Course Description
Church and Christian faith practices are in the midst of critical sea-change made all the more intense and unsettling by the Covid 19 pandemic. Navigating this contemporary cultural change presents opportunities and challenges for effective Christian discipleship, to re-imagine and experiment in both ancient and new vessels. This course will use biblical and theological perspectives combined with insights from history and the social sciences to provide portals through which to understand and engage with an increasingly disruptive environment. It will include exploring a range of creative expressions of Christian life for both individuals and communities this Advent, and equip people for spiritual renewal in diverse local contexts.
This is an open access course available as a 10-credit course (accredited by the University of Glasgow) or audit-only for those who just wish to engage with the learning programme for their own personal benefit.
Church and Christian faith practices are in the midst of critical sea-change made all the more intense and unsettling by the Covid 19 pandemic. Navigating this contemporary cultural change presents opportunities and challenges for effective Christian discipleship, to re-imagine and experiment in both ancient and new vessels. This course will use biblical and theological perspectives combined with insights from history and the social sciences to provide portals through which to understand and engage with an increasingly disruptive environment. It will include exploring a range of creative expressions of Christian life for both individuals and communities this Advent, and equip people for spiritual renewal in diverse local contexts.
This is an open access course available as a 10-credit course (accredited by the University of Glasgow) or audit-only for those who just wish to engage with the learning programme for their own personal benefit.
PASTORAL PRACTICE IN CHURCH LEADERSHIP
Online Practical Theology Short Courses
with Trinity College Glasgow & Theology & Religious Studies, University of Glasgow
Course Description
This 20-credit short course will equip those in, or expecting to be in, positions of church leadership (not necessarily ordained ministry) to understand and evaluate some of the pastoral needs and dynamics within churches and the interventions that can be made. The course will be based on a basic theological understanding of the human person and how that underpins all interactions and responses within church.
Pastoral work will be explored relationally, including such topics as power dynamics in ministry, self-care, conflict, rites of passage, suffering, loss and trauma. It is hoped that the course will build the resilience of leaders and a better understanding of people and groups.
This is an open access course available as a 20-credit course (accredited by the University of Glasgow) over two semesters, with a 35 hour placement in semester two. The course is available audit-only for those who just wish to engage with the learning programme for their own personal benefit.
Tutor
Rev Dr Sally Nelson
Sally read chemisty at Jesus College, Oxford, and had a career in science publishing before pursuing theological education at the London School of Theology and Spurgeons College. She is an ordained Baptist minister, having held pastorates and chaplaincy posts. She has worked in theological education since 2012 and is now Lecturer in Pastoral Studies at the University of Glasgow, with interests in pastoral theology, theological anthropology and disability theology. Sally enjoys growing vegetables in her garden and walking. She is married and has one daughter, who has complex and severe disabilities.
Timetable & Duration
Semester One - 24th September 2026 - 3rd December 2026
Semester Two - 14th January 2027 - 25th March 2027
This course will take place online in semester one on Thursday evenings, 7pm-9pm BST. This course will be taught via 10 online real-time meetings & instruction, and after-class activities. In semester two there will be a placement of 35 hours across the whole semester.
Course Information
Course Aims
-
To introduce students to a wide understanding of human flourishing and some basic psychological theories about human behaviour.
-
To enable students to apply different models of pastoral care, drawing upon some theological, spiritual and other resources.
-
To engage with some important issues in pastoral practice, including power relationships, confidentiality, transference, conflict, suffering and trauma, and boundaries.
-
To encourage students to reflect critically on their own experience and practice of pastoral care.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
-
Explain human being and human relationships by using ideas from a variety of perspectives: theological, sociological, psychological.
-
Reflect on their experience of pastoral care and the skills required by those who provide pastoral care.
-
Draw on theological and other resources to describe and analyse the issues raised by pastoral care in the context of Christian ministry and mission.
-
Reflect critically and theologically on their own pastoral practice and development.
Course Information
Semester 1 teaching is conducted online. There will be weekly real-time sessions using the online learning platform, Moodle. The course administrators will help with access to Moodle once you are enrolled. Learning will use online group discussions, exercises, and activities, viewing and reading. You will be introduced to a range of ideas and resources for practising in your own context. Participants will be expected to interact and offer feedback to others in groups and through online forums.
Semester two is placement based and you are asked to do a minimum of 35 hours on placement over the semester. The placement can be in your church setting or in a care home, hospital etc. You will provide reflection on the experience as your final assignment.
PLEASE NOTE: You will need a PVG to undertake the placement and it is your responsibility to organise it. Please contact the course tutor, Sally Nelson at sally.nelson@glasgow.ac.uk, to clarify what is needed regarding the placement.
The formal assessment (for University credit) for this course consists of the following:
-
Reflective Portfolio: 50% (2000 words or equivalent) based on the class materials and submitted at the end of Semester 1.
-
Report on your placement: 50% (2000 words or equivalent) submitted at the end of Semester 2.
Support, guidance and feedback will be available for all assessments.
Cost
£415 (this covers access to all resources and administrative costs).
Funds & Subsidies
Funding may be available to Church of Scotland Priority Area (PA) parishes.
Funds or subsidies may also be available through your own church for training or study purposes and we encourage you to approach them with the details of the course.
How to Apply
These courses are delivered through the University of Glasgow. We will contact you with more information and guidance regarding applying, completing your details and payment in time for the course start date. If you have any questions regarding the process, you can contact us on the above email address.
If you have any difficulties with this process – please contact Kirsty Pattison at: