PC003-812 - Pastoral Skills and Methods

  • 2,976 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 8
    AQF level
  • Category developing unit
    B
  • pastoral churchUnit Discipline

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code PC603. Unit exclusions: PC078-512, PC009-508

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Advanced knowledge and understanding of, and the research underlying, pastoral skills and methods, including the methods and standards of professional, safe and ethical practice.

B. Be able to

1. Critique the aims and methods of pastoral care

2. Examine the skills and methods of pastoral care

3. Demonstrate skill in applying the methods of pastoral care

4. Present Research-Aware evidence-based perspectives on pastoral skills and methods

C. Be in a position to

1. Applying perspectives and skills from ‘Pastoral Skills and Methods’ to contemporary Christian living and ministry practice as a reflective practitioner

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, including a theology of presence.
2.    Relational skills; empathy, respect, concreteness, genuineness, and other listening skills.
3.    Equipping others; teaching, encouragement, recognition of abilities, and training.
4.    Mechanics of care; administration, publicity, the various settings of care, care policy, and 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 the carers’ own lives.
5.    Pastoral care of persons with special needs, including:
•    the recognition of normal and abnormal conditions;
•    mental health disorders;
•    disabled persons and their carers.
6.    Pastoral care of people in the following situations:
•    marital struggles and divorce;
•    dying, death and bereavement; the grief process;
•    anxiety and depression.
7.    Pastoral care of those in crises, or with chronic conditions. Students study two of:
•    alcoholism and drug dependence
•    attempted suicide an suicide ideation
•    long-term illness, including forms of cancer
•    domestic family violence, bullying, and abuse
•    gender dysphoria and other sexually related conflicts
•    sexual addictions and sexually transmitted illnesses
•    unemployment and work related stress
•    those in legal trouble, such as criminality
•    financial or debt-related stress
•    Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia
8.    Community resources for pastoral care, including other helping professions; when to refer.

Note:
•    Sections A and B are weighted approximately 40% and 60% respectively.

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.


Asquith, Glenn H., Ed. 2010. The Concise Dictionary of Pastoral Care and Counselling. Nashville, Abingdon Press.

Baab, Lynne M. 2014. The Power of Listening : Building Skills for Mission and Ministry. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

Balswick, Jack O., and Judith K. Balswick. 2007. The family : a Christian perspective on the contemporary home. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic.

Clinebell, Howard John, and Bridget Clare McKeever. 2011. Basic types of pastoral care & counseling : resources for the ministry of healing and growth. Updated and rev. / Bridget Clare McKeever. ed. Nashville: Abingdon Press.

Clinton, Timothy E., (ed.) Hart, Archibald D. (ed.) Ohlschlager, George W., (ed.) 2005. Caring for people God's way : personal and emotional issues, addictions, grief, and trauma. Nashville, Tenn.: Nelson Reference & Electronic.

Geldard, Kathryn, and David Geldard. 2012. Personal Counseling Skills : An Integrative Approach. Revised 1st ed. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C. Thomas.

Holeman, Virginia Todd. 2012. Theology for better counseling : Trinitarian reflections for healing and formation. Downers grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press.

McHugh, Adam S. 2015. The Listening Life : Embracing Attentiveness in a World of Distraction. Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Books, an imprint of InterVarsity Press.

Moriarty, Glendon. 2006. Pastoral Care of Depression, Helping Clients Heal in their relationship with God. New York: Haworth Pastoral Press.

Nolasco, Rolf. 2016. Compassionate Presence : A Radical Response to Human Suffering. Book. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books.

Pembroke, Neil. 2006. Renewing Pastoral Practice : Trinitarian Perspectives on Pastoral Care and Counselling. Explorations in Practical, Pastoral, and Empirical Theology. Aldershot, England ; Burlington, VT: Ashgate Pub..

Sheppard, Grace, 2010. Living with Dying. London: Dartman, Longman and Todd.

Strand, Cook, C. 2007. The Use and Misuse of Alcohol. Ethic Series Grove Books, Cambridge.

Worsley, Lyn. 2015. The Resilience Doughnut: The Secret of Strong Adults Epping, New South Wales, Australia: The Resilience Doughnut Pty Ltd.

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