Diploma in Christian Ministry

NZQA Level 5

120 Credits

1 Year  Full-Time   

Approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority

This course is designed for students who have a desire to go into full-time ministry and have completed the 2 year Diploma of Advanced Biblical Studies or its equivalent. To earn the Diploma in Christian Ministry students must accumulate a minimum of 120 credits.  Of these 120 credits: 40 must be from Core Subjects (311-315) and at least 60 must be at Level 5.

Recognition of Achievement

A full-time Diploma in Christian Ministry student will usually undertake 16 subjects over one year.  Graduates must have accumulated a minimum of 120 credits.  In recognition of achievement students successfully completing more than the minimum requirements will receive the following notation on their diploma certificate: 

“Merit” (for 126 credits)

“Excellence” (for 126 credits with a minimum B+ average)

    

Subject Selection

Subject selection should be discussed early with the Dean of Academics.  The Dean must approve subject selection. 

Final approval of Subject Selection is conditional upon:

  • An interview with the Academic Dean and the Student’s Supervisor
  • Availability of subject availability in the year of study (Some subjects may not be available every year)

 

All Diploma in Christian Ministry students must take at least four subjects per quarter and must accumulate a minimum of 120 credits.  Of these 120 credits:

  • 80 must be at level five
  • 54 must be from Core Subjects (3110-3150)

 

While completing the Diploma in Christian Ministry studnets earn the required 120 credits through one of the following methods:

  • Supplementing the Core Subjects with a range of electives from any part of the curriculum
  • Emphasising a specific area of ministry by supplementing the Core Subjects with at least four subjects from a specific track and then supplementing this base with a range of electives from any part of the curriculum

 

  Core Subjects Specified Subjects Electives
DCM-Diploma in Christian Ministry

54 credits

from 3110-3150

66 Credits

from 3210-3690

DCM with General Ministry Track (GM)

54 credits

from 3110-3150

36 Credits

from 3210-3260

30 Credits

from 3210-3690

DCM with Youth Ministry Track (Y)

54 credits

from 3110-3150

36 Credits

from 3310-3360

30 Credits

from 3210-3690

DCM with Pastoral Care and Counselling Track (PC)

54 credits

from 3110-3150

36 Credits

from 3360, 3410-3450

30 Credits

from 3210-3690

DCM with Mission Track (M)

54 credits

from 3110-3150

24 Credits

from 3410, 3510-3530

42 Credits

from 3210-3690

 

 

Curriculum Subjects

No.
Title
Credits
Level
Track
Description
3110
Theology of Ministry
6
5
As an introduction to the theology of ministry this subject traces aspects of ministry in the New Testament but focuses on Paul’s theology and practice of ministry.  Attention is given to translating the theology of ministry into the local church setting.
3120-3150
Minister’s Life and Work 1-4
12
5

Designed to foster a mentoring relationship between the supervisor and student, this year long subject gives the student hands-on experience in different aspects of a minister’s life and work that may include but are not limited to communication, attitudes to ministry, people skills, team spirit, problem-solving skills, and effectiveness in completing supervisor given fieldwork exercises. 

3210
Developing and Implementing Biblical Ministry
6
5
GM

Ministry goals and development are an essential part of the minister’s role in the congregation.  This subject will help the student gain insight into how ministries can develop, function, and be integrated into the life of the congregation through the actual practice of developing and implementing a ministry. 

3220
Pastoral Leadership and Management
6
5
GM

This subject explores the nature of pastoral leadership and examines principles of management in congregational settings.

3230
Leading in Christian Worship
6
4
GM

This subject exposes the student to the ministry of worship planning.  The student will be challenged to demonstrate leadership in the planning of worship experiences in a local setting and participate in the planned worship experiences.  In addition, the student will evaluate their leadership role following the planned worship experiences.

3240
Preaching in Worship 1
6
5
GM

This subject challenges the student to explain several purposes of preaching and to establish criteria for evaluating sermons.

3250
Preaching in Worship 2
6
5
GM

This subject is a continuation of 3240 Preaching in Worship 2.  Guidance will be given to the student in the outlining, developing, delivering, and evaluating of sermons.

3260
Management & Resolution of Congregational Conflict
6
5
GM

As an introduction to the management and resolution of congregational conflict, this subject offers strategies for preventing and managing conflict successfully.

3310
Introduction to Youth Ministry
6
4
Y

This subject walks the student through the process of developing a Youth Ministry and exposes him/her to the resources available in enriching a Youth Ministry.

3320
Introduction to Children's Ministry
6
4
Y

This subject is an introduction to understanding, relating to and teaching children.  In addition, the student is exposed to methods and materials for teaching children.

3330
Youth Ministry 1
6
5
Y

This subject explains important biblical and social concepts for a successful Youth Ministry.

3340
Youth Ministry  2
6
5
Y

As a continuation of Youth Ministry I, this subject explores the developing cultural trends of New Zealand youth and how to minister to New Zealand youth. 

3350
Youth Ministry 3
6
5
Y

Drawing on the insights and outcomes of 3310 Introduction to Youth Ministry, 3330 Youth Ministry 1 and 3340 Youth Ministry 2, this subject gives the student ideas and resources to utilize and formulate a Youth Ministry program.

3360
Human Development
6
4

PC

From a Christian perspective, this subject is an overview of human physical, cognitive, psychological and emotional development from birth to death with particular attention given to the development of faith in young people.

3410
Cultural Awareness & Diversity
6
4

PC 

M

This subject seeks to bring the student to an awareness of cultural diversity within New Zealand and how this cultural diversity has impacted the Maori, Pakeha and other peoples living in New Zealand.

3420
Counselling Principles & Practices
6
5
PC

This subject exposes the student to several areas of counseling.  The student will learn to use models of counseling in pre-marital, family relationships, chemical dependency, and stress situations.  In addition, the student will be given information to help them decide to know when and how to refer.

3430
Marriage & Family Life
6
5
PC

This subject explores the dynamics of family life in today’s Western society.  In addition, strategies for developing skills in working therapeutically with husbands and wives and parents and children will also be explored.

3440
Pastoral Counselling Issues 1
6
5
PC

This subject introduces the student to the theory and practice of working with issues of emotion, gender and sexuality.  In addition, the student will be challenged to develop his/her self-awareness in these areas.

3450
Patstoral Counselling Issues 2
6
5
PC

This subject exposes the student to the theory and practice of working with psychiatric disorders and addictive behaviours.

3510
Foundation of Missions
6
5

As an introduction to the theological basis for missions, this subject gives the student a foundation for mission work.

3520
Mission Principles & Practices
6
5
M

Building on 3510 Foundation of Missions, this subject seeks to incorporate mission principles into real practical cross-cultural situations.  In addition, this subject explores different aspects of mission work including but not limited to entry into a mission area, culture shock, relationships to colleagues and the local church and supporters, and tenure on the mission field.

3530
Mission in Oceania
6
5
M

This subject begins with an overview of the history of mission in Oceania and concludes with a description of mission work in the Oceania region.  Insight is given on principles and methods of integrating Christianity and Oceania cultures.  

3610
Christian Spirituality
6
5

This subject will enable the student to explore, with a supervisor, how attitudes, emotions, and temperament influence the way people live out their Christian commitment.   The student will then examine himself/herself in these areas and assess how these can be utilised to help in the maturing and growth process.  The student will engage in the practice of several spiritual disciplines including but not limited to prayer and Bible study.

3620
Ministry of Visitation & Hospitality
6
4

A vital part of the minister’s pastoral role is visitation and hospitality.  This subject will involve the student in the practice of visitation and hospitality.

3630
Teaching in Christian Environments
6
5

The teaching ministry in the church is vital to the life, health, and future of the church.  This subject will give the student valuable experience in the teaching role through the actual practice of teaching in a Christian environment and evaluation with supervisor.

3640
Christian Conversion & Growth
6
5

This subject will challenge the student to formulate and utilise a tool for evangelising in a one-on-one situation.  In addition, the student will explore ways to nurture the faith of recent converts and assist them to become incorporated into a Christian community. 

3650
Minister's Spriritual & Family Life
6
5

This subject challenges the student to note the importance of the minister’s spiritual and family life to the success of ministry and to explore strategies for sustaining ones’ spiritual and family life in the midst of ministry.

3660-3660
Advanced Studies 1-3
6
5

These self-directed subjects are designed to allow the student to research an academic or ministry interest.  The subjects are flexible enough in that the student chooses, with the help of his/her supervisor and agreement of the Dean of Academics, the subjects of research.  It is expected that the research is to be at a more advanced level.

3690
Preaching In Worship 3
6
5

This subject is a continuation of 3250 Preaching in Worship 2.  Guidance will be given to the student in the outlining, developing, delivering, and evaluating of sermons.