Leadership & Theology

Curriculum Objectives

This unit provides an in depth study of the formational responsibilities of those who lead in Christian ministries.  Focussing on the meaning, content and processes of formation, and also on the formational responsibilities of a leader, it examines insights drawn from the Christian faith tradition. Context, community and the needs of the leader, as well as issues concerning adult spirituality in Christian faith settings, are also addressed. In addition, the unit explores the notion of contemporary Christian mission and the implications of this for formation. It outlines the contours of a new approach to formation.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:

• develop the capacity for reflective practice in order to assist students to be able to accept responsibility for, and engage in, aspects of their own formation with the support of others in the Christian community
• clarify the connection between individual formation and the faith community and its tradition
• explore the formation requirements for the student as both minister and leader in the contemporary context
• enable development of a model of formation appropriate to the setting in which the student is leader, and
• develop and enhance the capacity to articulate a personal theology of formation, based soundly in both scripture and the student’s faith tradition.

Assumed Knowledge 

P8155, M8161 & P9264

Study hours

10 hours per week for 12 week session, comprised of:

• At least one hour per week for online lectures
• At least three hours per week of reading.
• At least six hours per week of directed study, including optional and assessable online activities.

Teaching methods

Online lectures; online activities; guided reading; scaffolded assessments; feedback on assessments.

Indicative Assessment

At the Institute we use a range of assessment tasks, including essays, research papers, online posts, critical reflections, projects and praxis exercises. Within a unit of study each set of assessment tasks is designed as an integral part of your learning experience. These tasks vary across units and programs. All assessment tasks are aligned to the Australian Qualifications Framework level appropriate for graduate awards.