Korean 한국어학부

11089NAT Diploma of Christian Ministry

Are you called to lead and serve in today’s dynamic and diverse church environment? The Diploma of Christian Ministry at Alphacrucis University College is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge needed to effectively minister in a variety of contexts. This vocational program focuses on hands-on training and real-world applications, with teaching, mentoring and inspiration from experienced Pentecostal pastors and ministers.

Course Duration
1.5 years full time
Study Modes
Online Recorded
Study Locations
Korean 한국어학부
Start Dates
Term 1 (Jan), Term 2 (Apr), Term 3 (July), Term 4 (Oct)
Fees
$1,490 per subject
Subjects
12

What is the 11089NAT Diploma of Christian Ministry?

The Diploma of Christian Ministry is a practical, vocational course that provides essential training for those aspiring to or currently serving in ministry roles. This program covers key areas such as biblical knowledge, theological understanding, and pastoral skills, ensuring you are well-prepared to handle scripture, manage church administration, and empower those you lead. Whether you are involved in administration, children's ministry, church planting, community work, creative ministry, leadership, cross-cultural ministry, or youth ministry, this diploma offers the flexibility to tailor your studies to your specific ministry context.

Who is this for?

Are you passionate about serving and leading in a church or ministry setting?

Do you seek to develop practical skills in biblical interpretation, theology, and pastoral care?

Are you looking for a flexible, vocational course that fits into your busy life and ministry schedule?

If these resonate with you, the Diploma of Christian Ministry is designed to help you flourish in ministry!

Outcomes

Qualifies you theologically to be a minister in any church in the Australian Christian Churches movement.*

Prepare for roles in pastoral leadership, administration, chaplaincy, children’s ministry, church planting, community work, creative ministry, leadership, cross-cultural ministry, women’s ministry, and youth ministry.

Enhance your qualifications and capabilities to serve and lead in today’s diverse church environments.

My time at AC has enabled me to preach better, pastor more effectively, and has helped to cultivate an even greater love for the word of God. I have learnt that it is important to grow in our development and understanding of the Bible, but it is incredibly valuable to do so with a Pentecostal lens. Our heritage as a movement is crucial to who we are and how we minister to others.

Katrina Yassi, Campus Pastor, Faith Christian Church

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.

Structure and Subjects

To achieve the qualification 11089NAT Diploma of Christian Ministry the learner must complete twelve units with at least 1 unit from Group A and at least 1 stream from Group B.

Core
7 Units
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.

Prescribed Electives
5 Units
Group A - Theology and Worldview (choose at least 1 of the following units)

No subjects found in this category.

Group B - Elective Streams (choose at least 1 of the following streams)
Chaplaincy (choose at least 2 of the following subjects)
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.

Respond to client needs CHCCCS016

Gain a holistic understanding of client needs. In various cases, people you are supporting may have a range of issues outside and in addition to the area of immediate focus or expertise of the worker and their organisation.

Work with people with mental health issues CHCMHS001

This unit enables students to support those who have mental health challenges and to ensure the client is empowered and supported and referred to other appropriate services to ensure wellbeing and safety for the client at all times.

Provide loss and grief support CHCCCS017
Responding to grief and loss is apart of life, therefore, this unit equips students with the skills to support others and provide appropriate resources for those experience grief and loss.
Children's (choose at least 2 of the following subjects)
Work with diverse people CHCDIV001

This unit equips students to engage respectfully with individuals to ensure cultural competency, by demonstrating respect, inclusion and diversity of all people.

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.

Church Planting (choose at least 2 of the following subjects)

No subjects found in this category.

Community (choose at least 2 of the following subjects)
Work with diverse people CHCDIV001

This unit equips students to engage respectfully with individuals to ensure cultural competency, by demonstrating respect, inclusion and diversity of all people.

Creative (choose at least 2 of the following subjects)
Write song lyrics CUAMCP312
Can anyone write lyrics? Should lyrics not be judged because they are personal expressions of the lyricists’ thoughts and feelings or should lyrics be rigorously assessed for their doctrinal accuracy and relevance? This unit looks at both the underlying questions of why lyrics exist, as well as the very practical ways in which writers can hone their thoughts and ideas into powerful and profound words.
Create simple musical pieces using music technology CUAMCP313
In today's world, technology abounds to capture our musical creations. You never need lose that "great hook" or "brilliant riff" again. Learn how to use or improve your use of technology to record music in this unit.
Prepare for musical performances CUAMPF312
Great performances are not by chance. Great preparation makes a significant difference to the final performance. In this unit you will develop the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to prepare for performances effectively and efficiently.
Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge CUAIND512
No information
Coordinate media production services and resources CUAPPM416
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to organise and coordinate administrative and resource requirements prior to and during media productions including films, dramas, documentaries, television, radio, coverage of live concerts and events, theatre productions and festivals.The unit applies to those who work as production coordinators, unit managers and first assistant directors in supervising a team and reporting to a production manager, director or producer.
Leadership (choose at least 2 of the following subjects)
Lead team effectiveness BSBLDR414
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to lead teams. It involves developing team plans to meet expected outcomes, leading the work team, and proactively working with the management of the organisation.
Manage team effectiveness BSBTWK502
The unit applies to individuals ministering at a managerial level who lead and build a positive culture within their ministry teams. At this level, ministry will normally be carried out using complex and diverse methods and procedures requiring the exercise of considerable discretion and judgement. It will also involve using a range of problem solving and decision-making strategies.
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.

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.

Cross-Cultural (choose at least 2 of the following subjects)
Work with diverse people CHCDIV001

This unit equips students to engage respectfully with individuals to ensure cultural competency, by demonstrating respect, inclusion and diversity of all people.

Pastoral (choose at least 2 of the following subjects)
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.

Use communication to build relationships CHCCOM002

This unit provides the skills and knowledge to apply specific communication tools to establish.... based on respect, trust and empowerment.

Recruit and coordinate volunteers CHCVOL003
Uncover the competencies necessary to recruit, orientate, develop and support volunteer workers in an agency, service or program. Workers at this level will be responsible for the ongoing coordination and supervision of volunteers who may be working across various contexts.
Youth (choose at least 2 of the following subjects)
Recruit and coordinate volunteers CHCVOL003
Uncover the competencies necessary to recruit, orientate, develop and support volunteer workers in an agency, service or program. Workers at this level will be responsible for the ongoing coordination and supervision of volunteers who may be working across various contexts.
Work with diverse people CHCDIV001

This unit equips students to engage respectfully with individuals to ensure cultural competency, by demonstrating respect, inclusion and diversity of all people.

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

    Ability

    • Ability to communicate a broad knowledge of an Old Testament book and New Testament book
    • Ability to identify and apply a Christian worldview and values
    • Demonstration of general leadership skills in a ministry context
    • Ability to apply knowledge of pastoral ministry to a broad range of contexts, and depth in the area of specialisation
    • Demonstration of general research skills, particularly the ability to gather, understand, evaluate and analyse 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).

    Vocational Education and Training (VET)

    A complete 11088NAT Certificate IV in Ministry or Discipleship or equivalent.

    Professional Entry

    At least 2 years of vocational experience in ministry.

    Applicants must submit a copy of their CV with a cover letter outlining how they meet the above criteria, or equivalent.

    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