Pastoral Theology
- Arts
- 700 level
- 2 credit units
- 123 pages
- 15 units
This course introduces students to Pastoral Theology, exploring common themes in pastoral ministry and the role of ministers in the church and society. It equips students with theoretical, theological, and practical knowledge to critically evaluate the place of pastors in Christian theology and their societal relevance. The course motivates students to become ambassadors of social service and community development, promoting values such as empathy, care, and charity.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 208 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CSS722, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CSS722 · UNIT 1 GENERAL NOTION OF PASTORAL THEOLOGY
Each study unit consists of one week‟s work and should take you about three hours to complete. It included specific objectives, guidance for study, reading materials, self-assessment exercises, and tutor-marked assignments. All these are to assist you achieve the stated learning objectives of the individual study units of the course.
What you should be able to do
- Define Pastoral Theology and its key concepts
- Identify biblical foundations for pastoral ministry
- Apply principles of pastoral counseling
- Understand the role of a pastoral minister in the church and society
- Evaluate ethical considerations in pastoral ministry
What it prepares you for
- Pastor
- Chaplain
- Religious Educator
- Youth Minister
- Religious Organizations
- Community Services
- Healthcare
- Education
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Biblical Foundations for Pastoral Ministry
Unit 1: Priestly Ministry in the Old Testament
Understanding the historical context and interpreting the symbolic meanings of Old Testament priestly rituals requires careful analysis.
- Module 3: Issues in Pastoral Theology
Unit 3: Pastoral Counselling
Applying counseling techniques effectively requires empathy, active listening, and the ability to provide appropriate guidance without imposing personal beliefs.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 42 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Notion and Nature of Pastoral Theology
Unit 1: General Notion of Pastoral Theology · 3 hours
Define pastoral theology and its focus on ministry and care of souls.. Understand the role of a pastoral theologian in structuring a Christian assembly for effective ministry..
- Week 2Module 1: Notion and Nature of Pastoral Theology
Unit 2: Method in Pastoral Theology · 3 hours
Explain the scriptural approach to pastoral theology, using the Old and New Testaments as models.. Discuss how ecclesial traditions shape and color pastoral ministry..
- Week 3Module 1: Notion and Nature of Pastoral Theology
Unit 3: The Nature of Pastoral Ministry · 3 hours
Identify the nature of pastoral ministry as service to God and neighbor.. Distinguish pastoral ministry from philanthropic services..
- Week 4Module 1: Notion and Nature of Pastoral Theology
Unit 4: The Pastoral Minister: Vocation and Role · 3 hours
Appreciate the pastoral minister as one called and chosen for service.. Understand the role of the ecclesial community in calling one into ministry..
- Week 5Module 1: Notion and Nature of Pastoral Theology
Unit 5: The Pastoral Minister as Leader · 3 hours
Explain pastoral leadership as service, emulating Jesus Christ.. Discuss how pastoral leadership can empower others for pastoral service..
- Week 6Module 2: Biblical Foundations for Pastoral Ministry
Unit 1: Priestly Ministry in the Old Testament · 3 hours
Explain the nature of priesthood in Israelite religion.. Describe the pastoral roles of Israelite priests, including care of the sanctuary and offering sacrifices..
- Week 7Module 2: Biblical Foundations for Pastoral Ministry
Unit 2: Prophetic Ministry in the Old Testament · 3 hours
Discuss how Israelite prophets received their call.. Explain how Israelite prophets ministered through the spoken word and addressed religious and social issues..
- Week 8Module 2: Biblical Foundations for Pastoral Ministry
Unit 3: The Ministry of Jesus · 3 hours
Identify aspects of Jesus' example of ministry in Galilee, on the way to Jerusalem, and in Jerusalem.. Highlight characteristics of ministry from Jesus' teaching..
- Week 9Module 2: Biblical Foundations for Pastoral Ministry
Unit 4: Apostolic Ministry in the New Testament · 3 hours
Discuss the initial ministerial role of the apostles under Peter's leadership.. Discuss the development of pastoral ministry in the early Christian community..
- Week 10Module 2: Biblical Foundations for Pastoral Ministry
Unit 5: Aspects of Christian Ministry in the New Testament · 3 hours
Explain the ministerial services of prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.. Discuss the charismatic gifts of utterance of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation..
- Week 11Module 3: Issues in Pastoral Theology
Unit 1: Ministering through Word, Prayer and Sacrament · 3 hours
Acquire knowledge and skills in preaching the word of God effectively.. Understand prayer and how to lead the Christian community in prayer..
- Week 12Module 3: Issues in Pastoral Theology
Unit 2: Pastoral Administration · 3 hours
Explain the general principles of pastoral administration.. Discuss the administration of temporal goods and program planning..
- Week 13Module 3: Issues in Pastoral Theology
Unit 3: Pastoral Counselling · 3 hours
Identify the qualities of a good pastoral counselor.. Evaluate the guidelines for effective pastoral counseling..
Unit 4: Crisis Ministry · 3 hours
Discuss the characteristics of a crisis.. Explain how to approach a crisis situation..
Preparing for the exam
- Review key definitions and concepts from each unit
- Focus on biblical examples and their application to modern ministry
- Practice applying counseling techniques to hypothetical scenarios
- Create summaries of each module's main points
- Review all tutor-marked assignments and feedback
Questions students ask about this course
What is CSS722 about?
This course introduces students to Pastoral Theology, exploring common themes in pastoral ministry and the role of ministers in the church and society. It equips students with theoretical, theological, and practical knowledge to critically evaluate the place of pastors in Christian theology and their societal relevance. The course motivates students to become ambassadors of social service and community development, promoting values such as empathy, care, and charity.
How many units does CSS722 have?
CSS722, Pastoral Theology, has 15 units across 3 modules, over 123 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CSS722?
CSS722 carries 2 credit units, at 700 level in Arts.
Is CSS722 hard?
CSS722 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work, and it has a practical component.
How long does CSS722 take to study?
About 208 hours of study, spread across its 15 units.
How is CSS722 assessed?
CSS722 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with CSS722?
Pastor, Chaplain, Religious Educator and Youth Minister.