Programme Regulations for the New Zealand Certificate in Christian Ministry

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The following specific programme regulations apply to the New Zealand Certificate of Christian Ministry.
PROGRAMME SUMMARY
PROGRAMME SUMMARY
National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level
4
(NQF) Credits
120
Delivery
On-site, block course
Mode
Full-time
Duration
One semester full-time equivalence
Regular Intake
February

PROGRAMME PURPOSE

The aim of this programme is to provide students with a broad understanding of the principles of theology, biblical foundations, and Christian thinking that enhances their ability to serve, lead small groups and community missions, as well as assist church leadership in a variety of pastoral care roles.   

This programme will appeal to Christians with a desire to serve their community of faith and the broader community using biblically informed theories and practices. It also targets Christians with the desire to learn more about their faith and action in the world.  

The Christian ministry programme aims to develop servant leadership skills, enhancing employment opportunities and/or the ability to work in a voluntary capacity, including not-for-profit, church and community contexts.

GRADUATE PROFILE

On successful completion of this programme graduates will be able to:

GPO1
Integrate biblical and Christian foundational knowledge to community ministry programmes including bicultural or multicultural considerations in order to become a better servant.
GP02
Apply biblical and theological principles to ministry programmes in order to enhance personal faith of self and others.
GP03
Discuss community contextual factors that impact spiritual development in order to gain insights into others to become a better servant; contextual factors include ethnicity, culture, age, gender and geography.
GP04
Interpret biblical principles, knowledge and beliefs related to Christian ministry in order to evaluate specific ministry roles and contexts.

ADMISSION AND ENTRY

General Admission

(A)
Applicants to this programme who have no secondary schooling or NCEA level 1 attainment or equivalent will require an entry assessment (including a literacy test) to establish eligibility.
(B)
Applicants who have NCEA level 2 attainment (or above) or evidence of equivalent knowledge and skills have open entry to apply.
(C)
This programme requires practical field work-placements of a total of 240 hours (an average of 7-10 hours per week) of practical ministry involvement.

NCEA Equivalence can include:

  • NZ School Certificate;
  • Sixth Form Certificate;
  • Overseas equivalent qualifications, including IB and CIE, or HSC (Australia);
  • Other NZQA level 1 or 2 certificates in relevant disciplines to Laidlaw programmes;
  • Evidence of level of academic achievement or a portfolio of work for homeschooled students*;
  • Reference/support/documentation from employer*

*All equivelance must be documented. The applicant may need to sit assessment for entry.

Entry Assessment

(a)     Includes a literacy test.

(b)     Dates for assessment will be advised.

Special Admission

New Zealand citizens or permanent residents who do not meet the General Admission requirements but who will have reached the age of 20 by the first day of the semester for which admission is sought and who are able to provide evidence of aptitude or appropriate work or other experience may be granted Special Admission, in exceptional cases, an applicant who:

  • Does not hold a university entrance qualification and has not reached the age of 20 by the first day of the semester for which admission is sought may apply for special admission.

In assessing whether to grant special admission in exceptional cases, the primary focus will be on the applicant’s level of preparedness for tertiary study.

English Language Requirements

Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 (Academic) or equivalent.

TRANSFER OF CREDIT

Transfer of Credit is not available for this programme.

PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS

Every candidate for the Certificate shall to the satisfaction of the Academic Board or delegate, follow a programme of study for a period of normally not less than an academic year.

Each candidate’s programme will comprise all modules as listed in the Schedule of Modules of these regulations, totalling a minimum of 120 credits.

COMPLETEION OF THE PROGRAMME

A candidate may take up to three years to complete this programme unless an extension is granted by special permission of the Academic Director or delegate.

AWARD OF THE QUALIFICATION

Candidates who successfully complete the requirements of this programme will be eligible to apply to Carey for the award of the New Zealand Certificate in Christian Ministry, Level 4.

SCHEDULE OF MODULES

Students must complete all of the following courses:

Course Code and Name
Level
Credits
MF421 - Christian Worldview
4
15
MB430 - Exploring God’s Word
4
15
MF401 - Making Life Work
4
15
MF478 - Faith Engaging Social Issues
4
15
MF409 - Learning to Live
4
30
MM581 - Mission of God
5
15
MS510 - Te Ao Māori
5
15

Please note, it is possible that a student may be able to select other courses from the Carey catalogue if that course would allow the student to meet the remainder of the Graduate profile.

NORMAL PROGRESSION THROUGH THE PROGRAMME

Semester One
Semester Two
MF421 - Christian Worldview
MF478 - Faith Engaging Social Issues
MB430 - Exploring God’s Word
MF401 - Making Life Work
MS510 - Te Ao Māori
MM581 - Mission of God
MF409 - Learning to Live
MF409 - Learning to Live

TRANSITION ARRANGEMENTS

Students may complete this programme by completing courses from the above schedule. Students may transition from Ver 1.0 of the programme (and qualification) to Ver 2.0 of the programme (and qualification) without prejudice. All credits gained under V1.0 of the programme will be eligible to be automatically credited into V2.0 of the programme. Students will have 12 months from the time that V1.0 becomes inactive (i.e. from February 2024) to transition into the updated version of the programme (and qualification). Given all students are required to be full-time, it is not anticipated that these transition arrangement will be required. Furthermore, students may not complete a course with the same course code or course title designation twice for double credits. Any student transferring to this programme from the previous Carey programme will follow a course-of-study stipulated by the Academic Board that would faithfully enable the student to achieve the graduate profile of this Certificate programme.

The Academic Board may further request that additional assessments are undertaken in order that the Graduate Profile and Qualification Conditions are met by the student’s course of study. Carey Baptist College may use external New Zealand Qualification Consistency experts to assist in the decisions regarding transition arrangements.