Bachelor of Ministry

About This Course

The Bachelor of Ministry program at Tabor holistically prepares students for vocational and professional roles which bring glory to God through Christian work, in both word and deed.

Through the course, students explore the biblical and theological basis of Christian ministry, its purpose, nature and practice. One of the major strengths of the Bachelor qualification is the balanced program of biblical studies and Christian theology, along with studies of ministry contexts. Students also have the opportunity to choose from a number of electives or specialise in a particular ministry area, including church leadership, pastoral care, contextual mission, or intercultural studies.

Ministry Studies have been offered at Tabor for more than 30 years, and were borne from a desire to practically equip graduates with the knowledge and skills they needed to undertake their ministry calling. In line with our focus on personal growth, a program of formation undergirds the degree, providing time and space for students to grow in their relationship with God.

Professional Outcomes

This qualification has been crafted for individuals who feel called, or who are exploring their call, to some form of Christian ministry vocation. Graduates may find employment in a variety of roles both within and outside the church (pastors, chaplains, Christian pastoral support workers). Please speak to the course co-ordinator to discuss pathway options in preparation for application for ordination with your chosen denominational body.

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduates will have: 

• A broad and coherent knowledge of Christian ministry, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts of biblical and theological studies, and pastoral engagement, as a basis for independent lifelong learning  

Graduates will be able to: 

• Interpret the biblical text critically and faithfully, and analyse and synthesise the interpretations of others 
• Exercise independent critical thinking, reflection and judgement in engaging contemporary issues and contexts in the light of a broad understanding of the Bible, theology, ministry and self 
• Employ communication skills to present a clear, coherent, and independent exposition of biblical, theological and ministry knowledge and ideas in diverse contexts 
• Employ cognitive, technical and creative ministry skills relevant to diverse ministry and vocational settings (e.g. leadership, chaplaincy, pastoral care) to identify and appropriately address contemporary issues and problems 

Graduates will be able to demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills: 

• With initiative and judgment in planning, problem solving, and decision making in ministry practice and/or scholarship  
• To adapt biblical and theological knowledge and ministry skills in diverse contexts (e.g. leadership, chaplaincy, pastoral care) 
• With responsibility and accountability for their own learning and ministry practice and in collaboration with others within various Christian traditions 
• To engage in ethical, informed, and reflective ministry practice in a variety of contexts using theological reflection skills and initiative, in a pastorally sensitive manner 

Graduates will be able to: 

• Examine their spiritual, theological and ministerial formation and integration, and identify possible vocational directions
• Explain the relevance and influence of personal and cultural considerations on biblical interpretation, theological method and ministry praxis