ACOM / Study / Units / P7290C Capstone in Pastoral Theology

P7290C Capstone in Pastoral Theology

This unit is typically studied as the final element of a course of study. Its purpose is to allow students to take a reflective look back through their entire studies to date. The purpose of this unit is to integrate, consolidate, and synthesise all that has been studied.
Unit Overview

Qualification

Bachelor

Unit Availability

Trimester 3

Study Mode

Online Facilitation

Placement

30 hours of vocational placement

Prerequisite

144 credit points

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

N/A

Schedule
Availability Facilitation Type Time Dates Facilitator
Trimester 3 2025 Online Facilitation 10am – 12pm
(AEST/AEDT)
Wednesday 3 September
Wednesday 24 September
Wednesday 15 October
Wednesday 5 November
Dr Rowan Lewis

Unit Details

This unit is typically studied as the final element of a course of study. Its purpose is to allow students to take a reflective look back through their entire studies to date. The purpose of this unit is to integrate, consolidate, and synthesise all that has been studied. It allows gaps in learning to be filled, connections to be established and a base for future learning established.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Identify major concepts and/or principles emerging from the range of units in their course Major.
  2. Analyse the points of connectedness and/or tension in relation to course units beyond their course Major.
  3. Formulate a statement of wholistic integration of such emergent concepts and/or principles.
  4. Identify potential opportunities and challenges for applying these concepts and/or principles in a specific ministry context.
  5. Construct a coherent design for the implementation of emergent principles in personal or professional life beyond the study course.

 

This unit will require students to engage in further extensive readings – at least 650 pages in total.  The actual books to be read should be chosen in consultation with the student’s supervisor. These readings should be selected by the student, in consultation with a supervisor, to address specific gaps or needs in the student’s knowledge, skills or character with respect to ministry preparedness. The purpose of this reading is to deepen the student’s overall knowledge in this area, fill in gaps in specific areas, and encourage a healthy synthesis and mastery of their studies overall.

Students will also be expected to attend approximately four two-hour online facilitation sessions with a supervisor and other students. Spread throughout the trimester, students will discuss their plans for the unit and make presentations to receive feedback on their final assessment.

  1. Personal Analysis (30%)
    Word Limit: 1500
    Due: Week 4
  2. Major Project (70%)
    Word Limit: 3500
    Due: Week 12

Students will be responsible for sourcing books from an agreed reading list.

Student Stories

A lot of theology training focuses on helping you know what to do, formation helped me go deeper and learn about who I wanted to become. As someone who learns a lot by doing, the highly practical nature of the ACOM model helped me put theory into practice immediately. The online learning helped me do that in the context I’d grown up in.
Ben Dainton – Graduate Diploma of Arts

Student Stories

My studies at ACOM equipped me to be job-ready by providing the ability to complete my student ministry placement in local churches, allowing me to apply what I was learning directly to real-world situations. The practical elements of the coursework gave me the hands-on experience and confidence needed to step into ministry roles, fully prepared to make a meaningful impact.
Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

Admittedly, at first I was nervous about the prospect of Spiritual Formation and what might be involved. But after my first Spiritual Formation retreat, Spiritual Formation very quickly became one of my favourite subjects, and created some of my fondest memories throughout my years studying with ACOM. The relationships I built and the journey I went on with my formation companions, has left a profound impact on my faith, the shaping of who I am, how I lead and my continued involvement in ministry today. I couldn’t recommend Spiritual Formation highly enough as a valuable part of your studies.
Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

As a relatively young person in an employed ministry position, I have greatly benefited from my degree of Bachelor of Ministry and have observed my growth through undergoing studies. While studying and working full time in ministry, I have found that each unit, in some way or another, is relevant to my job whether that be learning to preach or growing my Biblical literacy skills. Through working full-time in ministry, I have found that the online content and structures of my studies allows me to be flexible in structuring my learning around my busy ministry schedule. Each week I am able to accommodate my studies to fit my needs based on my schedule demands.
Libby Hall – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

ACOM's online study options have allowed me to study a theological degree without having to leave my current church setting. The experience of journeying with my formation group has been a huge part of my growth this year.
Simon Cauchi – Bachelor of Theology

Student Stories

Studying with ACOM provided me with a unique and incredible academic experience! ACOM worked with me to deliver a course that benefited and enriched my role in ministry, and that was of great benefit as it meant that I was actively able to apply the material that I had been studying. What stood out for me though while studying with ACOM was how seamlessly spiritual formation was integrated with academic learning. Instead of studying material and writing assessments that had little to do with the complexities of life in ministry, many of the units that I studied were tailored in such a way that I was engaging with God, my heart, and others which led to a deep transformation in my own character and relationship with God. I would highly recommend ACOM to anyone who desires more in their life with God!
Alec Van Bockel – Bachelor of Ministry

Want To Learn But Short On Time? Try An Audit

Auditing study units can be a great way to boost your professional knowledge and skills without committing to an academic unit with assignments. Many ACOM units have the option to audit (access) the online study materials, and/or to attend the facilitations (both partial and full attendance).

Learn More