New Zealand Certificate in Christian Studies (Child & Family Leadership)

Course Outline

For learners who are interested in the Child and Family Leadership training, the Certificate can be taken with the following course options:

• Reflective Field Education (6 month field education course) OR Contextual Theological Praxis (1 full-year field education course)
• Children’s Ministry
• Family and New Zealand Society

If you choose to complete the Reflective Field Education (6 months), you can then choose one additional course. Options include:

• Introduction to Pastoral Care
• Foundation of Youth Ministry
• Worship: Then and Now
• Introduction to the New Testament
• Thinking Theologically

The total courses can build into a higher NZQA approved qualification (for example, NZ Diploma in Christian Studies, Bachelor of Applied Theology, Graduate Diploma of Applied Theology) or you can stop at the four and gain the New Zealand Certificate in Christian Studies.

Reflective Field Education

The Reflective Field Education course is based on the reading-action-reflection model of internship. This strives for a mutual enrichment of study and ministry to shape imaginative servants who will embody redemptive Christian leadership in their communities.

Formational components of the Field Education include:

• Weekly ministry praxis in your own church setting
• Fortnightly meetings with an experienced supervisor
• Regular online reflections with other students
• Evaluation, feedback and support from Carey’s Field Education Coordinator

Offered in both Semester 1 and Semester 2

15 credits

Or the full year option is Contextual Theological Praxis for 30 credits

Family and New Zealand Society 2021

This course examines the family, and family life, in contemporary New Zealand from theological, biblical and sociological perspectives. Students are challenged to think through the implications of such perspectives and family trends in New Zealand for church life and ministry. Topics covered include family trends and make up in New Zealand, life stages, discipleship, family ministry and missional engagement.

It’s designed to address the issues facing families today and their implications for church ministry. It is highly relevant for anyone in a ministry or community context.

Assessments include: online reflections, a book review and two essays.

15 credits

Children's Ministry Course (next offered in 2022)

Equip yourself to be more effective in your Children’s Ministry.

This highly interactive course explores the biblical and theological foundations, current trends, and relevant issues in ministry to children and their families within a local church context. It investigates theory and praxis for faith development issues and formulates a rationale for ministry with children .

Next offered in Semester Two, 2022.