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Pastoral Skills
Welcome
Module Leader: Rev'd Susie Curtis
Please Watch This Video First
Links
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New students only: please join the Forum here if you haven't already done so, instructions are here
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Association of Christian Counselling, Exploring Pastoral Care (free pdf, download here)
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Whipp, Margaret (2013), 'Pastoral Theology' (free on The Hub, or available on Amazon here)
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A Short Study Skills Guide, can be found here​
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Torrence, John R (2020) Accelerated Learning Unlocked (can be purchased here)
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'The Hub' Church of England Library Resource, access instructions can be found here
SESSION 1 SHARED LEARNING MORNING
The History of Pastoral Care
In this session we will explore experiences of pastoral care and look at an overview of the history of pastoral care from the early church onwards.
SESSION 2
Who Needs Pastoral Care?
In this session we will explore our own experiences of both giving and receiving pastoral care, the four dimensions of pastoral care and definitions of pastoral care. Session sections: 'Different Dimensions', 'SHRUG', 'Different Defnitions'.
(Reading: EPC pp24, 29, Whipp Chapter 7).
SESSION 3
Who Cares
In this session we will explore who is called to care, who the church is called to care for andthe different times and seasons for caring and being cared for. Session sections: 'Who is Called to Care?', 'All, Some, Few', 'Who Do We Care For?'
(Reading: EPC p34, Whipp Chapter 1)
SESSION 4
Caring Qualities
In this session we will explore the characteristics required of a carer, how Jesus expressed care and the qualities needed for Christian care. Session sections: 'Qualities of a Pastoral Carer', 'Jesus the Carer', 'Models of Pastoral Care', 'Caring Characteristics'.
(Reading: EPC p46, Whipp Chapter 2)
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SESSION 5 SHARED LEARNING MORNING
Times and Seasons
In this session we will explore the different stages of life and the importance of pastoral care in the transitioning from stage to another. The afternoon session will focus on the assignments.
(Reading: Whipp Chapter 3).
SESSION 6
Policies, Procedures and Plans
In this session we will discuss the need for planning in pastoral care as well the importance of policies and procedures. We will also explore the people, places and resources available in your setting. Session sections: 'Boundaries and Power', 'Policies', 'Why, How, What and Who', 'Creating a Plan'.
(Reading: Whipp Chapter 9)
SESSION 7
Just Listen!
In this session we will explore the importance of listening and some ways of developing our our ability to listen. Session sections: 'Just Listen!', 'Listening to God', 'Listening to Ourselves'.
(Reading: Whipp Chapter 8)
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SESSION 8
Reflective Practice and Supervision
In this session we will look at some of the power dynamics involved in pastoral care and explore how to stay safe, describe different models of reflective practice and choose one that suits you and
consider a spirituality of supervision, and some examples of where to find out more. Session sections: 'Power Dynamics', 'The Drama Triangle', 'The Winner's Triangle', 'The Spirituality of Supervision', 'Supervision in Pratice'.
(Reading: Whipp Chapter 10)
SESSION 9
Grief, Loss & Mental Health and Wellbeing
In this session we will explore how to be more aware of mental health in yourself and in others,
think about faith and mental health when offering pastoral care and work to identify sources of help, information and further resources. Session sections: 'The Fragility of Life', 'Faith', 'Sources of Help ad Supervision'.
(Reading: Whipp Chapter 5)
SESSION 10 SHARED LEARNING MORNING
Unconditional Postive Regard and Person Centred Counselling
In this session we will look at the importance of unconditional postive regard in pastoral care as well as a person centred approach to pastoral care.
(Reading: Whipp Chapter 6)
ASSESSMENT
Pastoral Skills and Your Context
There is one ssignment for this module. You can find instructions and guidance by clicking on the picture to the left. Your engagement with the module through Learning Support Group Sessions, Shared Learning Mornings and Forum engagement will also form a part of your overall module mark.