unit availability for 2008
- dandenong campus
- harvest in the west
- harvest city campus (new)
- online
unit of study descriptions
For the Competency Codes for these units, please refer to the Equivalence Matrix - Vocational Education Units & Harvest Units.
Biblical Studies Units of Study
- VBP745 Interpret and analyse New Testament literature
This study of Acts will consider its composition, structure, and historical milieu. Key events will be addressed, as will the study of key individuals. In particular, events surrounding the Day of Pentecost, the expansion of the early church and other seminal theological issues of the day will be examined.
In this unit the student is introduced to the alphabet and grammar of the Greek New Testament as the foundation for further study of the Bible on the basis of the Greek text.
In this unit the student is taken further in their understanding of the Greek of the New Testament. More grammar, and more vocabulary is the focus as well as beginning regular translation exercises from the UBS 4 text.
- VBP743 Interpret and apply the Christian Bible in a Christian ministry setting
This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to explore the meaning and application of the Bible in a Christian ministry setting. It provides the learner with a practical understanding of the basic principles of biblical interpretation including an introduction to Pentecostal Hermeneutics
In this unit the student is introduced to the alphabet, morphology and basic grammar of Biblical Hebrew. This will build a foundation for further study of the original text. This will enable the student to exegete simple passages.
In this unit the student is taken further in their understanding of the Biblical Hebrew. The focus on grammar and vocab continues with the weak verb and other grammatical variations being introduced.
This unit will examine the various categories of Jesus’ miracles noting their general theological significance against Old Testament, inter-testamental, and Graeco-Roman backgrounds, and their particular function in a given narrative setting in the Gospels. Attitudes toward miracles among the Rabbis, Graeco-Roman figures, and apocalyptic groups will be examined. Against this backdrop, the mission and message of Jesus will be overviewed, noting the general importance of miracles in his proclamation and detailing and categorising the thirty-five specific miracle accounts.
This course is designed to give the student an in-depth introduction to the theory and practice of New Testament Exegesis; including ‘hands-on’ analysis skills to be learned and applied, both personally and in teaching and preaching.
In this unit the student is taken further in their understanding of the Greek of the New Testament. More grammar and regular translation exercises from the UBS 4 text is the focus as well as more vocabulary.
- VBP742 Investigate and complete a study based on the New Testament
This unit is a survey and thus provides a ‘big picture’ view of the setting, circumstances and themes surrounding the New Testament. It is a unit that provides students with a foundation and a spring-broad for later in-depth study of individual books.
- VBP741 Investigate and complete a study based on the Old Testament
This unit is an introduction to the literature of the Old Testament. Attention will be given to the historical and cultural background, messianic images, and geography of the Old Testament and major themes of each book. This study will be predominately conducted in chronological order.
- VBP745 Interpret and analyse New Testament literature
This unit is a study of Paul's theology and pastoral ministry as found in the Pauline Literature. Selected books from the Pauline corpus and selected themes will be covered in detail from the Pauline Literature. Books and themes may vary each time. Attention will be given to composition, themes, historical contexts, theology, and relevance for ministry and Christian living today. Little attention will be given to Paul's epistles to the Romans and Galatians as they are studied separately.
- VBP744 Interpret and analyse Old Testament literature
This unit will study the Pentateuch by focusing closely on a thematic overview of Genesis as the foundational book of the Bible, its meaning for theology, and relevance for ministry and Christian living today. Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers will be considered in terms of the themes of land, covenant, law, family-people, journey and exile with a special focus on the paradigmatic event of deliverance from Egypt.
- VBP744 Interpret and analyse Old Testament literature
This unit is an overview of the Old Testament Prophetic literature, covering composition, themes, historical and Biblical contexts, its meaning for theology, and relevance for ministry and Christian living today. This unit takes a ‘Biblical theology’ approach, examining the foundations the prophets laid for the development of the concepts surrounding the new covenant and NT eschatology.
This unit is an introduction to the purposes, principles and methods of post-graduate research, including qualitative and quantitative research. The student will learn how to examine the history of a text including the circumstances of its origin, how it was written, edited, produced and the various influences that affected its origin, development, preservation and transmission. Emphasis will be placed on how to analyse and synthesize the data gained through research and how to present the results in an acceptable format.
- VBP745 Interpret and analyse New Testament literature
This unit provides a thematic introduction to Paul’s exposition of the gospel to the churches in Galatia and Rome, giving special attention to the apostle’s views on righteousness, the law, the equal standing of Jews and Gentiles with God, and the implication of the gospel in mission.
Supervised Reading – Biblical Studies
This reading course is intended extend the student’s understanding of a specialised field within Biblical Studies that is not catered for in any existing unit or regularly scheduled classes.
History and Society Units of Study
Area Studies in Society and Culture
This unit provides the student opportunity to explore the culture and society in a given geographical area, with a view to considering contextualised Christian ministry to the region. It encourages students to consider all the main significant cultural obstacles and conduits for good communication, including historic background, linguistic issues, and religious, cultural and worldview differences.
Cultural Anthropology in Ministry Perspective
- VBP785 Apply cultural anthropology to ministry settings
This unit provides an introduction to the principles of cultural anthropology, their relevance in a multicultural world, and the application of anthropological perspectives to the task of communicating the Gospel. These insights will build a better understanding of another society’s belief, value and behaviour systems, and develop in the student, a cross-cultural perspective on ministry both in an Australian multi-cultural environment and globally.
Developing Leaders in a Cross-Cultural Context
This unit examines the issues involved in developing emerging Christian leaders in a cross-cultural context. The planned development of indigenous leadership is examined through the perspectives of Biblical paradigms, Missiological theory and strategy, the socio-cultural matrix, political and historical analysis, denominational ecclesiology and global organizational dynamics. A proposed model for Christian leadership dynamics that seeks to be contextually relevant and prophetically faithful is developed.
This unit is a solid introduction to the theory and literature of ethnomusicology from a secular and Christian perspective, exploring the relevance of the field to Christian ministry and global mission work. This unit requires prior completion of Cultural Anthropology and a basic knowledge of music theory (AMEB Grade 5Theory or equivalent).
- VBP784 Examine the process of communication of the Christian faith across cultures
This unit studies principles, processes and practices of communication between the people of one culture and another. This involves an understanding of the science of communication and its application to the communication of the Christian message in a cross-cultural context. Insights from communication theorists will be examined and critiqued in the light of God’s model for intercultural communication, the Incarnation and Jesus approach to communicating. These principles will then be applied to the task and process of contextualising the Gospel in various cultural contexts. Historical and Biblical examples and models of contextualization will be examined.
Introduction to Church History
- VBP765 Investigate Church history and apply findings to a ministry setting
This unit features a study of history, thought, and literature of the Christian Church from the Apostolic Age through to the present day, and features a special emphasis on the Reformation. This study will include an examination of cultural contexts, personalities, controversies, and periods of persecution.
Introduction to Intercultural Ministry
- VBP782 Develop an approach to intercultural ministry
This unit develops a ‘World Christian’ perspective which enables students to build awareness of both global missions, and cross cultural opportunities in Australia. It also encourages the development of local church missions programs, establish good relationships with sending agencies and to nurture and mobilize a new wave of cross-cultural workers.
This unit offers an introduction to the study of the Middle East in terms of history, current events, and Christian witness and destiny. The focus of this course is on historical, cultural, and religious insights into the modern Middle East and their significance for the Christian Church.
Topics covered include an overview of the life of Christ as presented by the gospels. This will include Christ’s genealogies, birth, his years of ministry, his arrest, trials, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The question of the “Jewishness of Jesus,” within his cultural context in first century Judaism is also discussed. Issues raised by critical scholarship regarding the life of Christ and the gospel accounts are addressed. Attention is also given to the history of scholarship on the “quest for the historical Jesus.” A survey of extra-biblical historical references to Jesus will be conducted. The place of biblical archaeology in the life of Christ will also be examined.
Music Missions: Styles, Cultures and Song-writing
This unit looks at the contextualisation of music, particularly exploring the question of which music style would be most effective for the church to use for any given people group or context. It also explores practical skills and dynamics anyone could use to develop and release people in song-writing, regardless of musical background, style and culture. This is a practical, entry-level unit in music missions and the idea of contextualisation of music, with no prior training in music required.
This unit analyses several aspects of Christian origins with special emphasis on the Jewish background of the New Testament and its impact on Church form and theology, and also its implications for today.
- VBP766 Investigate denominational Church history and apply findings to a ministry setting
This unit is a historical study of the Pentecostal Movement, covering aspects of charismata from the holiness movements 1800’s to modern Pentecostal movements. Attention will be given to the Holiness movement and the revivals that led up to the beginnings of the modern Pentecostal movement at the turn of the 20th Century. The primary focus will be on the formation and spread of the Pentecostal movement from the various locations around the world, and the effect of Pentecostals on World Missions. It will examine the formation of various Pentecostal denominations and movements, their effect on other denominations and Australian Pentecostal movements.
Supervised Reading – History and Society
This reading course is intended extend the student’s understanding of a specialised field within History and Society, that is not catered for in any existing unit or regularly scheduled classes.
Supervised Reading – Field Education
- VBP786 Apply methods of communicating the Christian faith in different cultural contexts
This unit aims to help the student to apply insights into a specific ministry context and apply methods of communicating the Christian faith in a specific socio-cultural context. The student will learn to apply these, by preparing for, participating in, then reflecting on field experience as part of a ministry team.
The Archaeology Of Bible Lands
This subject examines the archaeology of the Biblical Lands. It will investigate archaeological discoveries to enhance the students understanding of the historical and sociological context of the Bible and its peoples. It will increase understanding of the important artefacts and sites of the Near East. It will provide a basic introduction to the study of archaeology generally. This course will provide a unique learning experience for all students. It includes a field trip visiting sites of archaeological and biblical significance. Students must participate in the field trip to complete this unit of study.
Trends and Issues in 21st Century Mission
This unit examines significant global trends that affect the mission of the Christian church. These include geo-political, socio-cultural, technological, religious and philosophical trends. Particular emphasis will be given to globalisation, the influence of the Majority World, the peopling of cyberspace, resurgent Islam, global poverty and other issues directly impacting on the communication of the Christian Gospel.
World Harvest Institute Upgrade
This unit aims to integrate and upgrade the student’s study in the World Harvest Institute’s (WHI) modules, into the undergraduate programs of Harvest. The student will read widely and write cohesively, integrating insights from the current missiological literature, including journals, the most recent texts and cyber research.
- VBP783 Investigate and compare major non Christian beliefs and practices
This is a Christian approach to the unit of comparative religions. The unit sets out to inform the student of the global religious scene in terms, which both summarise and describe the major faiths. This is done, by firstly looking at a universal basis for religion, and then at the principal features of non-Christian religions. The final section looks at the way in which the Christian faith can be seen as unique and how for the Christian, other faiths can and should be interpreted.
The studies progressively outline a Biblical interpretation of other religions so that the Christian worker, pastor, or missionary will be better informed and fitted to more appropriately, sensitively and effectively respond to and handle the issues of alternative doctrines or teachings. It builds on the concept that worldview is at the heart of all faiths and argues for a Biblically shaped worldview. Other religious worlds, for the Christian, are presented as domains or territories of belief, thought and practice which must be understood if Christian witness is to be intelligent and influential.
This unit offers an introduction to the thought of futurologists from the vantage point of the Christian worldview, evaluating the significance that cultural, economic, political and social trends hold for the mission and work of the Church. The focus of the course is on world trends, rather than eschatology.
Ministry Stream Units of Study
This unit provides an introduction to aid and development from a Christian perspective. The biblical basis for Christian involvement in development and justice issues will be discussed. Both the principles and practices of development will be investigated. The unit will also examine the interrelationship between Christian mission and development. The role of the church in Australia in tackling global poverty and justice issues will also be discussed.
The unit presents an overview of current world trends and subsequent necessitated changes in Christian organisation function and development.. The importance of collaborative teamwork is highlighted together with the means to develop, equip, monitor and skill teams to enable the mission of the Christian organisation to be fulfilled. With a foundation of Biblical examples of teamwork, various secular and Christian theorists are discussed. Various instruments, and their application in the selection and development of teams within the Christian organisation context, are discussed together with stages of team development and necessary competencies of team leaders and members through each stage.
This unit offers current and prospective practitioners the opportunity to explore the practice and theology of chaplaincy in a range of educational settings, from primary to tertiary, state and private. It draws on current literature as well as experts and practitioners, engaging a number of clearly identified issues that reflect the complex nature of chaplaincy in these settings. Time is given to exploring the emergence of primary school chaplaincy in the State School system as well as the methodologies for teaching the traditional Christian Religious Education programs. The unit examines the biblical and theological basis for chaplaincy as part of the mission of the church, and seeks to enable students to gain a broad overview of chaplaincy as ministry.
- VBP746 Investigate and evaluate aspects of children’s ministry
This unit enables students to understand the basis and basics of an effective children’s ministry. Students will develop an awareness of the different developmental stages and needs of children, the challenges of ministering to today’s children and their families. It also enables students to realize the need to provide duty of care and establish safety and protection protocols for children in their local church.
- VBP747 Communicate the Christian faith to children
This unit addresses the issues of development of an effective children’s ministry. It engages planning, development and implementation of materials and methods that are used in children’s ministry.
This unit presents a holistic strategy for dynamic church development and health from a Pentecostal perspective. It is designed for those in Christian ministry to assist them reflect about their own ministry situations and to consider and compare other strategies in order to improve their ministries. A biblical analysis with particular emphasis on Acts will form the foundation for a practical strategy in a local church.
This unit examines the key theoretical concepts of coaching and mentoring. The theories will be examined in the light of Christian leadership. The unit will investigate the appropriateness of coaching and mentoring as a philosophy of training and developing people in a local church. An evaluation of tools used in the coaching and mentoring environment will be conducted. The relevance of culture, how this is created and used in an organisation, to enhance the coaching process will be examined
Conflict Management in the Pastorate
The unit will address three major areas. Firstly, conflict theory and its implications in the church setting will be considered. Secondly, conflict management and resolution will be examined with an analysis and application of the collaborative approach and the development of an integrative model of mediation. Finally, a practical understanding and application of communication skills and reflective listening as utilised in conflict resolution will be developed. These skills will include the Rogerian techniques of: communication, reflective listening, paraphrasing, empathy, assertiveness and body language, together with techniques for dealing with anger and negotiating.
- VBP770 Develop and apply biblical approaches to counselling
This unit introduces a biblical understanding of counseling and psychology. The course is designed to equip the student with a foundation of counseling and the biblical perspective on human psychology. We endeavor to assist the student to recognize root causes of some common problems.
Note: This course is not designed to produce professional counselors.
- VBP762 Develop a personal Christian counselling approach
This unit continues addressing the areas involved in a biblical understanding of counseling and psychology. The course is designed to equip the student with a foundation of counseling and prayer ministry and the biblical perspective on human psychology. We endeavour to assist the student to recognize root causes of some common problems facing pastors and leaders in the Church. Note: This course is not designed to produce professional counsellors.
- VBP789 Analyse ethical issues in Christian context
This unit analyses the nature and content of ethics, and examines various approaches to ethics. It examines the biblical and non-biblical approaches to various ethical questions and controversies. It also discusses the nature and destiny of man, the meaning of being a divine image-bearer, and how personhood should be regarded in the light of the current ethical debates.
Evangelism Principles and Practice
- VBP758 Communicate the Christian faith
This unit develops a thorough understanding of the scriptural indictment to evangelise. It looks at the patterns of evangelism biblically, historically and currently. It equips students to do the work of evangelism, both personally and corporately. It also encourages students to consider contemporary culture and the contextualization of the gospel in postmodern society.
- VBP768 Deliver a sermon
In this unit, practical communication skills in preaching and public speaking are taught. Questions about the nature of preaching are explored and discussed, including various styles of preaching and of sermon construction. Speaking occasions such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other than preaching opportunities are explored.
- VBP777 Develop team leadership skills in a Christian ministry context
- VBP778 Lead others in a Christian ministry team
This unit describes the skills and knowledge to lead a team in a Christian ministry environment. It addresses the responsibilities of all persons, especially those in leadership roles or positions, in a Christian organisation to promote a positive and inclusive learning culture which actively acknowledges, respects, and builds on individual differences, and integrates principles which underpin inclusivity, into all practices. In this unit the principles of inclusivity are applied to working with both colleagues and clients.
This unit is a study of leadership principles, skills and tasks as they relate to leadership within a Christian organisation. It includes an analysis of biblical principles and patterns of leadership with an examination of the leadership approach of different biblical leaders, an explanation of servant and incarnational leadership and a study of leadership and management issues that face the local Church.
Media & Communication in Ministry
- VBP905 Investigate and evaluate aspects of television and media ministry
This unit is an introduction to the broad scope of media in Australia, plus coverage of the development, growth and emergence of Christian media within the church, and in the secular marketplace. There will also be practical coverage of video camera and editing techniques, audio, graphic design and writing skills.
Mission and Ministry in a Post-modern Society
This unit will explore the history of ideas in the West, definitions of modernism and postmodernism, the dynamics of culture, emerging ‘tribalism’ in the West, and other major tenets and trends of postmodernism. The concept of truth as relative and the role of the media in reconstructing reality will be analysed. The student will also assess the Church’s possible responses to the challenges of postmodernism.
Music and Worship Principles and Practice
- VBP751 Identify and develop Christian worship practices
This unit offers a Bible overview of Creative Ministries, praise and worship. It then applies this to the contemporary local church. It also offers practical skills for leading praise and worship, running Creative Ministries departments and events, and building teams.
- VBP769 Provide pastoral care and support
This unit integrates a Biblical theology and a realistic understanding of the nature of pastoral ministry, of the practice of faith principles and many of the skills necessary for effective pastoral leadership in the contemporary church. This broad overview seeks to address many of the “How-can-I-be-an-effective-caring-pastor?” questions.
The material begins with a review of Biblical foundations of pastoring. From there it reviews ways by which pastoral skills associated with gifts may be developed. Pastoral care is then examined both as care within the church, and the whole community. God’s people are seen as His finger-tips in the world, at the point of its felt needs, and must therefore be equipped and released to be a part of service. This unit considers pastoral care in some practical areas of social and contemporary issues such as family and single life, substance abuse, ethics, dependencies, etc. Clear guidelines are taught to help the pastoral leader in public ministry. The pastor’s personal life is a key focus for serious consideration as his / her effectiveness is to be rooted in the quality and degree of a proper Biblical relationship with “the great Shepherd of the sheep” (Heb 13:20).
- VBP750 Identify and investigate the role of creative arts in a Christian ministry setting
This unit gives an understanding of the role of creative arts in a local church ministry setting. It aims to equip leaders with many elements of theatrical performing arts including acting skills, mime, movement, lighting, sound, directing skills, voice, music appreciation, and maintaining Christian integrity in the arts. Leaders undertaking this unit will be expected to participate in all elements of the course, including live performance. The competency specified in this unit is typically required by a person involved directly or indirectly in the creative arts in a church or Christian ministry organisation. This ranges from support personnel through to performers and leaders.
Personal Development & Teamwork
- VBP764 Manage personal priorities and resources
- VBP776 Work with others in a Christian ministry team
- CHCOHS301A Participate in work place safety procedures
This course comprises three units. Manage Personal Priorities and Resources describes the skills required for the management of personal responsibilities and resources. Work with others in a Christian ministry team describes the skills and knowledge required to work within a Christian ministry team. Participate in Workplace Safety Procedures describes the skill required for Occupational Health and Safety in the Workplace.
Perspectives on the Emerging Church
This unit focuses on the whole process of rethinking the way church and mission is done in a culture of rapid discontinuous change. It takes into account and assumes some knowledge of the cultural shift from the modern to post-modern over the last twenty or so years. This involves delving into the nature of the church, the nature of its mission, assessments of the missional effectiveness of the various historical modes of church (the Apostolic and post-Apostolic church, the Christendom paradigm, the Emerging Missional Church, etc.).
Furthermore, the unit explores the nature of incarnational mission and its implications as to how church and mission are conceived. This involves a radical re-take on what is normally assumed to be church and mission. The unit is an adventure into the radical possibilities of the missional church. It unit aims to introduce the student to the paradigm shifts required to recast the church in a genuinely missional stance in western cultural contexts.
Planting & Developing Churches
- VBP772 Establish a ministry
This unit seeks to inspire potential ministers to become involved in church planting. It deals with the challenges and various issues regarding the initiation, formation, health and multiplication of churches. It seeks to discover and apply church health and growth principles to the targeting, planting and development of a local congregation. For the purpose of this unit the definition of ‘church’ is broadened to include, new pioneer churches, new satellite churches, new small groups, or new specifically targeted congregational meetings and / or outreach services.
- VBP761 Prepare and communicate in a Christian ministry setting
This unit will introduce students to the practical skills involved in effectively communicating thoughts and ideas to a group of people through the use of public speaking. This unit covers the knowledge and skills required to prepare and deliver a talk, including the structure and the communication skills required in a Christian environment.
Spiritual Leadership Formation
- VBP763 Demonstrate Christian disciplines and spirituality
This unit explores vital aspects the spiritual life and growth of future leaders, especially in the realm of prayer, and the indispensable and desirable nature of Christian character. It is intended to deepen students personal journey and lifestyle by a consideration of their lives in light of scripture, other literature and various spiritual disciplines. It will challenge students to seek high standards of integrity and character development to achieve God’s destiny and purpose in their lives. Good illustrations and insights will help stimulate motivation and practical application. The following areas of a leader’s spiritual life are explored; the leader’s personal call to leadership; the obstacles that frustrate that sense of call; the key spiritual disciples that sustain vision and faith; practising the presence of God; maintaining a disciplined body and mind; avoiding fatigue and burnout; developing personal relationships and friendships.
Strategies in Contemporary Mission
This unit provides a thorough introduction to a wide range of effective contemporary mission strategies. It also encourages individuals, churches and organizations to assess their mission involvement against important missiological principles, in order to learn from the past and employ increasingly effective strategy.
The unit examines the latest approaches to strategic planning and strategic leadership. It will examine ways various kinds of research underpin the planning process. This course will help participants shape an organization with strategic leadership principles by aligning the organizational mission and vision with its structure, people, programs, and services. The course will help the student assess organizational effectiveness, priorities, and identify opportunities to successfully fulfil its mission and vision. The course will consider the impact of societal factors; leadership; politics, law, and economics; and human resource development (HRD) on the planning process.
- CHCORG25B Recruit and co-ordinate volunteers
This reading course is intended extend the student’s understanding of a specialised field within Ministry that is not catered for in any existing unit or regularly scheduled classes.
Supervised Reading – Field Education – Ministry
- VBP780 Develop organizational skills and lead a ministry department
This unit aims to help the student to apply insights into a specific ministry context and apply methods of communicating the Christian faith in a specific socio-cultural context. The student will learn to apply these, by preparing for, participating in, then reflecting on field experience as part of a ministry team.
The Emerging of a Christian Leader
- VBP779 Identify and develop ministry leaders
This unit explores the nature of character development in the believer’s life, and the resulting development in spiritual leadership. These perspectives emerge from a thorough study of a student’s own spiritual journey, Biblical reflection and the comparative study of the life-stories of biblical, historical and contemporary leaders.
A leader’s development is directly related to three major variables: processing, time and response to the processing. The concept of ‘process item,’ or ‘learning experience,’ which is the essence of processing, is the core variable studied in class. This concept interweaves the whole theory. Some individual concepts making up the theory are investigated such as, various process items, time-line, development phases, development tasks, gift-mix, destiny, spiritual authority and sphere of influence. At the conclusion, a student will have written a Leadership Development Study (LDS) on his or her own life, and have internalised the perspectives well enough to be able to apply the insights in ministry. These perspectives will be especially useful to the student in making major decisions concerning the call of God to a life of ministry, and to assist them in selecting and training emerging leaders.
The Minister’s Personal Development
The unit aims to provide ministers with a unique learning environment that deals with the spiritual, mental and emotional health areas of ministers. On completion of the unit, the student/ minister will be able to:
- VBP802 Identify and evaluate youth ministry
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for understanding the characteristics of an effective local youth ministry.
- VBP803 Communicate the Christian faith to young people
This unit investigates the advanced aspects of leading a Bible based, culturally relevant, and challenging presentation of Christ to young people in local church and high school settings. This includes planning, development, and implementation of Youth Ministry strategies
Biblical Theology for Contemporary Christians
This integrative unit is specifically designed to help the student think through the coherence of the overall message of the ancient biblical materials and, on this basis, to appreciate its relevance to modern life. The emphasis will be on a careful exegesis that will take into account the broad hermeneutical principles of: literary context; historical and cultural settings; the Hebrew text and grammatical issues; and variant ancient reading and genre implications.
- VBP787 Identify and communicate foundational theological concepts of Christianity
This unit introduces and overviews the content and dynamics of Christian theology, examining how we know and understand the Persons of the triune God and His revelation in Scripture. An examination is made of God’s creation and redemption of humanity, with a particular focus on the Persons and work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Finally, we briefly overview of the nature and mission of the Church and briefly examine perspectives on the future.
- VBP773 Defend the Christian faith
This unit examines the more important challenges to Christian belief that have arisen since the Enlightenment, and surveys resources for meeting those challenges.
This unit investigates a number of important Theological issue within the body of the New Testament, with attention to their context, the themes and methods employed by the writers, and various approaches taken to them in New Testament the Objectives.
This unit aims to provide ministers with a greater understanding of the theology of the Old Testament, and how that theology can relate to today’s world and their ministry.
This unit introduces the student to the life, work and theology of the apostle Paul and his writings. The goal is to understand Paul and his thinking in the context of first century Jewish and Greco-Roman culture. The key ideas Paul himself develops, his missionary practice and his understanding of Christ, salvation, church and ministry will be the major matters in focus. The challenge of seeking to apply Pauline teaching and theology to today’s church will be kept in view.
This reading course is intended extend the student’s understanding of a specialised field within Theology that is not catered for in any existing unit or regularly scheduled classes.
The Person and the Work of Christ
- VBP793 Interpret and apply the theology of the person of Christ to a ministry setting
- VBP794 Interpret and apply the theology of the work of Christ to a ministry setting
This unit familiarises the student with the biblical teachings on the person and work of Jesus Christ, especially with regard to the various theories of the atonement, free will, and predestination.
The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
- VBP795 Interpret and apply the theology of the person and work of the Holy Spirit to a ministry setting
The person and work of the Holy Spirit are the focus of this unit, including treatment of such aspects as the baptism in the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, miracles, power encounters, signs and wonders, and healing. A survey of major biblical texts on the theme of the Holy Spirit is presented. Finally, theological treatment of this unit from across the broad spectrum of Christendom will be offered. There will be regular “clinics” to practice prayer and the exercise of spiritual gifts.
This unit focuses on the whole process of rethinking the way church and mission is done in a culture of rapid discontinuous change. It takes into account and assumes some knowledge of the cultural shift from the modern to post-modern over the last twenty or so years. This involves delving into the nature of the church, the nature of its mission, assessments of the missional effectiveness of the various historical modes of church (the Apostolic and post-Apostolic church, the Christendom paradigm, the Emerging Missional Church, etc.).
Furthermore, the unit explores the nature of incarnational mission and its implications as to how church and mission are conceived. This involves a radical re-take on what is normally assumed to be church and mission. The unit is an adventure into the radical possibilities of the missional church. It unit aims to introduce the student to the paradigm shifts required to recast the church in a genuinely missional stance in western cultural contexts.
- VBP797 Interpret and apply the theology of the future to a ministry setting
This unit analyses several major schools of eschatological thought, end-time events, and the after-life. Biblical apocalyptic literature is examined, especially an exegesis of set texts from the Old Testament books of Ezekiel and Daniel, and New Testament Book of Revelation.
The Theology of the Human Person
This unit analyses the origin and nature of humankind, examining the doctrines of the fall and sin, appropriate ways to have victory over spiritual opposition and the moral implications of Christianity with a view to developing a distinctly Christian approach to ethics.
The Trinity: The Distinctive Christian Doctrine of God
This unit outlines the biblical teaching on God as one and three and traces how the doctrine of the Trinity was formulated in subsequent history to ensure that fundamental biblical teaching is not eclipsed. Attention is also given to the rich discussion on the doctrine of the Trinity in the last forty years and to the practical outcomes that a right doctrine of God suggests.
Theological Foundations for Ministry in Contemporary Society
The unit will provide a theological and biblical foundation for contemporary ministry and gender related issues. Particular attention will be given to ministerial leadership for men and women. To achieve this end the New Testament teaching on ministry will be analysed. The unit will also examine how ministry has been understood throughout Church history. Roman Catholic, Protestant and Pentecostal views on ministry will be outlined. Current issues and contemporary pressures on church leaders will also be considered. Arguments for and against women in the leadership of the Church will be discussed.
- VBP801 Interpret and apply the theology of intercultural ministry
This unit examines the biblical foundations for developing a coherent theology of mission. It supplements this with a study of some major approaches to mission theology, and a discussion of some major issues relating to contemporary intercultural ministry.
