The course gives you a basic introduction to the field of practical theology and its core issues and tasks. The introduction aims to present the relation between the church’s practices and theology as an academic discipline. Further the course contains an introduction to ecclesiology, Christian worship (liturgics) and diakonia.
The introduction to ecclesiology gives you a basic introduction to the essence of the church and its tasks. Regarding this the student will be introduced to two central practices of the church: worship service and diakonia. The introduction to these practices are based on an understanding of the church as sent to the world and have a practical aim.
The treatment of Christian worship aims to give you the basics of the tradition and history of the church’s worship service. The course will help you to plan and carry out a worship service in your local church context.
Teaching and Working Methods
Teaching amounts to 48 hours of classroom instruction and is mainly given through lectures and/or seminars. The classroom experience aims to stimulate you to independent reflection.
Knowledge
The students have:
- knowledge of practical theology and its tasks.
- knowledge of the church and its tasks.
- knowledge of Christian worship.
- knowledge of the identity and reasoning of diakonia.
Skills
The students can:
- identify central issues in the field of practical theology.
- describe practical theology as an academic discipline.
- explain the relation between academic theology and the church’s practices.
- evaluate targets, contents and strategies for congregational development.
- prepare and conduct a worship service.
- plan and put into action different types of diaconal measures.
- use their knowledge to relate to and discuss issues concerning practical theology, ecclesiology, Christian worship and diakonia.
To be eligible for final assessment you must:
- Attend a minimum of 70 % of the lectures (cf. chap. 5.5)
* Students who don’t complete the attendance requirement, must retake the course the next time it is offered.
* See the document “Attendance Regulations for Fjellhaug International University College” for more details.
All course requirements and exams are individual and are submitted digitally.
Course requirements:
To receive final assessment, you must:
- Submit a first draft of your essay. Required length is 1000 words.
Deadline for submission is given at the start of the semester.
Final Assessment:
Form of assessment | Length | Grading scale | Comment |
Written Essay | 2500 words | A-F | Final assessment is based on the written essay The course and the written essay will be graded A-E for pass and F for fail. |
The books are also available digitally via the school’s library pages.
Hegstad, H. (2013): The Real Church: An Ecclesiology of the Visible. Eugene OR: Pickwick Publication, pp. 1-230.
Schmit C. J. (2009): Sent and Gathered: A Worship Manual for the Missional Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, pp. 11-193.
Van Dam, C. (2016): The Deacon: Biblical Foundations for Today’s Ministry of Mercy. Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, pp. 3-218.
Ward, P. (2017): Introducing Practical Theology: Mission, Ministry, and the Life of the Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, pp. 1-177.
