Module Narrative


Module Title: Pastoral Theology
Module Code: MIN602
Level: 6
Credit Points: 20 Credits
Compulsory or Optional: Optional (Practical Ministry Pathway)
Pre-requisites/co-requisites: None
Excluded combinations or modules: None
Mode of attendance: Mixed

Rationale:

This module aims to explore the scope and practice of pastoral ministry in the Christian church. It enables students to become more aware of the nature, function and challenges of pastoral ministry and leadership. It also enables students to gain a deeper appreciation of the theological basis for caring. It will explore the variety of approaches to pastoral care applicable to all age groups. Students will also examine the legal issues surrounding pastoral care and the need for strict compliance with all relevant legislations.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge
On completion of this module, the successful student will be able to:

1. Compare and contrast themes of pastoral care in the Bible and modern day practice of pastoral ministry in the church and the ethical assumptions implicit in these practices.
2. Analyse the place of mentoring in church leadership and evaluate its impact on church ministry.
3. Critically evaluate the various issues affecting the church in relation to the person and processes of pastoral ministry, ministerial ethics and required compliance with relevant legislations.

Skills
This module will call for the successful student to demonstrate:
4. team working and personal organisation skills

Syllabus
Biblical and theological foundations of pastoral care; the love of God in pastoral practice; theories of pastoral care: personality, temperament, behavioural and spiritual models; building team leadership and ministry; leadership principles and pitfalls; the importance of leadership development in the local church; the role of preaching and teaching in the pastoral ministry; legal issues surrounding pastoral care; personal organization and management in handling administrative tasks

Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy

Staff-led lectures explore the scope, function and practice of pastoral leadership in the church today.

Issues arising from lectures will form the basis for small group discussion during seminars. Formative feedback enables students to develop analytical skills, which form a foundation for further study and enable students to prepare for a summative assessment.

Topics will be negotiated from a variety of legislative issues, enabling students to prepare for group presentations which will be accompanied by a report. These presentations are for summative assessment and will be assessed by both Tutors and Peers.

Tutorial time enables Tutors to give guidance to students on developing their presentations and constructive feedback on summative work.

Independent study to supplement these activities is an essential element of the programme, including reading and producing the module assignments.

Assessment Scheme

• Student led Discussion (formative assessment)

• Presentation with Tutor and Peer assessment and 1500 word report (summative assessment)
• Essay 2500 words (summative assessments)

Assessment Weighting

Presentation and Report 50%
Essay 50%

Learning materials

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

Essential
Ballard, P. & Pritchard, J. (2006) Practical Theology in Action: Christian Thinking in the Service of Church and Society. London: SPCK.
Carr, W. (2008) The Pastor as Theologian. London: SPCK.
Graham, E., Walton, H. & Ward, F. (2005) Theological Reflection: Methods. London: SCM Press.

Recommended
Adedibu, B. (2009) Storytelling: An Effective Communication Appeal in Preaching. UK: Wisdom Summit.
Bennett-Moore, Z. (2002) Introducing Feminist Perspectives on Pastoral Theology. London: Continuum.
Butler, S. (2005) Caring Ministry: A Contemplative Approach to Pastoral Care. New York: Continuum.
Green, L. (2009) Let’s Do Theology: Resources for Contextual Theology. London: Mowbrays.
Graham, E. (2009) Words Made Flesh: Writings in Pastoral and Practical Theology. London: SCM.
Lartey, E.Y. (2006) Pastoral Theology in an Intercultural World. Peterborough: Epworth.
Litchfield, K. (2006) Tend My Flock: Sustaining Good Pastoral Care. Norwich: Canterbury Press.
Miller-McLemore, B.J. (ed.) (2011) The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Practical Theology. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
Nash, S.P. (2009) Tools for Reflective Ministry. London: SPCK.
Pattison, S. (2000). A Critique of Pastoral Care. London: SCM.
Thompson, J. (2008). SCM Study Guide to Theological Reflection. London: SCM.
Richardson, R. W. (2004). Creating a Healthier Church. Minneapolis: Fortress Press.


Online Application
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