THEO8501 Caring Practices of the Church GE

2016

4.5

1 x 2-hour seminar weekly

1 of THEO2504, THEO2524 has been successfully completed

Assignment(s), Tutorial presentation, Fieldwork, Practical work, Seminar, Tutorial participation

This topic will provide students with foundational knowledge and skills to understand the pastoral caring practices of the church as an expression and proclamation of the Gospel. It will explore and analyse practices related to caring for persons who: have mental health issues; experience grief and loss; struggle with addictions; are incarcerated; are suffering from age related social isolation and dementia; are cared for by the mission institutions of the Church and the missional outreach of local congregations.

Students will be able to reflect on and analyse critically a range of skills required to respond effectively through individual and communal caring actions, advocacy and referral.

This topic aims to

• identify, reflect on and analyse the Church's caring practices as an embodiment of the Gospel

• explore and critique theories and practices related to care giving in a range of contemporary contexts

• develop foundational skills in the areas of advocacy, referral and the implementation of effective pastoral caring strategies and systems

On completion of this topic students will be able to:

• articulate and evaluate appropriate theological frameworks in relation to the caring practices of the Church

• analyse and implement appropriate skills to effectively communicate theologically with persons in need

• identify and evaluate, from within a ministry framework, an understanding of a range of presenting issues in their individual and systemic contexts, including needs assessment

• evaluate and apply appropriate practical approaches to care giving in congregational and institutional contexts