Diploma of Ministry

The Old Testament 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 our understanding of God. This subject will equip you to uncover the significance and relevance of the Old Testament to being a disciple of Jesus.

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.

This subject is delivered for City Harvest Church students.

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 builds on the previous learning and knowledge of chaplaincy and pastoral care and provides students with further understanding of responding to clients with issues such as grief and loss; mental health concerns and identify individuals at risk of suicide to ensure immediate and ongoing safety as required.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This unit continues to build on the previous integration of your skills, knowledge and understanding of chaplaincy practices and theories and how to assess clients needs, ensure ethical and legal consideration and working with diverse people within a chaplaincy and pastoral care role.

In this unit, students will start their journey into providing pastoral and spiritual care and develop the skills and understanding of how the chaplain is formed and developed considering; ethical and legal considerations; learning effective communication skills; boundaries; and the value and importance of self care and professional supervision.

Students dive into the rich tapestry of Christian spirituality beyond traditional worship practices. This unit will explore how to deepen community spirituality while respecting boundaries and invites students to discover their broader spiritual heritage.

Embark on a comprehensive exploration of the foundation of youth ministry, where biblical, historical, and theological insights intersect with contemporary culture.

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

Ever wished to harness your favorite preacher's persuasive power to elevate biblically sound sermons and uplift your congregation? Explore the transformational potential of preaching in this unit, equipped with rhetorical tools to craft impactful messages that resonate deeply with postmodern audiences.

In this foundational unit, students delve into diverse topics which are essential to pastoral ministry. They will explore contemporary pastoral models, integrating academic insights and application. From defining ministry, calling, and ordination to conflict resolution and effective caregiving. Students will explore how to outwork these concepts, by understanding the role of pastoral care in the church and ministry contexts.

Exploring leadership through contemporary theory and a Christian worldview can profoundly enhance your effectiveness across various settings, including ministry and business. This unit offers a deep understanding of different leadership theories and their applications, enhancing your ability to lead with ethics and adaptability. Students will develop skills in communication, team building, and critical analysis, preparing them for diverse leadership challenges.

Understanding personal leadership through biblical and theological principles equips students with skills in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and self-discipline. This subject prepares you to articulate a vision aligned with Christian values, improve communication, and enhance personal and professional effectiveness, fostering resilience and adaptability.

Leadership isn't just about authority; it's about values, communication, and problem-solving. This subject explores diverse leadership theories, cultivating self-awareness and critical evaluation. Students learn to navigate ethical dilemmas, develop team dynamics, and influence organizational culture, preparing for leadership roles across various sectors.

Mastering the intricacies of leadership is essential for anyone looking to enhance their influence within an organisation. This subject equips students with the tools to identify and refine their personal leadership philosophy, develop keen self-awareness, and foster essential communication and problem-solving skills through a critical examination of various leadership theories and ethical considerations.

Understanding the role of women in leadership positions is crucial for progressive organisational and societal development. This subject examines the historical and current challenges women face in leadership, with a focus on the church and community contexts. Students will explore legislative frameworks related to gender equity, theological rationales for gender equality, and leadership styles pioneered by women.

Understanding group dynamics is key in today's organisations, where teamwork can make or break success. This unit equips students with strategies to promote ethical and effective behaviours, examining the impact of leadership, structure, and values. Students will navigate complexities like conflict and cultural diversity, applying their knowledge to enhance organisational outcomes and drive positive change in any organisational setting.

Having a strategic approach through the planning process is essential for anyone aspiring to make a real impact in their organisation. This course draws on both biblical insights and modern management principles to equip students with the tools to assess and enhance their strategic visions and goals by understanding where their organisation stands, where it wants to be, and how to get there effectively.

Recognising the necessity for continuous adaptation is vital in today's fast-paced world. This unit tackles the strategic challenges of innovation and change within organisations. It empowers students to manage and lead change effectively by applying innovative and entrepreneurial thinking not only in business contexts but also in expanding God's Kingdom.

Constructed for those aiming to enhance their impact, this advanced unit provides a deep dive into the dynamics of leadership and decision-making processes that drive organisational effectiveness. Students will engage with current theories and evaluate communication strategies across various contexts, including corporate and non-profit environments.

Harnessing creativity and entrepreneurship can be transformative, offering fresh solutions to today’s challenges. This unit empowers students with the theories and practical skills to launch ventures that drive systemic and social change. Focusing on sustainability and ethical considerations, it guides future leaders in developing business models, particularly for non-profit and Christian organisations.

Do you sometimes wonder whether Christian beliefs about things like the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus make any sense? This unit offers an in-depth look at these core concepts. It covers a range of topics from the nature of God and creation to the roles of Christ and the coming kingdom of God, providing insights into how faith shapes our actions and purpose.