Associate Degree in Ministry

Everyone has their area of passion and preference. This unit is all about you being able to pursue your musical or artistic passion. Dance, drama, lighting, multimedia, sound, instrument, voice, recording, whatever it is, this unit can adapt to help you set and achieve your goals. Learn new knowledge and skills. Master your craft. Challenge your capacity. Grow as an artist.

This foundational subject offers a broad understanding of the diverse perspectives and practices within worship ministry. It addresses the role of music, arts, and corporate worship in the life of the church and the individual believer. This subject will equip students with knowledge of the theological underpinnings and contemporary expressions of worship, preparing them to effectively participate in and lead worship ministries.

Through this subject, students will delve into the complex relationship between the Christian church and the creative arts across centuries. This subject examines how the arts have been both championed and constrained by the church. Students will analyse historical music and arts from biblical times to the modern era, gaining insights into their influence on faith and church practices.

As compelling, engaging and consuming as our local church world is... we don't live in a bubble! All humans worship. What does that worship look like for other religions? What impact does that have on the way we worship? This unit explores these questions and many more, from our Judaeo-Christian heritage to the comparative worship of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and other world religions.

The words we sing are extraordinarily powerful. Many authors have had things to say about the lyrics of songs sung in church but the arguments are particularly partisan and heated in our present day. Contemporary congregational songs, with their popular musical influences are a hot topic. Are their lyrics inferior to traditional hymns? How should we approach their analysis and assessment? What would Jesus sing?

On the job training... there's nothing like it! This practicum is not just about free help to your church's worship team; it is about encountering the on-the-ground issues that arise daily in building, managing and leading a worship team. Not only will you actively engage with the worship ministry, you will also analyse and assess its strengths and weaknesses and contribute to the improvement of the department.

The unique nature and prominence of contemporary worship music in today's churches is worthy of study. It is a phenomenon that has accompanied the emergence of megachurches, created a substantial sub-genre of the popular music industry and crossed cultural and language barriers. It is certainly necessary to understand what is going on, but equally important to assess its theological, historical, sociological, ecclesial and musical implications.

This transformative subject is designed for those aspiring to lead musical worship effectively within their congregations. It combines theological insights with practical skills, from managing rehearsals to leading live worship sets. Students will also learn to communicate strategically pre- and post-service and reflect on their leadership for continuous improvement.

Integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience is essential for effective counselling. This unit offers a 100-hour supervised counselling placement through the AC Wellbeing Centre and an external organisation. It allows you to apply prior learning and engage in reflective practice, enhancing your professional competence. This placement will also refine your ability to manage professional relationships and administrative tasks within a real-world counselling setting.

This is a core subject that introduces students to the fields of psychology, social science and the importance of emotions in human identity. It forms the basis for other more advanced psychology subjects. This subject will allow students to develop a better understanding and management of their emotions. This knowledge is then applied to a professional context, enhancing students' abilities to identify and work appropriately with the emotions of clients in an empathetic and professional manner.

Navigating the transition from theory to practice is critical in any professional field. This subject integrates academic learning with real-world application through a 100-hour supervised placement in a social science-oriented organisation. This experience will help to develop your professional practice skills and self-reflection to ensure continuous professional growth, under the guidance of a professional supervisor.

Understanding ethical and legal frameworks is vital for anyone entering the people helping profession. This subject helps students to understand the ethical principles and legal requirements within their field, in order to confidently manage complex ethical dilemmas. You will learn to apply ethical decision-making models, prioritise self-care, and appreciate the importance of ongoing professional development.

This subject helps to prepare you to work effectively with clients by learning advanced counselling micro-skills and techniques in. With an emphasis on applying micro-skills and evidence-based methods in counselling contexts, you'll learn how to respond to complex needs such as anxiety and stress. This unit aligns with professional practice standards, offering practical, experiential training, that includes role-plays, to continue the development of your interpersonal communication skills.

Gaining a deep understanding of various counselling theories is essential for effective therapeutic practice. This subject provides a comprehensive overview of historical and modern counselling methodologies, from Freudian psychoanalysis to contemporary approaches such as Solution Focused Therapy and Positive Psychology. Students will learn how to critically evaluate different models, reflect on their personal and professional implications, and apply them across diverse therapeutic contexts.

Gaining insight into mental health conditions is pivotal for providing effective support and intervention. Students in this subject will learn to recognise symptoms, deliver appropriate assistance, and understand the role of the community in supporting mental wellbeing. They will develop skills in treating individuals with empathy, respect, and compassion, while fostering a hopeful and supportive environment.

Understanding group dynamics and community leadership is essential for supporting effective change in group settings. This unit equips students with the skills to lead and develop communities while integrating both sociological and Christian perspectives. Through hands-on experiences, students will learn to manage ethical issues and apply professional standards, preparing them to positively impact community and group work settings.

Gaining insight into Australian society through a sociological lens is pivotal in understanding the complex influences shaping identity. This unit delves into how cultural and social factors shape personal and community identities. By examining the various structures and facets of society and social policy, students will learn to actively participate in the various social spheres with which they need to engage as practioners.

Supporting those experiencing grief and loss is crucial for effective counselling. This unit equips students with specialised skills to support individuals navigating these challenging experiences. Students will learn to distinguish between different types of grief and develop tailored intervention strategies, enhancing their ability to empathise and provide essential support within a self-care framework.

Understanding the principles of psychology is essential for anyone interested in the human mind and behaviour. This subject offers a comprehensive introduction to various psychological models and theories, providing insights into how they shape individual perspectives. By studying topics from developmental to clinical psychology, students will develop advanced critical thinking and learn to integrate psychological concepts into their personal worldview.

This subject explores the developmental journey and processes that an individual goes through over a lifespan, from conception to death. It introduces various theories and milestones associated with each life stage and includes multicultural and critical perspectives on development. It will enable students to help individuals understand normal developmental processes, whether in health, education, minstry or people helping fields.

Enhance your ability to communicate effectively in professional people-helping settings. This subject will equip you with learning foundational interpersonal communication skills. Through practical exercises, you will develop your counselling micro-skills including conflict management responses, within a culturally sensitive framework. This unit is designed to meet PACFA and ACA training requirements.

Dive into a comprehensive overview of human services and its theoretical frameworks. This subject prepares students for diverse roles within case management, counselling, and support services, focusing on effective service delivery and client care. Students will learn the fundamentals of the case management process, explore various professional roles, and apply reflective practices to improve their proficiency and understanding of good practice.

Build a foundation in research and writing in this pivotal unit designed to equip students with robust academic writing and research skills specific to the social sciences and counselling fields. Students will enhance their ability to critically assess literature, construct evidence-based arguments, and effectively communicate both orally and in writing, preparing them for advanced studies and professional effectiveness.

Integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience is essential to effectively work with young people. This unit offers a 100-hour supervised youth studies placement through a specialised youth organisation. It allows you to apply prior learning and engage in reflective practice, enhancing your professional competence. This placement will also refine your ability to manage professional relationships and administrative tasks within a real-world counselling setting.

Integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience is essential to effectively work in chaplaincy and pastoral care. This unit offers a 100-hour supervised chaplaincy and pastoral care placement through a chaplaincy organisation. It allows you to apply prior learning and engage in reflective practice, enhancing your professional competence. This placement will also refine your ability to manage professional relationships and administrative tasks within a real-world counselling setting.

Having a basic understanding of trauma and its effects is essential for any professional working within the community. This unit gives an introduction to understanding what constitutes trauma, along a continuum from acute to chronic presentations. Additionally, you will learn about self-care to manage the effects of trauma on the people helper, aiding in longevity and efficacy in this challenging field.

Professional accountability is crucial in developing ethical and effective practice as a counsellor or people helper. This unit is delivered in the same semester as students undertake their supervised field placements and offers weekly group supervision. Students will receive weekly support to help build their assessment and intervention skills, whilst working with actual client’s. The subject meets PACFA's experiential training requirements, focusing on real-world application through case conferences and peer review whilst preparing you to handle professional challenges ethically and effectively, integrating critical reflection and a Christian worldview.

Gaining proficiency in evidenced supported strengths based modalities is important in modern psychological practice. This unit introduces Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) and Positive Psychology, focusing on the methodology of these strengths based approaches and developing skills to implement these across various settings from individual to organisational applications. Students will have the opportunity to develop many specific skills in addition to increasing their ability to integrate techniques from aligned modalities to enhance client engagement and outcomes.

Effective chaplaincy and pastoral care requires an understanding of the diverse settings in which care may be required, as well as the pillars of best practice. By learning the foundational theories and skills needed for chaplaincy and pastoral care, students will develop competence in providing care across a range of circumstances and within a variety of social, cultural and spiritual or religious contexts.

Navigating social and cultural diversity skilfully and considerately is vital in people-helping fields. This subject explores the competencies required to understand and respect diversity within communities, developing empathetic and effective strategies to provide care across socially and culturally diverse contexts. Students will learn to assess and enhance their own social and cultural awareness, whilst developing their social and cultural competence for professional practice.

Gaining proficiency in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is highly beneficial for effective counselling as CBT is still considered the gold standard of evidenced based therapeutic intervention. This unit introduces the foundational theories and practices of CBT, offering students practical skills in applying these techniques across diverse counselling scenarios.

Understanding addictions is pivotal for effective intervention. This unit equips students with knowledge of the dynamics and development of various addictions, from substance abuse to behavioural dependencies. Through examining causes, characteristics, and management strategies, students will learn to identify effective treatment approaches and community resources. They will also explore ethical considerations and develop self-care strategies to maintain their wellbeing in professional counselling settings.

Understanding relationships is foundational for effective therapy. Building on prior knowledge of personality and behaviour, you will delve into the complexities of relational dynamics, including the impact of family backgrounds and life changes such as separation or divorce. Through practical role-plays and evidence-based strategies, you'll learn to navigate and improve various relationship scenarios, preparing you to support clients effectively in maintaining healthy relationships.

Through this unit, students will be provided with an in-depth overview of developmental, psychological, and behavioural aspects crucial to understanding and supporting children and young people. Students will learn to apply theories in an holistic approach, within professional and ethical frameworks. They will also gain skills in working effectively within broader teams, referral networks and support structures to respond to the unique needs of children and adolescents.

Understanding family dynamics is pivotal for effective counselling. This unit offers a comprehensive exploration of family structures and their impacts on individuals. It blends modern and post-modern counselling theories with practical role-play exercises, providing insights into systemic approaches to therapy. You will not only learn to navigate complex family situations but also reflect on how your own family experiences might influence your professional practice.

This unit explores the skills and srategies required to understand and support adolescents through their unique challenges. Students will be introduced to the evolution of adolescence and its implications for both historical and contemporary youth work practices. Students will investigate local youth work sectors, and learn to apply an integrative approach to working with young people.

Navigating youth issues effectively is essential for fostering supportive environments that address the unique challenges faced by young people. This unit delves into contemporary youth issues, exploring how they are perceived and affect both individual lives and broader societal dynamics. Students will develop non-judgemental, empathetic strategies for engaging with young people on critical topics whilst adhering to standards of best practice

This unit will deepen your knowledge and skill base to specifically explore issues related to building viable communities of young people, which acknowledges and addresses relevant developmental stages. Uncover the role and contribution of young people and youth workers within the local church and beyond.

In this introductory subject, 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.

This unit will explore the broader historical roots of spiritual approaches. Students are encouraged to express faith in new ways and deepen the spirituality of your local Christian community. 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.

This unit offers the student an introduction to the philosophy of church health and management.

Dive into the complex realm of evangelism in this thought-provoking unit. Whether you're an extrovert or introvert, this unit invites students to explore the historical, biblical, and theological foundations of gospel communication. Equip yourself with effective communication skills and the empowerment of the Spirit. Discover strategies for engaging the church will complex global issues and bring tangible modes of support to communities.

Preach by bridging the gap between ancient texts and exploring effective ways to communicate biblically sound truths to a modern world. If you want to learn how to develop life-changing preaching, and bring revelation to postmodern people that struggle with the Christian story, then look no further.

Delve into the complexities of healing in this intriguing unit. Examine different perspectives on healing in the church's history and grapple with profound questions about sickness, suffering, and death through a theological lens. Gain practical skills for supporting others during times of illness, grief, and loss.

Uncover the mysteries of human behavior and social dynamics in this captivating unit. Explore the intersections of faith and society as we delve into sociology. Discover the trends and megatrends shaping the Christian community and its practices. Engage with questions about why we form social groups and how our faith influences our interactions with society.

This unit explores ministry to youth and young people. Ground in love and empathy, we delve into understanding young people's concerns, needs, and pressures. Empower yourself to minister effectively to the next generation and beyond.

Explore the key components of children's ministry and how to effectively engage a younger audience with a gospel message.

Critically evaluate sociological and religious influences on gender roles throughout church history. Explore the role of the Bible in current debates over women in ministry. Analyse contexts, particularly in Pentecostal settings, where egalitarian leaders operate. Examine the dynamics of men and women working together in contemporary church ministries. Gain broad knowledge of influential Christian figures who shaped the perception of shared ministry across historical and cultural boundaries. Finally, construct a personal philosophy of egalitarian ministry.

Embark on an in-depth exploration of Christian discipleship. Develop an advanced understanding of its biblical, historical, and theological foundations. Discover the crucial role of discipleship in Christian practice. Analyse factors influencing growth in Christian maturity and critique growth models. Explore spiritual, interpersonal, and social dynamics in an Australian context. Evaluate contemporary discipleship strategies in congregational settings.

If you had the opportunity to plant a brand new church, what would it look like? What are the personnel and resources required? How does a new church meet the needs of its community? What characteristics and personal stamina are required? Students undertaking this unit will explore the essential need for new churches. It will assist students to develop a church-planting toolkit, by standing on the shoulders of key church planting practitioners, proven principles in the academic literature on entrepreneurship as well as wider historical-biblical-theological foundations of why we should plant churches.

Whether young, old, single, betrothed, married or unspecified, everyone is affected by the workings of relationships. Explore how the ideals of marriage and the family have evolved throughout history and wider society. Know how to minister to and assist those around you, this unit unpacks strategies which contribute to healthy relationships through every life stage, by exploring the dynamics of family and relationships.

Embark on a journey into the roots of the Pentecostal movement in this comprehensive unit. Delve into Pentecostal history and its biblical foundations, exploring theological distinctives.

Isaiah was a prophet consumed with the vision of God as the sovereign Lord over the nations. The Book of Isaiah speaks to a crucial time in the history of ancient Israel both prior to the exile as well as re-building after the devastation. It about how to live faithfully as the people of God in a hostile environment and presents a vision of a holy people.

The Pastoral Epistles show us that intrigue and controversy are not new to the church. The letters of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus and are located towards the end of Paul’s life and ministry career. These letters give insight into the need for stabilisation and structure within the emerging Christian communities in Ephesus and Crete.

Why would Paul, a Hebrew speaking Jew, writing to Latin speaking Romans, use Greek? Why was the liberating message of the crucified messiah considered "foolish?" This unit examines the culture, customs, and values of the first century. It shows how radical the Christian minority group was in the face of the Roman Empire and invites you to assess your own convictions and values as a 21st century Christian.

The letters of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon were written from prison and yet deal with some of the most liberating concepts imaginable. Time spent with these letters will be richly rewarded and equip us for life in multiple dimensions; spiritual, relational, personal and corporate. We will examine how these four letters from captivity have the power to free readers from unconscious imprisoning ideas.

This unit offers a detailed analysis of the socio-historical backgrounds and diverse perspectives within John’s Gospel and Revelation. Students will engage critically with primary and secondary sources, interpreting passages with particular attention to eschatology and applying insights to modern contexts. The unit is designed to develop and equip you with critical thinking and analytical skills in theological studies.

This subject explores various perspectives on the Spirit of God in the Old Testament. Primary biblical materials and secondary literature from a range of perspectives will be analysed. Students will also examine the socio-historical background relevant to the functions of the Spirit in the Old Testament and will apply passages on the Spirit to modern Pentecostalism.

Understanding the Old Testament offers valuable insights into the historical and cultural contexts that shaped the ancient world, helping you to gain more wisdom and understanding when engaging with these texts. In this subject, students examine the Old Testament's historical, geographical, and social contexts, analyse its passages and themes, and learn how everyday life and cultural settings in biblical times inform contemporary interpretations.

Many of the Old Testament books are dedicated to the history of Israel from the time of conquest through to exile. This subject will examine the books of Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, Ezra and Nehemiah—a vast array of books and times! It will also specifically investigate the major events and people in Old Testament history.

At the beginning of the Bible, we find the Pentateuch. From Genesis to Deuteronomy, these books are essential for understanding our faith today. In this unit, we will explore the foundational themes of creation, faith, salvation, covenant, worship, land and journeying present in the Pentateuch. We will also survey how the Pentateuch sets the stage for what follows in the rest of the biblical canon.

Learning to interpret the Bible effectively enhances your ability to analyse and apply scripture in contemporary settings. This subject explores the evolution of interpretative methods, the crucial role of the reader, and the importance of historical and cultural contexts. You will learn to navigate various biblical genres and apply guiding principles to make relevant theological conclusions, equipping you for informed and thoughtful engagement with biblical texts.

The aim of this subject is to familiarise students with Israel's Scriptures as a coherent narrative that is of crucial importance to Christians. While this subject includes a discussion of every book in Israel's Scriptures, it goes beyond this to look at how the character of God is communicated throughout.

This unit seeks to introduce the content of the books of the New Testament while providing a basis for further reading and study. The primary focus will be on the message of each book within its historical-cultural setting with some attention being given to its contribution to the theology of the New Testament as a whole.

The books of Proverbs and Psalms are two of the most well-known and loved texts within the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible. In addition to Proverbs, the books of Job and Ecclesiastes comprise what is known as Wisdom Literature, a genre of writings from the ancient Near East comprised of sayings and teachings by sages and the wise about the breadth of the human experience. Psalms is an anthology of Hebrew hymns to be used either in collective liturgical settings or for personal expression. Throughout this course, we will engage with tools of exegesis to reflect on how to read the Wisdom and Psalms text, as well as the Song of Songs, which is neither part of Psalms or Wisdom Literature, yet is Hebrew poetry and considers wisdom in relationships.

The time between the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament is sometimes erroneously referred to as the "400 Years of Silence." In this course, students enter a world of imperial conquest and theological development to explore how the Jewish people wrestled with faith and survival under foreign rule. Figures such as Daniel, Esther, Tobit, Judith, and Susana teach us faithful resilience in the diaspora, while Ezra, Nehemiah, Zechariah, and Malachi deal with theological and cultural issues back in the land of Israel. This course unpacks the historical context of the neo-Babylonian, Persian, Hasmonean, and Greek/Roman empires to see how the exile reshaped Jewish culture, theology, and communal identity into the Judaism of Jesus' day

This unit enables students to evaluate the identity and mission of Jesus through diverse scholarly perspectives, set against a detailed socio-historical backdrop. By analysing primary and secondary texts and applying Jesus' teachings to contemporary contexts like Pentecostalism, students develop a nuanced understanding of these foundational narratives and their relevance in modern religious discourse.

A deep dive into the Acts of the Apostles provides essential insights into the spread of the early church. In this unit, students examine the socio-historical settings, interpret key passages, and identify how these ancient narratives resonate within modern Pentecostalism. The unit offers practical skills in textual analysis and application, preparing students to understand and discuss complex theological concepts within both historical and contemporary frameworks.

Do you want the places of the Bible to come alive? Then join us for this Field Study Trip subject to Israel and its surrounding lands. We will walk through biblically significant places and link the geography of the land to the message of biblical stories. Your reading of the Bible will never be the same again!

Have you ever wondered why Christians don’t follow the full Mosaic law? Have you ever asked what sets Christianity apart from Judaism? Paul’s letters to the Romans and Galatians answer these questions and more, and in many ways these letters reveal the heart of his theology. This unit will also synthesise Paul’s thoughts into a storyline of history that informs his pastoral and theological reflections.

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. This unit addresses 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.

This subject provides students with a first-hand introduction to the relevant cultural, geographical, historical, and archaeological issues for the New Testament. Students will engage with this historical context during an on-site field study program in the location of modern-day Turkey and Greece, formative for study of the biblical text.

Be equipped as a future pastor or church leader to inspire vision and make an impact in Australian churches with a world mission focus.

Explore the varied beliefs and rituals prevalent in society through a biblically informed perspective. Students will explore ministry methodologies crucial for effectively integrating spiritually attuned individuals into the Christian faith. The subject encompasses an in-depth investigation of various interpretations of the spiritual realm across major world religions, including an analytical examination within Christianity itself.

Uncover Christian approaches to world religions, by investigating multicultural societies and intergrating biblical perspectives into social and vocational settings.

Discover the history, culture, theology, philosophy, and politics that shape the religion of Islam. Gain essential insights into Christian-Muslim relations, unraveling the intricate web of contemporary society's cross currents.