Course Details for Graduate Certificate in Theology
Distance Learning campus
Semester 1, 2024
111.615/715 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.
115.515 Reading the Bible
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.
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.
140.515 Reading the New Testament
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.
150.615/715 Gospels 1 (Synoptics)
This course explores the life setting, text, and theological perspectives of either the Gospel of Matthew, the Gospel of Mark, or the Gospel of Luke. After exploring the background to the Gospel, selected texts from the Gospel will be exegeted in depth, key themes will be identified and explored, and the message of the letter will be applied to contemporary life and ministry. *In Semester 1 2024, this paper will focus on the Sermon of the Mount.
202.615/715 Christology
This course examines traditional and contemporary theologies of the person and work of Christ, theology of revelation and Scripture.
219.615/715 Ngākau Maia: Christian Confidence
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.
313.515 A History of Pacific Christianity
To explore the spread of Christianity in the Pacific. It looks at the critical role that Western and Pasifika missionaries played in the process of evangelisation and the historical development of Pacific churches. This course also looks at the growth and influence of diaspora Pacific churches and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. This course also reflects on the development of Pacific Christianity and its relevance for Christian life, mission, and ministry today.
351.715 Research Topic 1: Christian Thought and History
This course provides an opportunity for preparing an extended research paper of 6,000 – 8,000 words on a topic not specifically covered elsewhere in a student’s programme of study. It requires the development of research skills and the ability to present a sustained argument on an issue of some complexity. A Research Topic may be proposed in any of the following subject areas: Bible, Theology, or History. The research topic may only be undertaken with the approval of the head of school or delegate.
352.715 Research Topic 2: Practical Theology
This course provides an opportunity for preparing an extended research paper of 6,000 – 8,000 words on a topic not specifically covered elsewhere in a student’s programme of study. It requires the development of research skills and the ability to present a sustained argument on an issue of some complexity. A Research Topic may be proposed in any of the following subject areas: pastoral theology, practical theology, or missiology. The research topic may only be undertaken with the approval of the head of school or delegate.
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.
478.615 Practicum I
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
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
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
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
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.
513.615/715 Pastoral Care in Life’s Crises
This course explores pastoral approaches to significant life crises, including experiences of loss, death and dying, getting married, divorce, alcoholism, mild depression, past hurts, and developmental issues.
605.615/715 Biblical and Contemporary Theology of Mission
This course considers what a biblical theology of mission is and examines the application of the Bible to contemporary issues in mission. It also provides an overview of how these issues were debated through some of the major mission conferences in the twentieth century. It provides an opportunity to integrate biblical, theological and other studies for mission in today’s world.
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.