PASTORAL THEOLOGY

1. Define pastoral theology and its significance.
2. Identify biblical foundations for pastoral ministry.
3. Explain the nature and role of pastoral ministers.
4. Apply principles of pastoral counseling in various contexts.
5. Develop strategies for crisis intervention.
6. Analyze the relationship between Christianity and society.

13 weeks, about 33 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Notion and Nature of Pastoral Theology

   • Unit 1: General Notion of Pastoral Theology · 2 hours

     Read the definition of pastoral theology and reflect on its practical application.. Identify the human need for God and the role of pastoral theology in meeting this need.. Consider the goal of pastoral theology in achieving effective pastoral ministry..

2. Week 2Module 1: Notion and Nature of Pastoral Theology

   • Unit 2: Method in Pastoral Theology · 2 hours

     Study the scriptural approach to pastoral theology, focusing on God's care for Israel.. Examine the ecclesial tradition approach and its importance in shaping pastoral ministry.. Reflect on the use of reason in pastoral theology and its role in constructive thinking..

3. Week 3Module 1: Notion and Nature of Pastoral Theology

   • Unit 3: The Nature of Pastoral Ministry · 2 hours

     Differentiate between pastoral ministry and other services, such as philanthropic service.. Identify the primary target of pastoral ministry as service to God and neighbor.. Reflect on the context of pastoral ministry within a Christian community..

4. Week 4Module 1: Notion and Nature of Pastoral Theology

   • Unit 4: The Pastoral Minister: Vocation and Role · 2 hours

     Understand the pastoral minister as one called and chosen to serve.. Reflect on the importance of the role of the pastoral minister in practical ministry.. Consider the qualities and responsibilities of the pastoral minister..

5. Week 5Module 1: Notion and Nature of Pastoral Theology

   • Unit 5: The Pastoral Minister as Leader · 2 hours

     Explore pastoral leadership as service, following the example of Jesus Christ.. Examine pastoral leadership as empowerment, enabling others for pastoral service.. Reflect on the importance of service and empowerment in effective pastoral leadership..

6. Week 6Module 2: Biblical Foundations for Pastoral Ministry

   • Unit 1: Priestly Ministry in the Old Testament · 2 hours

     Study the nature of priesthood in Israelite religion and the pastoral roles of Israelite priests.. Reflect on the priestly ministry as a foundation for understanding pastoral ministry today.. Consider the role of priests as mediators between the people and God..

7. Week 7Module 2: Biblical Foundations for Pastoral Ministry

   • Unit 2: Prophetic Ministry in the Old Testament · 2 hours

     Discuss the background to prophecy in Israelite religion and the pastoral roles of Israelite prophets.. Reflect on the prophetic ministry as a foundation for understanding pastoral ministry today.. Consider the role of prophets as God's spokespersons and social critics..

8. Week 8Module 2: Biblical Foundations for Pastoral Ministry

   • Unit 3: The Ministry of Jesus · 3 hours

     Examine Jesus' example of ministry in Galilee, on the way to Jerusalem, and in Jerusalem.. Reflect on Jesus' teaching on ministry and its implications for pastoral ministry today.. Consider Jesus' ministry as a model of service, compassion, and seeking out the lost..

9. Week 9Module 2: Biblical Foundations for Pastoral Ministry

   • Unit 4: Apostolic Ministry in the New Testament · 3 hours

     Study the initial development of apostolic ministry under the leadership of Peter.. Examine the further development of apostolic ministry in the early Christian community.. Reflect on the different stages of the development of apostolic ministry in New Testament times..

10. Week 10Module 2: Biblical Foundations for Pastoral Ministry

    • Unit 5: Aspects of Christian Ministry in the New Testament · 3 hours

      Explore ministry through rendering services, such as prophecy, evangelism, pastoring, and teaching.. Examine ministry through the exercise of charismatic gifts, such as utterance of wisdom, knowledge, and healing.. Reflect on the importance of these ministries in building up the early Christian community..

11. Week 11Module 3: Issues in Pastoral Theology

    • Unit 1: Ministering through Word, Prayer and Sacrament · 2 hours

      Study ministry through word, prayer, and sacrament.. Examine the importance of preaching, prayer, and the sacraments in pastoral ministry.. Reflect on the role of these elements in bringing about unity and fellowship in the Christian community..

12. Week 12Module 3: Issues in Pastoral Theology

    • Unit 2: Pastoral Administration · 2 hours

      Explore pastoral administration, including personnel administration, administration of temporal goods, and program planning.. Examine the principles of pastoral administration and their application in a Church setting.. Reflect on the importance of effective administration in supporting pastoral ministry..

    • Unit 3: Pastoral Counselling · 2 hours

      Study the qualities of a pastoral counselor, such as empathy, genuineness, and respect.. Examine the guidelines for effective pastoral counseling, including asking questions and giving information.. Reflect on the role of pastoral counseling in providing support and guidance to individuals in need..

13. Week 13Module 3: Issues in Pastoral Theology

    • Unit 4: Crisis Ministry · 2 hours

      Examine crisis ministry, including the characteristics of a crisis and pastoral crisis intervention.. Study pastoral crisis intervention for those living with HIV/AIDS.. Reflect on the role of pastoral ministry in providing support and hope during times of crisis..

    • Unit 5: Ministry to the Wider Society · 2 hours

      Explore ministry to the wider society, including the relationship between Christianity and society.. Examine the different areas of need for pastoral ministry to the wider society.. Reflect on the role of pastoral ministry in addressing social issues and promoting justice and peace..