Advanced Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology 11239NAT, CRICOS Code: 111737B

• Supervised: 845 – 1175 hours
• Unsupervised: 800 hours
• Volume of learning: 645 – 1975 hours

This course is intended to equip individuals to provide leadership in churches, Christian organisations, charities and other ministry contexts within a broad and diverse range of specialised independent roles and in accordance with the values, procedures and practice guidelines of those contexts. Work in these roles may also require commissioning from a recognised religious institution. The course is also designed to train workers from other industries in Christian ministry and theology as it applies to their industry.

The course also provides a pathway for further learning by progression to higher level of qualifications developed in conjunction with this Course, and in particular, to the Graduate Certificate in Christian Ministry and Theology and Graduate Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology.

Occupational titles may include:

• Associate minister
• Pastor
• Chaplain
• Evangelist
• Deacon
• Lay preacher
• Manager

This course is designed to prepare individuals for a range of Christian ministry roles including as pastors, deacons, lay preachers, chaplains and evangelists. Work in these roles may also require commissioning from a recognised religious institution.

The course will provide participants with

• advanced knowledge of core Christian beliefs and practices;
• skills to interpret, apply and teach Christian beliefs and practices;
• opportunities for personal ethical formation;
• practical ministry, leadership or teaching skills; and
• skills for work or further vocational training.

Graduates of this course will apply integrated knowledge of Christian beliefs and practices in a Christian ministry, parachurch, not-for-profit, education or service environment. They will analyse and synthesise theological beliefs and demonstrate understanding of diverse theological perspectives when delivering ministry programmes or other services, completing work tasks or teaching others.

Graduates will demonstrate autonomy, initiative and judgement to plan, design and manage Christian ministry services with accountability for personal outputs and team outcomes within broad parameters. They will demonstrate technical and communication skills to analyse and synthesise biblical and theological information and formulate responses to complex issues. They will apply their knowledge in ministry, service and leadership roles in contexts subject to change.

The course outcomes of this Advanced Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology are consistent with the qualification type descriptor for an Advanced Diploma found in the Australian Qualification Framework Second Edition, January 2013. The volume of learning for this qualification is consistent with the Volume of Learning identified in the AQF Qualification Type Descriptor for this AQF qualification level.

• at least six units selected from the listed electives below, including:
  • at least one unit selected from group A: Scripture and Theology
  • at least two units selected from group B: Ministry and Formation
• up to three units selected from any endorsed Training Package or accredited course – these units must be relevant to the work outcome. These units may not include units listed in the Graduate Certificate in Christian Ministry in Theology or the Graduate Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology.

Rules for completion

Volume of Learning

• Nominal (supervised) hours: 845 – 1175 hours
• Unsupervised hours: 800 hours
• Volume of learning: 1645 – 1975 hours

Unsupervised activities
Successful completion of this course will require learners to engage in unsupervised experience including:

• undertaking work or work experience in a Christian ministry
• completing self-paced study to revise and reinforce areas of knowledge and to complete assignments and projects
• conducting research on Christian Ministry and Theology to gain additional industry information
• participating in a religious community, its practices and activities, such as worship, small groups, pastoral care, outreach and community service
• undertaking personal formation activities including periods of devotion, prayer, personal retreat and reflection

The time required to undertake these activities will vary between learners based on their experience. On average, the unsupervised activities listed above will equate to 800 hours.

A Statement of Attainment will be issued for any unit of competency successfully completed if the full qualification is not completed.

• hold the core units of the Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology or have gained equivalent learning from other sources

Recommended entry requirements
It is recommended entrants have LLN skills at ACSF level 4 or higher in the domains of learning, reading, writing and oral communication. Other levels and recommended entry requirements may apply depending on the local context in which the course is applied. Where the course is delivered in an oral culture, e.g., Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander context, the application of these core skills may differ in the practice of Christian ministry and in the delivery of training and assessment in Christian ministry and theology.

All assessment must be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the current Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 or its successor.

Assessment must be conducted using a variety of methods over time to ensure a sufficient range of valid evidence is gathered to form a judgment of competence. Assessment methods may include:

• direct observation
• case studies
• scenarios
• simulations and/or role plays
• written and/or oral questions
• assignments
• projects
• portfolios of evidence
• third party evidence and supervisor reports

Mandated assessment resources apply to the unit/s. Refer to the Assessment Requirements of the individual unit/s.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be offered to applicants.

Assessment of the training package units imported into the course must be consistent with the assessment guidelines in the parent training package.

All assessment must be undertaken by assessors who meet the requirements stated to apply under the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 or its successor.

The assessment of units of competency imported from training packages and other VET accredited courses must reflect the requirements for assessors specified in the relevant training packages and accredited course.

Potential pathways into the course

The 11238NAT Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology includes units of competency that can be included in the 11239NAT Advanced Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology. Completion of these units provides a pathway to the 11239NAT Advanced Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology.

Potential pathways out of the course

The 11239NAT Advanced Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology provides a pathway into the 11231NAT Graduate Certificate in Christian Ministry and Theology and the 11232NAT Graduate Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology.

11239NAT includes the units of competency from the BSB, CHC and PSP training packages. Completion of these units provides pathways into qualifications that include these units of competency in their course structure.

Graduates of this qualification may be eligible to enter a range of other higher qualifications offered by RTOs and higher education providers.