Course Details for Post-Graduate Diploma in Theology
Henderson campus
Semester 2, 2025
Orientation: 14 - 18 July
Semester begins: 14 July
Theology Intensives week: 11 - 15 August
Mid semester break: 22 September - 3 October
Theology Intensives week: 13 - 17 October
Semester ends: 14 November
R121.830 Old Testament Narrative: Its Message and Method
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 and application of narrative form and content in different cultural contexts is also considered.
R234.830 Advanced Ecclesiology
This course provides an advanced exploration of selected contemporary issues and trends in the doctrine and practice of ecclesiology. Various understandings of the church, as expounded by contemporary theologians and exhibited in practice across different cultures and denominations are examined and evaluated through the lenses of Scripture, tradition, reason and experience. This course equips students to derive a rigorous and robust understanding of what the church is, God’s intention for it as compared with its current realisation, and to investigate how this understanding affects pragmatic decisions about what the church does. It equips students to make wise ecclesial decisions based on coherent theological understanding in the complex cultural landscapes that exist with Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
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.
R508.830 Reflective Practice for Ministry
This course explores the postures and practices that allow people in ministry to flourish in their ministry context. Students will learn to critically evaluate their ministry environment both culturally and contextually, 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, context and as a participant in community, 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.
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.