Program Overview

MIN740 Approaches to Enquiry in Ministry

This subject covers research strategies and methods of data collection suited to the field of Christian Ministry and its sub-disciplines. It provides an overview of contexts within which enquiry is undertaken and introduces candidates to the role and potential of research in the specific disciplines of Christian Ministry, history, and practice.

Subject Description

The subject focuses on research traditions and paradigms relevant to the candidate's discipline and the nature of the research process, including planning and designing a research project. Candidates study the use of qualitative and quantitative methods and their application to the field of Christian Ministry.

Availability

• Offering has a residential school.
• Session 1 (30)
  • On Campus: United Theological College
  • Online: United Theological College

Subject Information

Grading System

• HD/FL

Duration

• One session

School

• School of Theology

Enrolment Restrictions

• Doctor of Ministry

Incompatible Subjects

• THL705, THL707

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the professional contexts within which the enquiry is undertaken
• be able to demonstrate familiarity with the role and potential of research in the field of Christian Ministry and/or its discipline areas
• be able to critically apply knowledge gained to define and refine their proposed area of study
• be able to demonstrate an understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and their application to the field of Christian Ministry
• be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the ethical issues in research and their particular relevance to Christian Ministry, including recognising the significance of consent, confidentiality, and other ethical considerations in relation to research
• be able to demonstrate the research skills and expertise necessary to prepare a thesis or Portfolio

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• research traditions and paradigms relevant to the chosen research project in ministry
• the nature of the research process
• ethics in human research and its application to research in ministry
• steps in planning and designing a research project in ministry
• use of quantitative methods and their application to the field of Christian Ministry
• use of qualitative methods and their application to the field of Christian Ministry
• use of a mixture of research methods and their application to the field of Christian Ministry

Residential School

This subject contains a 3-day Compulsory Residential School. This residential school will provide an opportunity for students to engage with other students and faculty with respect to issues that arise in the practice of qualitative and quantitative research. Students will also gain further teaching input from qualified lecturing staff with respect to research methodologies and practice.