PC003-512 - Pastoral Skills and Methods

  • 2,784 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 5
    AQF level
  • Category developing unit
    B
  • pastoral churchUnit Discipline

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code PC203. Unit exclusions: PC009-508, PC003-612, PC003-712, PC003-812

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Foundational knowledge and understanding of pastoral skills and methods, including the methods and standards of professional, safe and ethical practice

B. Be able to

1. Outline the aims and methods of pastoral care

2. Demonstrate essential skills in providing pastoral care

3. Present Organised evidence-based perspectives on pastoral skills and methods

C. Be in a position to

1. Relating perspectives and skills from ‘Pastoral Skills and Methods: An Introduction’ to contemporary Christian living and ministry contexts

Content

Section A:  Pastoral Skills and Methods

  1. An introduction to aims and methods in pastoral care and pastoral counselling and their implications for Christian community.
  2. Relational skills; empathy, respect, concreteness, genuineness; listening skills.
  3. Equipping others; teaching, encouragement, recognition of abilities, training.
  4. Mechanics of care; administration, publicity, the various settings of care, record keeping.

 

Section B: Pastoral Care in Particular Situations

In the topics studied below, attention should be paid not only to the needs of those in care but to the carers’ own lives:

  1. Pastoral care of persons with special needs, including:
    1. the recognition of normal and abnormal conditions
    2. the mentally ill
    3. handicapped and disabled persons
  2. Pastoral care of persons in the following situations:
    1. marital disharmony and divorce
    2. dying, death and bereavement, the grief process
    3. depression
  3. Pastoral care of persons in crises or with chronic conditions, candidates are to study two of:
    1. alcoholism & drug dependence
    2. attempted suicide
    3. long term illness
    4. child abuse and domestic violence
    5. AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases
    6. unemployment and work-related stress
    7. those in trouble with the law
    8. financial or debt-related stress
  4. Community resources for pastoral care, including other helping professions, and when to refer.

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.


Prescribed:

Jacobs, M., Still Small Voice (4th ed; London: SPCK, 2001).

Jacobs M., Swift to Hear (London: Darton, Longman and Todd, 1993).

Patton, J., Pastoral Care, An Essential Guide (Nashville: Abingdon, 2005).

 

Reference:

Atkinson, D. J., D. H. Field (eds), The New Dictionary of Christian Ethics and Pastoral Theology (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1995).

Carr, W., The New Dictionary of Pastoral Studies (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003).

Wallace, R. M., Journal of Ministry in Addiction and Recovery (UK: Haworth Pastoral Press).

 

Recommended:

Benner, D., Strategic Pastoral Counselling (2nd ed.; Grand Rapids: Baker, 2003).

Culbertson, P., Caring for God’s People (Minneapolis: Fortress, 2000).

Dann, B., Addiction: Pastoral Responses (Nashville: Abingdon, 2002).

Howe, L., Comforting the Fearful (New York: Paulist, 2003).

Lyall, D., Integrity of Pastoral Care (London: SPCK, 2001).

Hadahl, S. K., Listening Ministry: Rethinking Pastoral Leadership (Minneapolis: Fortress, 2001).

Koenig, H. G. and A. J. Weaver, Pastoral Care of Older Adults: Creative Pastoral Care and Counselling (Minneapolis: Fortress, 1998).

Lilley, R., Dealing with Difficult People (Creating Success) (New Edition; London: Cogan Page, 2006).

Mattram, K., Caring for Those in Crisis: Facing Ethical Dilemmas with Patients and Families (Grand Rapids: Brazos, 2007).

McGrath, J. and A. McGrath, Self Esteem: The Cross and Christian Confidence (Leicester: IVP 2001).

Moots, P., Becoming Barnabas (New York: Alban, 2004).

 

Particular Topics:

Cloud, H. and J. Townsend, Boundaries in Marriage (Sydney: Strand, 1999).

Cook, C., The Use and Misuse of Alcohol (Cambridge: Grove, 2007).

de Paulo, J. R., What We Know and What You Can do about Depression (New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2002).

 

Journal Articles:

Healey, J., “Alcohol Use”, Issues in Society 164 (Roselle: Spiney Press, 2002).

Lamb, F., “Caring for Divorcees”, Southern Cross (Anglican Diocese of Sydney: 16 April 2007).

“Caring for Divorcees”, In Depth (Sydney: Sydney Anglicans Website) http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/indepth/caring_for_divorcees/

 

Classics:

Harvey, R. W. and D. G. Benner, Understanding and Facilitating Forgiveness (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1996).

Kirkwood, N. A., Pastoral Care in Hospitals (Sydney: E. J. Dwyer, 1995).

Koenig, H. G. and A. J. Weaver, Pastoral Care of Older Adults (Minneapolis: Fortress, 1998).

Moran, F. M., Listening, A Pastoral Style (Sydney: EJ Dwyer, 1997).