Program Overview

THL435 Applied Pastoral Theology

This subject allows students to develop, clarify and refine their theology of pastoral work. Students will be required to reflect on pastoral practice with a view to their own and other's theology, and to explore the dialectical relationship between theory and practice within their own work and ministry.

Subject Outlines

Subject Outlines and assessment tasks are updated each session.

Availability

• Offering has a residential school.
• Session 2 (60)
• Online
• Canberra Campus

Grading System

• HD/FL

Duration

• One session

School

• School of Theology

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to articulate their understanding of pastoral theology;
• be able to critique various contemporary theories of pastoral theology;
• be able to demonstrate an understanding of the Classical Theological Tradition;
• be able to demonstrate an integration of psychological, sociological, anthropological and education theory with theology relevant to their pastoral practice;
• be able to articulate an understanding of the nature of God and humanity;
• be able to demonstrate their understanding of how Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience shape their pastoral work;
• be able to reflect critically on selected theological writings on pastoral ministry issues

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• What is Pastoral Theology?
• Critique of contemporary theory and practice of theology
• The Classical Tradition
• Cultural contexts of pastoral work
• Biblical resources for pastoral work
• Integration of theory from psychology, sociology, anthropology, education and theology in pastoral work
• The nature of God and humanity
• The place of Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience in Pastoral work
• Pastoral theology in practice

Residential School

This subject contains a 3 day Compulsory Residential School. The residential school will provide a supportive environment for students to develop skills, theoretical and theological knowledge, and self-reflection in the area of pastoral and practical theology and ministry. It will incorporate self-reflection exercises, discussion groups and skills development appropriate for the professional practice of ministry.