Pastoral Care: Theological Reflection and Praxis

DP1006Z / DP8006Z

This unit offers students some tools to explore the theological foundations of the ministry and praxis (informed practice) of pastoral care. Theological reflection, with its outcome of informed practice or praxis will be the vehicle for the study of basic pastoral care in ministry, whether that ministry be formalised or more informally practised. Contextual issues and challenges in Pastoral Care will be addressed, along with a grounding in some of the ways ritual and spirituality contribute to the ministry of pastoral care.

Duration

One Semester

Availability

Second semester

Core/Elective

Elective

Delivery Mode

Mixed Mode - onsite or online

Prerequisites

None

Recommended Text/s 

Anglican Church Southern Queensland, "Pastorally Caring in Your Community". Brisbane: ACSQ. 2018.

Doehring, Carrie, "The Practice of Pastoral Care: A Postmodern Approach". (Revised and Expanded Edition). Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press. 2015.

Kirkwood, Neville A., "Pastoral Care in Hospitals" (2nd Edition). Harrisburg: Morehouse Publishing. 2005.

Mackinlay, Elizabeth, "Palliative Care, Aging and Spirituality: A Guide for Older People, Carers and Families". London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. 2012.

McGilvray, Jill, "God's Love in Action: Pastoral Care for Everyone". Melbourne: Acorn Press.2009.

Osmer, Richard, "Practical Theology: An Introduction". Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. 2008.

Whipp, Margaret, SCM Study Guide: Pastoral Theology. London: 2013. 

Prescribed Texts

Assessments

  1. Forum Participation. Weighting 10%

  2. Verbatim Report 1. Weighting 20%

  3. Verbatim Report 2. Weighting 30%

  4. Oral Presentation. Weighting 40%

TEACHING & LEARNING PLAN

This subject will involve:

  • 8 Webinars - 3 hours per week

  • 2 Intensives - held on Sat 17 August (Week 3) from 9am - 3pm at St Francis College and on Sat 14 September (Week 7) from 9am - 3pm at St Francis College.

Learning Outcomes

Students completing this unit will:  

  • Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to: Determine and express an understanding of key theological underpinnings of pastoral care.

  • Consider and reflect upon their practice of spiritual and pastoral care, in the light of these theological foundations.

  • Outline contextual and hermeneutical aspects affecting pastoral care.

  • Demonstrate an awareness of traditional and contemporary motifs influencing models of pastoral care.

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