Course Details for Graduate Certificate in Theology
Distance Learning campus
Semester 1, 2019
111.615 Interpreting the Bible
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.
125.615/715 Psalms
This course studies the growth of the Psalter, its present shape, theological significance and emergence and use as the Bible’s book of praise and prayer.
142.615/715 New Testament: Luke
This course involves a detailed study of the text of Luke’s Gospel; theology and critical issues of Luke’s Gospel. Exegesis of selected English texts, or translation and exegesis of selected texts in Greek.
205.615/715 Church: Theology and Practice
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.
211.615/715 Theological Ethics
This course introduces students to ethical decision-making and Christian ethics, including the biblical underpinnings of ethics, morality, justice, and virtue. It is also an introduction to individual and social ethics, and concepts of justice, virtue and vice.
307.615/715 History of New Zealand Christianity
This course is an in-depth survey of the development of Christianity in Aotearoa New Zealand, from the arrival of Samuel Marsden in 1814 until the present day.
403.615/715 Spirituality for Ministry
This course builds on the topics and spiritual disciplines introduced in 401 Formation. The focus is on developing approaches to life and ministry which will help to maintain balance, sustainability and growth in ourselves and others. The term “ministry” here has the broad sense of using our gifts and our time for God’s service, whatever our context.
463.615 Ministry in Context
This course offers an intensive exploration of the minister’s sense of call in relation to their current ministry and local context. Contextual theory meets practice through the experience of ministry, mentoring, specific models of reflective practice, and a formal exploration of the student’s current context supported by integrative tutorials.
466.715 Philosophy of Ministry
This course seeks to draw together student’s prior internship courses, and wider academic learning through the formulation of a personal philosophy of ministry. Ministry experience along with formal reflection will foster the clarification of ministry skills, knowledge and personhood while integrative tutorials seek to prepare students to transition into new ministry environments.
511.615/715 Pastoral Care in Community
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.
617.615/715 Mercy, Justice, and Social Transformation
This course identifies the theological and global realities of suffering, injustice and need. It affirms the holistic nature of God’s mission to the world and the call to express mercy and justice, seeking to bring social transformation through community, national and international aid and development. This course seeks to develop creative approaches to holistic social transformation through engagement with theology, history and contemporary interventions.
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.