Course Details for Post-Graduate Diploma in Theology
Henderson campus
Semester 2, 2023
R121.830 Old Testament Narrative: Its Message and Method
This course is a study of the content and form of Old Testament narrative, and the hermeneutical and theological issues raised by narrative approaches to the Old Testament, illustrated by study of selected Old Testament narrative texts. The significance for preaching of narrative form and content is also considered.
R236.830 Special Topic: Christian Thought and History
This course provides an opportunity for students to engage in theological or historical disciplines in an advanced way. The course involves a concentrated study of a theological or historical issue. Critical issues of background and context are explored, and contemporary applications to the complex cultural landscapes that exist within Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond are investigated.
R361.830 Research Paper
Dependent on supervisor availability. This course offers a student a supervised research essay on an approved topic in an aspect of Theology and/or related discipline. Students can apply to the Head of Theology for enrolment in this course upon the successful completion of R351.830 Postgraduate Research and Writing.
R508.830 Reflective Practice for Ministry
The capacity to reflect on our experience is a key skill that enables us to develop as practitioners in any field of vocation, including Christian ministry. This course is for people who are active in ministry, in either churches or community organisations, who want to deepen their practice and flourish in ministry. Students will learn to critically evaluate their ministry context, to develop practices of discernment and habits of mind that produce resilience over the long-term, and to understand what they bring to their ministry role from their own personality and as a participant in community. The course is delivered through a range of seminars, workshops, reflections and fieldwork activities, and all learning is grounded in the student’s own ministry context.
R513.830 Developing a Ministry Supervision Practice
This is the second of two courses which comprise a Postgraduate Certificate in Theology, designed to equip graduates to offer professional supervision in a range of ministry contexts (understanding ministry in the broad sense of Christian vocation). Through the integration of theory, practice, and theology, it enables practitioners to develop a framework for supervision appropriate to their own cultural and professional contexts, and to engage in critically reflective practice.
R612.830 The Church for Others
The church’s social advocacy is increasingly recognised as a central aspect of her witness in the world. And yet, a call to social action can often be cast aside or seen as just one priority amongst many. This course presents biblical, theological, and historical investigations into the self-emptying existence for others which rests at the heart of Christian existence. Beginning with the biblical witness regarding the community’s posture towards the vulnerable, the course then uses Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s theological work to guide our discourse. We will hear Bonhoeffer ask, “Is the church the church if she does not exist for others?” and consider the significance of moving social action from the register of mission (something the church does) into the register of being (something the church is). The course will conclude by investigating historical case studies, illuminating how social action for the other historically and consistently emerges when the church lives from her faithful identity in Christ, and how it can be applied in the varied cultural contexts that exist in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
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.