Overview of DMin Modules

Part 1a

TH7820 Research Methods (for DMin)

The module provides instruction on the necessary skills for academic research, in particular theological research, as well as academic writing skills.

In summary, the module:

Gives guidance on skills required in both researching and academic writing;
Provides practice in a variety of writing tasks required of a professional academic writer;
Considers general philosophical approaches to research;
Discusses quantitative and qualitative approaches to research;
Considers some distinctives of theological research methodology;
Considers ethical and 'political' issues surrounding research.

TH7811 Principles of Christian Leadership

The module considers the nature, governing paradigms and practical requirements of Christian leadership as expressed in the context of a worshipping congregation.

In summary, the module explores the nature of Christian leadership, in particular the theoretical principles of leadership, as well as their practical implications in terms of leadership skills.

Examples of topics which may be considered, include the following:

Leadership paradigms
Biblical models and definitions
Measures of success and failure
Support structures in leadership
Leadership and change
Leadership goals
Plurality of leadership
Growing leaders

TH7812 Biblical Exegesis: English Text

In summary, the module consists of:

An overview and sequential exploration of the English text of Paul’s 1st letter to Timothy with detailed attention to selected passages.
A study of exegetical method and an introduction to discourse analysis as an exegetical tool for the working pastor.
An introduction to hermeneutical principles and methods with special reference to the homiletical task.

TH7813 Biblical Exegesis: Greek Text

This module aims to extend students' knowledge of Koinē Greek and to develop their skills in the exegesis of the Greek New Testament via the study of selected passages of varying genre and level of difficulty. The set texts, which may vary from year to year, will typically include most of John 1-4 together with passages from the Synoptic Gospels (one passage with parallels, where appropriate), Acts (one passage), the Pauline corpus (two passages), Hebrews, James or 1 Peter (one passage) and Revelation (one passage). In the course of the module, students will be introduced to a range of tools and methods for exegetical analysis and to a range of relevant scholarly literature.

TH7814 Biblical Exegesis: Hebrew Text

This module builds on knowledge of an introductory grammar of Biblical Hebrew by using the text of the book of Ruth.

In summary the module includes:

A study of the Hebrew text of the book of Ruth.
Analysis of grammar and syntax, as well aspects of discourse analysis.
Exegetical and theological comment on the text.
Examination of textual variants.

TH7807 Aspects of Modern Mission

Through engagement with key commentators, this module explores the Scriptural concept of mission in the light of John’s Gospel, considering notions of ‘sending’ exhibited in the Gospel as they relate to intra-Trinitarian relationships, to the disciples of Jesus and the church. It explores the Gospel’s view of the ‘world’ and of the human condition.

It introduces students to missiological texts with a view to critical examination of missiological trends. It further provides an opportunity for critical exploration of aspects of current mission practice in the modern world.

TH7815 Contemporary Church Issues

The module examines a range of issues which impact the contemporary church, and in particular churches in the evangelical tradition. The module begins by considering the changing nature of evangelicalism and the challenges posed by the interaction between a commitment to an unchanging doctrine and ever-changing cultural expressions. Examples of topics which may be considered in this context include:

The call to the Christian ministry
Theology of preaching
Patterns of pastoral leadership
Men, women and spiritual authority
Biblical ecumenism
Race, culture and the gospel

TH7816 Ministry in an Urban World

The module explores the nature of the urban world using historical, sociological and theological perspectives. It introduces theoretical insights into the nature of the urban process and its possible impact on the lives of individuals, on social life, and on the environment. Attention is given to contemporary trends in the developed world, with particular reference to suburbanization, and to cities in the Southern hemisphere, in relation to the migration to, and the growth of urban slums. The significance of these developments for Christian theology and ministry practice are discussed and students are expected to relate the module content to their understanding of mission today and to their local ministry practice.

TH7817 Popular Culture and the Christian Worldview

The module explores popular culture and a Christian response to it from a Reformed theological perspective. Examples of issues which may be considered include:

Why engage popular culture in the contemporary West?
Popular culture defined in terms of ‘texts’, namely anything that can be interpreted, such as song, movie, game, novel etc.
An introduction to worldview, and how popular culture influences worldview in postmodern societies.
Towards a theological understanding of the significance of popular culture.
A critical appreciation of a range of Christian approaches to popular culture.
How to interpret and critique popular cultural texts (song, movie, game, novel, etc.) by engaging the imaginative worlds they project (cf. Ricoeur’s le monde du texte).
Critiquing popular cultural worldviews apologetically.
A Christian, imaginative response: creating an authentically Christian popular culture (and what do we mean by cultural “authenticity”?).

Part 1b

TH8801 Reflective Practice

The module focuses on reflection on the practice of ministry. This entails the keeping of a learning journal relating to practice and skills over a period of time(400 hours) and preparing a study which critically explores an area of Christian ministry in the light of current trends in scholarship on the chosen area.

TH8802 Literature Review

The module content relates to the requirements of undertaking an appropriate literature review suitable for a DMin thesis. This will include, for example, providing an understanding of the purpose and usefulness of a literature review, guidance on differentiating between the primary and secondary sources, and advice on the range of electronic databases of sources.

TH8803 Thesis Proposal

The module relates to the demands, expectations and requirements of producing a proposal for the DMin thesis.

Written guidance is provided in a study pack.

In summary, the module: ·

Provides background to the history of research;
Sets out various research paradigms and methods;
Distinguishes Quantitative and Qualitative methodology;
Describes strategies associated with Quantitative and Qualitative methodology;
Provides examples of approaches to research using case studies;
Considers the distinctives of theological research.

A draft timetable for the completion of the thesis will also be produced.

TH8804 The Theology of Pastoral Care

The module begins by studying a range of different approaches to pastoral care.

An eclectic pastoral and psychological approach is taken in considering the theology of pastoral care. The module covers a selection of pastoral topics, which will vary from year to year, drawn from the following list:

Abortion, abuse, anorexia, bereavement, childlessness, cohabitation, compulsions, contraception, depression, death, divorce, drugs, dying, euthanasia, feminism, gender roles, homosexuality, marriage, marital conflict, parenting, premarital counselling, singleness, single parenting.

TH8805 Contemporary Missiology

A consideration of biblical data in regard to mission and current global issues including globalization, ethnic and cultural identity, poverty and migration, leads to the critical examination of trends in missiological response to these issues in areas such as contextualization, integral mission, business as mission, and church planting among unreached peoples. Changes in mission structures and funding, as well as issues in the pastoral care of missionaries are also explored.

TH8806 Pastoral Response to Trauma

Examples of topics which may be considered in the module include:·

reflection upon aspects of biblical anthropology and neurophilosophy that are relevant to understanding trauma in people as a spiritual/religious phenomenon;
exploration of doctrinal themes significant for a biblical approach to trauma in terms of a Christ-centred Theodrama;
Such themes include: evil and suffering, providence, grace, compassion, justice and reconciliation;
the priority of divine love, and of the virtuous Christian community being above the necessity of technical skill, whilst not ignoring the place of the latter;
working with a model informed by practical theology for trauma response, in the light of the Christian Scriptures;
an exercise in responding to constructed traumatic scenarios;
justice and reconciliation between human parties;
ecumenical and inter-faith friendship.

TH8807 Modern Christian Spirtuality

The module begins by defining the terms ‘spirituality’ and ‘Christian spirituality’ and describing their relation to ‘mysticism’. The module then traces the emergence of various spiritualities. A case-study explores Calvinistic Methodist spirituality in Wales (1800-1830) and considers its relevance for contemporary church life and practice. Consideration is given to spiritualities in the West from the 1960s onwards. Particular reference is made to New Age spiritualities, as well as Charismatic and Feminist spiritualities (Carol Christ). The breadth and variety of these spiritualities is highlighted as they are expressed in Western society.

Th module distinguishes various kinds of Christian spirituality such as Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant from historical, biblical and contemporary perspectives before focusing on Evangelical and Reformed spiritualities.

Part 2 TH8808 DMin Thesis

The essential features of the thesis, i.e. its topic, design etc. will have been defined in detail in the Thesis Proposal module (TH8803). The thesis provides students with an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the understanding and practice of Christian ministry through the completion of a major research project. The thesis will contain evidence that the student has engaged in some original research related to the practice of ministry. Having gathered this information, students will engage in theological reflection upon the material. In reflecting theologically, students will be expected to demonstrate their ability to integrate insights from a range of theological disciplines. Arising from this reflection process, students will demonstrate the relevance of their research both for thinking about Christian ministry in general, and for their own personal and professional development as ministry practitioners.