Diploma of Church Planting

About this course

The Diploma of Church Planting provides students with the opportunity to undertake AQF Level 5 study in practical ministry-oriented disciplines. It is designed for those who have a less formal educational background than those undertaking the Bachelor of Church Planting or other Bachelor awards, or those who are seeking an award requiring less overall commitment than AQF Level 6 or 7 studies. 

The Diploma of Church Planting provides students with introductory study designed for Christians seeking a foundation for informed participation in the development of new churches. It also provides some opportunity to gain knowledge and skills appropriate for practical Christian mission but not necessarily of the breadth or depth required for professional ministry. The award requires completion of course units in Mission and Biblical Studies or Theology. 

This award is not approved for CRICOS study.

  • Study Mode: Full Time, Part Time,

  • Credit Points: 72 credit points (8 units)

  • Award Level: AQF Level 5

Handbook
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Delivered at

Australian College of Ministries
  • NSW
  • Domestic

Course Details

Admission to the Diploma of Church Planting requires:

  • An Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 65, or its equivalent (e.g. OP≤18); or
  • Satisfactorily completed Year 12 (or equivalent) from an institution recognised by the Academic Board; OR
  • Special Entry Admission for those with evidence of capacity for successful study at this level.

 

English Proficiency

Applicants whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction normally require a minimum IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in all bands of the test.

The Diploma of Church Planting requires the completion of 72 credit points (8 units) which shall include:

  • at least 36 credit points of Specified Electives chosen from Schedule 1; AND
  • at least 18 credit points of Specified Electives chosen from Schedule 2
  • at least 9 cp of Electives selected from:
  • B5100 OR
  • T5100 series units ; AND
  • a further 9 credit points of Electives, chosen from accredited units of the University College.

 

Candidates who have completed 36 credit points towards the Diploma of Church Planting may select up to 36 credit points from the 7100 and 7200 series of University College accredited units. Within these units, a candidate can select a maximum of 18 credit points of 7200 series units, provided they have already completed at least 18 credit points in that sub-discipline with a Grade Point Average for that sub-discipline of at least 2.0.

 

SCHEDULES

 

SCHEDULE 1

  • M5132 Introduction to Church Planting
  • M5134 The Journey of Church Planting Teams
  • M5135 The Person of the Church Planter
  • M5139 Church Planting Proposal Seminar
  • M5195 Independent Guided Study in Mission

 

SCHEDULE 2

  • M5109 Engaging in Discipleship
  • M5160 Reaching Australians/New Zealanders with the Gospel
  • P5104 Introduction to Theological Study
  • P5139 Introduction to Community Development
  • P5145 Introduction to Ministry in the Church
  • P5159 Church Movement Distinctives
  • P5171 Supervised Ministry I
  • P5172 Supervised Ministry II
  • S5101 Introduction to Spiritual Formation
Knowledge

Graduates will have:

  • technical and theoretical knowledge and concepts with introductory knowledge in Mission, Biblical Studies or Theology, and Christian Life and Ministry, with a focus on Church Planting;
  • wider understanding of initiating new churches that will form the basis for further learning.

 

Skills
Graduates will have emerging cognitive, communication, and technical skills in a church planting-related body of knowledge so that they are able to:
  • identify, analyse and act on church planting-orientated information from a range of foundational sources;
  • express ideas and perspectives related to Christian faith;
  • communicate church planting-related knowledge, skills, and ideas to others.

 

Applications of Knowledge and Skills

Graduates will have the ability to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of theological knowledge by applying it in new church settings;
  • perform technical operations within church planting that have some complexity, taking personal responsibility for them;
  • organise, with some initiative and judgement, the work of self and others, and contribute to the planning, coordination and evaluation of the work of teams in the context of a church plant (within broad but generally well-defined parameters).

 

The learning outcomes of each Unit of Study will contribute to the attainment of the Course Outcomes and the Graduate Attributes, as specified in their Course Unit Outline.

 

Exit Points

Students enrolled in the Diploma of Church Planting may exit with an Undergraduate Certificate in Ministry provided they have met the requirements of the award.

Candidates from other institutions or with other awards may seek credit up to a maximum of 36 credit points in the Diploma of Church Planting.

 

Credit will be granted in accordance with the University College Credit Policy.

 

Progress to Further Awards

Students who complete the Diploma of Church Planting may articulate into:

  • Bachelor of Church Planting
  • Bachelor of Ministry
  • Bachelor of Theology
  • Bachelor of Arts

 

All units satisfactorily completed in the Diploma of Church Planting may be credited towards an AUCD award, on condition that a completed Diploma of Church Planting will be surrendered prior to graduation in that award.

This award is not approved for CRICOS study.

The Diploma of Church Planting is offered through the individual colleges and an application for enrolment must be made to the Registrar of the teaching institution. The registrar will be able to help you with any information regarding your study, including fees, units, mode of delivery and timetable.

 

A domestic student at the Australian University College of Divinity is designated as full-time if enrolled in three units (27 credit points) or more in a semester or part-time if enrolled in less than three units (27 credit points) per semester. AUCD offers a wide range of units and students have the option to study one or more units across the colleges delivering AUCD awards, whilst enrolled with one college.

 

International students

International students are subject to the conditions of their Australian student visa and are required to maintain a full-time enrolment of four units (36 credit points) per semester. If you are planning to enrol as an international student, you have the responsibility to ensure that you comply with your visa conditions at all times. Learn more about your responsibilities, rights, and what studying in Australia can offer you. Not all our teaching institutions offer study programs for international students.

 

Check out the locations and courses offered to international students, and for more information email us at aucd@aucd.edu.au