|
MODULE INFORMATIONIn this section, modules are arranged in code-number order. For each module, a summary is given in which details are set out in the following format: Module codesThe module codes indicate the streams and the stages of modules, as explained previously. Module namesThe module name given in the title of each module is the usual descriptive name for that module. Some modules have a generic name and/or an alternative descriptive name as well. Where this is the case, this is indicated at the end of the module summary. LevelsThe level of a module relates to the academic complexity of that module, as explained on pages 18 to 20. In most certificate I and II courses all modules are at level 1. In certificate III, IV and diploma courses all modules are at level 2 and in ordinary bachelor degree courses all modules are at level 3. In honours year courses and in most graduate certificate/diploma courses modules are generally at level 4; in master degree courses, some or all modules are at level 5. Level 6 is reserved for modules in the Doctor of Ministry course. A few programs are exceptions to these general guidelines and these are
indicated in the course descriptions in Section 5 of this Handbook Credit pointsThe credit point system is explained on pages 18 and 19. The number of credit points in each course is given in the course description for that course. The total amount of time spent by a student on work related to each individual module depends on the level of the module and its credit-point weighting. Normal semester module weightings and time commitments are as follows:
At level 6, professional doctoral level, time commitments are difficult to specify in terms of credit points because study and professional work are integrated to a significant extent. Contact hoursGenerally the listed number of contact hours refers to face-to-face time in sessions on campus. This may include class, seminar, tutorial and workshop time. Field Education is not normally included, although actual client contact hours in counselling modules may be. In some fourth/fifth year modules, the amount of contact time is not strictly specified and a minimum contact time followed by a plus sign [+] indicates that the listed number of hours plus a variable amount of additional contact time are likely to be included. Explanatory notes are added, as necessary. In addition to taking the time required to meet the requirements of individual modules, students are expected to participate in regular worship/chapel times. DurationThe duration stated is the normal time-frame over which a module is presented. Most modules can also be presented over a different time-frame, e.g. as intensives. Some modules that normally take two semesters may be available more intensively over one semester. Prerequisites and corequisitesPrerequisites indicate the knowledge, understanding and skills that a
student enrolling in a module will be assumed to have previously acquired.
Corequisites indicate work to be done concurrently with a module. Summary of module content and other key informationA summary of the purpose and content of each module is given here. Alternative module names and other detailsVarious other details are included at the end of the module summary, when necessary.
MINISTRY MODULES3110 Platform MinistryLevel 1: 2 cp 32 contact hours 1 semester Prerequisites: None. This module will help students to develop their potential in public speaking. It provides understanding and practical experience and addresses: the speaker's attitude to himself/herself and the audience; overcoming nervousness; preparing and delivering an address; developing a theme; the value and use of illustrations; various kinds of sermon outlines and structures; storytelling; song leading; platform manners; the use of the voice; simple dramatic techniques; the use of a microphone; the conduct of discussion groups; and the use of electronic media. Alternative module name: Ministry 1. 3113 Introduction to Creative MinistriesLevel 1: 1 cp 16 contact hours 1 term Prerequisites: None. On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to explain the basic principles of a variety of creative approaches to ministry and to evaluate presentations/ programs by applying these principles. Topics will include a selection of the following: Drama ministry - an Introduction to Drama; the basic principles of expression through movement and mime; and types and principles of dramatic expression. Youth Ministry - the special needs of young people; contemporary approaches to Youth Ministry; Youth Ministry models; practical guidelines; and available resources. Children's Ministry - philosophy; attitudes and approaches; age-appropriate teaching methods and materials; discipline and discipling; and personalities and problems. Note: Students cannot gain credit for both modules 3113 and 3114. 3114 Creative MinistriesLevel 1: 2 cp 32 contact hours 1 semester Prerequisites: None. On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to understand, organise, evaluate, and participate in a variety of creative approaches to ministry. Topics will include some or all of the following: Drama ministry - an Introduction to Drama; the basic principles of expression through movement and mime; drama and spirituality; types and principles of dramatic expression; and designing/organising drama presentations. Youth Ministry - the special needs of young people; contemporary approaches to Youth Ministry; sample models; practical guidelines; available resources; and designing youth programs. Children's Ministry - philosophy; attitudes; age-appropriate teaching methods and materials; discipline and discipling; personalities and problems; and designing children's programs. Note: Students cannot gain credit for both modules 3113 and 3114. 3115 Introduction to Children's MinistryLevel 1: 1 cp 16 contact hours 1 term Prerequisites: Three Theology modules are recommended. This module will enable students to develop a sound understanding of the principles of Christian Children's Ministry and to minister more effectively to children. Topics include: the importance of Children's Ministry - a biblical basis; discipleship and children; models of Children's Ministry in the local church - leadership, organisation and structure; mechanics of programming for Children's Ministry; leadership training - developing leadership skills; and motivating and mobilising volunteers. Note: Students cannot gain credit for both modules 3115 and 3214 and cannot study the same topics for credit in 3113/ 3114 and 3115. 3116 Introduction to Youth MinistryLevel 1: 1 cp 16 contact hours 1 term Prerequisites: Three Theology modules are recommended. This module will enable students to develop a sound understanding of the principles of Christian Youth Ministry and to minister more effectively to young people. Topics include: the importance of Youth Ministry - a biblical basis; discipleship and young people; models of Youth Ministry in the local church - leadership, organisation and structure; mechanics of programming for Youth Ministry; and motivating and mobilising volunteers. Note: Students cannot gain credit for both modules 3116 and 3216, and cannot study the same topics for credit in 3113/3114 and 3116. 3141 Deaf MinistryLevel 2: 8 cp 64 contact hours 2 semesters Prerequisite: A good grasp of the English language. In this module, students will learn to communicate fluently in Auslan, and will develop a biblical understanding of ministry with deaf people and appropriate strategies for establishing ongoing ministries to deaf people in local church settings. Topics include: the history of Sign Language, and the rationale of various sign systems; the expressive and receptive use of approximately 800 signs; grammatical and syntactical structures, and the rules of usage in the language of Auslan; the employment of various interpreting techniques; physical aspects of interpreting; physical aspects of deafness; an introduction to the psychology and sociology of deaf people; interpreter Ethics; a philosophy and theology of deaf ministries; developing and maintaining a Deaf Ministry; principles of Evangelism among deaf indivi- duals; counselling deaf people; and specialist interpreting techniques for music and Scripture. -3142 Basics of LeadershipLevel 1: 2 cp 32 contact hours 1 semester Prerequisites: Three Theology modules are recommended. On successfully completing this module, students will be able to describe a biblical perspective on the process of leadership and apply this personally in a local church setting. Topics include: the Christian leader - discovering and enjoying the will of God, leadership potential, call to leadership, development and motivation, character and character development; biblical principles - leadership models, empowering others, the dimension of the Holy Spirit; leadership in the local church, including team leadership; and team building, working to and within a mission statement, and developing a goal and a strategy to achieve the goal. Note: Students cannot gain credit for both modules 3142 and 3241. 3150 Small Group DevelopmentLevel 1: 1 cp 16 contact hours 1 term Prerequisites: Three Theology modules are recommended. This module will enable students to understand and apply the principles of small group dynamics for more effective ministry in the local church. Topics include: a biblical basis for small groups; the history of small groups in the Christian Church; small group dynamics; effective means of leading small groups; mechanics of programming for small groups; leadership training - developing small group leadership skills; and various models of small groups to meet differing needs within the local church community. Note: Students cannot gain credit for both modules 3150 and 3250. 3214 Children's MinistryLevel 1: 2 cp 32 contact hours 1 semester Prerequisites: At least four Theology modules or equivalent. This module will help the student to understand the significance, theory and practice of ministry to children, and to apply this understanding in ministering to children in church and related settings. Most or all of the following topics will be addressed: the biblical basis for ministry to children; child development and age-and stage-appropriate teaching; worship and prayer with children; children and spiritual gifts; introducing children to the living God; faith development in children; motivating children; methods in Children's Ministry, including creative Bible teaching, storytelling, activities, games, drama, technology and puppetry; materials for Children's Ministry - discovering, obtaining and developing suitable materials; discipline; discipling children; children with special needs - working with children with different personalities and problems; designing and managing children's programs; and legal and ethical requirements and responsibilities in relation to Duty of Care and Child Protection. Note: Students cannot gain credit for both modules 3214 and 3115. 3216 Youth MinistryLevel 1: 2 cp 32 contact hours 1 semester Prerequisites: At least four Theology modules or equivalent. This module will help students to understand the nature, content and significance of ministry to youth, and to apply this understanding in contemporary Youth Ministry. Topics include: the importance and theological basis of Youth Ministry; stages of adolescent physical and psychological development and faith formation; understanding today's youth culture and subcultures in the light of postmodernism; issues and influences in the Australian context; models of ministry - church, parachurch and community; the role and development of youth leaders; discipleship and young people; Evangelism and young people; models of Youth Ministry in the local church - leadership, organisation and structure; mechanics of programming for Youth Ministry; how to start a Youth Ministry; using the Bible with young people; leadership training - developing youth and their leadership skills; youth counselling; making personal contact with youth; the role of small groups in Youth Ministry; alternative learning programs for youth; motivating and mobilising young people for mission; and legal and ethical requirements and responsibilities in relation to Duty of Care and Child Protection. Note: Students cannot gain credit for both modules 3216 and 3116. 3226 Pastoral CareLevel 1: 2 cp 32 contact hours 1 semester Prerequisites: 1101 and 1108. This module examines the rich tradition of Pastoral Care in the church through the ages, and provides practical insights for contemporary Pastoral Care and pastoral counselling ministries. Most or all of the following will be addressed: the history of Pastoral Care and counselling throughout the Christian era, considering specifically the unique, specific and distinctive nature of Pastoral Care; the functions of Pastoral Care - healing, sustaining, reconciling and guiding troubled people in the context of the faith; spiritual resources for Pastoral Care; the use of ritual and authority in Pastoral Care; the influence of intellectual and psychological understandings of different historical periods on the practice of Pastoral Care; the role of a pastor as a counsellor; training, developing and supporting lay caregivers; coping with stress; developing and maintaining a Pastoral Care program in a local church; checks and balances; referrals; developing and maintaining a counselling centre; telephone counselling; drug and alcohol counselling; hospital visitation; caring for the aged and handicapped; career, industrial and welfare counselling; and crisis counselling. Alternative module name: Ministry 2A. 3241 Leadership PrinciplesLevel 1: 2 cp 32 contact hours 1 semester Prerequisites: At least six Theology modules. This module will help the student to understand, explain and practise biblical principles of leadership. Topics include: the Christian leader - discovering and enjoying the will of God, leadership potential, the call to leadership, leadership development and motivation, character and character development; biblical principles - leadership models, empowering others and the dimension of the Holy Spirit; and the life of the Church - revivals in history and their effects on nations, denominational growth and decline, changes in values, structures and strategies. Alternative module name: Ministry 2B. Note: Students cannot gain credit for both modules 3241 and 3142. 3243 HomileticsLevel 1: 2 cp 32 contact hours 1 semester Prerequisites: At least six Theology modules and 3110; 1246 is recommended. In this module, students will develop a biblical attitude to the ministry of preaching and teaching, and learn to deliver effective sermons. Topics include: the nature of Christian ministry and the specific ministries of preaching and teaching; Homiletics - the preacher and the message, presentation, different types of sermons, sermon structure and key elements, using electronic and other aids, and the use of Expressive Arts in teaching/preaching. A considerable amount of practical experience is included. Alternative module names: Ministry 2C; Principles of Preaching. 3246 Educational PrinciplesLevel 2: 4 cp 32 contact hours 1 semester Prerequisites: At least four Theology modules or equivalent. In this module students will learn to use sound Educational Principles to deliver Christian teaching effectively. Topics include: the nature of Christian education, considering definitions, biblical foundations, historical foundations, philosophy, context and trends; Christ, the master teacher; the Holy Spirit in education; the teaching and learning process - information processing, association, example, learning styles and motivation for learning; developmental stages and changes in thinking and understanding; the goal of Christian education; teaching methods and strategies; Christian Education of Children, youth, adults, families, couples and singles; cross-cultural perspectives in Christian education; organisation of Christian education in the local church; legal and ethical issues; and specialised educational ministries in and through the church. Alternative module name: Ministry 2D. 3247 Special Ministry TopicLevel 1: 1 cp 16 contact hours 1 term Prerequisites: At least four Theology modules or equivalent. This module will help students to understand and appreciate a special area of ministry. Content will depend on the specific area of ministry that is addressed in any given term in which this module is offered. Areas covered in depth in other modules will not be included, but topics introduced, but not expanded, in other modules may be included. Possible areas include: music ministry, Christian writing, prayer, worship, Cross-Cultural Ministry, women in ministry, chaplaincy, ministry to the elderly, and others. Note: Students will not be able to gain credit for study of the same topic for both modules 3247 and 3248. 3248 Special Ministry ElectiveLevel 2: 4 cp 32 contact hours 1 semester Prerequisites: At least four Theology modules or equivalent. This module will help students to understand a special area of ministry and to apply their understanding in ministry situations. Content will depend on the specific area of ministry that is addressed in any given semester in which this module is offered. Areas covered in depth in other modules will not be included, but topics introduced, but not expanded, in other modules may be included. Possible areas include: music ministry, Christian writing, prayer, worship, Cross-Cultural Ministry, women in ministry, chaplaincy, ministry to the elderly, and others. Note: Students will not be able to gain credit for study of the same topic for both modules 3247 and 3248. 3250 Small Group MinistryLevel 2: 2 cp 16 contact hours 1 term Prerequisites: At least four Theology modules or equivalent. This module provides insights into the place of small groups in Christian ministry and practical guidelines for developing, maintaining and extending Small Group Ministry in the Christian community. Topics include: background to the small group movement - history, current trends in Australia and beyond, and conditions favouring growth; benefits of small groups - personal support, acceptance and care, Evangelism, discipling, equipping, growth in understanding, encouragement in living a biblical lifestyle, accomplishing tasks, changing lives, recognising giftedness, mutual ministry and providing community; types of small groups - contact, Evangelism, nurture, growth, support, service and satellite; small group leadership, leadership styles, leadership systems and leadership functions; principles and strategies for developing and maintaining small groups; group dynamics - communication, openness, norms and roles, size and stages; and evaluation of Small Group Ministry. Note: Students cannot gain credit for both modules 3250 and 3150. 3251 DENOMINATIONAL HISTORY AND DOCTRINELevel 2: 4 cp 32 contact hours 1 semester Prerequisites: 1108 and 1111. On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to express an informed understanding of the history and distinctive doctrines of a particular denomination. The following will be addressed with respect to the denomination studied in this module in any given semester in which it is offered: origins of the denomination; historical development; examination of denominational organisation and government; prominent people; history of relationships with other denominations; and history and nature of distinctive doctrines. 3255 Church PlantingLevel 2: 4 cp 32 contact hours 1 semester Prerequisites: At least eight Theology modules or equivalent. This module helps to equip the student to be involved in Church Planting, either as a founding pastor or as a member of a Church Planting team. Topics will include most or all of the following: biblical and strategic reasons for Church Planting; models of Church Planting; characteristics of effective church planters; developing and implementing a vision for Church Planting - praying, recruiting and developing a team for Church Planting, gathering supporters for the work, personal support and networking, and Spiritual Warfare; planning and preparatory work - initial outreach, gathering a core group, establishing a network of small groups, identifying leaders, clarifying strategy, developing a worship team and planning for a public meeting; beginning the church visibly - the worship service, the core ministry group and assimilating newcomers; supervising the growth of the church - developing leaders and increasing their numbers, expanding small group networks, evangelistic strategies, discipling and incorporating new believers, and developing ministries according to spiritual gifts and in response to needs; starting churches that reproduce - developing a vision and expectancy, choosing a church planter, supervising the project, and maintaining the momentum of a movement; and the place of Church Planting in Cross-Cultural Ministry. 3264 Practical MinistryLevel 1: 1 or 2 cp contact hours * 1 or 2 terms This module will enable the student to develop increasing competence and confidence in selected ministry tasks in a church or parachurch setting. This module may entail: supervised practical experience in ministry outside the College, normally in a church setting, which offers opportunity for observation, Practical Ministry and reflection; and/or participation in team ministry organised by the College. * A minimum total time commitment of 24, 48 or 96 hours is required for 1, 2 or 4 credit points respectively. 3341 Leadership PracticeLevel 2: 4 cp 32 contact hours 1 semester Prerequisite: 3241. In this module, the student will learn to plan and implement strategies for effective church leadership. Topics will include most or all of the following: insights from the experience of key Christian leaders of various denominations; leadership and spirituality; factors facilitating and hindering effective leadership; ministerial relationships and Ethics - professional and family; setting goals and developing and implementing a vision; revitalising established churches; managing small groups; managing a Pastoral Care program with lay participation; leadership in ethnic and multicultural church settings; leadership in relation to phases of the life-cycle, e.g. leadership of children, youth and elderly folk; administrative policies and practices - decision making, staffing, salaries, taxation, building programs, insurance and community relations; audits - organisational, management, program, personal and financial; budgeting and its benefits; maintaining order and balance in the local church, e.g. oversight structure, chairmanship and committees; and anticipating and preventing problems. Alternative module name: Ministry 3A. 3343 Issues in MinistryLevel 2: 4 cp 32 contact hours 1 semester Prerequisites: 1108, 3226 and 3243. On successfully completing this module, the student will be better able to understand the dimensions of the ministry role and to function more effectively in this role. Topics include: the nature of Christian ministry; developing and using personal, spiritual and ministry gifts; developing a long-term ministry; the ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers; biblical and historical ministry models; personal life in ministry; philosophy of church services; marriage, divorce and remarriage; special services - weddings, funerals, other special services; shepherding people through grief and loss; bringing renewal to an established church; Church Planting; cultural Issues in Ministry; ministerial Ethics; and communicating clearly in writing. Alternative module name: Ministry 3B. 3351 Denominational Ministry DevelopmentLevel 2: 4 cp 32 contact hours 1 semester Prerequisites: 1108 and 3243. On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to express a pragmatic and mature understanding of Christian ministry in a particular denomination and to demonstrate skills necessary for public ministry in churches of this denomination. The following will be addressed: philosophy and conduct of church services, including special services (e.g. weddings, funerals, etc.); denominational and church documents and constitution; local church administration, finances and business meetings; the denomination's approaches to church growth, Church Planting and missions; ministerial Ethics; working within the denomination's governmental structure; leadership/ministry positions within the denomination and its churches; the denomination's position on the ministry of women; principles and patterns of ministry in local churches of the denomination; and theological understandings of the sacraments in this and other denominations. 3354 MANAGEMENT AND MINISTRYLevel 2: 4 cp 32 contact hours 1 semester Prerequisites or corequisites: 3241, 3341 and 3343, or permission from the Module Coordinator. In this module, the student will gain an understanding of how to apply management principles in a church or other Christian organisation. Topics include: developing a biblical philosophy of management; a consideration of the major resources in Christian/church management systems; self-management and the management of time; managing others - leadership, communication and relationship skills; managing the church organisation - principles of strategy formulation, planning and control; the manager as visionary and servant - managerial characteristics; principles of church growth; and marketing the gospel in a secular world. 3364 Ministry Field EducationLevel 2: 8 cp contact hours* 1 or 2 semesters Prerequisites: 3226, 3241, 3243, 3341 and 3343. This module enables the student to develop increasing competence and confidence in selected ministry tasks in a church or parachurch setting. It entails: supervised practical experience in ministry outside the College, which offers opportunity for observation, Practical Ministry, reflection and supervision; and participation in ministry related to College life and planned outreach, e.g. administration, organisation, leadership, outreach activities such as involvement in ministry teams, worship leading and various practical ministries. Each student works in a church or parachurch organisation under the supervision of an approved supervisor. The supervisor and the student define the particular area(s) of ministry in which the student is to be involved and the strategy for supervision. Details of the structure and requirements of this module will be provided in a field education manual. *A time commitment of at least 200 hours is required to complete the requirements of this module. 3365 Ministry Field EducationLevel 3: 18 cp contact hours* 2 semesters Prerequisites: 3226, 3241, 3243, 3341 and 3343. This module provides opportunity for the student to integrate ministry theory and practice and includes: supervised practical experience in ministry in a church or parachurch organisation, theological reflection, analysis and evaluation; and on-campus responsibilities in administration, organisation, leadership, team ministry and practical service. Each student will be supervised by a suitably qualified and approved supervisor. On-campus workshop/tutorial sessions and responsibilities supplement off-campus field education. Details of the structure and requirements of this module will be provided in a field education manual. Alternative module name: Ministry 3C. *A time commitment of at least 480 hours is required to complete the requirements of this module. 3367 MINISTRY RESEARCH ELECTIVELevel 3: 6 cp contact hours* 1 semester Prerequisites: At least 75% of the Bachelor of Ministry course or equivalent; 5400/5500 is recommended. This module offers the student an opportunity to pursue supervised independent studies in a specific area of pastoral or practical theology which is of special interest. Content will depend on the specific area selected. The student will be required to: use self-directed study skills; exercise research, analytical and organisational skills; and write a scholarly research paper, or series of papers, analysing findings. *By arrangement. 3426 Pastoral IssuesLevel 4: 6 cp 16+ contact hours 1 semester Prerequisites: Honours or graduate standing and 3226, or equivalent. 3445 Cross-Cultural MinistryLevel 4: 6 cp 16+ contact hours 1 semester Prerequisites: 4171 and 4374, plus at least 24 credit points in Ministry modules. This module helps to prepare the student for Cross-Cultural Ministry by providing the opportunity to synthesise theological, anthropological, psychological and missiological understandings in relation to ministry. It examines: approaches to and philosophies of Cross-Cultural Ministry; cultural universals and differences; individual uniqueness; effects of cultural factors on various forms of ministry; principles of effective Cross-Cultural Ministry; the effectiveness of various cross-cultural ministries; specific areas of ministry in a cross-cultural context; cross-cultural relationships in ministry situations; and ethical issues. Students will have the opportunity to select a particular area of Cross-Cultural Ministry and/or ministry to a specific culture for in-depth study, e.g. cross-cultural Evangelism, cross-cultural counselling, counselling refugees, Aboriginal ministries, cross-cultural Youth Ministry, approaches to teaching people of a specific cultural background, etc. 3465 Ministry InternshipLevel 4: 6 cp contact hours* 5 weeks** Level 4: 12 cp contact hours* 10 weeks** Prerequisites: Honours or graduate standing; specific prerequisites will depend on the student's area of ministry. This module provides opportunity for the student to integrate ministry theory and practice through a full-time or part-time Ministry Internship in a church or parachurch organisation. It entails supervised practical experience in ministry, including regular involvement in ministry tasks, which will vary depending on the student's selected area of ministry (e.g. preaching, teaching, Evangelism, youth work, Children's Ministry, administration, home group leading, pastoral visiting, pastoral counselling, etc.), and opportunity for learning through observation, critical reflection and supervision. Each student works under the supervision of an approved supervisor, a credentialled minister or other suitably qualified person. While the student is expected to plan and implement a variety of ministry tasks, which may be of value to the church or organisation in which the internship is undertaken, the student's role is primarily that of a learner. Adequate time must be allowed for preparation, reflection, prayer, and recording experiences and insights. Students will have further opportunity to reflect on, analyse, evaluate and synthesise experiences, understandings and insights gained in this module and in other parts of the course, during on-campus tutorials. *A minimum time commitment of 200 hours for 6 cp, or 400 hours for 12 cp, is required. **These durations are for a full-time placement. Part-time placements are also possible. 3466 Directed Study Project in MinistryLevel 4: 12 cp contact hours* 2 semesters Prerequisites: Honours or graduate standing and 5400/5500 or equivalent. The purpose of this project is to enable the student to explore and gain in-depth knowledge and understanding in a chosen area of ministry through supervised independent study, and simultaneously, to develop skills in research, investigation, observation, critical assessment of information and logical deduction. The project requires considerable initiative and self-discipline. The project may have a large practical component or may be based largely on the use of literary resource material. The student is required to: follow the Tabor College manual Guidelines for Directed Study Projects; work under the guidance of a Faculty Academic Supervisor and, for field projects, a Field Supervisor; plan a research project and present the outline of this to the Faculty Academic Supervisor for Ministry for approval, and where appropriate, gain the approval of the Campus Ethics Committee; carry out the project; meet with the Faculty Academic Supervisor from time to time to discuss progress, and, in field projects, meet with the Field Supervisor for regular practical supervision; attend on-campus tutorials and/or individual sessions with the Faculty Academic Supervisor to discuss issues associated with the project; read widely on the area of ministry concerned; produce a formal written paper or series of papers of about 10,000-12,000 words in total describing and discussing the study; make a formal oral presentation of the findings; and answer questions on the study. *By arrangement. 3467 Ministry Honours ThesisLevel 4: 24 cp contact hours* 2 semesters Prerequisites: Honours or graduate standing in Ministry and 5400/5500 or equivalent. This is a research module in which, by means of consultative education,
the student explores a topic in a chosen area of ministry. The topic for
this module may be chosen from any area of ministry. The study should
extend knowledge, increase understanding or address a problem in the chosen
area of ministry. Each topic must be approved by the Faculty Academic
Supervisor and at least one other member of the Ministry faculty, and,
where appropriate, by the Campus Ethics Committee. A topic will be permitted
only where an appropriately qualified supervisor is available for that
topic. 3468 Graduate Research Elective in MinistryLevel 4: 6 cp contact hours* 1 semester Prerequisite: Honours or graduate standing; 5400/ 5500 is recommended. In this module, the student will explore in depth, through supervised independent study, a selected topic of relevance to ministry which is of personal or professional interest. The topic selected for in-depth study may extend knowledge and understanding of topics studied in other modules. Each topic must be approved by the Module Coordinator. The student will be required to: give a brief synopsis of his/her study in this module; present a comprehensive paper(s) on the topic studied, showing evidence of extensive reading, research, critical thinking and careful analysis; provide an extensive literature review of the topic studied; and lead a seminar on the topic studied. *By arrangement. 3503/3504 Master's Thesis in MinistryLevel 5 (3503): 36 cp contact hours* 1 year** Prerequisites: See pages 31, 69 and 70. Candidates for the Master of Ministry degree must complete a major thesis. For students taking the Graduate Diploma route to the award, the thesis is to be 40,000 words in length (48 credit points). For students taking the Honours Degree route to this award, the thesis may be of either 30,000 words (36 credit points) or 40,000 words (48 credit points); in some cases, one particular option may be recommended or required by the Ministry Stream Head. An applicant will not be accepted as a research candidate unless his/her proposed research project is considered acceptable for a master's thesis, and adequate supervision, infrastructure and resources are available for the successful completion of the project. Further information is available on request and full details are given in the Master Degree Thesis Handbook that is provided for students. *By arrangement. **Minimum duration. 3600 Spiritual Development in MinistryLevel 6:* 9 or 12 cp 35-40 contact hours 1 year Prerequisite: Entry into the Doctor of Ministry course or permission from the Course Coordinator. This module extends participants' understanding and experience of Christian Spirituality and assists them to continue to develop spiritually and to assist others to do the same. It presupposes that the work of the Holy Spirit is essential to Christian spiritual development. A selection of the following will be explored in detail: the purpose and motivation for engaging in spiritual disciplines; the church's traditions of spirituality - an overview of Catholic spirituality from the time of the Desert Fathers, Protestant spiritual traditions, Orthodox spirituality, varieties of prayer, expressions and experiences of spirituality, charismatic spirituality, creation spirituality, feminist spirituality, liberation spirituality, spiritual music from the chant to contemporary style; self-examination and discernment; personal and corporate practice of spiritual disciplines; spiritual traditions and sovereign supernatural intervention in the renewal of the church; and responding to deep supernatural experiences and to periods of spiritual dryness. Participants will design and implement a program to enhance the development of Christian Spirituality in a church/parachurch setting, and engage with the basic principles and practices of spiritual direction. * This module may also be audited for personal and professional development. 3601 Managing Conflict in MinistryLevel 6:* 9 or 12 cp 35-40 contact hours 1 year Prerequisite: Entry into the Doctor of Ministry course or permission from the Course Coordinator. This module will enhance participants' ability to understand and constructively manage conflict in personal, church and other settings. Topics will include some or all of the following: causes of conflict in Christian organisations/communities and reasons why Christian leaders/ministers often find it difficult to handle; positive and negative aspects of conflict and tension in Christian organisations/communities; understanding different styles of conflict management; recognising one's own conflict management style and increasing one's repertoire of conflict-management strategies; biblical and theological understandings of conflict, and guidelines and insights for analysing and managing it in Christian communities/organisations; critiquing and using recognised theories of conflict and conflict management, including systems theory, to analyse and manage conflict situations in one's personal life and ministry; and applying insights gained in relation to each of the above to relevant case studies. * This module may also be audited for personal and professional development. 3602 LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT IN MINISTRYLevel 6:* 9 or 12 cp 35-40 contact hours 1 year Prerequisite: Entry into the Doctor of Ministry course or permission from the Course Coordinator. This module explores and analyses the dynamics of effective leadership and management. It assists participants to apply proven practical strategies in their ministry settings in order to enhance and facilitate their ministries, and to benefit those who are served by these ministries. A selection of the following topics will be explored in detail: developing a biblical philosophy of management; a consideration of the major resources in Christian/church management systems; self-management and the management of time; managing others - leadership, communication, relationship skills, delegation and problem-solving; managing the church organisation - principles of strategy formulation, planning and control; empowering others and guiding their ministries for greater effectiveness; the manager as a visionary and a servant - managerial characteristics; evaluating the effectiveness of church or organisational management; developing management programs to achieve specific goals and implement visions; principles of church growth; and strategies for communicating with the secular world. * This module may also be audited for personal and professional development. 3603 Professional Elective A (Minister's Personal Life)Level 6:* 9 or 12 cp 35-40 contact hours 1 year Prerequisite: Entry into the Doctor of Ministry course or permission from the Course Coordinator. This module extends the participant's ability to function competently as a Christian minister by providing opportunity to develop greater understanding of, and growth in, an area of personal development relevant to Christian ministry. The area explored in this module may vary in different years in which the module is offered, depending on the interests and needs of students and the availability of teachers and resources. Topics may include the following or others: developing and maintaining healthy family life in ministry; discovering and developing a personal ministry identity; personality factors in ministry; developing and using spiritual gifts in ministry; the minister's continuing education; and coping with stress and avoiding burnout in ministry. * This module may also be audited for personal and professional development. 3604 Professional Elective B (Philosophy of Ministry)Level 6:* 9 or 12 cp 35-40 contact hours 1 year Prerequisite: Entry into the Doctor of Ministry course or permission from the Course Coordinator. This module enables participants to develop a personal philosophy of an area of Christian ministry, which will inform their day-to-day ministry practice. This philosophy may relate to any of the following or other areas of ministry: the biblical and theological basis of ministry; ministry and leadership paradigms and practices; the Church in ministry; the call to ministry; the practice of ministry; and the Australian context for ministry. * This module may also be audited for personal and professional development. 3630 Priorities for Church Renewal in AustraliaLevel 6:* 9 or 12 cp 40 contact hours 1 year Prerequisite: Entry into the Doctor of Ministry course or permission from the Course Coordinator. This module explores features of those Australian congregations which are growing, and which have high numbers of newcomers, and assists leaders/pastors to develop these features in their congregations, with a view to promoting healthy church growth in the 21st century. Topics will include most or all of the following: the cultural context of the church in Australia; gaining commitment to a sense of vision or direction; focussing on the fringes and beyond; developing an inviting congregation; empowering your congregation; caring for the young; developing contemporary worship styles; building a sense of community; fostering faith development; leading people to make a definite Christian commitment; and developing new congregations and services. * This module may also be audited for personal and professional development. 3631 Effective Small Group MinistriesLevel 6:* 9 or 12 cp 40 contact hours 1 year Prerequisite: Entry into the Doctor of Ministry course or permission from the Course Coordinator. This module explores the strategic role of small group ministries in local churches or parachurch organisations and provides knowledge, understanding and skills for developing, maintaining and extending Christian small group ministries. Most or all of the following will be explored in detail: biblical theology of Christian community, including the theology of the concept of community revealed in the Trinity; contemporary philosophies of Small Group Ministry; common components and core values of small groups; benefits of small groups, e.g. personal support, healing, acceptance, care, Evangelism, making disciples, equipping for Christian life and service, growth in understanding, encouragement in living an authentic Christian lifestyle, accomplishing tasks, serving as committees, turning committees into communities, changing lives, recognising giftedness, mutual ministry, covenant relationships and providing community; types of small groups, e.g. Bible study, contact, Evangelism, nurture, healing, growth, support, service, ministry, covenant, committee and satellite; the cell church phenomenon; small group leadership, leadership styles, leadership systems and leadership functions; principles and strategies for developing and maintaining small groups, with application in specific settings; group dynamics - communication, openness, norms and roles, size and stages; strategies for training small group leaders, using small groups to assimilate new members, and creating small group networks and administrative tracking systems; and evaluation of small group ministries. This module and Developing Effective Lay Ministries (3632) are complementary, with insights from each being applicable in the other. *This module may also be audited for personal and professional development. 3632 Developing Effective Lay MinistriesLevel 6:* 9 or 12 cp 40 contact hours 1 year Prerequisite: Entry into the Doctor of Ministry course or permission from the Course Coordinator. This module explores the biblical and theological basis for understanding the church as the body of Christ in which every member has a ministry and is a minister. The module equips participants to prepare their congregations for effective lay ministries that will transform the church's self-perception and ministry effectiveness. A selection of the following will be explored in detail: the church as
the body of Christ - biblical and theological framework; institutional
domination of the church by professionals versus every-member, gift-based
ministry; biblical and contemporary examples of servant and equipping
leadership, and comparison of models of church leaders/pastors as controllers
and caretakers or as servants and equippers; discipling and strengthening
God's people and assisting them to do the same for one another; recognising
and nurturing people's gifts and empowering them to use these gifts in
lay ministries; transforming all believers into ministers; overcoming
perspectives which hinder the full appreciation and development of lay
ministries; program-based and people-based ministries; clergy-focussed
and laity-focussed ministries; developing team ministries; understanding
yourself and your role as a Christian leader; and imparting a biblical
understanding of the significance of lay ministries to your leadership
team, congregation, church board etc., and overcoming structural and systemic
obstacles to implementing this sort of ministry in your local church setting. 3633 Youth Ministry PRIORITIESLevel 6:* 9 or 12 cp 40 contact hours 1 year Prerequisite: Entry into the Doctor of Ministry course or permission from the Course Coordinator. This module explores the strategic role of effective Youth Ministry in the Church today, enabling participants to develop a biblical theology of Youth Ministry and assisting them to attract, retain and disciple young people in church and parachurch settings. A selection of the following will be explored in detail: developing a philosophy of Youth Ministry; understanding normal adolescent development; understanding youth culture, and subcultures, in a postmodern society; strategic issues and influences in the Australian context; models of Youth Ministry; settings for ministry to youth; models of Youth Ministry leadership; fostering spiritual development and discipleship in young people; reaching youth through music; motivating young people to learn through appropriate relationships, and through the design, content and presentation of programs; bridge-building and Evangelism with young people; assisting young people to develop a sense of social justice, personal morality and social Ethics, and to define and clarify their values; designing programs for Youth Ministry; youth counselling; the role of small groups in Youth Ministry; motivating and mobilising young people for mission; and legal and ethical requirements and responsibilities in relation to Duty of Care and Child Protection. * This module may also be audited for personal and professional development. 3634 Professional Elective C (Church Life Topic)Level 6:* 9 or 12 cp 40 contact hours 1 year Prerequisite: Entry into the Doctor of Ministry course or permission from the Course Coordinator. This module explores an aspect of church life, enabling participants to develop in-depth understanding of theory and practice in this area, and to apply this understanding professionally in their ministry settings. Topics with direct relevance to ministry in the contemporary church will be selected for in-depth exploration in this module. Topics may include the following or others: contextual ministry in the contemporary church; vision and renewal in the church; connecting with and keeping your congregation; communicating through preaching and teaching in a postmodern age; applying a biblical anthropology in pastoral counselling; overcoming apathy and superficiality in Australian churches; ministering in a multicultural congregation; ministering across cultural barriers; and developing team ministries. * This module may also be audited for personal and professional development. 3635 Professional Elective D (Mission Topic)Level 6:* 9 or 12 cp 40 contact hours 1 year Prerequisite: Entry into the Doctor of Ministry course or permission from the Course Coordinator. This module explores an aspect of Christian mission, enabling participants to develop in-depth understanding of theory and practice in this area, and to apply this understanding professionally in relation to their ministry settings. The topics explored will depend on the particular aspect of Christian mission that is offered for study in any particular year. Topic areas may include the following or others as they relate to the local church or parachurch organisation: connecting with the community; communicating Christ in a postmodern world; mobilising your church for mission; responsibly facing today's global ethical challenges; providing theological education in other cultures; strategic issues in urban outreach; ministering to those on the fringes of society; and Church Planting - theology and practice. * This module may also be audited for personal and professional development. 3650 Ministry Research ThesisLevel 6: 54 cp contact hours* 1.5-2 years Prerequisite: Completion of 24 credit points of coursework in the Doctor of Ministry course. Candidates for the Doctor of Ministry degree undertake original research that makes a contribution to knowledge relevant for the professional practice of Christian ministry and results in a major thesis of 45,000-50,000 words. The process entails consultative education and supervised independent research that will normally be directly related to some aspect of the candidate's professional work. An applicant will not be accepted as a research candidate unless his/her proposed research project is considered acceptable for a Doctor of Ministry thesis and adequate supervision, infrastructure and resources are available for the successful completion of the project. Further information is available on request and full details are given in the Doctor of Ministry Handbook that is provided for students. *By arrangement. |