PC013-508 - Foundations of Pastoral Care

  • 1,856 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 8
    Credit Points
  • 0.083 EFT 
  • 5
    AQF level
  • Category foundational unit
    A
  • pastoral churchUnit Discipline

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code PC207. Unit exclusions: PC077-512, PC002-612, PC002-712, PC002-812

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

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

B. Be able to

1. Outline biblical and theological perspectives on pastoral care

2. Demonstrate skills in pastoral care

3. Present Organised evidence-based perspectives on pastoral care

C. Be in a position to

1. Relating perspectives and skills from ‘Foundations of Pastoral Care’ to contemporary Christian living and ministry contexts

Content

Section A:  Biblical and Theological Perspectives

  1. Biblical and theological insights into the nature of individuals and groups; the human predicament; salvation and wholeness.
  2. Biblical models of caring, including the “shepherding” model as seen in the ministry of Jesus.
  3. The role of the church as a caring community, including the pastoral role of the congregation; the development of individual and corporate maturity; the relationship between clergy and laity in caring ministries.

Section B: Pastoral Care in Relation to the Community

  1. Modern concepts of the person and their place in society.
  2. The opportunities presented through the pastoral offices of Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, Visitation, and Preaching.
  3. Caring in relation to marriage, singleness, divorce, separation, in the light of changing patterns of family life in contemporary society.

Section C:  Pastoral Care in Particular Situations

  1. Caring in areas of sexuality, including homosexuality and AIDS.
  2. Pastoral care in times of sickness, stress and healing.
  3. Pastoral care for the dying, in death and bereavement, including where suicide has occurred.
  4. Alcoholism, drug dependence and associated problems.

Section D:  Developing Pastoral Care Skills

  1. Understanding other helping professions; guidelines in using insights from other social science disciplines; distinctions between pastoral care and counselling.
  2. Relational skills, including listening, empathy, honesty, vulnerability, encouraging, teaching.
  3. Coping with negativity and other issues to individual maturity, e.g. depression, anger, conflict, self esteem.
  4. Caring for the carers: the need for and provision of pastoral care for pastors.

Note:

Sections A, B, C and D are weighted approximately equally.

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:

McGilvray, J., God’s Love in Action (Melbourne: Acorn Press, 2009).

 

Recommended:

Bridges, W., Managing Transitions, Making the Most of Change (London: Nicholas Brealey, 2001).

Capps, D., Agents of Hope (Minneapolis: Fortress, 1995).

Gerkin, C., An Introduction to Pastoral Care (Nashville: Abingdon, 1997).

Moessner, J. and Stevenson, Through the Eyes of Women: The Handbook of Womencare (Minneapolis: Fortress, 1996).

Oates, W., Grief, Transition and Loss (Minneapolis: Fortress, 1997).

Price, W., In Transition (Chicago: Thomas More 2002).

Proctor, S. and G. Taylor, We Have this Ministry (Nashville: Judson, 1996).

Smith, D., Empowering Ministry (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1996).

Tidball, D., Builders and Fools (Leicester: IVP, 1999).

 

Classics:

Peterson, E., Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1992).

Sell, C., Transitions (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1991).

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