Section outline

  • Workload: Approximately 40 hours  |  Section: Diaconal Ministry in Practice

    This module forms you in pastoral presence, limits, confidentiality, referral, humility, and ethical conduct. It is not the safeguarding course — safeguarding remains a separate requirement, tracked outside the LDM. This module addresses the general pastoral ethics and limits that credible diaconal ministry requires, grounded in the Mission’s own moral theology rather than policy compliance alone.

    By the end of this module, you will be able to:
    • Practise pastoral presence before advice-giving.
    • Recognise emotional, relational, financial, digital, and liturgical limits.
    • Explain confidentiality, discretion, and appropriate record awareness.
    • Identify risks of clericalism, dependency, manipulation, and spiritual abuse.
    • Apply the Mission’s moral teaching to diaconal practice and personal conduct.
    • Create a personal Code of Conduct for ministry.
    What this module covers

    The theological grounding for this module is the Mission’s Catechism §7 (the theological and cardinal virtues, the moral vision of the Gospel, the Decalogue, conscience formation, and human dignity) and the Ecclesiology and Doctrine §28 (reconciliation, conscience, and the pastoral care of sin). You will engage these not as abstract doctrine but as the soul of pastoral practice: prudence in judgement, justice in dealing, fortitude in difficult situations, and temperance in relationships. Your personal Code of Conduct flows from this moral formation, not merely from policy compliance.

    Required and supporting resources
    • AOCM pastoral care and limits teaching.
    • AOCM Catechism — §7 (Faith and Christian Life: virtues, moral theology, Decalogue, conscience, dignity).
    • AOCM Ecclesiology and Doctrine — §28 (Reconciliation, Conscience, and the Pastoral Care of Sin).
    • A Guide to Formation and Ministry.
    • AOCM Code of Conduct and Clergy Covenant.
    • AOCM guidance on records, communication, and ministry accountability.
    • The Care of Souls (Harold L. Senkbeil) — optional further reading.
    • Pray for the Flock (Brian Croft) — optional further reading.
    • From Social Media to Social Ministry (Nona Jones) — optional further reading for digital pastoral care.
    Scripture and StepBible work
    • Study shepherding and care texts: John 10; 1 Peter 5; Acts 20; Psalm 23; Galatians 6.
    • Distinguish pastoral care from control, domination, or status-seeking.
    • Prepare a brief biblical reflection on humility in ministry.
    Assessment and evidence

    Where this module’s assessment includes a timed quiz element, it follows the LDM-wide format: 20 questions drawn from a bank of 60, a 25-minute timer, and one retake (a maximum of two attempts).

    • Pastoral case study.
    • Confidentiality and limits scenario quiz.
    • Personal Code of Conduct, approximately 1,000 words, grounded in the Mission’s moral teaching.
    • Separate checkpoint: safeguarding course completion evidence must be recorded outside the Licentiate in Diaconal Ministry before public ministry, practicum, or ordination review.
    Monthly cohort discussion

    “Why are limits part of love?”

    To complete this module, you will need to:
    • Case study submitted.
    • Scenario quiz completed.
    • Personal Code of Conduct submitted.
    • Safeguarding checkpoint recorded by the Institute.