Course Details for Post-Graduate Certificate in Theology
Henderson campus
Semester 1, 2025
Orientation: 17 - 21 February
Semester begins: 17 February
Theology Intensives week: 17 - 21 March
Mid semester break: 14 - 25 April
Theology Intensives week: 19 - 23 May
Semester ends: 19 June
R155.830 Luke-Acts and the Contemporary Evangelistic Challenge
This course looks at the central theme of evangelism in Luke’s two-volume Gospel work (Luke-Acts) and its application to the contemporary evangelistic challenge. Using an evangelistic hermeneutic whereby we ask the text to inform us evangelistically, we travel through Luke[1]Acts, we will engage with the text, other evangelistic and biblical scholars, always with a special eye on the challenge of continuing to evangelize Aotearoa New Zealand. We will seek to discern through the Spirit what God is saying to us concerning the task ahead. Students will complete three assignments whereby they engage with Luke-Acts, scholarship, and a contemporary context.
R236.830 Ethics
This course attempts to discern what it means to live as God’s people in the world today. Special attention will be given to the nature of Christian existence as shaped by the story of God’s history with Israel, in Jesus, and through the Church. Particular attention will be given to what ethics is and how Christian ethics is distinctive, before turning to how certain qualities of character are necessary for the display of a Christian witness in the various (political, economic, medical, physical) spheres of life. The focus of the course will be on applied ethical case studies and pastoral ethics in order to begin to apply one’s moral theology to everyday ethical issues.
R351.830 Postgraduate Research and Writing
Postgraduate Research and Writing introduces you to the wonder and joy of research. It is a course designed to inspire students with the vast breadth of cutting edge investigations that are being done by the lecturers at Laidlaw, and then to teach them how to research themselves by partnering with one of these lecturers. Students will develop and hone the skills of research and writing by designing and implementing a short research project in their own area of interest.
R512.830 Foundations of Ministry Supervision
This is the first of two courses which together 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). It examines the nature and purpose of professional supervision, including its importance in people-related ministries. Several theoretical approaches to supervision will be evaluated and participants will reflect critically on theological, ethical, and cultural dimensions of offering supervision in their own contexts. A minimum of two years of ministry or professional experience is normally required for entry.
R525.830 Leading Organisational Change
This course locates Christian Leadership and Formation as fundamentally geared towards healthy systemic change in tune with the kingdom purposes of God. It engages with the physical, relational, contextual, and spiritual complexities of transformation processes. Students will create a contextualized model for transformation which attends to a specific need for change in a community system.
R801.830 Theological Foundations for Education in Aotearoa
In this course students will engage in biblical theology and make links to the cultural landscapes in the educational context of Aotearoa. The course will provide an opportunity to engage in discussion around Christian theology and how it relates to the vocation of teaching, Christian education, and this current cultural moment. The cultural influences and formation of Christian teachers and their spirituality will also be a focus of the course.
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.