THL218 Christian Ministry (8)

In this subject students explore the practice and theory of Christian ministry, both lay and ordained. The church engages in a range of ministries within the church and in the wider community. The context of contemporary ministry includes awareness of heightened public standards, cultural context, issues of justice, and the status of churches within society. While students bring a range of experiences to the subject, they will be challenged to develop their understanding in light of changed expectations in the community, as well as developments in the theology and practice of ministry.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Ming Hua Theological College

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL218. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Theology

Enrolment Restrictions

Not available to students who have completed subject THL418.

Assumed Knowledge

Students are recommended to have prior knowledge equivalent to or studied THL115 and THL120.

Subject Relationships

THL418 Paired Subject

Incompatible Subjects

THL418

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of Christian Ministry (lay and ordained), including an understanding of models of leadership and spirituality appropriate to Christian ministry;
  • be able to analyse and critically evaluate the range of ministries practised by the church in its ministries of pastoral care, Christian education, social justice, worship and evangelism;
  • be able to critique ministry practice in light of contemporary awareness of issues of abuse, violence, coercion, power;
  • be able to articulate an understanding of the partnership between lay and ordained in ministry, including an understanding of the ethics of ministry;
  • be able to analyse critically and articulate new models of ministry available to the Christian church in a changing world; and
  • be able to demonstrate self-guided learning, including sound research, writing and communication skills.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Ministry and the missio Dei
  • What is Ministry?
  • The Changing Paradigm: changes in theology and in community expectations
  • Theological Reflection as a tool for ministry
  • Ministry and supervision
  • Leadership and spirituality for Ministry
  • Partners in Ministry: Lay and Ordained
  • Ethics for Ministry
  • Ministry of Worship
  • Ministry of Education
  • Ministry of Pastoral Care
  • Ministry of Social Justice
  • Understanding the Church as a System

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of THL218 in Session 1 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Short essay
25
2
Research essay
35
3
Reflective essay
40

Residential School

This subject contains a 2 day Optional Residential School.

The residential school for this introductory subject provides an orientation to the subject matter, methodology, library resources, and research tools pertaining to the study of Christian Ministry.

Activities include lectures, library orientation and group work.

Special Resources

Online students who choose to attend the optional residential school in Canberra will need to arrange and cover the costs of travel, accommodation and meals.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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