The Diploma in Christian Ministry
A one-year diploma programme in theology, ministry and biblical studies that integrates class work, with practical ministry experience and personal Christian spiritual formation.
Entry Requirements: Applicants must be over 20 years of age and be able to demonstrate readiness to enter Christian ministry either through completing a Certificate in Ministry Development or similar qualifications.
This is a one-year 120 credit diploma taught at level 5 (Equivalent to Year One in a degree level programme). Its purpose is aimed at developing students in Christian ministry. Studies for the Diploma programme are based at the College’s Tauranga campus and include field experience learning.
Applicants for this programme have generally completed our Certificate in Ministry Development Course, its equivalent through another Bible College, or can demonstrate a sufficient background in Christian learning or ministry experience that will enable them to study within the course’s purposes and educational requirements.
Subjects
Biblical Studies
Hermeneutics - Credits: 8
The Scriptures stand before us as a challenging world of truth waiting to be explored, interpreted and applied to life, the study of hermeneutics equips one to participate in this exciting call. The various literary forms within the Bible along with the relevant general and special principles of interpretation will be taught and practiced throughout this courses’ teaching. The task of hermeneutics provides the vital basis for all Christian study and practices and pursuits, for the Bible as the Word of God is the very foundation for all of life and godliness.
New Testament Survey/Acts - Credits: 8
This course overviews the New Testament and makes a focused study of the book of Acts. The historical development of the text along with the role and purposes of the differing genres of writing that communicates the beginnings in the Gospels-Acts, epistles and culmination in the book of Revelation will provide students with an initial critical study in New Testament literature. The book of Acts outlines the emergence and development of early Christianity, also the expansion of the young church throughout the Roman Empire. Attention is given to the major roles of Peter and Paul, and the development of Christianity from its' Jewish mono-cultural base into a multi-cultural world religion. The distinctive emphasis Luke makes on the role of the Holy Spirit in the expansion of the mission and development of the church is one of the focus points in the course's teaching. Emphases will be made on identifying and examining life-principles, applicable and relevant to today.
People of God - Pentateuch - Credits: 4
God has always had a people. The journey of God’s purposes in the creation of humanity, covenant with Noah and then with Abraham culminating in the exodus from Egypt and covenant with Israel will be studied. The first five books of the Bible will be surveyed from the focus of how God lives and acts amongst His people bringing them to redemption, leading them by His presence and involving them in His purposes on earth.
People of God - Ephesians - Credits: 4
Without the personal work of Christ, we as believers, and indeed the whole world are hope-less. But just what does Christ's life mean for a Christian? Study and explore truths from Paul's teachings in his letter to the church at Ephesus, study his prayers for this young church and glean the timeless truths we can learn for our walk with God today.
Theology
Theology I - Credits: 8
Theology is the study or knowledge of God, for the Christian that means the self-revealing God who exists in the personal distinctions of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This course will look at the nature of God's existence, revelation, being, character and activity. What are Angels, and who and what is humanity. The main purpose of the study is, "to help students understand the world and life from a God Perspective".
Theology II - Credits: 5
Theology II considers the truths of which Christ is as the eternal Son and God manifest in flesh within time. Both His deity and humanity are studied in consideration of the provision and application of salvation to those “who believe in His name.” The study considers the Biblical data, systematic doctrine throughout history and the application of Christology in “these last days”.
Apologetics - Credits: 5
Apologetics is the rational defence of the faith to those still outside it. This course encourages the development of creative and logical skills to enable the student to think through Christian issues and achieve a rational understanding of the Christian worldview. When confronted with false ideologies and philosophies, the student will be able to defend and articulate his faith.
Pneumatology - Credits: 5
This course examines the person of the Holy Spirit and His ministry, particularly His role in salvation, continuing work in the life of a believer, and in empowering the church for the task of world evangelisation. The writings and studies of contemporary Pentecostal scholarship are introduced in reflection of the historic and contemporary practices of the church.
Ministry Practice
Foundations of Ministry - Credits: 5
Ministry is more than a position or title; it is primarily service in Christ’s name into the lives of people and the situations in which their lives are conducted. Ministry is not mere activity; it is an incarnation of the life and person of Jesus. Established on known foundations, through which a ministering person can build their lifelong development. This course will seek to assist you identify the foundations of ministry in both the general and specific requirements for your training through the Diploma in Christian Ministry course studies and ongoing service beyond graduation.
Leadership II - Credits: 5
Churches, ministry-task groups and Christian organisations reflect their leadership. This course will enable the student to study both the general nature of Christian leadership and reflect on his or her own life-characteristics in relationship to past, present and future leadership activity. Students will seek to define the nature and purpose of leadership, describe a range of leadership models, explain how leadership models are informed and influenced by Christian beliefs and values. They will be able to identify a preferred personal style of Christian leadership and relate their personal characteristics and influences to other leaders in teamwork.
Foundations of Counselling - Credits: 5
Counselling is the “process of encouraging growth from within.” This course provides an introductory understanding to the field of counselling and will equip students to listen, support, and encourage Christian growth and assist persons in life-problem solving. Emphasis will be made on providing informed referral for counselee’s to other persons and agencies in a manner that enables healing and growth to be achieved in persons who require levels of expertise beyond the scope of the “student/graduate counsellor”. The course and its approaches are developed within a Biblical framework.
Ministry Praxis - Credits: 9
The three-fold development goals of training at Faith are: Knowing, Being and Doing, this part of studies in diploma level courses is in the “doing of what one is getting to know and beginning to become.” Each student is assigned to work on a weekly basis in a church/ministry situation. This requires the development of a ministry task that will utilise up to five hours of study, preparation and “on-the-job” participation in ministry. The class is related to a supervision contract, with define learning outcome and theological-practice reflection times on campus within the weekly programme. The assignment is related to the students gift and desired development of their future ministry and Christian service goals.
Christian Communication I - Preaching - Credits: 8
Preaching is the practice of “communication of Divine truth through the agency of human personality.” Preaching creates belief. The discipline of preaching calls for the ability to study the Scriptures, listen to the voice of God, understand human needs and thinking processes, interpret life, grasp the dynamics of communication, so one can develop and deliver Biblical messages into the lives of hearers. This course takes the aspects of homiletics, surveys the history of preaching and assists the student in preparing, preaching and critiquing their own preaching.
Christian Communication II – Teaching/Christian Education - Credits: 8
A prime purpose of Christian teaching is to build on the foundation of belief that has been created in the hearts and minds through Biblical preaching and translate that belief into lifestyle. This course considers the nature of learning, learners and the calling, heart and skills of those who teach. The basic theories and disciplines of education, including the specific ways that children, adolescents and adults learn will be covered from the perspective of Biblically based learning and the development of lifelong discipleship.
Missions and Church Development
World Religions - Credits: 8
In this course students examine the principal facts, beliefs and practices of the major world religions; particular emphasis will be given to Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and the cults. They will learn how to talk informatively with a person whose beliefs differ from Christianity. Students will develop a greater understanding of humankind and of the attitude changes necessary to enter a culture of different religious values.
Church Development - Credits: 5
It is the nature of the church to grow. Church development looks at the manner in which churches grow and reproduce in communities around the world. The course covers the ranges of “sub-disciplines” within broader church growth, such as: church planting, structure, visioning, and renewal. Attention will be given to the place of demographic studies and strategic planning.
Christian History
Christian History I – Apostolic to Medieval - Credits: 5
Accepting the premise that we don't live in a vacuum and that we all come from somewhere, this course examines an overview of church history from the early church through the medieval period to the “Dawn of the Reformation.” It examines persecution, development of doctrine, Christological heresies. Students are given an understanding of how Christianity developed in an effort to learn principles which have application to today.
Christian History II – Reformation to Present - Credits: 5
The story takes up from the Reformation through to the present day when the modern period is giving way to the “post-modern age”. The place of revivals, development of modern missions, challenges in theology and the emergence of the Pentecostal renewal and evangelicalism are surveyed. The course will also consider an introductory analysis of the church in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Spiritual Formation
Prayer II - Credits: 5
We all want answers to the needs we face individually and corporately, keys that will unleash heaven's resources. What steps can we take to bring God's power to bear? How have others been able to see God's power released? What are the keys to prevailing in prayer? The student discusses and confronts these questions and others on this vital and essential subject and learns how to place prayer in the larger context of spiritual awakening and world evangelism.
Worship and Spiritual Formation III - Credits: 5
The ongoing development of the spiritual and worship life of the Christian is a lifelong imperative, “one must grow in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ". Being a worshipper of God in “spirit and in truth” is normative. Students participate in the development of their personal faith through the processes of theological reflection, reading Christian classics and group interaction under faculty supervision.
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