The Diploma in Christian Studies (Christian Leadership) (Level 6) is a 1 year, full-time programme. It is designed for those in ministry and/or church leadership positions, or who are ready for a senior management or leadership position, both within the Elim movement and in other churches throughout New Zealand.
The aim of this programme is to produce Christian leaders who have both theoretical understanding and operational skills required to undertake a senior position within a church or church agency.
Transferable skills form a core part of this programme. These include project management, leadership, emotional intelligence, communication, critical analysis, reflection and evaluation. Interns will practically apply these core skills in order to be equipped to operate at a senior level as well as growing their employment opportunities.
Interns will learn how to:
- Apply an in-depth understanding of the theology and biblical foundations.
- Strengthen their own relationship with God.
- Lead and manage all aspects of a major project, applying their learning directly into their ministry area.
- Evaluate and respond to the needs and responsibilities required in their own setting.
- Make good strategic decisions to accomplish project goals.
Interns will:
- Participate in online lectures provided by experienced ministry leaders.
- Work independently in their own unique ministry context under the guidance of an experienced supervisor and mentor.
- Undertake a major project throughout the year.
- Participate in online forum discussions.
- Complete assessments that apply their learning in practical ways.
- Attend two 4-day block courses in Auckland.
- Attend one online learning block.
- Have the opportunity to grow in knowledge, skills and attitudes required of those in a senior Christian ministry situation.
In undertaking this programme interns will commit to:
- 2 x 2-hr live online lectures per week (Wednesdays, 9.00-11.00am and 12noon – 2pm)
- 1 x 1-hr tutorial online per week (Tuesdays, 9-10am)
- 15 hrs per week ministry in their local church
- 13 hrs per week self-directed study and assessments
- 2 x 4-day live-in block courses in Auckland (usually February and May/June)
- 1 x 3-day learning block (August online am only)
- Interns are also expected to attend and serve at Elim’s ONE Conference, held annually usually in late September.
Programme content
This programme is made up of the following courses, each of which runs for 2 semesters and all of which are compulsory.
| Semesters 1 & 2 | |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 40 Credits |
| Exemplary Leadership | 40 Credits |
| Ministry in Practice | 20 Credits |
| Personal Growth | 20 Credits |
| 120 Credits | |
View details of the content of these courses here.
Entry requirements
- NZ Diploma in Christian Studies (Level 5) or equivalent, or meet the criteria for recognition of prior learning.
- As this is an internship programme, entry will be dependent on having an approved supervisor and mentor and gaining approval from the Lead Pastor of the church where the internship will take place.
International students
In ADDITION to the entry requirements above, the conditions of acceptance for international students are:
- A completed online application form.
- A current student visa or limited purpose visa with a current variation to conditions.
- A minimum English Language IELTS (Academic) 5.5 or equivalent.
- A valid travel and medical insurance policy (proof of which must accompany application form).
Find out more for International Students here.