Area: Biblical Studies

Content

The unit gives an introduction to contemporary interpretation of the New Testament by reading it as a collection of different kinds of literature and by exploring the historical, cultural and social backgrounds of the New Testament writings. It introduces some methods used in the exegesis of biblical texts and explores some of the issues surrounding the application of the ancient writings to contemporary contexts. A series of incremental topics will be covered during the semester, presenting both an overview of the literature and specific study of representative sections of biblical material. The modules will include the Gospels and Acts, Pauline Writings, Other Christian approaches to the Judaic heritage (Hebrews, James, and Revelation) and Issues of canon and authority.

Learning Outcomes

1. Read the various writings of the New Testament and interpret them according to their original
2. Encounter the methods of biblical interpretation and describe their use and
3. Explore ways of drawing contemporary relevance from specified
4. Demonstrate the ability to articulate, discuss and present orally the issues raised.

This unit will examine issues at the interface between Australian society and ministry. It will enable students to see ministry and ministers within a sociological context and to develop a greater social sensitivity about the ministry process. Three major themes will be discussed: the interface between sociology and ministry; the social dynamics of church communities; and churches interacting with Australian society.

Aims

The aims of this topic are to:

1. examine issues at the interface between society and ministry in an Australian context
2. examine the social dynamics of church communities
3. analyse the interaction between churches and Australian society
4. enable students to see ministry and ministers from a sociological perspective and to develop greater social sensitivity about the ministry process
5. provide an opportunity for students to engage in collaborative research in order to facilitate insights into Australian ministry through the process of praxis

Outcomes

1. Constructed a field report in which they describe a community, its rationale for existence, observations about its work, and a review of ministry in the community
2. In collaboration with others, presented on a key area of sociology for ministry
3. Engaged collaboratively with set texts and various forms of media in order to explore social, economic, political, religious, ecological and educational perspectives in Australian society.

Prerequisites

None

Area: Christian Education and Discipleship

Content

This unit includes:

1. Biblical and theological foundations for a Christian approach to vocation, work and
2. An exploration of the application of Christian discipleship to significant issues of 21stcentury life, globalisation, economic factors, influence of technology.
3. An in-depth examination of key pastoral issues in the life of the worker, stress, anxiety, work/life balance, financial pressure, workplace bullying, and development of peer-based pastoral skills in relation to these.
4. Principles of, and possibilities for, leisure and rest in 21stcentury Australian

Learning Outcomes

1. develop a theology of vocation, work and
2. analyse a range of issues that impact the wellbeing of individuals in the contemporary workplace, and explore a range of Christian
3. identify ways in which the church can empower people to effectively live out a Christian approach to their vocation and
4. demonstrate effective communication skills (written, verbal and technological).

Content

This unit will introduce students to theological understandings of the human person. Students will be taken through: theological reflections on humanity as created in the imago Dei; understandings of original sin and original righteousness and the consequences of these understandings to contemporary theological anthropology and soteriology. Students will consider the role of the incarnation in the Christian understanding of the human person.

Learning Outcomes

1. Outline and describe the development of theological anthropology within Christian theology.
2. Identify the ways in which Christian understandings of Christology and ethics are influenced by theologies of original sin and original righteousness.
3. Compare and contrast historical and contemporary theological anthropologies and show the outworking’s of these ideas in contemporary theological dialogue and ministry practice.
4. Describe the contribution of theological anthropology to contemporary discussions of human rights and ethics.

Area: Missiology

Content

This unit is designed to  assist leaders in forming and developing churches and faith communities in the task of evangelism. Students will examine the nature of Australian society and its implications for evangelism and the growth of the Church. They will explore understandings of the value of evangelism as integral to the mission and ministry of the church. They will develop skills and practices in implementing local church evangelism. They will explore some of the important issues around evangelism, conversion and the mission of God, including pluralism and postmodernity. Content could include theologies of evangelism and conversion, the Australian context in history, contemporary challenges,   models  and  practices  of   evangelistic churches, evangelism and special events and resources for evangelism today.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify major social, cultural and ecclesiastical trends that effect evangelism, conversion and the mission of
2. Articulate a considered Biblical and theological rationale for evangelism and
3. Present, and critically respond to, a number of evangelism styles and
4. Develop skills and strategies in leading a Christian faith community to effective implementation of local and wider
5. Develop skills and confidence in articulation of a range of understandings of the Christian gospel and