Ministry

11088NAT Certificate IV in Ministry and Discipleship

Are you eager to develop the essential skills for effective Pentecostal ministry and discipleship? This Certificate IV in Ministry and Discipleship is designed to equip you with the critical skills necessary for impactful ministry. This nationally accredited program introduces practical, immediately applicable skills to help you understand the Bible, disciple others, and lead effectively in various ministry contexts.

Course Duration
1 year full time, up to 2 years part time
Study Modes
Online Live
Study Locations
Online
Start Dates
Term 1 (Jan), Term 2 (Apr), Term 3 (July), Term 4 (Oct)
Fees
$650 per subject
Subjects/Units
8

What is the 11088NAT Certificate IV in Ministry and Discipleship?

The Certificate IV in Ministry and Discipleship is a practical, vocational course that provides foundational training for pastors, key team members, and emerging leaders across all ministry areas. This program covers a range of essential skills, from biblical understanding and personal leadership to effective discipleship and pastoral care. By learning from experienced ministry leaders, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to serve effectively and make a lasting impact in your church and community.

Who is this for?

•Are you a pastor or key team member seeking to enhance your ministry skills?
•Do you want to develop practical skills in understanding the Bible and discipling others?
•Are you an emerging leader looking to grow in personal leadership and pastoral care?
•Do you seek a nationally accredited program that fits into your busy ministry schedule?
•If these goals resonate with you, the Certificate IV in Ministry and Discipleship is designed to help you succeed!

Outcomes

•Qualifies you theologically to be a minister in any church in the Australian Christian Churches movement.*
•Be equipped with critical skills for effective church-based ministry.
•Gain employment within Christian organisations
•Enhance your ability to disciple others and provide foundational pastoral care.
•Prepare for roles as a ministry team player or leader.
•Develop a strong foundation for further vocational training and education in ministry.

Since I felt the call to ministry, I knew that my next step after high school was to study through AC. Receiving a high ATAR (94.5) didn't change my decision as I have learnt that God can and will use me in ways that I won't expect or understand, and only He knows the road that will lead me to a fulfilled life.

Evangeline Bennett, Bachelor of Ministry

Accreditation

*This course meets the theological qualification requirements to be an ordained minister in churches that are part of the Australian Christian Churches movement, which represents over 1,100 churches throughout Australia and neighbouring countries.

If your church is part of another denomination, please check with your church or denomination office if this course is also recognised for credentialled ministry.

Course Structure

Subjects & Units

Core
6 Units
Lead personal development BSBPEF403

Personal and spiritual development is crucial for thriving in ministry. This unit equips students with the tools to grow spiritually and assess and refine their interpersonal skills, attitudes and values to positively influence relationships. Students will design and implement a self-regulation plan, engage in spiritual disciplines and receive feedback, and learn to adjust their approaches for better personal, spiritual and ministry growth.

Work in a team BSBXTW301

Understanding how to function effectively within a ministry team is crucial for the church's mission. This subject equips students with the skills to identify and execute individual tasks while contributing positively to collective goals. The unit also focuses on enhancing students' ability to interact with team leaders and peers, helping to ensure productive and harmonious ministry dynamics.

Create tools facilitating the learning and communication of the Bible NAT11088005

This unit guides students to summarise the Bible's overarching narrative, identify key themes, and communicate them effectively to contemporary audiences. Participants will also learn to create a long-term, self-directed study plan to move themselves from a general understanding to a deep grasp of the Bible’s teachings across their lifetime.

Interpret the Bible for personal and communal edification NAT11088006

Understanding and applying the Bible for personal and communal growth is an important skill. This subject focuses on hermeneutic practices to interpret biblical texts accurately and meaningfully. Students will learn to create thoughtful responses that edify both themselves and their communities. They will also learn to seek and use feedback from church leaders, to assist them in refining their interpretations and responses.

Induct disciples into the central beliefs and practices of a church NAT11088001

Understanding the central beliefs and practices of a church is foundational for effective discipleship. This subject trains students to induct others into these principles, blending theological education with practical guidance. Students will learn to prepare and implement a discipleship plan, communicate key doctrines, and facilitate participation in sacraments. They will also assist new disciples in integrating into church life.

Disciple a church member NAT11088002

Effective discipleship is pivotal for fostering spiritual growth within a church community. This subject prepares students to guide church members through a structured discipleship program, focusing on spiritual disciplines and personal growth goals. Learners will develop skills in creating and maintaining supportive relationships, modelling Christian values, and evaluating discipleship outcomes.

Electives
2 Units
Choose 2 of the following units
Lead and facilitate a team BSBXTW401

Ministry team leadership is key to achieving church ministry goals and fostering a positive ministry culture. This subject teaches students to plan and monitor team outcomes effectively, ensuring every member is accountable and motivated. Students will learn to coordinate efforts smoothly, support their peers through coaching, and implement strategies to address challenges proactively.

Make presentations BSBCMM411

In this subject, students will gain practical skills in planning effective communication strategies, executing them with confidence, and evaluating their impact within the context of speaking from the platform in church services.

Provide foundational care in a church ministry setting NAT11088003

Gaining skills in providing foundational care in a church ministry setting is crucial for maintaining the well being of both the caregiver and those receiving care. This subject equips students with strategies for effective self-care and responsive listening so that in the context of various church ministry teams, they can refer team members to the correct avenue of care. Participants will practice creating supportive environments, using active listening skills, and engaging in reflective debriefing with experienced pastoral carers.

Invite people to become Christian disciples NAT11088004

Successfully inviting individuals to become Christian disciples is a profound and important skill that enriches individual lives and the community. This subject trains students in effectively preparing and delivering the Gospel with cultural sensitivity and contextual awareness. Learners will engage in real-world application, initiating conversations, applying active listening, and extending compelling invitations to faith.

More Information

For more information and details of previous course structures see Student Handbook.
*You can also use the Subject & Unit Search to explore the subjects (including electives) available to enrol in for this course and can filter by subject area and level.
For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.

What people say

  • Learning Outcomes

    The purpose of this course is to equip Christians with the foundational skills necessary to minister and disciple within a church. These include skills in the following areas:

    • Personal and spiritual formation
    • Biblical knowledge and interpretation
    • Theological knowledge and application
    • Discipleship and evangelism
    • Teamwork and leadership
    • Pastoral care

    This course is intended to provide participants with the following general education outcomes:

    • Ability to apply critical reflection and spiritual disciplines to facilitate personal and spiritual growth in oneself and other Christians.
    • Demonstration of a broad understanding of the Old Testament and New Testament.
    • Demonstration of a broad understanding of foundational Christian theology.
    • Ability to apply knowledge of pastoral ministry to a broad range of church ministry contexts.
    • Demonstration of contextualisation skills facilitating the application of theology within contemporary ministry.
    • Demonstration of general research skills, particularly the ability to gather, understand and evaluate information.

    Admission Criteria

    Entry Requirements

    Recent Secondary Education (with the past 2 years)

    Completion of NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) (or the completion of an International Baccalaureate or the interstate or overseas equivalent qualification).

    Unique Student Identifier

    A government issued Unique Student Identifier (USI) Number.

    International Students – Language Requirements

    IELTS (or equivalent) Score of 6.0.

    How to Apply

    • Get Started

      Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

    • Apply

      It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 228 355.

    • Offer

      We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.

    Key Dates
    Semester 1
    Term 1
    February / March
    Term 2
    April
    Semester 2
    Term 3
    July / August
    Term 4
    November