Three phases of study are envisaged for each module.

1. Reading phase

Reading phase (twelve weeks). The learner as part of a cohort group is guided through a reading program that explores the different dimensions of local church practice. Traditionally, theological studies utilize Old and New Testaments, Systematic Theology, Church History and Pastoral Theology as the organizing themes in a course of study. For the sake of integration, this course will rather use the dimensions of local church practice as the organizing themes and allow the traditional biblical and theological disciplines to inform these themes. This creates the opportunity for the learner to reflect critically and constructively on local church practice. Relevant doctrines and topics in biblical and theological studies are explored in the light of the stated outcomes of each module. The reading are made available weekly to each learner through an online learning site over the twelve week period. At the end of this phase of study each learner has a complete course reader for the module, giving him/her biblical, theological, historical, pastoral and social science perspectives on the local church practice in question. The course reader provides not only the initial exposure and foundation for the module, but also the conceptual framework for the remainder of the module. During this phase learners also embark on a social research project as a means of gaining an understanding of the specific pastoral concerns encountered in these dimensions of local church practice.

2. Residential phase

Residential phase (one week). Equipped with the reading and research, learners then undertake a of 40 hours residential study. The course intensives will be conducted with six church practitioners, each chosen for their proven track record in one of the dimensions of church life, as outlined above. Their churches are called teaching churches. Tabor College and Palmer Seminary will provide an accredited faculty member to team with the local practitioner/pastor. In this way the learner is exposed to a theologian and a local practitioner/pastor who have proven track records in the dimension of local church practice that is being studied. The residential week is structured to provide optimal exposure to and opportunity for critical and constructive theological reflection that shapes this local church's life to be in partnership with God's work in the world.

Some Participating Churches/Organisations in Melbourne may include:

• Solace - Olivia MacLean
• New Community - Troy Arnott
• City Life Church - Mark Conner
• Gateway - Marcy Paynter
• Wine Press Church - Michelle Sanders

Some Participating Churches/Organisations in Cape Town may include:

• Friends First Church - Rigby Wallace
• Jubilee Community Church - Alistair Buchanan
• Beautiful Gates - Various

Some Participating Churches/Organisations in Philadelphia may include:

• Potter's House - T.D. Jakes

3. Research phase

Research phase (seven weeks). Since the first two phases of learning involve the vital activity of careful consideration of or attending to traditional answers and emerging questions and since the learner has explored the tension between theory and practice during the residential phase, the Research phase of seven weeks of study brings learners to a place of drawing personal conclusions or assertions that will lead to pastoral commitments and actions. The learner is required to research and write a theology of ministry for the dimension of local church practice that is being studied. The empirical research project that was started in the first phase of study is brought to completion.

Taking action is the final step in the theological method utilized in this Master's program. Learners in cohort groups are required to plan and implement a pastoral intervention to address a pastoral concern identified in the empirical research project and in the light of theological assertions developed throughout the course of study. This is in accordance with our working definition of practical theology as "theological reflection and construction arising out of and giving guidance to a community of faith in the practice of its mission."