Course Overview

About This Course

This course is designed to prepare individuals for a range of Christian ministry roles such as pastor, deacon, lay preacher, catechist, religious education teacher, lay worker, youth ministry worker and evangelist. Work in these roles may also require commissioning from a recognised religious institution. It is also designed to equip employees in parachurch, community and Christian organisations with an understanding of the beliefs and values that guide Christian education, health, social services, childcare or aged care in order to work effectively in these sectors. Such workers are required to align their work with the vision, values and expected practices of the organisation and to operate within an ethical and moral framework. The course will provide participants with: advanced knowledge of core Christian beliefs and practices; skills to interpret, apply and teach Christian beliefs and practices; practical ministry, leadership or teaching skills; opportunities for personal ethical formation; and skills for work or further vocational training.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

24 Euston St, Rydalmere NSW 2116

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

There are no essential entry requirements.
It is recommended entrants have LLN skills at ACSF level 3 or higher in the domains of learning, reading, writing and oral communication.
Other levels and recommended entry requirements may apply depending on the local context in which the course is applied.
Where the course is delivered in an oral culture, e.g., Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander context, the application of these core skills may differ in the practice of Christian ministry and in the delivery of training and assessment in Christian ministry and theology.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Occupational titles may include: Pastor, Religious Education teacher, Youth ministry worker, Evangelist, Catechist, Lay worker, Lay preacher, Deacon, Ministry leader, Manager. This course is intended to equip individuals to serve in a range of roles in church, parachurch and community organisations, Christian education, health, social services or aged care services and not-for-profits. The course is also designed to train workers from other industries in Christian ministry and theology as it applies to their industry, for example businesses, hospitals and charities.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Professional Body

Australian College of Theology (ACT) / relevant denominational body

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

VETASSESS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units31 units

NAT11238001

Apply advanced knowledge of the Bible

NAT11238002

Compare and explain Christian beliefs and practices

NAT11238003

Research and present a biblical theme

NAT11237002

Interpret biblical texts

NAT11238004

Develop and apply knowledge of church history

NAT11238005

Develop and apply knowledge of church, liturgy and sacraments

NAT11237005

Apply Christian ethics to contemporary issues

NAT11238006

Compare worldviews and world religions

NAT11238007

Explain and discuss the person and work of the Holy Spirit

NAT11238008

Develop self-awareness

NAT11238009

Provide leadership in a Christian organisation

NAT11238010

Develop and implement ministry programs

NAT11238011

Prepare and lead worship

NAT11238012

Manage resources and risk in a ministry context

NAT11238013

Plan to initiate a new church

NAT11238014

Lead a process of Christian discipleship

NAT11237011

Prepare and preach a sermon

NAT11237012

Develop own leadership skills

BSBTWK502

Manage team effectiveness

PSPGEN098

Deal with conflict

PSPGEN115

Uphold and support inclusive workplace practices

CHCGRP002

Plan and conduct group activities

CHCCCS017

Provide loss and grief support

CHCPAS003

Plan for the provision of pastoral and spiritual care

CHCPAS004

Provide pastoral and spiritual care

CHCCCS007

Develop and implement service programs

CHCVOL003

Recruit, induct and support volunteers

SIRXOSM007

Manage risk to organisational reputation in an online setting

NAT11238015

Implement the mission and values of a Catholic organisation in own professional practice

NAT11238016

Interpret and apply a religious education framework to guide practice

NAT11238017

Develop the religious understanding of students

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many units do I need to complete to achieve the Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology?

To achieve the qualification, candidates must complete ten units in total, including two core competencies (NAT11238001 Apply advanced knowledge of the Bible and NAT11238002 Compare and explain Christian beliefs and practices) and eight elective units. Elective units must include at least three from Group A: Scripture and Theology and at least three from Group B: Ministry and Formation or Group C: Catholic Education, with up to two units from any endorsed Training Package or accredited course relevant to the work outcome.

What unsupervised learning is required for this course?

Successful completion of the course requires learners to engage in approximately 500 hours of unsupervised activities, including: undertaking work experience in a Christian ministry, completing self-paced study for research and assessment tasks, conducting research on Christian Ministry and Theology, participating in a religious community (worship, small groups, pastoral care, outreach and community service), and undertaking personal formation activities including periods of devotion, prayer, personal retreat and reflection.

What pathways are available after completing this diploma?

The 11238NAT Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology includes units of competency that can be included in the 11239NAT Advanced Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology, providing a direct pathway to that qualification. It also includes units from the BSB, CHC, PSP and SIR training packages, which provide pathways into qualifications containing those units. Additionally, graduates may be eligible to enter a range of other higher qualifications offered by RTOs and higher education providers.

Is there a specialisation available within this diploma?

Yes, where appropriate, electives may be packaged to provide the qualification with a specialisation in Catholic education. To receive the Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology (Catholic Education), all three Group C electives must be selected: NAT11238015 Implement the mission and values of a Catholic organisation in own professional practice, NAT11238016 Interpret and apply a religious education framework to guide practice, and NAT11238017 Develop the religious understanding of students.

How is this course delivered, and does it differ for local and international students?

For local students, the course is delivered through online lectures and live online sessions. For international students, the course is delivered through face-to-face lectures and live online sessions. The total volume of learning is between 1,095 and 1,270 hours, comprising 595–770 supervised (nominal) hours and 500 unsupervised hours.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

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