Diploma of Ministry

Course Information

CRICOS Course Code: 094096J

The Diploma of Ministry course structure is based on two semesters (each of 13 weeks duration), with four subjects taught in each semester. It comprises:

▪    60 credit points (6 subjects) of core subjects
▪    20 credit points (2 subjects) of electives

To qualify for award of the degree of Diploma of Ministry a candidate shall accrue an aggregate of at least 80 credit points, including satisfactory completion of the subjects noted below.

Full-Time: 1 Years (4 subjects per semester, 40 credit points)
Part-Time: Up to 4 Years (1 - 2 subjects per semester)

Please see the Indicative Fee Schedule for information about the domestic and international fees for this year: https://www.ac.edu.au/documents/fees-and-fee-help-information/

The Diploma of Ministry qualifies for FEE Help Loan Funding. Consult http://study assist.gov.au/ for eligibility details.
Austudy, Abstudy and Youth Allowance are available for this course. To check your eligibility and to find out more information, please visit the Study Assist website.

Adelaide
Brisbane
Hobart
Online
Melbourne
Perth
Sydney

Face-to-Face (weekly 3 hour lectures)
Intensive (5 days of lectures delivered within a one week period)
Extensive (5 days lectures delivered across a term period)
Online Delivery (weekly video/audio lectures provided to be viewed at own convenience)

Upon completion, students continue their studies into the second year of the Bachelor of Ministry or Bachelor of Theology. See the Awards Offered page for more information.

Core Subjects

BIB001 - Introduction to the Bible OR BIB007 - Introduction to Israel’s Scriptures OR BIB008 - Introduction to the New Testament

EXP002 - Professional Practice in Ministry

MIN001 - Introduction to Pastoral Ministry

THE001 - Christian Worldview

MIN003 - Preaching

THE004 - Ethics in Ministry

Elective Subjects

Electives will vary depending on campus (to view all units available click on the units link above).

Work Integrated Learning

Students must complete one subject (10 credit points) in Professional Practice.

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduates will demonstrate

▪    a general understanding of key issues, recent scholarship and practices within chosen discipline area of ministry, consistent with a Christian worldview;

▪    technical and theoretical understanding of research principles and methods, and knowledge of research approaches used in the discipline area of ministry;

▪    ability to identify, analyse and synthesise theoretical knowledge in the discipline area of ministry;

▪    ability to examine a complex problem or management requirement using appropriate methodologies and theories from the discipline area of ministry;

▪    ability to analyse and synthesise ideas and theories from other disciplines related to the discipline area of ministry;

▪    ability to communicate effectively and creatively ideas and perspectives to peers and general audiences in diverse contexts;

▪    ability to articulate questions or issues and apply the knowledge and skills developed within the discipline area of ministry to develop appropriate solutions;

▪    ability to work independently, responsibility and with the level expected in a broad range of professional and ministry contexts;

▪    ability to collaborate in team projects to make a positive contribution toward social issues;

▪    ability to undertake self-reflection and evaluation of performance for the purpose of vocational development.

Entry Requirements

IELTS

International Students will be required to show proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 overall, reading 5.0; writing 5.0; speaking 5.0; and listening 5.0 (or equivalent).

Academic Entry Requirements

Domestic and International applicants must meet one of the following academic entry requirements:

Completion of NSW Higher School Certificate, or the completion of the interstate or overseas equivalent qualification and result.

Completion of an Australian Certificate IV or higher qualification awarded by an authorised institution or registered training organisation (or equivalent overseas qualification).

Completion of at least an Australian Level 5 Higher Education Diploma awarded under the Australian Qualifications Framework (or equivalent overseas qualification).

Applicants with no formal qualifications who are aged 21+ may be eligible for provisional entry into this course. These students will need to successfully complete their first 4 subjects to be permitted to continue without the Provisional Entry restrictions.

Fees

Complete Fee Schedules and FEE-HELP information (where appropriate) for all Alphacrucis courses can be found in our Documents section, under the Fees and FEE-HELP Information link.

Units offered as part of this Award:

BIB001 - Introduction to the Bible

Description: Understanding the Bible is foundational for the Christian life. Whilst many of us have read the Bible, there are many sections that are seemingly foreign and strange, or that we just plain avoid. This unit aims to introduce you to the Old and New Testaments, and its big-picture message. We will explore the historical and thematic developments of the Bible, assisting you to understand how the different biblical books and message all fit together. Further, we will discuss how the message of Scripture, which was set in a very different context to us, can be applied to today’s context. Unit detail page >>

BIB002 - Genesis

Description: At the beginning of the bible, we find the Genesis (the first of the Pentateuch). This book is essential for understanding our faith today. For ancient Israel it described their origins, creation stories, and ancestors. Similarly for us as Christians, our salvation-story is framed by the people, images and stories found in the Genesis. In this subject we will explore these foundational themes of creation, faith, salvation, covenant, and patriarchs such as Abraham, Jacob and Joseph. It will also survey how the Genesis sets the stage for what follows in the rest of the biblical canon. Unit detail page >>

BIB003 - I & II Corinthians

Description: The Corinthian Correspondence is a fascinating exchange between the Apostle Paul and the troubled church in Corinth, and is a worthwhile study for those who are interested in Paul’s role as pastor and apostle. Addressing a variety of ethical and theological issues, such as sexual sin, drunkenness, Christians taking each other to court, dissatisfaction with style of leadership and much more. If you wish to understand more about the practical ministry of the church and its leadership in the first century, then this unit is for you! Unit detail page >>

BIB005 - Luke-Acts

Description: Luke-Acts is the two-volume work which tracks the movement from the ministry of Jesus through to the early church (and beyond!). Obviously this text is therefore of great significance in the New Testament (even if just in regards to the size of the combined volumes), and has been used by Pentecostals for over a century in our quest for recovering a truly biblical faith. This unit examines the narrative of Luke-Acts in a way that holds together the historical and theological foci, and seeks to equip you with a solid reading strategy for approaching these remarkable texts. Unit detail page >>

BIB007 - Introduction to Israel’s Scriptures

Description: The foundational documents of the Christian Faith are found in the Old Testament. It is the first instance of God’s self-revelation to humanity, it points forward to Jesus, and it provides glimpses of the Holy Spirit at work. The themes, theology, wisdom, history, and narrative form the basis for anything the New Testament has to teach us. This Subject will equip you to uncover the significance and relevance of the Old Testament to being a disciple of Jesus. Unit detail page >>

BIB008 - Introduction to the New Testament

Description: The New Testament is an exciting document that outlines the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and the early writings of the church. This subject will introduce the purpose, content, and message of the New Testament books with particular focus on the historical and cultural implications of their setting, and how this broad diversity of literature presents an incredibly unified and coherent message. Unit detail page >>

CCM001 - Introduction to Cross Cultural Ministry

Description: This subject aims at training future pastors and church leaders to lead Australasian churches with a world mission focus, in all of its biblical, historical, cultural and strategic dimensions. Unit detail page >>

EXP002 - Professional Practice in Ministry

Description: Itching to connect the realm of the classroom with some real-life experience? Professional Practice is designed with just this aim in mind. Students will have the have the chance to engage academically with issues pertaining to their Major Specialisation plus experience a hands-on placement. Working with an experienced supervisory mentor,  students will complete a 100 hour placement over the course of semester(or 2 50 hour placements over 2 semesters), with a variety of formats to choose from. For instance, do you have a heart for pastoral ministry? You could complete 8 hours a week at your local church, working with a department pastor. Or perhaps you have visions of becoming the next CEO of World Vision? A block placement at a Christian organisation, working with a field specialist, could be the kick start you need. Alternatively, have you been wanting to make a difference while experiencing cross cultural ministry overseas? Your 100 hours could be served with an overseas mentor in a concentrated three or so weeks of professional practice. The sky is the limit! Unit detail page >>

LEA001 - Introduction to Leadership

Description: Leadership is the critical ingredient to success in every sphere of life. When we can lead ourselves and others, we maximise skills, align teams, and create momentum. This subject introduces the introductory leadership skills necessary for exercising leadership and influence in various contexts and using various theories and approaches. It recognises that organisational leadership begins with vision, is exercised utilising various styles, and entails the mentoring of individuals and groups. Unit detail page >>

LEA003 - Personal and Organisation Leadership

Description: Organisations are groups of people working together for a purpose. Despite the pervasiveness of organisations in our modern society, effective group behaviour does not always come naturally. In fact, many goals are never achieved due to poor group dynamics rather than a lack of skills, vision or strategy. This unit will help students to develop an understanding of how an organisation can encourage effective, efficient, social and ethical behaviour; how leadership styles, organisational structure and value systems influence behaviour and how ultimately the group dynamics impact the effectiveness of the organisation in its pursuit of its purpose. Unit detail page >>

MIN001 - Introduction to Pastoral Ministry

Description: In this introductory unit, students will explore a broad variety of topics that form the very basis of pastoral ministry. Primarily, students will consider contemporary pastoral models that connect academic reflection with the real world. Topics discussed will range from defining ministry, calling and ordination to conflict resolution, and being effective in caring for others. Students will also be provided with ample opportunity to engage creatively with these topics to make connections with their own contexts. Unit detail page >>

MIN002 - Christian Spirituality

Description: Ever wondered if there were other ways to express faith, apart from lifting your hands during worship? Would you like to deepen the spirituality of your local Christian community, but find yourself hesitating, uncertain of the appropriate boundaries? Students with these questions and more will find themselves challenged as they partake in this foundational unit, designed specifically to introduce charismatic and Pentecostal Christians to the broader history of Christian spiritual approaches. In doing so, students will have a chance to connect with their heritage and participate in a broad range of spiritual exercises practiced by the wider body of Christ throughout history. Unit detail page >>

MIN003 - Preaching

Description: Have you ever wished that you could bottle the persuasiveness and power of your favourite preacher in order to supercharge your own sermons and see your congregation transformed? When it comes to sermons, the bridge between the first century text and twenty-first century context can often seem longer than 2000-odd years. If you want to discover what turns effective preaching into life-changing preaching, and bring revelation to postmodern people that struggle with the Christian story, then look no further. Get ready to be equipped with the rhetorical tools in this unit to craft a message so powerful that it will be impossible for your audience to leave the pews unchanged. Unit detail page >>

MIN004 - Communicating the Faith

Description: The ‘E’ word: Evangelism – is a concept that can equally incite ‘excitement’ and ‘excruciation’. In this unit, extroverts and introverts alike will find themselves engaging with the historical, biblical and theological roots for communicating the Gospel and gaining the skills (along with the empowering of the Spirit) to communicate effectively. In doing so, students will explore ways to engage with a world where the acceptance of the Christian story is counter-cultural, as well as ways to connect the good news of the kingdom to contemporary social concerns. Unit detail page >>

MIN005 - Children’s Ministry

Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the biblical and historical background for children’s ministry. This includes consideration of other Christian perspectives and understandings;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the breadth of children’s ministry and discuss a variety of approaches to children’s ministry;
3. Exhibit an understanding of the importance and methods of ensuring ministry is child safe and child friendly;
4. Demonstrate an ability to use administration, resourcing and logistics necessary to facilitate an effective children’s event.
5. Demonstrate a variety of skills necessary for effective ministry to children;

Unit detail page >>

MIN006 - Youth Ministry

Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the biblical, historical and theological foundations for youth ministry including consideration of other Christian perspectives and understandings;
2. Explain the importance of understanding the themes and influences of contemporary pop culture;
3. Demonstrate ability to assess shifts in youth culture and youth ministry in Australia;
4. Based on personal involvement, analyse practical aspects of youth ministry;
5. Contrast the various sub-cultures which provide the context of youth ministry.

Unit detail page >>

MIN007 - Introduction to Spiritual Formation

Outcomes:

1. Identify various expressions of Christian spirituality, both traditional and contemporary;
2. Describe various spiritual disciplines and how these they spiritual disciplines have been, and can be, applicable to the student’s own spiritual formation and practice;
3. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the concept of self-awareness in the area of emotional health and spiritual wellbeing;
4. Describe features of healthy and unhealthy spirituality that can be identified in self and others; and
5. Acquire spiritual and emotional intelligence as it relates to spiritual maturity.

Unit detail page >>

MIN009 - Australian Pentecostalism in the 21st Century

Outcomes:

1. Explain the key theological beliefs and practises that led to the rise of Pentecostalism in Australia in the early 20th Century;
2. Recognise the foundational theological beliefs and practices of contemporary Pentecostalism that are similar and differentiate it from other Christian Church groups;
3. Discuss contemporary theological issues in Pentecostalism, such as women in leadership, new creation theology and the practise of spiritual gifts; and
4. Identify shifts in Pentecostal theology from its beginnings to today.

Unit detail page >>

MIN010 - Orientation to Ministry Practice

Outcomes:

1. Outline the history and beliefs of the church/denomination;
2. Outline the structure of the church/denomination, and the relationship of the Key Leadership within it;
3. Identify and define the expectations of the pastoral role as it applies within the church/denomination;
4. Show an understanding of the foundations for ministry and leadership;
5. Reflect and provide feedback on work integrated learning, showing a personal and technical understanding of the ministry context.

Unit detail page >>

MIN011 - Ministry Essentials

Outcomes:

1. Identify and describe the distinctives of the church/denomination;
2. Show an understanding of how these distinctives can be applied within a contemporary church context and at a personal ministry level;
3. Outline current community engagement practices within a local church context and identify effective practices as they relate to the target community;
4. Show an understanding of learned leadership and ministry practices as they relate to one's context.

Unit detail page >>

THE001 - Christian Worldview

Description: Do you have questions about God that you have been unable to answer? Do you sometimes wonder whether Christian beliefs about things like the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus make any sense? This unit provides you with the opportunity to explore those beliefs that are foundational to Christianity. It argues that what we believe about God (our theology) has a practical impact upon our life and ethics and, therefore, provides an overview of Christian faith, and reflects on the ways in which this faith informs our everyday life and calling. The topics addressed range from the doctrine of God, creation and sin, to discussion on the person and work of Christ, and the nature of the coming kingdom of God. Unit detail page >>

THE002 - Pentecostal Worldview

Description: The significant role of the Holy Spirit has often been understated or neglected throughout History. Pentecostalism is distinctive in its acknowledgement of the significant and critical role of the Holy Spirit in every context of life. This Subject highlights the activity of the Holy Spirit through both Testaments in Scripture, history, doctrines, and practice and seeks to encourage an orientation to the Holy Spirit within church and society. Unit detail page >>

THE004 - Ethics in Ministry

Description: In an era of globalisation and moral relativism, Christian Ministers will necessarily be presenting a morally distinct message. The challenge for people within our churches and ministries is how they can live as ‘salt and light’ without being judgmental or irrelevant. This unit introduces ministers to ethical decision making that will assist them in leading people to balance the biblical mandate of being obedient and being ‘in the world’. Unit detail page >>

WOR001 - Introduction to Worship Ministry

Description: This course unit provides an introduction to Biblical and theological foundations of worship alongside an examination of contemporary Christian expressions of worship. Unit detail page >>

WOR002 - Write Songs

Description: To create is to be human. This subject equips students with an understanding of compositional techniques so they can compose their own original music. Students will gain an understanding of harmonic and melodic structures and will arrange song elements to maximise the intent and impact of songs. Unit detail page >>