Strengthening Australian churches by equipping and refreshing clergy and ministers
For over 40 years, St Mark’s has been preparing dedicated, passionate people to be useful leaders in their churches and communities. Our courses pair contemporary theory with best practice and are taught by lecturers and trainers who are experienced and empathetic to the demands of the vocation. The lessons you learn with us are widely applicable in church ministry, secular workplaces, and wherever you tend to others in the highways and byways of life.
St Mark’s has been equipping people for ministry for over 40 years; we’ve also been a partner of the School of Theology at Charles Sturt University since 1995. Our lecturers are all passionate, practising Christians, and come from various stripes of Christianity. Many of trainers are already in ministry, just starting out, or working in corporate or para-church organisations. Our teaching is deeply grounded in the Christian faith and ethos.
Charles Sturt University’s theology courses offer a thorough grounding in the four foundational areas of theology: Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology, and Church History. Our courses have a strong basis in Biblical Studies and Systematic Theology, but students have opportunities to pursue a significant number of subjects in any of the four main areas. Although undertaken with the rigour of university studies, we are also strongly committed to balancing theory with practice. We emphasise intellectual honesty and academic rigour, and we don’t shy away from difficult questions or confronting histories.
We may be part of the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn, but we function quite differently from a denominational Bible college or seminary. As a partner of a public university, we attract students from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, countries, and convictions, creating a rich and vibrant educational environment. Our commitment to students is not to indoctrinate, but to nurture their faith and Christian walk — to help their “faith seek understanding”.
Some students start their studies with questions they’ve otherwise felt uncomfortable asking for fear of judgment, reprisal, or misunderstanding. Yet theology is the study of God, of coming to better understand the mysterious and embrace unknowns. Theology is “faith seeking understanding in the presence of others.” If you have questions and seek a safe, spiritual community with which to dive deep, St Mark’s may be just the home for you.
St Mark’s offers three avenues for professional supervision training and study that cater to different academic pathways in VET and Higher Education. All our courses are accredited by the Australasian Association of Supervision (AAoS). We also offer a clinical stream that is accredited by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
Charles Sturt University’s Graduate Certificate in Ministry is a practice-oriented course and an excellent way for ministers to skill up as you reflect on your ministry practice. This course can be completed in 1-2 years part-time and online, and comprises 4 subjects — 1 core subject and 3 electives. It also allows you to specialise in chaplaincy, supervision, or leadership.
Charles Sturt University’s Master of Ministry is the course of choice for qualified ministers, pastoral workers, chaplains and church leaders looking for training and the opportunity to focus deeply on particular areas of your practice while being mindful of the broader context in contemporary ministry. Complete this in 3-4 years part-time or in 18 months full-time.
Charles Sturt University’s Doctor of Ministry offers graduates who have an excellent academic record and proven research skills the opportunity to contribute to the knowledge base of their discipline.
A PhD can be completed in three years full-time or six years part-time. Before embarking on the PhD, students should contact the course coordinator or potential supervisor to discuss possible research topics.
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 course advisors will get in touch with you.
St Mark’s National Theological Centre © 2024
Charles Sturt University is an Australian University TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018 . CRICOS Provider: 00005F.
TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018 (Australian University). CRICOS Provider: 00005F.