PC094-712 - Practical Ministry Field Education

  • 2,784 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 7
    AQF level
  • Category developing unit
    B
  • pastoral churchUnit Discipline

Corequisites

96cps of study, including 36 cps at AQF level 6

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code PC444. Students may only take 24cps of "field education" units in all fields within a course.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Functional knowledge and understanding of the dimensions of and practical issues Related to particular ministry settings, including the methods and standards of professional, safe and ethical practice

B. Be able to

1. Discuss the issues Related to particular ministry settings

2. Under supervision, Observe particular ministry settings

3. Present Critical evidence-based perspectives on particular ministry settings

C. Be in a position to

1. Applying perspectives from ‘Practical Ministry Field Education’ to ministry practice as a reflective practitioner

Content

Section A:  Theoretical Study

  1. An introduction to the ministry issues pertaining to the context in which the Field Work will be undertaken.  The precise details of the content should be outlined in advance by the individual colleges for their students.

Section B:  Field Work

  1. The supervisory relationship; the supervisory session; learning covenant; evaluation; field committees.
  2. A placement in a practical ministry situation, to include a minimum of 117 hours’ experience under supervision.  Students may be placed in one of the following categories:

EITHER

  1. Approximately 117 hours cumulative experience in one non-congregation situation, such as an institutional or para-church ministry;

OR

  1. A period of continuous residence and ministry of not less than six weeks duration in an institutional or para-church situation;

OR

  1. A series of placements, in one or more settings, either congregational or non-congregational.

 

In either case:

  1. Approximately 117 hours are to be spent in actual ministry, including preparation for and participation in the conduct of regular church services, and involvement in some aspect of the congregation’s service to its community;
  2. Approximately 17hrs are to be spent in reflection and the writing of reports and verbatims for supervisors. Such reflection must include comments from local congregation leaders;
  3. Approximately 13 hours are to be spent in theoretical study;
  4. Approximately 13 hours are to be spent meeting with an approved supervisor on an individual basis.

Notes:

  1. Section A of the unit should entail approximately 12–14 class hours of tuition, at an introductory level only.
  2. It is the responsibility of colleges to ensure that students’ supervisors are appropriate, and are competent in Field Education supervision.

 

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:

Bass, D. C., (ed.), For Life Abundant: Practical Theology, Theological Education, and Christian Ministry (Grand Rapids, Mich: Eerdmans, 2008).

Johnson, A., Shaping Spiritual Leaders: Supervision and Formation in Congregations (Herndon, VA: Alan, 2007).

Malphurs, A., A New Kind of Church: Understanding Models of Ministry for the 21st Century (Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker, 2007).

 

Recommended:

Allen, R. J., Preaching and Practical Ministry (St. Louis: Chalice, 2001).

Brian, P. R., Going the Distance: How to Stay Fit for a Lifetime of Ministry (Kingsford: Matthias Media, 2006).

Carl, W. J. (ed.), Best Advice: Wisdom on Ministry from 30 Leading Pastors and Preachers (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2009).

Carroll, J. W. God’s Potters: Pastoral Leadership and the Shaping of Congregations (Grand Rapids, Mich: Eerdmans, 2006).

Drane, J. W., After McDonaldization: Mission, Ministry and Christian Discipleship in an Age of Uncertainty (Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker, 2008).

Elias, J. W., Remembering the Future: The Pastoral Theology of Paul the Apostle (Scottsdale, PA: Herald, 2006).

Herrington, J., Creech, R. R. and Taylor, T. The Leader’s Journey: Accepting the Call to Personal and Congregational Transformation (San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2003).

Hillman, G. M., Preparing for Ministry: A Practical Guide for Theological Field Education (Grand Rapids, Mich: Kregel, 2008).

Hotchkiss, D., Governance and Ministry: Rethinking Board Leadership (Herndon, VA: Alban Institute, 2008).

Laniak, T. S., Shepherds After my Heart: Pastoral Traditions and Leadership in the Bible (Downers Grove, Ill: Intervarsity Press, 2006).

Piper, J. B., We Are Not Professionals: A Plea to Pastors for Radical Ministry (Nashville: Broadman and Holman, 2002).

Steinke, P. L., Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times: Being Calm and Courageous No Matter What (Herndon, VA: Alban, 2006).

Steinke, P. L., Healthy Congregations: A Systems Approach (Herndon, VA: Alban, 2006).

Stott, J. R. W., The Living Church: Convictions of a Lifelong Pastor (Nottingham: IVP, 2007).

Tidball, D. J., Ministry by the Book: New Testament Patterns for Pastoral Leadership (Nottingham: Apollos, 2008).

Thompson, J., Pastoral Ministry According to Paul: A Biblical Vision (Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker, 2006).

Willimon, W. H., Calling and Character: Virtues of the Ordained Life (Nashville: Abingdon, 2002).

Willimon, W. H., Pastor: A Reader for Ordained Ministry (Nashville: Abingdon, 2002).

Wood, C. M., Attentive to God: Thinking Theologically about Ministry (Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2008).

Available At