Child and Family Ministry

MA902 Thesis

120 Credits

The thesis is a scholarly piece of written work that reports on the findings of theoretical, practical, or empirical investigation into a defined area of applied theology conducted by the student under supervision. Undertaking a thesis provides students with an opportunity to do original in-depth research at Masters level. Students will engage in a supervised investigation of a topic of their interest. Students are expected to be self-directed in their studies and to produce an account of their research which equates to internationally recognised standards.

MA901 Thesis

90 Credits

The thesis is a scholarly piece of written work that reports on the findings of theoretical, practical, or empirical investigation into a defined area of applied theology conducted by the student under supervision. Undertaking a thesis provides students with an opportunity to do original in-depth research at Masters level. Students will engage in a supervised investigation of a topic of their interest. Students are expected to be self-directed in their studies and to produce an account of their research which equates to internationally recognised standards.

MA829 Public Theology and the Church

30 Credits

Public theology is “the church reflectively engaging with those within and outside its institutions on issues of common interest and for the common good” (Day and Kim). This course explores the church’s biblical, theological, and historical resources for the task of public theology and public witness to the gospel. We will critically examine biblical and theological approaches to public theology and a range of cases studies that will equip us to engage theologically with contemporary issues in society. Students will examine social issues such as climate change, extremism and terrorism, sexual abuse, racism, modern slavery, and Covid-19 and produce theological engagements that serve the church and the public good.

MA828 Gospel and Discipleship: Interpreting Mark in Today’s Contexts

30 Credits

This course seeks to address the question, what is the good news of Jesus and how do we live authentically in the light of it? The Gospel of Mark has two central themes, the identity and work of Jesus Christ – the Gospel’s central character, and the nature and cost of answering Jesus’ call to discipleship. This course will begin with detailed critical exegesis of Mark, setting the book in its historical context with attention to Jewish, scriptural, and Graeco-Roman backgrounds and with close attention to its theological and narrative design. The goal of this paper will be to bring such historically informed exegesis into robust and meaningful integrative conversations with the pressing issues of today.

MA827 Theology, Race and Church

30 Credits

The magnification of the #blacklivesmatter movement and protests about systemic racism around the world raise important issues for theology and the church, not least because of the church’s entanglement in the construction of the modern racial condition. This course examines historical and contemporary misappropriations of theology in the development of current racial issues and explores the biblical and theological possibilities for a gospel centred account of the church’s anti racial witness to God’s kingdom. The aim is to understand the church’s historic and contemporary relationship to racism and examine biblical and theological possibilities for anti-racist discipleship.

MA826 Bible and Politics

30 Credits

This course considers how Scripture might shape us to seek God’s kingdom in our political lives. The heart of the course is an in-depth exploration of the Bible’s diverse depictions of political engagement. For instance, we’ll consider how both the Torah and Jesus’ teaching call God’s people to live as an outpost of God’s kingdom, shaping their lives to reflect God’s reign and way. We will explore how books like Proverbs and 1 Peter offer guidance for engaging political authorities beyond the community of faith, and consider the political examples of figures like the midwives of Exodus, Jeremiah, Daniel, and the author of Revelation. Scripture’s witness will make clear that God’s people are called to political discipleship as an act of Christian mission. Having grounded our political thinking in this diverse political testimony of Scripture, we will spend the second half of the class looking at how Christians have engaged a variety of specific political issues in the past and present, from climate change to economic justice.

MA821 Research Essay

30 Credits

The Research Essay provides students with an opportunity to undertake an in-depth study of a topic or issue in Applied Theology under the guidance of supervisor. The topic will normally be in an area that the student wishes to explore but is outside the scope of available courses in the academic programme. The student will acquire specialist knowledge of a specific field and develop skills in research, the evaluation of evidence and the articulation of ideas.

MA812 Leadership – Divine and Human

30 Credits

This course considers the life and written work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer who has been variously described as theologian, pastor, pastor-theologian, writer, activist, pacifist and martyr. In the face of such diversity, we attend to the continuities in Bonhoeffer’s thought and practice. More specifically, this course will posit a personal quest undertaken by Bonhoeffer to understand the plight of ego and power and their solution in the notion of discipleship and freedom.

Further, the course brings Dietrich Bonhoeffer into conversation with Bull Hybels, the former pastor and leader of Willow Creek. Willow Creek proves to be a valuable case study in which issues of ego and power surface. It is important to understand them rightly and posit how Bonhoeffer’s thought and practice provides a needed corrective.

MA810 Leading in the Footsteps of Jesus

30 Credits

This course asks why various models of leadership found in the biblical text may have been helpful to the church in their ancient socio-historical contexts and how they may provide insights into contemporary ministry leadership. Students will engage the writings of Luke-Acts and the letter to the Philippians and the models of leadership they present. These models of leadership will be explored in the socio-historical milieu of the New Testament and interpreted in the crowded marketplace of classical ideas about leadership. The course will exegete New Testament texts and classical Graeco-Roman sources to critically compare their various approaches to leadership. The insights gained from studying biblical approaches to leadership in their ancient setting will enable students to critically reflect on competing modern ideas about leadership and recalibrate their approaches to leadership in Aotearoa.

MA805 Human Flourishing

30 Credits

God is flourishing in itself and shares that flourishing life with creation–not because God needs to create, but in some sense, God wants to create. In creating, God ordered all creation toward its full flourishing. While, that flourishing has also been thwarted, God has still provided means for this to be restored and even deepened. This course will focus especially on human flourishing, assuming this is what God intends for humankind. To inform what is meant by flourishing, we will look at biblical, theological, and psychological perspectives on the flourishing life. This will entail looking back to understand that which impedes us from flourishing and looking forward as we envisage what flourishing may look like in the future.

MA801 Research Methods in Applied Theology

30 Credits

It is commonly said that the researcher is the main instrument, shaping every aspect of a research project. Carey’s research methods course encourages self-reflexivity in order to understand your impact as the researcher while you shape a research project applied to a real-world issue of importance to you. The Class will engage with a wide range of research practitioners, learning from their experience and together critically examining research methods across the traditional Christian disciplines and their intersection with related disciplines. You will design a research project that integrates different types of knowledge in order to inform the thriving of God’s church and world and be ready to conduct your own research project within a rich and diverse community of Christian researchers at Carey.

MM790 Research Essay (Ministry and Mission)

15 Credits

This course provides opportunity for advanced level students to undertake guided research. Enrolment must be approved by the Academic Director and will also require the support of a supervisor able and willing to supervise the research. (There is therefore no guarantee that a student will necessarily be given the opportunity to undertake a proposed research essay.)

MI700 Integrative Project

15 Credits

The Integrative Project, typically undertaken in the final year of the Bachelor of Applied Theology programme, is an opportunity for students to draw on their learning across the Applied Theology curriculum in order to resource understanding and faithful action in relation to an issue at the intersection of their faith, context and practice. Utilizing the integrative framework of Word, World and Work participants will make use of a range of sources of knowledge and approaches to understanding, bringing their faith, contexts and examples of practice into conversation with each other. Having considered the topic and questions that arise in relation to it from within each of those areas, students will develop a faithful Christian response to the issue (in one of a number of possible forms) that demonstrates attentiveness to faith, context and practice.

MF705 Contextual Theological Praxis

30 Credits

This course allows the student to receive credit for supervised training received in an appropriate ministry context. Over the year the student will perform 200 hours of practical ministry and will reflect upon this with a supervisor, in an online peer group, through the compilations of a ministry portfolio and in an essay.

RESTRICTION: This course is available only by arrangement with the Programme Lead of Field of Education prior to enrolment.

MF701 Reflective Field Education

15 Credits

This course uses experience of practical ministry as a basis for advanced biblical and theological reflection and personal growth. Within a half-year period the student will perform 100 hours of practical ministry and reflect upon this with a supervisor, in an online peer group forum, and in a portfolio and essay. Students may be practitioners in a variety of contexts including pastoral leadership, youth leadership, children and family leadership and cross-cultural/missional ministry.

PREREQUISITE: This course is restricted to those achieving merit or excellence in MF601 Reflective Field Education 2.

MB709 Research Essay (Bible and Theology)

15 Credits

This course provides opportunity for advanced level students to undertake guided research. Enrolment must be approved by the Academic Director and will also require the support of a supervisor able and willing to supervise the research. (There is therefore no guarantee that a student will necessarily be given the opportunity to undertake a proposed research essay.)

The Research Essay is a maximum in length of 6,000 words including footnotes and excluding bibliography.

MS6/705 Christian Spirituality

15 Credits

This course explores Christian Spirituality—how to live out the Christian faith—from a biblical, theological, and historical perspective. It introduces students to the major traditions and classic writings within Christian spirituality and engages with a selection of the most pressing issues in contemporary spirituality and ministry. This is a very practical course. Students will discover, practise and discuss a range of spiritual disciplines that will nurture their spiritual growth and sustain their witness and ministry.

MM6/795 Special Topic: Ministry

15 Credits

This course will help students to explore reaching their community through both good news and good works. Essentially it is a course in practical theology; however, students will engage with dimensions of sociology, missiology and theology to examine topics as varied as place-sharing, the art of neighbouring, community development and justice making, establishing social and community ministries and becoming an ‘Alongsider’.

MM6/794 Poverty, Transformation, and the Gospel

15 Credits

This course considers the challenges that issues of poverty and injustice pose to Christian faith and action, Current development theories and practice will be introduced and considered in relation to Biblical and theological perspectives on such themes as the gospel, the kingdom and the mission of God. The course will resource participants to evaluate various development approaches and construct proposals for Christian practice in Aotearoa and overseas.

MM6/788 Issues Facing the Church Today

15 Credits

This course studies the topic of Issues Facing the Church Today. Aspects that will be explored include history, theology, method and practice of mission, and mission in particular contexts.

MM6/777 Families and Ministry in Aotearoa

15 Credits

All of us are part of a family of one sort or another. How do we make sense of family in today’s complex world? How do social and cultural changes influence our understanding of what families should be like, including marriage, gender roles, and parenting? This course examines the family and family life in contemporary New Zealand from theological and sociological perspectives. Students will be challenged to think through the implications of such perspectives and family trends in New Zealand for church life and ministry. This course has been developed to support the needs of students engaged in ministry particularly to children, young people, and families.

MM6/769 Gospel and Youth

15 Credits

This course explores the nature of both the gospel and salvation through the lens of ministering to youth in New Zealand. It will also evaluate the presentation of the gospel in the context of the unique qualities of youth culture and the adolescent experience, making note of various ethnic differences in the New Zealand context. The course will help the student to think through the challenges for youth of living out the gospel in the 21st century, as well as developing ministry solutions, at both an individual and group level.

MM6/768 Adolescent Development and Spirituality

15 Credits

This course will explore the process of adolescent development and its complexities and consider how a growing sense of spirituality might be nurtured during adolescent years. Students will learn about adolescent development, including biological and sociological perspectives, as well as some difficulties within the field of adolescent research. Spiritual formation in adolescents will also be explored, including theories of formation, research on the effectiveness of current models of faith formation, and key practices that contribute to spiritual formation in young people. Discussion and evaluation of the course concepts will occur in light of the students’ own faith stories and experience in congregations.

MB6/748 Biblical Narrative (Old Testament)

15 Credits

This course studies a particular aspect of Biblical Studies probing historical background, method, function, ideas and the implication and application for today.

MB6/744 1 Corinthians

15 Credits

Paul’s correspondence with the church in Corinth permits us to glimpse some of the realities and challenges of life in the early Christian communities in the Greco-Roman world. In this course we shall explore the historical, social and religious context of 1 Corinthians, follow Paul’s response to theological issues, ethical questions, and practical problems that had arisen, and consider what this letter might say to the church today. Key learning areas for this course are leadership, Paul and women, sexual ethics, and charismatic gifts.

MB6/743 Apologetics

15 Credits

Christianity is seen by many today as weird, incomprehensible, and stupid, but is that true? The human condition, human experience, basic intuitions, history, science, and reason all point to the truth of Christianity. This course helps equip students with a holistic contemporary apologetic, which shows why we have good reasons to believe what we say we believe. Students will be equipped to have better conversations, ask better questions, and to share answers with gentleness and respect.

MB6/740 Acts: A Missional Reading

15 Credits

The Book of Acts is unique among the New Testament writings, connecting of story of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel to the continuing narrative of Jesus’ followers as they took their witness from the geographical centre of Jewish faith in Jerusalem across political, ethnic and cultural boundaries into the heart of the Roman Empire and its capital city. It is a book about mission produced in the context of early Christian mission. In this course we read it in relation to the understanding and practice of mission today, utilising tools of biblical study and of missiological reflection as we engage both the text and our contemporary mission contexts.

MB6/738 Revelation and the Justice of God

15 Credits

This course explores the original meaning and significance of the book of Revelation with a special focus on its message of God’s justice. In exegeting the text, this course considers the importance of genre, interpretative method, historical background, context, and theology for understanding Revelation’s message of hope and justice for those living in an unjust world. In conjunction with exegeting the text, this course will examine the reception history of Revelation and note its usage and impact by Christians living in the midst of trials.

MB6/737 Romans

15 Credits

As the Christian faith crossed ethnic and cultural boundaries there were practical implications to be worked out, concepts to be translated into new forms, problems to resolve. The Pauline Letters form an important part of the New Testament documenting the developing life and mission of the first Christian generations. This course studies Romans as a letter, probing background, function and ideas.

MB6/736 Gospels: John

15 Credits

This course gets beneath the surface of John’s Gospel. Why was it written in that particular way? What are its distinctive emphases? What does it contribute to our understanding of Jesus and the church’s faith, and how does it speak to our own day?

MB6/735 Gospels: Luke

15 Credits

In this course, we will get beneath the surface of one of the four Gospels (Luke). Why was it written in that particular way? What are its distinctive emphases? What does it contribute to our understanding of Jesus and the church’s faith, and how does it speak to our own day? Skills will be developed in exegesis, analysis of texts, research and presentation, theological awareness and interpretive competencies will be cultivated.

MB6/733 Worship and Wisdom

15 Credits

This course examines two areas of Old Testament literature: Psalms, which express in poetic form Israel’s response to God in prayer and worship and the so-called wisdom literature, which deals with the question of how God’s people can be wise in the day-to-day, sometimes mundane, reality of life (Proverbs) as well as in the great challenges of suffering (Job), where general observations about life do not seem to hold. Wisdom literature also encompasses Ecclesiastes, a book that addresses the existential question of meaning and meaninglessness in life and Song of Songs which, although love poetry, also stand in the wisdom tradition of reflecting on love, sex, relationships and God.

MB6/732 Pentateuch

15 Credits

This course explores the theological themes and meaning of the Pentateuch (from Genesis to Deuteronomy), which forms the foundation of Israel’s faith and conduct and is fundamental to understanding the Old Testament. In the course students will explore how the story of the beginnings (Gen 1-11) and the patriarchal narratives (Gen 12-50), the exodus, the giving of the Law and Israel’s wilderness wanderings (Exod-Num), as well as Moses’ farewell sermons (Deuteronomy) help us to understand God’s character and plan for His people and the world.

MB6/731 Prophets: A Canonical Reading

15 Credits

This course will introduce the prophetic books of the Old Testament, in their historical, socio-cultural and literary contexts in Ancient Israel and in the light of the Ancient Near East with the goal of understanding their theological message and their significance for the contemporary world.

MB6/728 A History of the Gospel in Aotearoa

15 Credits

This course explores the story of Christianity in Aotearoa New Zealand from 1814 through to the present day. It examines how the message of the gospel has shaped church and society over the last two hundred years. It illuminates the historical dimensions to many contemporary issues facing the New Zealand church. And it highlights how an understanding of the history of Christianity in Aotearoa is crucial to effective gospel ministry and mission in the country today.

MB6/726 Baptist Churches

15 Credits

An exploration of the contexts and convictions of Baptist churches as they developed in England, America and New Zealand. This course integrates these contexts and convictions with contemporary issues in Baptist ministry and mission.

MB6/724 Humanity and Hope

15 Credits

An exploration of the Christian understanding of the nature of human beings and the concept of Christian hope.

MB6/723 Spirit and Church

15 Credits

What does it mean to be the body of Christ? This course examines Biblical understandings of the Church, exploring ramifications for ministry and the sacraments. Particular attention will be paid to the impact of these concepts on other Christian doctrines.

MB6/722 Spirit and Trinity

15 Credits

In this course we attempt to equip students to analyse and evaluate Christian understandings of the person and work of the Holy Spirit as presented in Scripture and bring those insights into dialogue with contemporary issues. After an introduction to the doctrine of the Trinity, its historical importance and contemporary place, several weeks are devoted to an examination of the biblical presentations of the Spirit, taking particular notice of the development of the doctrine form the Old to the New Testament. Special topics will be covered included: Spirit Christology, the Spirit in relation to the Trinity, and how Trinity and pneumatology are related to other loci of systematic theology.

MB6/720 Christology

15 Credits

A study of the central themes concerning the person and work of Christ. The themes selected are considered in both their historical and theological aspects. Attention is also given to the examination and critique of Christological expression in contemporary church life.

MM665 Missional Leadership

15 Credits

Building an understanding of leadership based on Biblical, theological and spiritual convictions and relating this to ministry and mission contexts.

MM663 Introduction to Preaching

15 Credits

This course provides students with an introduction to the theology and practice of Christian preaching. It starts by considering the nature and importance of preaching for the church’s life and mission. It then moves into the principles and skills of effective preaching. The course will equip students with a sound methodology for preparing and delivering sermons that are faithful, clear, relevant and engaging. It will introduce them to a range of different sermon types and the basic principles of effective oral communication. And it will help students to consider the qualities and practices that are essential to sustaining a preaching ministry. This is a very interactive course with considerable class time devoted to practising skills and evaluating sermons.

MM661 Pastoral Counselling

15 Credits

Building on the foundation laid in Introduction to Pastoral Care, students are introduced to the philosophy and basic skills involved in pastoral counselling. In so doing, it seeks to demonstrate how these principles actually apply in the relational, sexual, spiritual, and personal experiences of persons that seek pastoral counselling.

MF605 Contextual Theological Praxis

30 Credits

This course allows the student to receive credit for supervised training received in an appropriate ministry context. Over the year the student will perform 200 hours of practical ministry and will reflect upon this with a supervisor, in an online peer group, through the compilations of a ministry portfolio and in an essay.

RESTRICTION: This course is available only by arrangement with the Programme Lead of Field of Education prior to enrolment.

MF601 Reflective Field Education

15 Credits

This course uses experience of practical ministry as a basis for biblical and theological reflection and personal growth. Within a half-year period the student will perform 100 hours of practical ministry and reflect upon this with a supervisor, in an online peer group forum, and in a portfolio and essay. Students may be practitioners in a variety of contexts including pastoral leadership, youth leadership, children and family leadership and cross-cultural/missional ministry.

PREREQUISITE: This course is restricted to those achieving merit or excellence in MF501 Reflective Field Education 1.

MB630 Understanding Culture

15 Credits

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the theory and basic skills of understanding and interrogating culture. In so doing, it seeks to demonstrate how culture has a profound impact on the ways in which we view our own contexts, ourselves, and others’ situations.

MS510 Te Ao Māori

15 Credits

This course introduces the student to the Māori world, explaining the concept, and use, of whakapapa in relation to Māori Christian spirituality and history. It also covers the historical impact of the Treaty of Waitangi and its place in church and the wider NZ society today.

MM581 Mission of God

15 Credits

In this course we explore the biblical story and trace God’s mission and the formation of God’s people in the narrative. We evaluate examples of how God’s mission has been, and is being interpreted and carried out, and consider what this means for our participation today. Various strands of learning in Bible, theology, spirituality, history, culture and society, and the practice of ministry and mission are introduced with a common orientation towards knowing and serving God within the community of God’s people as participants in God’s mission.

MM572 Foundations of Youth Ministry

15 Credits

This course aims to introduce students to ideas and practices that are fundamental to youth ministry in New Zealand. It will encourage students to begin the journey of thinking theologically and philosophically about youth ministry. Students will develop pragmatic/ practical skills within the ministry context as well as engaging with a range of recent scholarship that highlights various approaches to, and ethos of youth ministry.

MM565 Faith Formation in Children

15 Credits

This course examines issues surrounding children and the church. It covers areas such as child development and its relationship to faith development and integration of children into the wider church congregation.

MM564 Worship Then and Now

15 Credits

This course strives to integrate both the practical and theological application of worship design and leadership in order to foster meaningful, contextual and biblically grounded response to God as His gathered community. It will explore the narrative nature of worship and liturgy and its formative potential. Students will be exposed to various worship experiences and worship leading guests throughout the actual practice of worship leadership and careful theological planning of creative, experiential, participatory, interactive and connective worship practices.

MM561 Introduction to Pastoral Care

15 Credits

This course introduces learners to the theory and practice of pastoral care in a Christian framework involving an exploration of the biblical, theological, historical, and psychological underpinnings of pastoral care and the role that self-awareness and self-care plays in the lives of pastoral care givers. Several issues that are frequently encountered in pastoral care such as crises, grief, cancer and questions on listening to God are explored.

MF505 Contextual Theological Praxis

30 Credits

This course allows the student to receive credit for supervised training received in an appropriate ministry context. Over the year the student will perform 200 hours of practical ministry and will reflect upon this with a supervisor, in an online peer group, through the compilations of a ministry portfolio and in an essay.

RESTRICTION: This course is available only by arrangement with the Programme Lead of Field of Education prior to enrolment.

MB532 Introduction to the New Testament

15 Credits

This course is an introduction to reading and interpreting the New Testament. It explores the key genres of writing found in the Bible from Matthew to Revelation and then considers how to read each contextually and interpret them for today. The biblical skills required for interpretation and exegesis writing are also covered, aiming to provide a sound basis for further biblical study.

MB531 Introduction to the Old Testament

15 Credits

This course is an introduction to reading and interpreting the Old Testament. It provides an overview of the Old Testament, its historical-cultural setting, literary features and overarching theological themes. It also explores how different types of literature in the Old Testament are to be interpreted within their own ancient context and from a Christian perspective as well as how their theological message may be applied today. Students will get practice at basic exegetical skills using Old Testament texts aiming to provide sound basis for further biblical study.

MB526 Insights into Church History

15 Credits

This course covers key themes from church history in the period 1500 AD to 2000 AD and provides a foundation for those wanting to study further in this area. The themes are drawn from the Reformation, the modern church, mission history and New Zealand history.

MB521 Thinking Theologically

15 Credits

What are the best ways to talk about our faith? Theology integrates various sources of information, including biblical concepts, reason, experience, tradition and culture. The special focus of this course is on theological method. Case studies are used to illustrate and master theological approaches to a range of contemporary issues.

MF478 Faith Engaging Social Issues

15 Credits

This course aims to enable you, as an Intermission student, to engage with various social contexts and issues, and to practice the process of theological reflection in regard to those situations and topics. You will interact with issues such as the environment, war, poverty, gender, immigration and sexuality.

MF409 Learning to Live

15 Credits

This course allows you to receive accreditation for supervised participation within a number of appropriate ministry contexts. Over the year you will participate in 240 hours of practical ministry and will reflect upon this with your coordinator, a mentor, in a peer group, in a reflective essay and in a personal journal project.

MF402 Making Life Work

15 Credits

This course will examine various facets of life that you will encounter during your Intermission year. You will explore, through both biblical and theological approaches, how you might interact with, and respond to these facets effectively as a young Christian. This course will explore and probe a range of life facets, including: work, family, friendships, money, church, missional flatting, spirituality, holistic mission.

MF501 Reflective Field Education

15 Credits

This course uses experience of practical ministry as a basis for biblical and theological reflection and personal growth. Within a half-year period the student will perform 100 hours of practical ministry and reflect upon this with a supervisor, in an online peer group forum, and in a portfolio and essay. The supervisor and ministry must be approved by the Programme Lead of Field Education prior to the first day of the semester. Students can be based in a variety of contexts including pastoral leadership, youth leadership, children and family leadership and cross-cultural/missional ministry.

MB421 Christian Worldview

15 Credits

This course will explore the concept of worldview as a foundation for what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ in a complex world, enabling you to articulate a Christian perspective on the world. The course will investigate the two ‘stories’, or worldviews, in which New Zealand Christians must operate and, using this, you will examine various aspects of life to help you effectively interact and engage with the wider community.

MB430 Exploring God’s Word

15 Credits

This course provides a board overview of the Bible as God’s ongoing story of creation and humanity. It will introduce you to key people and their stories from both the Old and New Testament, while providing a framework for understanding reoccurring theological themes. It will consider how the Bible is still relevant for shaping individual and communal stories today.

Chart your Course