Reflective Practice in Contemporary Ministry

MIN400

This subject provides an overview of the basic tools of theological reflection and their application to reflective practice, forming the foundation for critical inquiry into the practice of Christian ministry. Students will develop their skills in reflective practice through the exploration of issues associated with their ministry experience. Topics include critical investigations of particular approaches to identified pastoral issues undertaken to understand thoroughly the strengths and weaknesses of methodologies. Students will apply reflection in action cycles in their own fields of ministry and establish a personal template for their reflective practice in ministry.

Duration

One Semester

Availability

Semester 1 2021

Subject Points

8

Core/Elective

Core

Delivery Mode

On site at St Francis College Milton; or Externally – log in to listen and participate or view the lecture via video later.

Prerequisites

Only available to students enrolled in Graduate Certificate of Ministry

TBA

The year of publication and ISBN given corresponds to the copy placed in Closed Reserve at the Roscoe Library; there may be other valid ISBNs that differ because of a different publisher or format. Please contact your lecturer or the Roscoe Library staff to confirm text before purchasing. If purchasing, we recommend that you use booko.com.au.

Prescribed Texts

TBA

Assessments

Content

This subject will cover the following topics:

  • Overview of theological reflection

  • Reflective practice in practical theology

  • Identifying contexts

  • The public practice of theology

  • The place of scripture in reflective practice

  • The theology of ministry

  • Reading the signs of change

  • The practice of ministry

  • The person in ministry

  • Constructing a personal theological template for reflective practice

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

  • be able to evaluate critically different methodologies and their applications in action-reflection cycles;

  • be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the tools of theological reflection;

  • be able to critically investigate identified issues in the professional practice of Christian ministry;

  • be able to articulate an advanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of reflective practices in particular approaches to Christian ministry;

  • be able to integrate knowledge from other disciplines in theological reflection and ministry practice; and

  • be able to articulate a personal template for reflective practice.