This subject is delivered for City Harvest Church students.
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.
Is it an oxymoron to claim that Jesus is both human and divine? How do we make sense of Jesus’ death on the cross? Is the resurrection something that can be believed in this modern scientific era? These are the sort of questions addressed in this unit, which intends to provide students with the opportunity to explore central elements of Christian faith.
This subject offers a deep understanding of Pentecostal spirituality and its theological nuances. Students will examine the doctrine of baptism in the Holy Spirit and the Spirit's pivotal role in shaping the nature and mission of the church. It covers key biblical insights, historical perspectives, and contemporary theological interpretations, including the significance of spiritual gifts, enriching both personal faith and communal worship practices.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Who am I? What is the soul? How should Christian faith interact with the psychological sciences? This unit considers the theological concepts of grace, sin and freedom as found within traditional Christian theologies. It also seeks to interact with the discipline of psychology and provides valuable insights for those providing pastoral advice and counselling from a Christian perspective.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
