About the programme
Come on a profound journey of following God’s call on your life. Our Diploma in Pastoral Leadership provides a unique opportunity for those training to be the new generation of pastors and leaders in thriving faith communities. Our focus is the formation of the whole person – integrating head, heart and hands to equip and form you for a life of robust and fruitful ministry.
The programme is a three-year journey including biblical and theological NZQA-accredited study, and a personalised development track designed to build your ministry skills, confidence and formation needs. You will become part of a cohort mentored by our experienced ministry training team.
After successfully meeting the three year training requirements you will graduate with the following:
“We would love to explore with you how this programme could transform your life and equip you for the future ministry that God has for you.”
– Jonny Weir, Director, Ministry Training
Qualification | Duration | Intake |
Diploma in Pastoral Leadership (non-NZQA) | Full-time: 3 years | February |
Certificate, Diploma or Degree (NZQA accredited) | Completed within the same timeframe as the Diploma in Pastoral Leadership | February, July |
Fees
The cost for one year of the Diploma in Pastoral Leadership is $1600 inclusive of 15% GST. A fee subsidy is available for students from Baptist churches (special conditions apply).
Fees for NZQA courses are listed separately on each programme page. Information relating to payment and important dates can be viewed by clicking on the button below.

“Have you ever considered there might be a call of God on your own life?” Those were the words that changed my life. I was an elder in my church and providing pastoral team leadership while we were between pastors. I arrived at Carey with questions about my calling as a Pastor. Throughout my study I was given meaningful opportunities to wrestle with God, resulting in a solid and deep conviction that God does have a call on my life to serve Him in pastoral ministry.”
– Monique Lee, Graduate, Bachelor of Applied Theology & Diploma in Pastoral Leadership
Related Programmes
Our leadership and ministry formation tracks are completed alongside our NZQA accredited programmes.
Bachelor of Applied Theology
Be transformed with a robust and challenging theological education in this three-year full-time programme (part-time options available).
Graduate Diploma of Applied Theology
Grow in depth in your Christian faith and understanding while remaining in your place of work in this flexible programme for students with an undergraduate degree (one year full-time, up to four years part-time).
New Zealand Diploma in Christian Studies
Be formed and changed in your understanding of theology and biblical foundations in this one year full-time programme (part-time options available).