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St Mark’s Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology (10743NAT) is designed to give Christians who are motivated to serve their church community the confidence to help others. It gives you foundational and inspiring training by balancing practical skills with Biblical grounding.
Our introduction to theology is engaging and applicable to your life. You will also gain skills in starting a new ministry, pastoral care, leading volunteers, running small groups, and communicating your faith in Jesus. It’s a great course to start your ministry and theological training in, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been a follower of Jesus for a long time.
Practical skills to build up the church
Our Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology can give you the confidence to help others, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been a follower of Jesus for a long time.
Interested in this course?
Our course advisors are well placed to match your background and educational objectives to the course that would best suit your needs.
Just fill out our online form and one of our course advisor will get in touch with you.
Ask for a course advisorThis course is intended to provide participants with a range of knowledge and skills to perform the following functions within a Christian ministry context:
- interpret, analyse and apply integrated concepts related to Christian beliefs
- provide considered information and ideas related to Christian beliefs and teachings to Christian and non-Christian audiences
- provide leadership to Christians based on demonstrated understanding of Christianity.
This course is designed to be completed in 1 year.
Schedule of Units for 2022
Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology(CMTTHE502—Utilise the analysis of theological data) | (BSBCMM401—Make a presentation) | (CMTMIN501—Facilitate personal or social change through the application of theological ideas) | (CHCCOM001—Provide first point of contact) |
CMTTHE501— Analyse and interpret Christian scripture and theology | NEW TEAM MINISTRY (CHCCDE002—Develop and implement community programs) | (CMTTHE503—Research and analyse information within a theological theme or issue) | (CHCPAS001—Plan for the provision of pastoral and spiritual care) |
WISDOM (CMTTHE504 —Analyse and apply new theological insights) Intensive in Canberra | CMTMIN502—Communicate theology in a clear form Intensive in Canberra or online |
- Self-paced online
- Practical activities
- Online group coaching via two, one-day compulsory online intensives
- In-person learning via two, two-day compulsory intensives in Canberra
Canberra
St Mark’s National Theological Centre, 15 Blackall Street BARTON ACT 2600
You must provide a letter from your church minister, indicating
- that the minister considers the applicant to have the potential for introductory training in theology and lay ministry; and
- that the minister takes responsibility for the applicant to be inducted into safe church practices relevant to their church setting.
Participants may need to complete a language, literacy and numeracy LLN indicator test prior to enrolment if they haven’t successfully completed the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 school certificate or higher. If English is not your first language, you may also need to complete a LLN indicator test prior to enrolment.
You must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or hold a permanent humanitarian visa.
DOCUMENTS TO SUBMIT
Letter of recommendation from your church minister (must include their contact details).
The compentencies in this course are taught using a highly integrated approach. This course requires that you complete ALL of the following units of compentency.
CORE (6)
CHRISTIAN BELIEFS
(CMTTHE501 Analyse and interpret Christian Scripture and Theology)
You will be introduced to reading and interpreting English texts from the Bible; Biblical Theological theory and other ways of interpreting the Bible; basic exegesis; and an awareness of research tools to help you read the Bible.
READING THE BIBLE
(CMTTHE502 Utilise the analysis of theological data)
You will be given an introduction to reading and interpreting English texts from the Bible, as well as an appreciation of the Bible’s story line, basic exegesis, and an awareness of research tools to help you read the Bible.
RESEARCHING CHRISTIAN BELIEFS
(CMTTHE503 Research and analyse information within a theological theme or issue)
You will be given a framework for thinking about Doctrine, as well as the opportunity to delve into a particular area of Christian beliefs.
THEOLOGICAL WISDOM
(CMTTHE504 Analyse and apply new theological insights)
This unit aims to enable you to grow in your own Christian life and your self-awareness, so you can develop discernment and wisdom when facing new theological ideas. *This subject is delivered during a weekend intensive in Canberra.
BEYOND SUNDAY
(CMTMIN501 Facilitate personal or social change through the application of theological ideas)
In this unit, you will learn how to apply theological ideas and the Bible to your Christian life. The unit focuses on two main things: a framework for thinking about a topic as it relates to living as a Christian, and how to write and lead Bible study groups.
COMMUNICATING THE MESSAGE OF JESUS CHRIST
(CMTMIN502 Present theological beliefs and their implications)
You will learn to communicate the message of Jesus Christ to others in a variety of contexts. This unit covers evangelism, sharing our story, apologetics, and preparing a Bible talk for a context of your choice. *This subject is delivered during a weekend intensive in Canberra.
ELECTIVES (4)
BEGINNING NEW TEAM MINISTRY
(CHCCDE002 Develop and implement community programs)
You will learn how to research ministry needs and opportunities, and plan for and begin new team ministry. We will also cover the logistics of one-off event ministry and ongoing ministry programs, and impart our experience and knowledge on how to lead volunteers and evaluate the effectiveness of the ministry.
COMMUNICATING IN A CHURCH COMMUNITY
(BSBCMM401 Make a presentation)
This unit provides practical training in preparing for and leading a service in a range on contexts. You will be encouraged in reflective practice that both builds up the Christian community and aids visitors in encountering Jesus Christ.
WELCOME
(CHCCOM001 Provide first point of contact)
You will learn how to welcome and integrate visitors into your church community, focusing on both process and interpersonal aspects of welcoming.
PASTORAL CARE
(CHCPAS001 Plan for the provision of pastoral and spiritual care)
This unit offers introductory pastoral care skills. You will be encouraged to recognise and avoid over-functioning, to intentionally include others in pastoral care where appropriate, and to integrate your faith into your practice.
Our course fees are outlined on our Fees and Payment Options page.
This course includes an emphasis on group sharing and discussion as a form of assessment. It also asks learners to participate in and initiate some lay-ministry activities in their church context.
When you study the Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology, you will add significant value to your educational and work experience. For example, having welcoming, presentation, and event organisation skills in a leadership role is crucial, whether you manage a team, a classroom, or volunteers.
Term dates 2022
- Term 1: 28 February to 29 April
- Term 2: 9 May to 8 July
- Term 3: 18 July- to 16 September
- Term 4: 26 September to 25 November
Intensive dates 2022
- Term 1 intensive on zoom – Sat 26 Mar
- Term 2 intensive in person – Fri 3 & Sat 4 June
- Term 3 intensive on zoom – Sat 20 Aug
- Term 4 intensive in person – Fri 28 & 29 Oct
Application closing dates
March 2022 intake: 15 February 2022
For applicants seeking Recognition of Prior Learning for 2022 intake, closing date for applications is 1 November 2021.
Census (payment) dates
Terms 1 & 2: 1 April
Terms 3 & 4: 1 September
Upon completion of this Diploma, you may wish to extend your knowledge and skills in theology and ministry through further study with St Mark’s.
This Diploma is eligible for some credit towards a Bachelor of Theology with Charles Sturt University. Speak to our course advisor for more information.
What our students think
Cecilia Symonds
“My expectations were that I would strengthen my existing Ministry skills and understanding of the Bible, but I was surprised by how the course also assisted me to increase the breadth of my Ministry skills, including doing things like preparing a talk on the Bible, and writing the prayers for my weekly service at St. John’s Reid. This course has helped me follow Jesus by helping me identify the skills and gifts I have in serving God, and giving me the tools to utilise these skills more effectively.”
Read her full review