School of Graduate Research Student Theses

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A model for the development of catechetical practices within the life of Camberwell Baptist Church
(2008-10) Menzies, Andrew
The goal of this project was to develop, test and benchmark through a praxis- theory-praxis model, four catechetical practices within the life of local nodes of Camberwell Baptist Church. These practices were created so that the church could develop ways of intentional formation of the whole person in order that, as a body, it would mature towards a greater and more effective missional transformation. Through an examination of Camberwell Baptist Church’s particular context, both church and local community, this project examines how adult Christian education has been attempted previously. The results of the study then lead to analysis of the effects of modernity, theological reflection, and context. Each must be considered in the development of appropriate models for catechesis. This project also specifically considers the roles of geography, pedagogy, and praxis for modern catechetical methods. This project develops a basic theological and theoretical framework for the nature of mission and the church’s participation in it. The framework centers around creation, Christology, Trinity and ecclesiology, especially in light of current understandings of the missio Dei. Most importantly, it gives place to the nature of transition within an established church through models of innovation and change. The project documents how two specific local nodes were successfully created for the purpose of catechetical formation of the participants. Formation was attempted through four catechetical practices being employed in local geographic localities within the life of the nodes. These included: regular table fellowship and breaking of bread, deep listening, hospitality to the stranger, and discernment. The participants found these practices very hard to follow because they required applied behaviour rather than abstract discussion. This research found the node that was most willing to participate initially ended up disbanding while the node that started most cautiously ended up as the sign of greatest hope for future catechesis at Camberwell Baptist Church.
Adults with intellectual disability and their spirituality: Voices to be heard by faith communities and the disability services sector in Victoria, Australia
(2019) Calder, Andy
This social action research, the first of its kind in Australia, sought the opinions and experiences of adults with intellectual disability. What do they say is important? Using interpretive hermeneutical phenomenology (IHP) and participatory action research (PAR), the researcher collaborated with the self-advocacy group Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability (VALiD Inc.). VALiD recruited 14 people for interviews, and as an additional layer of research, an expert group reflected on and reacted to the findings. Analysis of the interviews revealed two superordinate themes that expressed the spirituality of respondents: (i) further friendship connections with others, and (ii) further friendship connections with God. In response both VALiD and the Faith Communities Council of Victoria Inc. developed policy Statements highlighting the importance of spirituality for people with disabilities. Two actions are recommended: A response of friendship by faith communities; and Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to recognise people’s spirituality.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit: A Phenomenological and Theological Study
(2012-05) Simanullang, Gonti
Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) is one of the ecclesial movements recognised in the Catholic Church. Central to CCR (and every branch of Pentecostal Christianity) is a range of experiences commonly denoted as ‘baptism in the Holy Spirit’. Since the emergence of these movements in the mid-1960s it has become common to meet Catholics who claim to have received such an experience, so remarkable for them that it significantly and deeply renewed their lives and faith. In Indonesia, CCR has raised questions among non-CCR Catholics, particularly regarding ‘baptism in the Holy Spirit’, being ‘slain’ or ‘resting’ in the Spirit, and praying in tongues. This study explores, articulates and analyses the meaning of this experience from the perspective of those within Persekutuan Doa Keluarga Katolik Indonesia (PDKKI), that is, the Indonesian Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. In so doing, it engages this phenomenon from a Roman Catholic theological perspective. The research question for this study is thus: what is the phenomenological and theological meaning of ‘baptism in the Holy Spirit’? A twofold method is employed: within the Whiteheads’ threefold framework for theological reflection – attending, asserting, and pastoral response –Moustakas’ phenomenology is used to analyse interviews with ten volunteer members of PDKKI. The thesis concludes that the essence or meaning of the experience of ‘baptism in the Holy Spirit’ for the participants is an affirmation or a connectedness with the reality of God. It argues that Catholics understand the significance of the experience differently from Pentecostals, though the range of opinion regarding ‘baptism in the Holy Spirit’ presents itself as bewildering. Catholic Bishops’ Conferences and theologians have suggested a range of other terms to clarify pastoral practice, in particular recognising its non-sacramental and sacramental dimensions. This study uncovered a number of dimensions of ‘baptism in the Holy Spirit’: biblical / theological and experiential / phenomenological, along with sacramental, non-sacramental, pre-sacramental and at-sacramental senses. The phenomenological meaning of the experience for the participants was a connectedness with the reality of God. The theological meaning was the reception of the Holy Spirit that could occur before, during, or after sacramental initiation. This conclusion leads to a number of pastoral recommendations for the Indonesian Catholic context. Further research involving those who have exercised the role of praying over someone seeking the experience is also recommended.
Children in the Natural World: A Theological Reflection upon Encouncter and Wonder
(2012-05-03) Mallaby, Richard
Many children in urban environments spend considerable time indoors raising concern about physical and spiritual wellbeing. However, children engaged in gardening and play in nature, often experience wonder in response to beauty and encountering the Spirit of God in the other. Many find a sense of place and belonging, recognise natural rhythms, discover the origin of food and the diverse interconnections and interdependence within the web of life. This experience has parallels with Job’s encounter of the wild, chaotic beauty of the natural world when YHWH speaks from the whirlwind. Drawing on the experience of ten community groups, this project explores theological themes that might enrich the church’s ministry with children. Pivoting around the theme of wonder, contemporary Incarnational and Trinitarian process theology is used to discuss Participation in God and panentheism as relevant working models of God. Other themes include broken relationship with the Earth, place in the land, Sabbath, hospitality and hope.
A critical comparative analysis of four, church-based, intercultural initiatives in the multicultural city of Melbourne
(2022) 'Holdsworth, Susan.'
This study of four, church-based, intercultural initiatives sought to discover ways in which love of God and neighbour was expressed. The motivations of many participants were more characteristic of the principles and practice of pastoral care than traditional modes of mission and evangelism. Ongoing formation in pastoral and spiritual care is recommended.
Cyprian of Carthage and the Australian Anglican Episcopate.
(2021) Hopkins, Luke
Hopkins' thesis brings the theological weight and pragmatism of third century bishop and martyr Cyprian of Carthage to bear on the problems facing the contemporary Anglican episcopate in Australia. ln doing so, it examines the vision of episcopacy within the Cyprianic corpus and as well as the development of the Anglican episcopate over the last five hundred years. lt is argued that Cyprian's vision of episcopacy provides an adaptive approach to episcopacy that retains certain core episcopal principals. This thesis concludes that a better examination of Cyprian is of value for bishops in the twenty-first century.
De-Centred Ministry: A Diaconal View of Mission and Church.
(2009-04-08) McRae, Alison
This thesis, based on surveys of diaconal ministry in the Uniting Church, contends that the ministry of deacon lies at the heart of ecclesial identity. Diaconal ministry, which is a ‘ministry on the margins’, is more than humble servanthood and is instead representative of the diakonia of the whole church.
Engaging the Dance:Exploring Leadership and Understanding God as Triune
(2015-11) Francis, Cecilia
This thesis juxtaposes social Trinitarian theology, referring to four key systematicians, contemporary leadership theories and extensive interviews with Christian leaders. It interrogates the extent to which the leaders’ theology animates their leadership, maps the space between Christian doctrine and leadership style, and proposes avenues for integrative engagement and interdisciplinary dialogue.
Hope in Time of HIV and AIDS: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea: a pastoral appraoch
(2011-05-12) McCarthy, Mary M.
Hope in a Time of HIV and AIDS: a pastoral approach seeks to develop strategies for pastoral ministry that might nurture hope. The study is informed by evidence gathered from social research and reflective engagement with the Christian tradition. It addresses the question, what is it like living with HIV in Port Moresby today? It investigates the effect of an HIV diagnosis on people in relationships and the influence of cultural and contextual factors. Employing ethnography as its method, data were collected using participant observation, in-depth interviews and document analysis. Data analysis used a grounded theory approach. The study concludes that people find hope for living by drawing on the resources of the community, especially support from caregivers within the family, from faith communities and by accessing health services. They can manage their infection and find enjoyment in their lives. On the other hand, people living with HIV who have no home or resources in the city and depend on government, community and church services for care, struggle to survive. Faith sustains many in times of crisis. Strategies for pastoral ministry include support and care of individuals and families affected by HIV and also encompass social, cultural and political action to strengthen communities and challenge the structural injustice underlying the HIV epidemic.
Living the Catholic Faith in the Market Economy of Vietnam
(2011-05-12) Nguyen, Van Thanh
The study explores the challenges of the market economy with its orientation of socialism in which the Catholic Church in Vietnam is to rise. They may be represented by four words: Interest, Individualism in the socioeconomic structure and Institutionalism and Inadequacy in the ecclesial structure. In order to seek a theological basis for living faith, it uncovers the keeping of the covenant in Hebrew Scriptures, the way of cultivating Kingdom discipleship in the New Testament and some relevant themes in Catholic social teaching. It proposes pastoral planning that consists of three elements: vision, strategy and structure. This may be represented by: Comprehensive commitment to the values of the Kingdom in all spheres of social life (Vision), the Church as contrast society promoting and practicing these values (Strategy) and the parish as community of communities, where the communion of parish-based small Christian communities is to be expressed and developed (Structure).
O Le Tofa Liliu A Samoa: A Hermeneutical Critical Analysis of The Cultural-Theological Praxis of the Samoan Context
(2011-05-12) Tuisuga, Fa'alepo A.
The central question of this study is: ‘How can we understand the Samoan church as an indigenous church of the twenty-first century?’ In the eyes of the adherents of the Ekalesia Fa’apotopotoga Kerisiano Samoa (EFKS) – also known as the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (CCCS) – the Samoan life-world as it is now has been vigorously shaped and reshaped by the assimilation and integration of Samoan culture and Christianity since the arrival of the latter in 1830. The whole Samoan existential system, the fa’asamoa, which encompasses moral, ethical, cultural, political, economic and social factors, and indeed the spiritual values of Samoan society, has been conditioned by the interface between the two institutions – the EFKS, and Samoan culture. Reciprocally, the Christian faith and practice of the EFKS has been reshaped by the Samoan cultural context. The concrete actions and activities that constitute good Samoan life are what the term praxis denotes in this study. The sum total of actions and activities that derive out of the fine synthesis between Samoan culture and Christianity is described here as the ‘cultural–theological praxis’. This study is an attempt to interpret and understand the dynamics of the integration, interaction, and inter-relationship processes existing between Christianity and Samoan culture within the Samoan context. Thus, the overarching aim of this study is to critically analyse the cultural theological praxis of the EFKS setting; and to explore and establish a philosophical hermeneutic to both appraise and understand such praxis of the indigenous Samoan church context of the twenty-first century. I have developed this contextual philosophical hermeneutical approach from the indigenous notion of ‘O le Tofa Liliu a Samoa’ – ‘objective self-reflective wisdom of Samoa’. From the critical evaluation and analysis of the EFKS some suggestions are made as to further significant elements of possible contextualisation from the fa’asamoa, through which the EFKS may be made more relevant and participatory for its contemporary adherents, especially the younger generation. The hermeneutical approach O le Tofa Liliu a Samoa could establish a solid foundation for a more extensive review of the EFKS.
Pentecostal Ministry Formation within Christian Revival Churches (CRC) in Australia: a History, Case Study and Vision
(2018-02) Nyhuis, Robert John
A qualitative case study of ministry formation is undertaken within the Australian Pentecostal Christian Revival Churches (or CRC) movement. This research aims to determine the nature of Australian CRC ministry formation, how it has changed over time, how it addresses a call to ministry in a Pentecostal context, and whether the current use of competency-based formation processes is optimally effective. Semi-structured interviews with ministers are coded and categorised and then member-checked through focus groups. These confirm and elaborate upon the literature review to reveal eight key formation dimensions, including: the need for leadership intentionality and local effectiveness in identifying a ministry calling; the role of strategic discipleship and experiential learning in supervisory coaching; the interplay of integrated training and formative assessment in determining ministry competence; and the importance of focused connection and shared values for formation within community. Associated recommendations for practice accompany a vision for future CRC ministry formation.
REFLECTIONS ON AUSTRALIAN CONTEXTUAL MODELS OF PASTORAL MINISTRY
(2005) Cronshaw, Darren
Australian historical images – for example, the Aborigine, convict, bushman, gold digger, Anzac ‘digger’, and migrant – are a fruitful source for theological reflection to develop models of ministry. These images and their historical contexts helped shape Australian culture and so shape context for ministry. A conversation between historical themes and Christian tradition suggests a number of complementary models for pastoral ministry in Australia. Spiritual companions, for example, help people relate faith to their journey in everyday life. This model resonates with Aboriginal listening and sensitivity to the sacred, and is at home with the Australian longing for everyday spirituality as articulated by contemporary social commentators such as Michael Leunig. Chaplains get alongside people in the midst of their lives, although colonial chaplains were seen more as distant moral policemen and their role in evangelism was limited by their government employment. As settlement spread through the bush, ministry as shepherding with clergy who cared for their flocks replaced or supplemented chaplaincy. Shepherding, an image rich in nurturing and care, was at home in the rural setting of the colonies, and continues to meaningfully express the pastoral care aspects of local church ministry. The labour movement and the Australian value of a fair go for the underdog suggest a place for ministry as prophetic advocacy; and ministry as service fits Australian humanitarianism, the Anzac spirit and servant leadership popular today even in business circles. Finally, ministers as community hosts reflect both God’s hospitality and the multicultural ethos of Australia that draws people together from different cultures and backgrounds. The pastoral ministry can be imagined and expressed by various models which describe different emphases of ministry, and the most effective models for pastoral ministry in Australia will derive from and critique Australian culture and historical images.
Secularology and Relational Spirituality:Towards an Integral Christian Spirituality
(2018) Cheong, Geoffrey W.
This thesis argues that humanity is transitioning the Second Axial Period of History to enter the era of integral consciousness and extrapolates this development as Panikkar’s Cosmotheandric vision. It reviews the Shema – the imperative ‘to love God and one’s neighbour as oneself’ (Lk 10:27) – for living Panikkar’s vision - Christophany.
Serving God and the Commonwealth of Australia : The Ministry Experiences of Clergy in Victorian Human Research Ethics Committees
(2015) Kipen, Aviva
In Australia’s otherwise-secular governance of all research involving human participants, the clergy’s pastoral expertise serves HREC quorums under the regulations of Australia’s National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. Qualitative data of a small sample documented and analyzed their service, noting training implications and reflecting through the writer’s rabbinic lens.
Set pools of silence in this thirsty land: Developing Retreat ministry in the Australian landscape
(2005) Pryor, Robin J
This study on the development of Retreat ministry in the Australian landscape is about the very physicality of the created and ever-evolving landscape of deserts, mountains, and lush coastal fringes, which invite exploration of their outer terrain, even while we seek our bearings for the inner journey of the Spirit. It is about the specific opportunities provided by spiritual Retreats to begin to unlock and celebrate some of the mysteries of the presence of the Incarnate Word in this land, centred on and empowered by God’s unconditional Love.
Telling Stories: Applying Narrative Form of Communication for Inclusive Worship
(2013-05-02) Marak, Marlene C.
Using a method of “narrative communication” that integrates feminist perspective with aspects of narrative theory and Christian communication theory, I look at the significance of storytelling as a medium for evolving inclusive worship. The premise of the research is that storytelling can be an ideological tool to challenge gender segregation and contribute towards overcoming gender and other discriminatory boundaries.
The Baptismal Catechumenate as a Source for Youth Ministry in a Secular Age
(2019) Ryan, Christopher Paul
The thesis provides a theological rationale for developing youth ministry in the light of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), constructs a theology of youth ministry on this basis, and suggests practices to engage young people’s faith trajectories as they are depicted in Charles Taylor’s examination of our secular age.
The Education of Lay Volunteer Ministers as a means of Renewal for the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland
(2015-11) Larkin, Marie Siobhan
This thesis explores the question, How can the education of lay volunteer ministers contribute to the renewal of the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland? The qualitative methodology examines the current state of the local church in Ireland: the ways in which lay people are involved in Church life; the education currently provided for parishioners in ministerial roles in the liturgy and religious development of the parish. The thesis is framed around three areas: the context of the Church in Ireland, the understanding of ministry in the Roman Catholic tradition, and finally, the ways in which education contributes to forming and transforming individuals and communities. This thesis concludes that lay volunteer ministry is a vibrant force within the Catholic Church in Ireland today, but that the faith development of most lay people in ministry roles is poor. The thesis proposes that national structures are urgently needed to sustain and develop this vital ministry.
The Teaching of Values and Ethics in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) through the Professional Military Education and Training (PMET) Program.
(2009-05-08) Curtain, James C.
The project examines ethical issues pertinent to the RAAF in the context of the RAAF Values Statement, and the manner in which RAAF members are educated in these issues through the PMET program. The various PMET courses are assessed in light of their ability to address these ethical matters.

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Browsing School of Graduate Research Student Theses by Subject "D - Ministry Studies"

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