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This course is designed to give Christians who are motivated to serve the church community. 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.
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.
This 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.
If you would like to discuss flexible course options, please contact our student registrar.
Schedule of Units for 2018
Diploma of Christian Ministry and TheologyWed 1 Mar to Fri 28 Apr | Mon 8 May to Fri 7 Jul | Mon 17 Jul to Fri 15 Sept | Mon 25 Sep to Fri 24 Nov |
|---|---|---|---|
(CMTTHE502A—Analyse and interpret theological data) | (BSBCMM401—Make a presentation) | (CMTMIN501A—Relate theological ideas to the Christian way of life) | (CHCCOM001—Provide first point of contact) |
CMTTHE501A—Analyse and interpret theological beliefs in the light of current thinking | NEW TEAM MINISTRY (CHCCDE002—Develop and implement community programs) | (CMTTHE503A—Research and analyse information within a theological theme or issue) | (CHCPAS001—Plan for the provision of pastoral and spiritual care) |
WISDOM (CMTTHE504A—Identify new theological information) Intensive in Canberra 18 and 19 May 2018 | CMTMIN502A—Communicate theology in a clear form Intensive in Canberra 2 and 3 November 2018 |
- Online
- Work-based
- 2 two-day 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.
If English is not your first language, you may need to complete a language, literacy and numeracy (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
(CMTTHE501A Analyse and interpret theological beliefs in the light of current thinking)
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
(CMTTHE502A Analyse and interpret 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
(CMTTHE503A 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
(CMTTHE504A Identify new theological information)
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
(CMTMIN501A Relate theological ideas to the Christian way of life)
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
(CMTMIN502A Communicate theology in a clear form)
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.
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.
Intensives
Canberra:
- 9:30am to 4:30pm
- 18 to 19 May
- 2 to 3 November
Application closing dates
Session 1 application deadline: 15 February 2018
Session 1 extended application deadline: 28 February 2018
Session 2 application deadline: 15 July 2018
Session 2 late application deadline: 22 July 2018
For applicants seeking Recognition of Prior Learning for 2018 intake, closing date for applications is 1 October 2017.
