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Course Details for Bachelor of Ministries

Distance Learning campus

Semester 1, 2023

106.515 Hebrew 1

Dr Julia van den Brink

This course explores an introductory study of biblical Hebrew, including basic vocabulary and key points of grammar. Note for 2024: For distance learning it is strongly encouraged that students attend the two weekly classes (as per the Henderson Theology timetable) via Zoom to get the most out of the course.

108.515 Greek 1

Dr Julia van den Brink

This course is an introductory study of the grammar and vocabulary of Biblical Greek, and its application in translation and exegesis. Note for 2024: For distance learning there will be two online classes each week during the evenings on Mondays and Thursdays 7-9pm. Attendance is strongly encouraged to get the most out of this course.

111.615/715 Interpreting the Bible

Dr John de Jong

This course is an introduction to biblical interpretation, grammatico-historical exegesis, biblical genres, historical developments, historical-critical and literary-critical methods, and hermeneutical considerations, including hands-on experience in exegeting biblical texts.

115.515 Reading the Bible

Joey Millington

This course aims to introduce the broad shape of the biblical story and show how the Christian gospel is integral to biblical theology. It explores the unity, diversity and central themes of the Bible to make sense of the relationships between the Bible, theology, and all of life.

123.615/715 Prophets

Dr John de Jong

This course examines the nature of Old Testament prophecy, the language of prophecy, and the eighth century prophets with special reference to the book of Amos. Either a) exegesis of selections of the English text of Amos, or b) translation and exegesis of selections of the Hebrew text of Amos.

140.515 Reading the New Testament

Joey Millington

This course aims to develop and apply a broad understanding of New Testament foundations, and their interpretation and application within church, mission, and community contexts.

143.615/715 Gospels 2 (John)

Dr Bruce Bell

This course explores exegetical and theological study of texts from the Gospel of John. This course is an opportunity for the student to engage with the text and theology of one of these remarkable texts and reflect on the implications for Christian discipleship in today’s world.

205.615/715 Church: Theology and Practice

Dr Greg Liston

This course introduces students to ecclesiology: biblical and historical perspectives. Attention will be given to the development of the church’s self-understanding as the people of God and to a range of approaches to ministry and sacraments.

219.615/715 Ngākau Maia: Christian Confidence

Dr Greg Liston, Paul Windsor

This course explores how we can genuinely know and authentically live out the truth contained within the Biblical narrative. Recognising that all truth is indwelled truth leads to a posture of “proper confidence” in the gospel. This “proper confidence” is contrasted with alternative constructions of truth and meaning common in contemporary New Zealand society and beyond. The course provides and encourages the development of new examples and practical outworking’s of an indwelled gospel truth which is directly applicable to the student’s everyday experience.

406.615/715 Models of Spirituality

Ryan Lang

This course explores a variety of significant traditions within Christian spirituality, including their biblical and historical origins, and considers their contribution to spiritual life in the contemporary world.

478.615 Practicum I

Graeme Flett

This course aims to build ministry awareness, leadership resilience, and competence in a field of the student’s choosing. Students are given scope to engage in an area of ministry or vocation in order to develop their proficiency in that field through reflective practice and field-based experience. The course focuses on embodied learning where specific fieldwork-related competencies are aligned to a student’s practicum goals.

479.715 Practicum II

Graeme Flett

This course aims to build ministry critical awareness, leadership resilience and competence in a field of the student’s choosing. Students are given scope to engage in an area of ministry or vocation in order to develop their proficiency in that field through reflective practice and field-based experience. The course focuses on embodied learning where specific fieldwork-related competencies are aligned to a student’s practicum goals.

480.615/715 Faithful Living: Intro to Reflective Practice

Graeme Flett, Maja Whitaker

This course explores the dispositions and practices that are required to form life-long reflective practitioners. Students are introduced to a range of models of theological reflection and will evaluate and apply these within their context. Key theological themes and practices underlying ethical behaviour are explored and students will develop a contextualised code of conduct. Students are prompted to develop self- and other- awareness, and build resilience to the experience of receiving and processing feedback from others.

500.515 Connecting with Youth & Young Adults

Matt Maslin, Zara Maslin

This course introduces students to biblical and theological foundations for youth ministry, including effective and sustainable youth ministry, engagement with theory and practical approaches, and responses to the pastoral needs of young people.

505.515 Christian Leadership & Mission

Maja Whitaker, Reuben Munn

This course aims to explore and evaluate a range of mission, church, and community-based programmes and applies faith-based principles in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. Learners will reflect on how personal and communal expressions of faith can enhance the wellbeing of others in a range of social and cultural contexts.

511.615/715 Pastoral Care in Community

Karen Kemp

This course is an introduction to the principles and practices of pastoral care in, through and beyond the local church. The course is grounded in vision of community as a paradigm for transformation and carries a fundamental commitment to care of the whole person. Within this relational frame, various approaches to pastoral care, care in life’s stages and transitions as well as care of the carers will be explored.

612.615/715 Majority World Theology

Dr Terry Pouono

This course offers an introductory look at ‘local’ theologies. It considers how cultures bring differences of emphasis and insight into their reading of Scripture and ways in which evaluation is still required and possible as the Gospel is related to the worldviews of particular contexts.

907.515 Bicultural Relationships: Tikanga Kawenata

Taryn Dryfhout

People of all cultures draw their own self-knowledge from their engagement with other people and the world. In the Aotearoa New Zealand context this means an honouring of the covenantal spirit of the Treaty of Waitangi and an awareness of its relational intent. This course introduces Tikanga Maori on the basis of understanding people in their contexts, and combines theological, theoretical and historical reflection with the development of practices drawn from an integration of these. The course includes regular oral activities aimed at developing fluency in the use of te reo and tikanga in a range of settings. The culmination of this oral learning is participation in the Noho Marae, where an overnight stay on a marae provides an integrated opportunity to engage with Maori culture beyond the classroom.

This timetable is correct at the time of publication; however the College reserves the right to cancel courses, or alter lecture times should circumstances arise. Up to date information is available at any time by contacting the College.