PC003-812 – Pastoral Skills and Methods

Credit Points

12 Credit Points (CPS)

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Advanced knowledge and understanding of, and the research underlying, pastoral skills and methods, including the methods and standards of professional, safe and ethical practice.

B. Be able to

1. Critique the aims and methods of pastoral care

2. Examine the skills and methods of pastoral care

3. Demonstrate skill in applying the methods of pastoral care

4. Present Research-Aware evidence-based perspectives on pastoral skills and methods

C. Be in a position to

1. Applying perspectives and skills from ‘Pastoral Skills and Methods’ to contemporary Christian living and ministry practice as a reflective practitioner

Content

Section A: Pastoral Skills and Methods (40%)

  • An introduction to aims and methods in pastoral care and pastoral counselling and their implications for Christian community.
  • Relational skills; empathy, respect, concreteness, genuineness; listening skills.
  • Equipping others; teaching, encouragement, recognition of abilities, training.
  • Mechanics of care; administration, publicity, the various settings of care, record-keeping.

Section B: Pastoral Care in Particular Situations (60%)

In the topics studied below, attention should be paid not only to the needs of those in care but the carers’ own lives.

  • Pastoral care of persons with special needs, including:
    • the recognition of normal and abnormal conditions;
    • the mentally ill;
    • handicapped and disabled persons.
  • Pastoral care of people in the following situations:
    • marital disharmony and divorce;
    • dying, death and bereavement; the grief process;
    • depression.
  • Pastoral care of those in crises, or with chronic conditions. Students study two of:
    • alcoholism & drug dependence
    • attempted suicide
    • long-term illness
    • child abuse and domestic violence
    • AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases
    • unemployment and work related stress
    • those in trouble with the law
    • financial or debt-related stress
  • Community resources for pastoral care, including other helping professions; when to refer.