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.

Schedule of Units for 2022

• 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 
(BSBCMM411 Make presentations)
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.

Course progression and graduation are dependent upon timely payment of fees. St Mark’s reserves the right to withdraw students who are in arrears. Get in touch with the Registrar if you have any payment concerns. 

PAYMENT PLANS

St Mark’s offers payment plans for our VET courses. Payment plans help spread the load of course fees over a period of time, making it easier for your budget.

You can set up regular payments either by credit card or direct debit on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis at a rate which will complete your course fee payment by the end of each session of study. Payment pans are subject to a $500 deposit.

To find out more about setting up a payment plan, you can contact our Student Registrar.

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.

Please note – This course is not sufficient for those seeking ordination in the Canberra-Goulburn Anglican Diocese. 

Term dates 2023

• Term 1: 6 March to 5 May
• Term 2: 15 May to 14 July
• Term 3: 24 July to 22 September
• Term 4: 2 October to 1 December

Intensive dates 2023

• Term 1 intensive on Zoom – Sat 25 Mar
• Term 2 intensive in person – Fri 2 & Sat 3 June
• Term 3 intensive on Zoom – Sat 19 Aug
• Term 4 intensive in person – Fri 27 & Sat 28 Oct

Application closing dates

2023 intake: 13 February 2023

For applicants seeking Recognition of Prior Learning for 2023 intake, closing date for applications is 22 November 2022.

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.