THMN1237 Theology and Pastoral Care

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  Show an initial understanding of the Psalms, wisdom and prophetic texts, Johannine and Pauline literature, including some key themes and characteristics
  
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  Show an understanding of how these Biblical texts might be related to contemporary life and the church’s life within this context, including how this understanding might be applied within preaching.
  
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  Have critically considered some of John Wesley’s sermons.
  
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  Demonstrate a knowledge of the requirements of Local Preachers in the Methodist Church
  
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  Engage in continued learning and development, drawing on theological reflection and feedback from others.
  
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  Integrate Biblical material considered during the module and their learning from the other modules covered on the programme into their practice as a Local Preacher, particularly in terms of their ability to use this material to inform their preaching.
  
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  Relate their progression through the programme to the requirements of being a Local Preacher within the Methodist Church, including being able to explore issues relating to preaching ministry with others.
  

Content

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  An overview of the Psalms, wisdom and prophetic texts, Johannine and Pauline literature
  
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  Understanding the role of prophets, including considering the messages of at least two Old Testament prophets, the way that New Testament writers draw on their messages, and their continuing role through history/in the present day.
  
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  Identifying key themes in Johannine and Pauline literature, including distinctive features of John’s Gospel.
  
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  Different models and tools for reflection and development as a Local Preacher, as introduced by tutor and mentor, including ways to connect the Biblical material considered to preaching practice.
  
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  Consideration of some of John Wesley’s sermons
  
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  Consideration of the requirements of Local Preachers within the Methodist Church.
  
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  Regular participation in Circuit Local Preachers’ Meetings with the support of a local mentor
  
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  Supervision and discussion of the students’ evolving practice as a Local Preacher in ways which support reflective practice and ongoing development.
  
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  Developing plans for continuing development
  

Astley, J. (ed.) How Faith Grows, (National Society/Church House Publishing, 1991)

Baker, J. Transforming Preaching (Grove 2009)

Brown, R. E. The Gospel According to John, 2 vols, (Doubleday, 1966, 1971)

Brueggemann, W. The Prophetic Imagination (Fortress, 2001)

Culpepper, R. A. The Gospel and Letters of John (Abingdon Press, 1998)

Day, D. A Preaching Workbook (SPCK 2004)

Dunn, J. D. G. (ed) The Cambridge Companion to Paul, (Cambridge University Press, 2003)

Firth, D. and Johnston, P. (eds) Interpreting the Psalms: Issues and Approaches (IVP, 2005)

Hunter, A. G. Wisdom Literature (SCM, 2006)

Koester, C. R. Symbolism in the Fourth Gospel: Meaning, Mystery, Community (Fortress Press, 2003)

Murphy-O’Connor, J. St Paul’s Corinth (Liturgical, 2nd ed., 2002).

Schön, D. A. The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action (Ashgate 1991)

Standing, R. Find the Plot (Paternoster 2004)

Stevenson, G. Pulpit Journeys (Darton, Longman & Todd 2006)

Tanner, M. How to Write a Good Sermon (Grove 2007)

Taylor, B. B. The Preaching Life (Cowley Publications 1993)

Theissen, G. The Social Setting of Pauline Christianity (Fortress, 1982)

Walton, R. and Croft, S. Learning for Ministry (Church House Publishing, 2005)

40 hours contact time

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  1 sermon written and delivered by the student;
  
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  feedback received on this sermon from the student’s tutor and mentor; and
  
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  the students’ reflections based on this, including how they would adapt this sermon if delivered again in future.