At the heart of all Christian service is the personal spiritual maturity of the minister. The Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology equips the student with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop on-going personal growth and maturity. Students develop a biblical, theological, and cultural framework along with interpersonal and ministry skills to serve alongside others in Christian Ministry.
The Certificate IV provides the essential foundation for the Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology and those who satisfactorily complete the Certificate IV may articulate directly into the second year of the Diploma.
Duration
The course can be completed in one year, or the part-time equivalent. Total credit points required: 40.
Course Outline
SEMESTER 1
Study Techniques [0]
Language Skills A [0]
Living in Grace [4]
Participate in Spiritual Formation and Worship [4]
Exploring the Old Testament [4]
Living in a Multicultural World [4]
Ministry internship I (incorporating Occupational Health and Safety)[4]
SEMESTER 2
Exploring the New Testament [4]
Exploring the Christian Faith [4]
Participating in Christian Ministry [4]
Developing Effective Communication Skills [4]
Ministry Internship II (incorporating Ethics and Legal) [4]
Building upon the foundation of the Certificate IV, the Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology further equips the student from a Christian framework to be a kingdom agent in a variety of contexts with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and to minister to people of various age groups and social-cultural backgrounds in one-to-one and in group settings. Those who successfully complete this award will be able to minister effectively in a local church, a para-church organisation, a mission agency, a school, a hospital, the marketplace, or in a community/sports club or association in roles such as team leader, pastor, youth worker, children's worker, missionary or chaplain.
With the recommendation of the course coordinator, graduates may articulate directly into the second year of any of the College's degree programmes.
Duration
The course can be completed in two years or the part-time equivalent. Total credit points required: 80.
Course Outline
1st Year
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Ministry Internship I (incorporating Occupational Health and Safety) [4] | Ministry Internship II (incorporating Ethics and Legal) [4] |
| Study Techniques [0] | Exploring the New Testament [4] |
| Language Skills A [0] | Exploring the Christian Faith[4] |
| Living in Grace [4] | Participating in Christian Ministry [4] |
| Exploring the Old Testament [4] | Developing Effective Communication Skills [4] |
| Participate in Spiritual Formation and Worship[4] | |
| Living in a Multicultural World[4] |
2nd Year
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Ministry Internship III [4] | Reading and Applying Scripture [4] |
| Exploring the Story of the Church [4] | Facilitate Spiritual and Worship in Others [4] |
| Utilize Advanced Interpersonal Communication Skills [4] | Understanding and Working with People in the Australian Context [4] |
| Develop Principles for Effective People Helping [4] | Leading and Supporting Small Groups [4] |
| Working with People Across the Life Span [4] | Ministry Internship IV [4] |
Summary of overall vocational/educational outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be equipped to enter
a vocation in Christian ministry, having developed:
• a breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of the Bible, Christian
doctrines, awareness of the role of culture;
• appropriate personal and professional attitudes and awareness;
• an appreciation of a range of perspectives on various theological issues;
and
• a range of general and specialist theological skills.
Students will also have developed knowledge, understanding and skills
which are relevant for personal Christian living and for a variety of vocations,
e.g. the ordained ministry, theological teaching, Christian writing,
academic scholarship and similar vocations. For some, this course alone
will not provide all the vocational preparation that is required and may
need to be supplemented with practical training in ministry, specialised
denominational training, or higher-level studies. Graduates will be able
to use the knowledge and expertise developed in this course independently
and to take considerable responsibility for doing so.
Overall competence in Christian ministry is dependent not only on measurable
outcomes, which can be assessed, but also on spiritual qualities
and gifts, which are not directly assessable. Furthermore, it is recommended
that those seeking ordination initially work under some supervision
or oversight, because ministry is a complex and interactive vocation,
and more than a three- or four-year course is needed to produce a fullyfledged
Christian minister.
Duration
The course can be completed in three years, or the part-time equivalent.
Total credit points required: 150
Course Outline
1st Year
|
2nd Year
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Introduction to NT Greek [6] | Intermediate New Testament Greek [6] |
| Pentateuch Exegesis [6] | Early Church History [6] |
| Trinitarian Theology [6] | Twentieth Century Theology [6] |
| The Holy Spirit [6] | The Church [6] |
3rd Year
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Synoptic Gospels Exegesis [6] | Romans Exegesis and Pauline Theology [6] |
| Jesus the Christ [6] | Kingdom of God [6] |
| Preaching [6] | Reformation Church History [6] |
| Theology Elective [6] | Theology Elective [6] |
Electives: Select electives from below
| Intro to Sociology and Culture n Australia [6] | Theology for Intercultural Contexts [6] |
| Ethics [6] | Renewal Theology [6] |
| Cultural Anthropology [6] | Christian Spirituality [6] |
| Introduction to World Religions [6] |
The purpose of these courses is personal development rather than vocational, although it is envisaged that some professionals may see it as a useful way to ensure that they approach their vocation from the standpoint of an informed Christian believer .
On successful completion, students will have developed a sound knowledge and understanding of the content and use of the Bible, Christian doctrines , and how the gospel relates to Christian living, and will be able to
Expected occupational functions of graduates
Graduates of these awards will normally continue in their chosen vocations but will have the understandings and skills to integrate these with their Christian perspective and commitment. Depending on the subjects taken in the course, a graduate might be expectected to participate as a member of a church lay leadership team under the leadership of a well qualified practitioner.
Duration
The Graduate Certificate can be completed in six months, or the part-time equivalent. Total credit points required: 24.
The Graduate Diploma can be completed in one year, or part-time equivalent. Total credit points required: 48.
Course Outline
Graduate Diploma students must complete at least two core or alternate core subjects; Graduate Certificate students must complete at least one.
Prerequisites:
Language Skills A
Core:
Creative Living [6]
Reading the Bible Faithfully [6]
Understanding the Biblical Narrative [6]
Exploring the Christian Faith
Alternative Core:
Old Testament Introduction [6]
New Testament Introduction [6]
Creative Living [6]
Introduction to Biblical Interpretation [6]
Trinitarian Theology [6]
Electives :
All electives are worth 6 credit points. Select from the following:
Personal formation
Introduction to Christian Ministry
Christians in a Multicultural World
Spiritual Formation
Biblical Studies
Pentateuch Exegesis
Roman Exegesis and Pauline Theology
Synoptic Gospels Exegesis
Ministry Skills
Introduction to World Views and Human Relationships
Introduction to Sociology and Culture in Australia
Understanding Systems and Families
Marriage and Relationship Counselling
Communication Skills
Christian Leadership
Preaching
Counselling Skills 1
Counselling Skills 2
Grief, Loss and Attachment
Human Lifespan Development
Pastoral Counselling skills
Christian Spirituality
Pastoral Care
Intercultural Studies
Intercultural Life and Work
Introduction to World Religions
Theology for Intercultural Contexts
Cultural Anthropology
Intercultural Communication