AC

Alphacrucis College

Details for Foundations of Pastoral Theology

This unit discusses the theological issues involved in pastoral ministry and presupposes a degree of practical experience and theoretical knowledge.  

Quick Info

  • Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
  • Course code: MIN401
  • Credit points: 10

The unit Foundations of Pastoral Theology is part of the subject area Ministry and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Master of Arts (Christian Studies) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

 

At the successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of pastoral theology;
  2. display evidence of expertise in one sector of research on pastoral care, counselling, or conflict resolution by composing an annotated bibliography;
  3. analyse the relevance of Christian pastoral theology to contemporary popular Australian culture and the arts by writing a reflection paper on a current movie;
  4. formulate strategies for effective pastoral care by analysing how one’s life experience affects one’s response to care-giving situations, by reflecting on the required reading, and by receiving feedback from other students by means of the Moodle forums and small group interaction;
  5. replicate cooperative learning strategies in practical ministry settings by means of training in small group co-teaching activities during residency sessions;
  6. provide peer evaluation and feedback to the work of other students in a constructive, fair, tactful, and thoughtful manner by means of role playing and simulation activities in triad groups;
  7. be open to personal growth and scholarly development through peer evaluation; and
    8. attest to a growing commitment to the pastoral ministry of the church. 

Subject Content

  1. The Dangerous Opportunity of Practice: Defining Pastoral Theology
  2. Theoretical and practical aspects of pastoral theology.
  3. Major currents of academic research on pastoral care, counselling, and conflict resolution.
  4. Student participation in cooperative learning in a small group setting.
  5. Facilitation of experiential learning through role playing, simulations, and socio-drama;
    6. Understanding of the relevance of Christian pastoral theology to contemporary media. 

Assessment Methods

Forum reflections, reflection essay, annotated bibliography, learning triads, exam.

Prescribed Text

Representative References

MacArthur and Master’s Seminary Faculty,  Pastoral Ministry:  How to Shepherd Biblically.  Nashville TN:  Thomas Nelson, 2005.

Milton, M. “‘So What Are You Doing Here?’ The Role of the Minister of the Gospel in Hospital Visitation, or a Theological Cure for the Crisis of Evangelical Pastoral Care.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 46, no. 3 (2003): 449-463.

Nelson, H. “The Near Death Experience: Observations and Reflections from a Retired Chaplain.” Journal of Pastoral Care 54, no. 2 (2000): 159-166.

Peachey, K. “Expanding Our Practice: Integrating Body, Mind, and Spirit in Spiritual Care. Chaplaincy Today 15, no. 2 (1999): 2-66.

Purves, A. Pastoral Theology in the Classical Tradition. Westminster: John Knox Press, 2001.

Purves, A. Reconstructing Pastoral Theology.  Westminster: John Knox Press, 2004.

Robinson, A. “Vicious Cycles: The Anxious Congregation.” Christian Century 121, no. 22 (2004): 8-9.

VandeCreek, L. “Spiritual Care for Persons with Dementia: Fundamentals for Pastoral Practice.” Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy 8, nos. 1-2 (1999): 1-120, 139-148.

Van Loon, A. “The Challenges and Opportunities of Faith Community Nursing in an Ageing Society.” Journal of Religious Gerontology 12, nos. 3-4 (2001): 167-180.

Walker, E.  “Managing Conflicts in African American Congregations.” In Conflict Management in Congregations (Bethesda: The Alban Institute, 2001), 133-140.

Willows, D. and Swinton, J. (eds). Spiritual Dimensions of Pastoral Care: Practical Theology in a Multidisciplinary Context. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2000.

Woodward, J., and Pattison, S (eds.). The Blackwell Reader in Pastoral & Practical Theology. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers, 2000.