Module THMN2337: Reflection on Ministerial Practice

Department: Theology and Ministry

THMN2337: Reflection on Ministerial Practice

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• 1. To enable students to draw on their theological understandings, observations of ministerial practice and life experience in developing the practice of theological reflection
• 2. To enable students to make productive use of texts on reflective practice in relation to Christian Ministry.

Content

• The module will help students to develop the habit of reflective practice. They will evaluate their own practical involvement in ministry, in the light of recognised models of theological reflection. They will give examples of their own practice in ministry and their observation of the ministry of others and will evaluate these in the light of recognised models of theological reflection. They will consider:
• 1. the use of hermeneutical models
• 2. the place of Scripture, tradition, reason and experience in the practice of theological reflection
• 3. relevant insights and perspectives from the human sciences
• 4. The student will evaluate their own practical involvement in ministry, in the light of recognised models of theological reflection.
• They will share examples of their own practice in ministry and their observation of the ministry of others, and will evaluate these in the light of recognised models of theological reflection.
• Seminar Outline
• 1. Overview of Hermeneutical Models of Reflective Practice
• 2. Reflective Models pertinent Ministry
• 3. Engaging the principles of Ministerial Practice in relation to Experience gained in the Students’ Ministry Portfolios
• 4. Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience in relation to Ministerial Practice
• 5. Drawing upon the Human Sciences for Insights and Perspectives

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will:
• Have developed their understanding of the principles that guide ministerial practice in such areas as e.g. preaching, pastoral care, group dynamics, collaboration and engagement with the world.
• Have a working knowledge of reflective models pertinent to ministry.
• Have a working knowledge of the characteristics and differences between analysis, evaluation and theological reflection.

• Be able to reflect critically and theologically on ministerial practice.
• Be able to use and evaluate a variety of methods of theological reflection.
• Be competent in applying models of theological reflection in ministerial practice.
• Be able to engage creatively and critically with observations of ministerial practice, as evidenced in the Ministerial Practice Portfolio.

• Be able to respond appropriately to issues which arise from the practice of ministry.
• Be able to articulate Christian faith and practice in a theologically informed manner in selected contexts.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Teaching and learning will be undertaken through interactive and participative seminars.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One Formative Group Exercise in developing Reflective Practice in Ministry. This will entail presenting one example from their Ministerial Practice Portfolio in a group setting for theological and ministerial reflection in session 3.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University