VET Units
Certificate III in Ministry & Theology (1041NAT)
Core Units
CMTTHE301 - Research Christian Scripture
UCLT - Exploring what Christians believe
In this subject you will explore the core beliefs of the Christian faith including who God is - Father, Son and Holy Spirit; redemption and grace; communion; baptism; the church; eternal life. You will explore the biblical foundation for the Christian beliefs and the influence of tradition and culture on how these beliefs are understood, expressed and experienced.
CMTTHE302 - Identify Theological Data
UCLT - Reading the Bible in Context
In this subject you will explore the origins, authors and cultural context of the Christian bible. You will examine the reliability of the original bible documents and how we can trust in their authenticity. You will gain an understanding of the different literary genres of the bible and the correct methods needed to understand and interpret bible in your own life. You will compare and contrast a variety of different English language translations of the bible and understand the ways the bible is translated for the original languages.
CMTTHE303 - Present information on a Theological Theme or Issue
UCLT - Who is Jesus Christ?
In this subject you will explore what the Christian Bible says about Jesus, including what he said and did and why he died. You will delve into how we know Jesus rose from the dead and how we can know Jesus today.
CMTTHE304 - Apply new Theological Insights
UCLT - Applying the Bible to your life
In this subject you will explore the ways that God has communicated with people in the past and how he does now. We will also look at how we can communicate with him, with a focus on prayer, including how we can understand prayer that seems unanswered.
CMTMIN301 - Apply new Theological knowledge to Contemporary Ethical Issues
UCLT - Ethical Living & Serving
In this subject you will explore what the bible teaches in regards to the way we live. You will seek to understand and engage with the ethical standards of Christian life and the biblical foundation for these beliefs. You will engage with biblical, historical and contemporary examples of people who have lived according to biblical teaching regarding ethical living and serving and consider the impact their beliefs had on their own life and the world around them. You will engage with ethical living and serving teachings from Jesus and consider how his words may apply to your own life.
CMTMIN302 - Communicate Theology in Everyday Language
UCLT - Communicating what Christians believe
In this subject you will explore different ways of communicating key Christian beliefs to other Christians and to those from a different or no-faith background. You will reflect on your natural communication style and personality and gain a deeper understanding of how to share your own story with those around you in appropriate and relevant ways.
Elective Units
PSPGEN029 - Value diversity
In this subject you will explore the the skills required to value diversity within others, communities and other cultural settings.
PSPGEN032 - Deal with conflict
In this subject you will explore the the skills required to handle difficult interpersonal situations and address conflicts that may arise in day to day life. It includes identifying the cause if conflict, establishing and implementing strategies for dealing with conflict and evaluating the response and outcomes.
Certificate IV in Ministry & Theology (1042NAT)
Core Units
CMTTHE401 - Interpret and discuss Christian Scripture and Theology
UCLT - 'Christian Beliefs'
In this unit you will explore and discuss some of the key theological beliefs of the Christian faith. You will compare different theological interpretations and view, and develop and understanding and appreciation of varying Christian traditions of Church and theology.
ALC - 'Beliefs'
Reflect on your personal faith journey as you encounter the key themes and basic teachings of the Christian faith through unpacking the Apostles' Creed. Explore diverse theological perspectives and compare this with your own beliefs and understandings. You will have the opportunity to explore and demonstrate the evangelical and pastoral applications of biblical teachings in relation to the Christian faith.
CEDAL - 'Themes in Theology'
What are some of the big picture themes that have emerged throughout the centuries of Christian thought? Over the years theologians and mystics have given much thought to questions such as who we are in relation to God and what it means to be a part of God's creation. This unit will explore seven of these themes, with particular focus in the changing understanding of mission.
CMTTHE402 - Interprets theological data
UCLT - 'Christian Scriptures'
Within this unit you will, you will study an overview of the Scriptures, with an emphasis on the Gospels. The main aim of this unit is to equip you with strategies for effective interpretation and application of the Scriptures.
ALC - 'Bible'
In Bible you will explore God's word through an overview of the books of the Old and New Testaments, be given the opportunity to ask the tough questions, and share your thoughts and discoveries with others. Your journey will enable you to detect connections between the different books of the Bible, between the Old and New Testaments and the implications this has for us today. Discover the amazing story of the Bible and the roles we continue to play in that story, the story of God.
CEDAL - 'Christian Scriptures'
The Bible is a collection of books that is foundational to who we are as a Christian community and therefore it is important to understand how the Bible was written and the ways in which it is interpreted. We explore the history of the Bible and evaluate different interpretations through the ages in order to come to a better understanding of the way this important document has been used and misused. In the first few weeks we develop our practical skills to understand what the Bible says.
CMTTHE403 - Compare and present information on a theological theme or issue
UCLT - 'Knowing and Sharing Jesus'
In this unit, you will grow your understanding, knowledge and experience of Jesus Christ through the theological avenues of Scripture, Reason, Tradition and Experience. You will understand and appreciate more deeply the person and work of Christ in the world historically and today, and in your own life. you will explore the Christian imperative to share the truth and love of Jesus Christ with the people in your world in ways that help them to understand, know and experience Jesus for themselves.
ALC - 'Gracious'
Embrace the challenge of Christian character and discipline. Gracious is a subject about discovering your character, with a difference. Jesus, the only person to ever have a perfect character, earnestly wants to live out that character in the lives of his followers. Are things such as meditation and fasting still useful in today's society? in Gracious you will explore what your Christian character looks like and how that can be nurtured through different Christian disciplines.
CEDAL - 'Christology and the Trinity'
The nature of Christ has been subject of long debate and many heresies throughout the history of the church. this is not simply a theoretical subject because the resolution to the debate has an impact on how we engage in our ministry with the world. What difference would it have made if we had only said that Christ was like God instead of being God? Maybe not much, but when we are supporting people pastorally, it means the world that God knows what it is to suffer alongside us.
CMTTHE404 - Compare and apply new theological insights
UCLT - 'Discipleship and Spiritual Practices'
Within this unit, you will be learning about discipleship and the living out of your Christian faith. This unit will take a personal and practical approach to spiritual formation through the experiential engagement in different spiritual practices.
ALC - 'Spiritual Resilience'
Understand how to build spiritual resilience and practice discernment in our lives.How do we deal with the 'big 3': the world, the flesh, and the devil? LEarn how God equips and protects us. Discover the gift of spiritual resilience and hear how God speaks into our lives.
CEDAL - 'Christian Spirituality'
in this unit you will explore spirituality in classical, cultural and contemporary expression and discern your own place within this broad context. You will undertake exploration of the practice of Christian spirituality through history and understand how this has influenced your spirituality. You will have the opportunity to explore a range of spiritual practices and choose to more deeply engage with three of these.
CMTMIN401 - Explain the application of Christian ethics to contemporary life issues
UCLT - 'Ministry and Ethics'
Within this unit, you will be learning about the way in which ethics shape people and cultures. You will explore different ethical theories, and how Christian ethics can and should shape who we are and how we live our lives. You will also explore the idea of shalom, and its implications for shaping our ethics, in contrast to people of other faiths and of no faith.
ALC - 'Living Ethically'
In this practical subject you will unpack what is ethics, what the Bible teaches us about ethics and how we make decisions. Students will have the opportunity to consider how they treat others in an ethical manner. Students will explore a number of contemporary ethical issues and how they relate to living ethically.
CEDAL - 'Ethics'
You may have already done the Code of Ethics training, but in this unit we explore the Christian ethics on both and individual and societal level. The first part of the unit is an overview of the different approaches to ethics, their strengths and weaknesses, In the second part, we look at the application of ethics, which includes the relevant codes of ethics / conduct and how our social justice is underpinned by an ethical framework. Additionally, we look at the Basis of union as a document that defines who we are as a church and ask the question of what this means for the ethics of the Uniting Church.
CMTMIN402 - Communicate theological information
Prerequisite: CMTTHE402
UCLT - 'Worship and Preaching'
In this unit, we will focus on what is means to communicate Jesus through our worship services and through preaching his message. We'll explore different facets of worship, the practicalities of preaching, and engage with a variety of issues that may help or hinder our ability to communicate clearly. Within this unit, students will be equipped with knowledge and skills to be able to load a worship service, and preach a basic sermon.
ALC - 'Connection'
Discover effective and biblical ways to share the gospel in today's culture. Connection looks at evangelism in a modern day context. In connection you will explore God's mission to see all creation reconciled back to him, and how Jesus embodied this and gives us the example for mission to others .LEarn where you fit into God's mission for the world through understanding the culture we live in, identifying where God is already at work, what part your story and the stories of others have to play, and how you are salt and light to the world.
CEDAL - 'Communicate the Gospel'
Preaching and worship is not simply about leading a traditional church service; it is about communicating the Gospel in a wide range of different ways so that people can connect with it. We begin this unit looking at Traditional forms of worship and preaching so that we can then explore how we can push the boundaries of what we do. We also explore non-traditional forms of church and think about how these can be applied in different settings. The final project for this unit is an art project that communicates creatively a theological truth with a non traditional audience.
Elective Units
BSBBLDR414 - Team Leadership
ALC
This unit will assist you to understand the importance of time management for ministry planning. We will look at how God's design of our own personalities link to the way we manage our time. you will be given a lot of tips , hints and plans for personal, ministry and work related time management and priority setting.
BSBPEF402 - Develop Personal Work Priorities
UCLT
This unit will assist you to understand the importance of time management for ministry planning. We will look at how God's design of our own personalities link to the way we manage our time. you will be given a lot of tips , hints and plans for personal, ministry and work related time management and priority setting.
ALC - 'Toolkit for Ministry'
We all face continual interruptions and unforeseen events in our daily life. This subject is designed to assist you in understanding and applying different models for managing your time and your priorities in a ministry context. We will explore effective time management and discover personalised ways of incorporating 'God time' into your schedule. in gathering hints and tips on organisational skills, we will also learn from the wisdom of others who have struggled to achieve a healthy work and life balance.
CHCCOM002 - Use communication to build relationships
ALC - 'Communication in Ministry'
This subject will provide the opportunity for students to develop communication techniques from a christian perspective, especially when interacting and forming relationships with others in their ministry context. This subject will explore in greater depth the needs and barriers that can effect healthy communication and how it relates to your organisations policies and protocols. This subject especially addresses the skills and knowledge required to facilitate and record meetings, and respond effectively to feedback.
CHCCCS016 - Respond to Client needs
CEDAL
Pastoral care is an essential part of any congregation. it is not unknown for the first contact for a congregation to have with a new potential member is a request for pastoral care. IN this unit we will develop the skills to work from simple pastoral care needs, such as a request from a member congregation for support, to more complex needs, such as a homeless person walking in from the street to request support. Your listening skills will be sharpened and developed as well as your toolbox of approaches that can help you to offer this much needed support.
CHCCDE002 - Develop and implement community programs
CEDAL
Community outreach is an essential part of the mission of the church. However, in offering outreach, we also need to make sure we meet the real community needs and do so in a way that empowers the community. In this unit you will learn how to research the needs and develop, run and evaluate a program that addresses these needs. You won't only learn how to do this, but you will have experience in implementing this learning while you develop a program for your community.
CHCGRP002 - Plan and Conduct Group activities
CEDAL
We have probably all led groups of some description, but what makes the difference between a good group and a great group? In this unit we look at different theories of how groups develop over time and their needs at different times. We also learn about conflict resolution and the management of different personalities within the group. By understanding this background you will be more responsive to your group's needs and therefore better able to organise groups that fulfil their purpose.
CHCMHS001 - Work with people with mental health issues
CEDAL
With half of Australian adults experiencing a mental health episode at some point in their lives, having the skills to support this diverse group of people is essential to any ministry context. In this unit we will simply be looking at how we can support people as they experience mental health challenges, debunk some of the myths, and giving you the confidence to establish relationships that can be part of the healing process.
CHCDIV001 - Work with diverse people
UCLT
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islanders people. This units applies to all workers but will specifically apply to those working in Christian communities.
SIRXMGT003 - Provide Leadership to others
UCLT
Within this unit, you will learn Christian Leadership principles and have the opportunity to reflect and develop your own areas of strength and weakness. This unit will provide you with skills and knowledge to lead others to deliver the organisational vision through the development of performance plans and demonstration of leadership behaviours.
This unit applied to senior personnel working in a diverse range of sectors and context. In this setting, the unit will relate specifically to Christian ministry.
CEDAL
Planning and visioning is essential for every congregation that wants to grow and this is the first step in this unit, However, planning is not enough. We need to be flexible in our approach to leadership so that we can implement these plans and remove any blockages or conflicts that interfere. The lynchpin of this unit is exploring a theology of leadership and articulating this for ourselves.
Diploma of Ministry & Theology (1043NAT)
Core Units
CMTTHE501 - Analyse and interpret Christian Scripture and Theology
CEDAL - 'Themes in Theology'
What are some of the big picture themes that have emerged throughout the centuries of Christian thought? Over the years theologians and mystics have given much thought to questions such as who we are in relation to God and what it means to be a part of God's creation. This unit will explore seven of these themes, with particular focus in the changing understanding of mission.
Diploma students will be extended in this unit by additional exploration on these same themes from the perspective of a variety of other cultures in order to develop a world perspective on the understanding of these themes.
CMTTHE502 - Utilise the analysis of theological data
CEDAL - 'Christian Scriptures'
The Bible is a collection of books that is foundational to who we are as a Christian community and therefore it is important to understand how the Bible was written and the ways in which it is interpreted. We explore the history of the Bible and evaluate different interpretations through the ages in order to come to a better understanding of the way this important document has been used and misused. In the first few weeks we develop our practical skills to understand what the Bible says. All students will then study the New Testament in some detail, with Diploma students extending this learning by studying broad topics of relevance about the Old Testament.
CMTTHE503 - Research and analyse information within a theological theme or issue
CEDAL - 'Christology and the Trinity'
The nature of Christ has been subject of long debate and many heresies throughout the history of the church. this is not simply a theoretical subject because the resolution to the debate has an impact on how we engage in our ministry with the world. What difference would it have made if we had only said that Christ was like God instead of being God? Maybe not much, but when we are supporting people pastorally, it means the world that God knows what it is to suffer alongside us.
The Trinity will form the focus of the additional learning for Diploma students. it is a complex but essential concept to our understanding of God and gives us many insights into relationships, ethics, and how we live out our faith. Similar to our approaches to Christology, we will explore how the Trinity has been discussed throughout history.
CMTTHE504 - Analyse and apply new theological insights
CEDAL - 'Christian Spirituality'
in this unit you will explore spirituality in classical, cultural and contemporary expression and discern your own place within this broad context. You will undertake exploration of the practice of Christian spirituality through history and understand how this has influenced your spirituality. You will have the opportunity to explore a range of spiritual practices and choose to more deeply engage with three of these.
Diploma students will explore these issues in greater depth and connect this to working with groups in their ministry.
CMTMIN501 - Facilitate personal or social change through the application of theological ideas
CEDAL - 'Ethics'
You may have already done the Code of Ethics training, but in this unit we explore the Christian ethics on both and individual and societal level. The first part of the unit is an overview of the different approaches to ethics, their strengths and weaknesses, In the second part, we look at the application of ethics, which includes the relevant codes of ethics / conduct and how our social justice is underpinned by an ethical framework. Additionally, we look at the Basis of union as a document that defines who we are as a church and ask the question of what this means for the ethics of the Uniting Church.
The Diploma studies also draws in the integration of the theology and other disciplines to the understanding of ethics. You will develop your skills in theological reflection on ethical issues. You will also explore what at least one other discipline can give yo our theological understanding of an ethical issue.
CMTMIN502 - Present theological beliefs and their implications
Prerequisite: CMTTHE502
CEDAL - 'Communicate the Gospel'
Preaching and worship is not simply about leading a traditional church service; it is about communicating the Gospel in a wide range of different ways so that people can connect with it. We begin this unit looking at Traditional forms of worship and preaching so that we can then explore how we can push the boundaries of what we do. We also explore non-traditional forms of church and think about how these can be applied in different settings. The final project for this unit is an art project that communicates creatively a theological truth with a non traditional audience.
Diploma Students will experience and reflect on a variety of different approaches to communicating the Gospel in the contemporary context as the use of different media in connecting to your community
Elective Units
SIRXMGT003 - Provide Leadership to others
UCLT
Within this unit, you will learn Christian Leadership principles and have the opportunity to reflect and develop your own areas of strength and weakness. This unit will provide you with skills and knowledge to lead others to deliver the organisational vision through the development of performance plans and demonstration of leadership behaviours.
This unit applied to senior personnel working in a diverse range of sectors and context. In this setting, the unit will relate specifically to Christian ministry.
CEDAL
Planning and visioning is essential for every congregation that wants to grow and this is the first step in this unit, However, planning is not enough. We need to be flexible in our approach to leadership so that we can implement these plans and remove any blockages or conflicts that interfere. The lynchpin of this unit is exploring a theology of leadership and articulating this for ourselves.
CHCGRP002 - Plan and Conduct Group activities
CEDAL
We have probably all led groups of some description, but what makes the difference between a good group and a great group? In this unit we look at different theories of how groups develop over time and their needs at different times. We also learn about conflict resolution and the management of different personalities within the group. By understanding this background you will be more responsive to your group's needs and therefore better able to organise groups that fulfil their purpose.
CHCCCS016 - Respond to Client needs
CEDAL
Pastoral care is an essential part of any congregation. it is not unknown for the first contact for a congregation to have with a new potential member is a request for pastoral care. IN this unit we will develop the skills to work from simple pastoral care needs, such as a request from a member congregation for support, to more complex needs, such as a homeless person walking in from the street to request support. Your listening skills will be sharpened and developed as well as your toolbox of approaches that can help you to offer this much needed support.
CHCCDE002 - Develop and implement community programs
CEDAL
Community outreach is an essential part of the mission of the church. However, in offering outreach, we also need to make sure we meet the real community needs and do so in a way that empowers the community. In this unit you will learn how to research the needs and develop, run and evaluate a program that addresses these needs. You won't only learn how to do this, but you will have experience in implementing this learning while you develop a program for your community.
CHCMHS001 - Work with people with mental health issues
CEDAL
With half of Australian adults experiencing a mental health episode at some point in their lives, having the skills to support this diverse group of people is essential to any ministry context. In this unit we will simply be looking at how we can support people as they experience mental health challenges, debunk some of the myths, and giving you the confidence to establish relationships that can be part of the healing process.