Graduate Diploma in Arts

Through this subject, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the role and impact of chaplains and pastoral carers in various settings. They will develop essential skills in interpersonal communication and the provision of care across diverse sociocultural and spiritual contexts. The unit emphasises professional, spiritual, and ethical practice, ensuring students are well-prepared to offer support and guidance in both everyday and crisis situations.

This subject equips students to navigate and address the complexities of social anc cultural diversity in professional settings. It aims to deepen their understanding of the impact of diversity on people and practice and prepares students to effectively assess and intervene across diverse contexts. By fostering advanced self-awareness and reflective practices, students will be better positioned to practice ethically and competently in a culturally and socially diverse contexts.

Gaining proficiency in cognitive behavioural theories and therapies through this subject equips you to address mental health challenges effectively. It focuses on developing a deep understanding of CBT principles and their practical application across various issues, ensuring a thorough grasp of therapeutic techniques. This unit emphasises building strong client-therapist relationships and refining your ability to assess and conceptualise treatment plans.

Gaining insight into addictions in this subject is key for professionals seeking to understand and address various types of addictive behaviours effectively. You will examine theories of addiction and their impacts on individuals, families, and communities. The unit also covers a comprehensive range of intervention strategies and emphasises the importance of ongoing professional development and self-care, equipping you to provide informed and effective support.

Enhancing your ability to navigate relationship dynamics is important for students aiming to specialise in relationship counselling. In this subject, you will delve into the theories underpinning relationship challenges and systems, developing skills in assessment, treatment planning, and interventions. The unit includes practical role-plays to hone your counselling techniques and also focuses on creating resources to support clients effectively.

The knowlegde and expertise gained in this subject is invaluable for those seeking to specialise in working with children and young people. It will equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical approaches and practical skills necessary for effective evidence based responses to issue unique to children and adolescents. Students will explore social, cultural, familial, and ethical factors crucial to understanding the needs of children and adolescents, and will be euipped to address those specific challenges with an holistic approach.

This subject offers a deep dive into family dynamics, blending various theories and perspectives to understand the impact on individuals. It addresses counselling from both systemic and individualistic viewpoints, employing role plays as a key method to highlight challenges and effective interventions. Additionally, it encourages students to reflect on their own family experiences and how they may influence their professional practice.

Building on Trauma Informed Practice I, this subject is important for professionals aiming to provide effective support to trauma survivors. This unit focuses on assessing and supporting individuals, families, and communities, using trauma-informed principles to guide interventions. You will also explore community resources, develop strategies for client-centred care, and learn to manage professional wellbeing.

This unit prepares you to address trauma with an understanding of the multifaceted nature of trauma on the individual and community. Students will explore trauma symptoms, treatment and recovery; including insights from neuroscience and post-traumatic growth literature. You will think carefully through assessment of physiological, social and psychological impacts of trauma to inform treatment plans ensuring best practice.

Building on Trauma Informed Counselling I, this subject deepens your understanding of trauma-informed therapies, focusing on both theoretical and practical applications. It encourages ongoing professional development and equips you to design effective, evidence-based treatment plans. Students will gain proficiency in assessment and working with evidenced based trauma modalities such as Trauma-Informed Acceptance and Committment Therapy.

Gaining practical experience in a professional setting is essential for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. This unit consists of a 40-hour professional supervision placement that provides opportunity to develop the practitioner to work within the learned supervisory models. This subject provides an opportunity to enhance practice skills and examine professional and ethical issues under the guidance of a professional supervisor.

Maintaining professional accountability is essential for professional supervisors within professional supervision. This subject is a co-requisite subject with the professional supervision placement unit (SSC560), offering fortnightly group supervision classes to support your placement. This unit develops integration of theoretical learning with real-life practice experiences. It oversees the alignment of practice with industry practice standards through reflexive practice development and ethical considerations.

This subject focuses on the development of skills and practice for the provision of professional supervision. You will learn to apply your developing knowledge of theories and Professional Supervision for both individual and group supervision relevant to a range of contexts including clinical and pastoral settings. Additionally, this subject fosters a commitment to ongoing professional development and self-care, essential for maintaining high standards in supervisory roles.

Through this subject, students will engage in practical, experiential learning with up to 40 hours of supervision sessions, alongside dedicated 'supervision on supervision' reviews to refine your practice. This unit also emphasises professional and ethical considerations, helping you to manage both individual and group supervision contexts with confidence.

Gaining a foundational understanding of theology equips you with the tools to interpret Christian beliefs and their application to life and mission. This subject explores the historical and contemporary formation of core doctrines such as the Trinity, creation, and redemption. It delves into how these elements influence individual spirituality and inform broader aspects of life, mission, and vocation, offering a foundation for deeper spiritual engagement and practical application.

Understanding Christology enriches your comprehension of the historical, biblical, and contemporary perspectives on the person and work of Jesus Christ. This subject delves into the theological underpinnings that inform modern Christian thought and life, examining everything from the quest for the historical Jesus to the development of early Christology and theories of atonement.

This subject examines the development of beliefs about the Holy Spirit, particularly form a Pentecostal perspective, and how these influence the doctrine and practice of the church today. It covers modern theologies of the Spirit and the Pentecostal distinctives like baptism in the Spirit, linking these concepts to broader ecclesiastical and ecumenical dialogues.

In an era of moral relativism, Christians should stand out as moral beacons. In fact, however, the Church is often seen not as a community of love but rather, as a legalistic and hypocritical institution. This unit helps students to think through how they go about making ethical decisions. It argues against legalism and sets up a theological method of approaching ethics that prioritises grace and the power of the Spirit.

Ever wondered what the doctrine of Trinity is all about? Or, what it means that God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit? This subject is designed to answer these questions and to give you a depth of understanding about the nature and being of God as Triune. This course will expand your views about God and the radical significance of who God is.

Ecclesiology is the study of the church. Contemporary churches are often focused on "doing church", but this unit reflects critically on the nature and mission of the church. It puts in place biblical and theological foundations for understanding the church, and then reflects theologically upon contemporary developments. It also considers the relationship between Church Mission and evangelistic and social work activities.

Is it possible to make sense of Christian faith in the 21st century? This course explores traditional "proofs" of the existence of God and analyses their contemporary relevance. It considers the relationship between theology and science and provides students with tools to defend central elements of the gospel. Students are also challenged to put theory into practice by engaging in discussions about faith with non-Christians.

This subject provides insight into the Christian perspectives on the origins of the universe and human nature. Students will explore the doctrine of creation, the concept of humans being made in the image of God, and the intricate relationship between divine providence and human freedom. It connects these theological ideas to contemporary issues, enhancing your ability to apply ancient wisdom to modern challenges in theology and ethics.

Integrating theology and psychology provides a unique perspective, blending theological anthropology with psychological insights. This subject explores concepts such as the imago Dei, soul, and consciousness, and applies them to understand identity, meaning, and well-being. You will critically assess and synthesise these perspectives, applying them to practical aspects of human flourishing.

This unit introduces you to the work of some seminal theologians from Christian tradition and the 20th/21st century. In reviewing these influential theologians from both historical and modern contexts, you will compare and critique their insights, understand their methods, and learn to articulate and discuss these concepts effectively with peers, providing a comprehensive view of their impact on theology today.

Enhancing your ability to conduct and present theological research, this subject challenges you to delve into contemporary theological issues using advanced research skills. You will propose and develop a research topic, applying a coherent theological method to formulate a solid argument. The subject culminates in a presentation to peers, where you will also critically and constructively engage with their research.

Aligning professional practice with personal faith is essential for a meaningful career. This advanced independent research unit delves into the theology of work, empowering students with the skills to meld their faith with their vocational pursuits across diverse workplace environments. By examining historical and biblical perspectives on vocation, participants develop a nuanced understanding and practical skills for integrating faith in professional settings.

Understanding research methodologies is fundamental for any social science or counselling professional. This unit will equip you with the skills to critically analyse and synthesise academic literature, construct evidence-based arguments, and master academic writing and research conventions. By exploring a range of research methods and ethical considerations, you will be prepared to design and conduct studies that make meaningful contributions to your field.

Understanding the psychology of emotion and wellbeing is crucial for enhancing personal and professional relationships. This core unit introduces the concepts of emotional development and the social and cultural factors that influence emotions. Students will learn to apply theoretical approaches to understand emotions and interact empathetically with clients. By developing these skills, students are better prepared to support emotional wellbeing in various contexts.

Gaining expertise in case management is essential for a successful career in human services. This unit offers a comprehensive overview of the sector and the theoretical approaches guiding practice. You'll learn the nuances of case management, including its role in client empowerment and the diverse functions of case managers and counsellors. Through reflective practice, you'll develop a deeper understanding of effective strategies and frameworks.

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.

Gaining a deep understanding of trauma and its pervasive impacts is beneficial for supporting those affected. This unit equips students with the knowledge to develop and critique trauma-informed care principles and apply evidence-based interventions. By exploring cultural and social factors, students learn to approach trauma with sensitivity and insight, preparing them to support recovery and growth within varied contexts.

Enhancing supervision skills across diverse professional contexts is helpful for supervising people-helpers effectively. This unit delves into the theories and models of professional supervision, emphasising the development of supervisory relationships and the integration of sociocultural and ethical considerations. Students will engage in reflexive practice as supervisors, gaining insights that foster their capabilities in clinical, community, pastoral, and various industry settings.

Gaining practical experience in a professional setting is essential for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. This unit consists of a 100-hour placement in a relevant organisation, allowing students to apply and refine key competencies in counselling, chaplaincy, or another people-helping organisation. Through professional supervision and self-reflective practice, students enhance their understanding of professional responsibilities and ethical practices, fostering professional growth.

Understanding human development throughout the lifespan is important for providing targeted support and interventions. This subject offers a comprehensive examination of the developmental stages from conception to death, integrating multicultural and critical perspectives. Students will explore major developmental milestones, reflect on personal growth, and develop strategies to assist others in navigating developmental life transitions.

Understanding the foundational principles of psychology is beneficial for comprehending human behaviour and mental processes. This subject offers a thorough introduction to the diverse models and theories of modern psychology, encouraging you to consider their impact on your personal worldview. You will develop advanced critical thinking skills, compare various psychological theories, and critically integrate these concepts into your understanding of human nature.

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 Australian society through the lens of sociology equips students with valuable insights into how social and cultural factors shape identity. This subject teaches how to critically analyse these dynamics and their implications, both locally and globally. By studying various social issues and interventions, students develop skills to engage effectively in public and policy domains, enhancing their understanding of societal structures and cultural influences.

Exploring group and community dynamics in this unit offers valuable insights into influencing change and fostering individual growth within a community context. You will engage with principles of community leadership and group processes, applying them practically in class-based settings. This subject provides a robust framework for ethical and professional practice in community work, enhancing your ability to critically reflect on and improve your methods.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In offering a comprehensive view of governance across various sectors, including corporations, not-for-profit organisations, schools, and churches, this subject will equip you with the skills to evaluate governance structures, understand the roles and development of boards, and engage effectively in policy debates. It is ideal for anyone aspiring to enhance their governance acumen and contribute to organisational integrity and effectiveness.

Through this unit, an in-depth exploration into contemporary organisational leadership, focusing on advanced research techniques, complex behaviours, and ethical frameworks will be considered. This subject equips students with expert analytical skills to critically assess and enhance leadership practices within a Christian context. You will develop a thorough understanding of systems theory, organisational culture, and change processes.

Know how to adress important aspects of church life, from defining ministry, calling and ordination to conflict resolution, and being effective in caring for others. Students will explore contemporary pastoral models that connect academic reflection with the real world.

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 address the broad history of Christian spiritual approaches.

This unit equips you with valuable skills for effectively managing various aspects of church life and community engagement. Students will delve into evaluating ministry needs, comparing church management models, and addressing compliance issues. You will learn how pastoral skills can enhance community relations and support church growth, preparing you to develop strategies tailored to your specific context.

This unit explores the foundations of the Pentecostal movement and provides an overview of Pentecostal history and the biblical foundations of Pentecostalism. The theological distinctives within Pentecostal movements, Pentecostal praxis, Pentecostal leadership, evangelism, church growth and community engagement from a Pentecostal perspective will also be examined. Students will also be given ample opportunity to engage creatively with these topics to make connections with their own contexts.

Preach by bridging the gap between ancient texts and exploring effective ways to communicate biblically sound truths to a modern world. Dive deeper into how to faithfully interpret the Bible and apply Biblical wisdom into life-changing preaching.

How do I develop strong relationships, whether friendships, marriage or family? How do I deal with the changing dynamics of relationships through the life stages? If ever a unit was needed to clarify the topics found within the ‘relationships’ section of the local Christian bookstore, this is it. This unit aims to develop skills to strengthen your relationships and to assist those you minister to in everyday life.

Why don’t people always get healed when we pray for them? What is our responsibility in partnering with God for healing? Students undertaking this unit will have the opportunity to investigate the various perspectives on healing throughout the life of the church. Some of the big questions surrounding the ‘why’ of sickness, suffering, and death will also be addressed along with practical skills applicable in caring for others.

Why do we act the way we act? Have you ever wondered how our faith connects with society? Sociologists are those who study human social behaviour and propose these questions. Students undertaking this unit will be introduced to the field of sociology with the aim to explore the trends and megatrends that have formed the Christian community and its practice.

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? This subject will assist students to develop a church-planting toolkit by learning from key church planting practitioners, academic literature on entrepreneurship as well as wider historical-biblical-theological foundations.

This subject explores the biblical, historical, and theological foundations of discipleship, assessing contemporary methods and strategies within various cultural and congregational contexts. You will critically analyse how different phases of life and spiritual disciplines influence discipleship, preparing you to effectively mentor and guide others in their faith journey.

In this unit, students will find themselves engaging with the historical, biblical and theological roots for communicating the gospel. 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.

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.

Gaining skills in children's ministry allows you to create engaging and safe environments for young people. This subject provides a comprehensive overview of the biblical, historical, and theological foundations of children's ministry. Students will critically assess various ministry strategies and learn to design and administer child-safe events. This unit also covers legal and ethical considerations, ensuring well-rounded preparation.

This subject delves into the sociological and religious factors that have shaped gender roles throughout church history and assesses their impact on contemporary ministries. Students will critically examine biblical and theological foundations, exploring how they inform the debate over women and men in leadership, particularly in Pentecostal contexts. This unit also encourages the formulation of a personal philosophy of egalitarian ministry, equipping students to lead with inclusivity.

This subject explores effective pastoral theology and ministry models. Students will gain a systemic and critical understanding of complex and advanced ministry issues and will apply advanced research skills to a topic of research on a contemporary ministry issue.

This subject provides students with the opportunity to propose and delve into a research topic, developing advanced research capabilities. It focuses on constructing solid arguments, critically engaging with diverse perspectives, and effectively communicating findings. Students will also learn to respond thoughtfully to the research of their peers, preparing them for informed leadership in their ministries.

Navigating leadership challenges effectively requires a nuanced understanding of contemporary theories and a solid foundation in Christian values. This unit prepares students to dissect historical and modern leadership approaches, emphasising the impact on not-for-profit sectors. You will learn to apply these insights practically, enhancing both self-leadership and team leadership capabilities.

Mastering leadership requires a blend of theory and practice, a challenge this unit addresses by combining contemporary leadership insights with a Christian perspective. In partnership with the Arrow Leadership program, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how leadership theories have evolved and how they apply within various organisational contexts. You'll learn to integrate Christian principles with core leadership competencies, preparing you to lead effectively in diverse environments.

This subject equips you with the tools to develop Christian leaders effectively, blending biblical models with modern strategies in mentoring, modelling, and coaching. You will critically assess the dynamics between leaders and their teams in various contexts and explore how spirituality, authenticity, and trust influence leader development. This comprehensive approach prepares you to shape leaders who can make impactful contributions globally.

Mastering transformational leadership is about more than just leading others; it's about evolving as a leader yourself. This course provides a comprehensive framework for assessing leadership quality and effectiveness in various contexts. Students will engage in deep reflection on their leadership practices and the inner transformation necessary for true effectiveness.

Effective Human Resources Management (HRM) is pivotal to any organisation's success, particularly in how it manages its most vital asset—its people. This subject introduces students to Strategic Human Resource Management, covering crucial areas such as recruitment, performance management, and employee retention, equipping students with the skills to enhance workplace efficiency and prepare for advanced HRM studies.

Understanding spirit-led leadership can lead to profound insights for shaping effective ministries. This subject provides strategies for developing spiritual maturity and leadership skills. You'll critically examine how Pentecostal leadership can integrate broader community perspectives, enhancing both personal faith and organisational influence. Perfect for those aspiring to lead with spiritual depth and cultural sensitivity.

Harnessing creativity in entrepreneurship can transform challenges into opportunities. This subject critically examines how creativity acts as a catalyst for competitive advantage and systemic change. You will learn to foster creative thinking within organisations, navigate the dynamics of organisational culture, and lead innovative ventures. Ideal for those looking to lead and innovate in both new and established settings.

Building teams effectively is crucial across all sectors, including business and ministry. This subject enhances your understanding of teamwork through a blend of Christian and secular models, backed by biblical principles. You will learn to assess team effectiveness, develop team cultures within Christian organisations, and tackle common performance barriers.

Strategic Thinking sharpens your ability to define and refine vision and purpose. This subject unpacks key strategic questions, drawing on insights from the Bible and contemporary management theories. You will learn to conduct situational analyses, manage organisational change, and integrate various thinking approaches to meet strategic challenges—ideal for those looking to turn vision into reality and drive meaningful change.

In today's rapidly evolving landscape, leaders need tools to rethink and redefine how they achieve goals and inspire teams. This unit focuses on analysing and enhancing organisational structures to lead change effectively. You will delve into systems thinking, develop high-performance work systems, and navigate the complexities of organisational culture.

Have you ever wanted to read the bible in its original language? Old Testament Hebrew 1 presents you with the foundational tools, vocabulary and grammar to not only understand OT Hebrew, but also to translate simple OT Hebrew texts into English. By having these tools, you will gain foundational knowledge of the richness and wonder of the Hebrew language.

While modern translation of the Bible are wonderful resources, they sometimes mask the richness present in the original languages of the Bible. In this unit, students will develop a foundational understanding of New Testament Greek grammar and vocabulary. They will learn to read, write, and translate simple Greek texts, enhancing their interpretative skills.

This subject builds upon Old Testament Hebrew 1 unit, enabling you to read OT Hebrew more effectively. Together we will translate many OT Hebrew texts into English – which will bring the text alive and make all your effort worth it! So come experience the new revelations that are available when you read the OT in its original language.

This unit builds on New Testament Greek 1 to give you a solid foundation for your knowledge of Biblical Greek. This unit rounds out a full year of Greek study and will equip you with a good working knowledge of Greek grammar as we come to see more fully the beauty of the Greek verbal system and its significance for understanding the original text.

Continuing from the two previous units of NT Greek study, this unit builds on your foundational understanding of Greek grammar and focuses on a more advanced understanding of Greek syntax. In this unit, there is a significant emphasis on equipping you to read, translate and exegete the NT in order to draw out the wonder of its original message.

Building upon two previous units of OT Hebrew, this unit bridges the gap between your foundational basics of OT Hebrew grammar and an advanced understanding of OT Hebrew syntax. As such, this is the unit where all your previous hard work pays off, as reading and translating becomes more effortless and rewarding.

The aim of this subject is to familiarise students with the Old Testament 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 and traces significant themes 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.

This unit equips students with the tools to understand the principles, purposes, and historical development of biblical interpretation. By critically assessing contexts and the reader’s role, students apply these insights to contemporary issues, enhancing their analytical skills and understanding of biblical texts. This unit prepares students for thoughtful discourse and application of biblical principles in modern settings.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Understanding the world of the Old Testament equips students with the ability to evaluate its historical, geographical, and social contexts critically. In this unit, students will analyse Old Testament passages and themes with precision, linking ancient practices and perspectives to contemporary applications. These skills are essential for anyone seeking to gain a thorough understanding of how these ancient texts continue to influence modern society and thought.

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 equips students to assess and analyse the diverse perspectives on Jesus' identity and mission, grounded in a solid socio-historical understanding. Students will also learn to apply their insights to modern contexts, particularly within Pentecostalism, fostering a richer comprehension and ability to communicate the significance of these ancient narratives in a compelling way.

This unit delves into the socio-historical setting of Acts and encourages students to engage critically with its key themes. By interpreting the role of the Spirit and applying biblical passages to modern Pentecostal contexts, students enhance their analytical abilities and understanding of how early Christian practices and beliefs evolved and continue to influence contemporary life.

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.

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 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.

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.

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!

Mastering biblical study methods is crucial for anyone looking to deeply understand and interpret biblical texts. This unit presents an extensive overview of historical-critical methods, literary approaches, and ideological criticisms, equipping students with the skills to apply these techniques effectively. Students will critically evaluate different methodologies and demonstrate advanced proficiency in biblical exegesis, preparing them to tackle complex interpretive challenges within both ancient texts and contemporary settings.

Enhancing your ability to conduct and present research is essential in any academic or professional setting. This unit focuses on developing advanced research skills within biblical studies. Students will select a topic, propose research, and present their findings to peers, fostering an environment of critical engagement and constructive feedback—enhancing both communication and analytical skills.

Understanding the dynamic interplay between entrepreneurship, business, and mission can transform how one engages in the marketplace. This subject prepares students to integrate entrepreneurial pursuits with a mission-focused approach. Students will delve into the history and contemporary role of entrepreneurs, analyse business as mission in theological contexts, and develop actionable plans for mission-driven business ventures.

Effective financial stewardship not only enhances an organisation's sustainability but also its capacity to make strategic decisions. This unit sharpens your financial acumen, focusing on investment analysis and the critical concept of the time value of money. Gain proficiency in reading and interpreting financial statements, double-entry bookkeeping, and budget construction and analysis.

For churches and not-for-profit organisations, navigating the legal landscape effectively is vital. This subject provides deep insights into the governance and regulation specific to these entities within the Australian context. Students will examine the historical interplay between churches, NFPs, and society, and delve into the ethical and theological aspects of their regulation.

Understanding the critical role of information systems in today's organisations is fundamental for any business professional. This course provides a thorough grounding in information systems management, highlighting both foundational and strategic roles within corporate environments. Students will develop advanced research skills and learn to apply information system concepts to real-world cases, enhancing their ability to solve problems and identify new opportunities.

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

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.

Explore Christianity in the wider scope, and examine the belief systems of other religions in order to effectively explain the bible and theological concepts in relation to diverse persepctives.

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.