Church. San Francisco, Calif. HarperSanFrancisco, 1992.
- Bushfield, D. and J. Things They Never Taught You in Seminary. Scottdale, Pa., Herald Press,
- 1994.
- Collins, G. How to be a People Helper. Wheaton, Ill., Tyndale House Pub., 1995.
- Egan, G. The Skilled Helper: A Model for Systematic Helping and Interpersonal Relating. Pacific Grove, CA : Brooks/Cole Pub. Co., 7th ed. 2002.
- Herald, I. The Ultimate Betrayal. Berea Ministries, Sydney, NSW, 1993.
- Larson, B Anderson, P Self, D. Mastering Pastoral Care. Portland, Or., Multnomah, 1990.
- Lynch, P. The Church’s Story, Strathfield, NSW: St Paul’s Publications, 2005
- Richards, L.O. and Martin, G. A Theology of Personal Ministry. Grand Rapids, MI.: Zondervan Publishing, 1981.
- Wagner, C. Peter. and Woodward, V (eds.). Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow. Ventura, Calif., Regal Books, 2005
- Woodward, J. and Pattison, S (eds.). The Blackwell Reader in Pastoral & Practical Theology, Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishers Ltd, 2000