Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry

The Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry (BCMin) degree is designed to help you prepare for Christian vocation by combining career training with spiritual development. The BCMin is designed for the Church of the 21st Century: a church that promotes social justice, relates to the global community and encourages new ways to worship God and engage today’s youth.

Structure

The BCMin is made up of a total of 24 papers (15 credits each, for a total of 360 cedits).  Every programme for this award shall include:

- Christian Studies Major (8 papers, compulsory) AND

- Pastoral Ministry Major (8 papers) OR 2 x Minors (4 papers each, Pastoral Ministry, Leadership, Biblical Studies, Theology)

- Elective Subjects (8 papers)

Christian Studies Major (Compulsory)

The Christian Studies Major forms the core of the BCMin award. It is aimed at developing in students a solid understanding of the Christian faith (biblically, historically & theologically), with well-informed ethical principles and founded on disciplines of Christian spirituality.  It consists of the following papers:

• Narrative of the First Testament (BIB101)
• Writings of the New Testament (BIB102)
• Understanding the Faith(THE101)
• Biblical Hermeneutics (BIB201)
• Personal and Public Ethics (THE205)
• Christian Spirituality and Vocation (SPI201)
• 1 x Theology Paper (300 level)
• 1 x Biblical or Theology Paper (300 level)

Pastoral Ministry Major

The traditional core of Christian ministry education has been to train professional ministers and pastors. The BCMin continues this core focus in serving churches by providing equipped ministers. The Pastoral Ministry Major specialises in providing students with a systematic and coherent approach to pastoral formation and practice. The specialization will include outlining approaches to the theory of pastoral ministry, as well as opportunities for developing pastoral ministry skills and workplace experience. 

Biblical Studies Minor

The Biblical Studies Minor provides students the opportunity to delve deeper within the biblical text, improving their exegetical skills and understanding.

Theology Minor

The Theology Minor provides students the opportunity to delve deeper into theological understandings of Christian doctrines, foundations of faith, spirituality and their context.

Leadership Minor

The Leadership Minor aims to provide students with an understanding of the theory of leadership, as well as how to develop leadership and management skills, with opportunities for leadership growth and workplace experience.

Pastoral Ministry Minor

The Pastoral Ministry Minor specialises in providing students with the theories for pastoral formation and practice. Opportunities for developing pastoral ministry skills and workplace experience are also included.

Length Of Programme

• Full-Time: 3 Years (4 papers per semester)
• Part-Time: Up to 6 Years (average of 2 papers per semester)

Delivery Modes

• Face-to-Face (weekly 3 hour lectures)
• Intensive (4-5 days of lectures delivered within a one week period)
• Extensive (4-5 days lectures delivered across a Semester period)
• Online Delivery (distance learning)

How to Apply

To apply for admission to the Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry please download the application form.

This degree is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education Act 1989, and Alphacrucis is accredited to offer it.

I raro I ngā tikanga o te Ture Mātauranga 1989, kua whakaae ate kaupapa whakaakoranga e to Mana Tohu Mātauranga o Aotearoa, a kua whakamanatia a Alphacrucis ki te whakaako I taua kaupapa whakaakoranga.

Entry Requirements

IELTS

International students will, generally, require an overall band of 6.5 or higher in IELTS (academic), with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing.

Academic Entry Requirements

NZ Citizens and Permanent Residents (with English as their first language): Candidates for the BCMin must fulfil the requirements for entrance into a New Zealand University or apply under Mature Age provisions. University Entrance Requirements 1. Bursaries Examination: Up to and including 1986: an aggregate total of 160 marks in four subjects. From 1987 to 1992: four individual subjects with D grades or higher. (Practical Art up to 1988 counts as two subjects for this purpose). From 1993: three individual subjects with C grades or higher plus Higher School Certificate, or an 'A' or 'B' Bursary. 2. UE gained before 1986. 3. Up to and including 1992, a combination of credits, in a minimum of four subjects, gained from UE before 1986 and/or Bursaries Examinations since. A credit required a mark of at least 40% in 1986 or a D grade or higher from 1987 on. (Practical Art up to 1988 counts as two subjects for this purpose). 4. From 1993: a combination of credits in three individual subjects in the Bursaries Examination plus Higher School Certificate. 5. From 2005, NCEA: a minimum of 42 credits at Level 3 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). NQF credits can be gained either from unit standards or from achievement standards. The required number of credits must include a minimum of 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in each of two subjects from the approved subject list, with a further 14 credits at Level 3 or higher taken from no more than two additional approved subjects or domains on the NQF. In addition a minimum of 14 credits at Level 1 or higher in Mathematics on the NQF and a minimum of four credits in Reading and four credits in Writing at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Maori are required. The Reading and Writing credits need to be selected from a schedule of approved achievement and unit standards. 6. A qualification from another New Zealand tertiary institution at Level 5 or above. NZ Citizens and Permanent Residents (who do not have English as their first language): In addition to the requirements for NZ Citizens and Permanent Residents (above), students in this category must fulfil English language requirements. International students will, generally, require an overall band of 6.5 or higher in IELTS (academic), with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing.

Professional Entry Requirements

Mature Age Entry A person who does not hold a university entrance qualification but who is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and is aged 20+ years on or before the first day of semester in which a proposed programme of study is offered is eligible to apply for Special Admission.

Fees

Complete Fee Schedules and FEE-HELP information (where appropriate) for all Alphacrucis courses can be found in our Documents section, under the Fees and FEE-HELP Information link.

Pastor Kerry Gordon (faculty profile)

Units offered as part of this Award:

BIB201 - Biblical Hermeneutics

Description: This paper introduces students to basic principles of genre sensitive biblical interpretation, including the ability to use grammatical and lexical tools, based on an elementary understanding of biblical languages. The paper also seeks to make contemporary application of the biblical text.  Unit detail page >>

BIB210 - The Pentateuch

Description: This paper examines the literary and ideological themes and structures evident in the Pentateuch, with particular focus on the world it constructs and the influences it exerts on the remainder of the First Testament and modern culture Unit detail page >>

BIB216 - Wisdom Literature

Description: This paper examines the wisdom literature of the OT by redefining ‘wisdom’ itself in the light of the scribal, cultic and cultural practices of Israel and its ‘neighbours,’ but also in the light of the more formal qualities of the texts themselves  Unit detail page >>

BIB217 - The Minor Prophets

Description: This paper examines the book of the Twelve (Prophets) as a collage, with particular emphasis given to the themes, rhetoric and portrayals of Yahweh.   Unit detail page >>

BIB254 - The Johannines

Description: Highlighting the way in which the symbolism and theology of the Fourth Gospel and the Johannine Letters draw on the First Testament intertextually, a bridge is built between First Testament and New Testament, bringing greater focus to the student’s reading of the Christian Bible.  Unit detail page >>

BIB255 - The Prison Epistles

Description: This paper examines the so-called Prison or Captivity letters ascribed to Paul; Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. The issues of pseudonymity, literary dependency and the various world-views developed from the text(s) are examined.  Unit detail page >>

BIB256 - The Pastoral Epistles

Description: To examine the so-called Pastoral letters ascribed to Paul; 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. The issues of pseudonymity, literary dependency and the various world-views developed from the text(s) are examined  Unit detail page >>

BIB312 - Isaiah

Description: This paper is a detailed examination of the specific text(s) of Isaiah. It provides an advanced study of reading prophetic literature.  Unit detail page >>

BIB313 - Esther

Description: This paper is an examination of the book of Esther and its narrative world.  Unit detail page >>

BIB351 - Luke-Acts: A Pentecostal Perspective

Description: This paper provides an investigation of the Lukan material, his continuation of salvation history, and critiques the contemporary Pentecostal use of the same.  Unit detail page >>

BIB352 - Romans Galatians and Paul's Narrative World

Description: An examination of Romans with the epistolary and rhetorical conventions that dictate its message. After the “New Perspective” is examined through Galatians, the paper then moves from the particularity of the letters to the generality of Pauline worldview, and the constraints posed by the epistolary mode itself.  Unit detail page >>

BIB353 - Corinthian Correspondence

Description: To examine Paul’s strategies used in overcoming the specific problems among the Corinthian Christians from a Pentecostal perspective. Special application is made to comparable situations in modern Pentecostalism, and how Paul’s answers may in fact be addressing us.  Unit detail page >>

BIB355 - Revelation

Description: The paper will provide students with the exegetical tools needed to allow them to interpret and apply the message of John’s apocalypse.  We will explore the contours of John’s thought and message, situating them within the world of the Greco-Roman empire and the rapidly growing phenomenon of early Christianity.  We will  also explore the history, theology and the significance of this literary piece for contemporary discipleship.     Unit detail page >>

BIB356 - Thessalonians

Description: The paper will provide students with the exegetical tools needed to allow them to interpret and apply the meaning and message of Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians.  We will explore the contours of Paul’s letters, situating them within the world of the Greco-Roman empire and the rapid growing phenomenon of early Christianity.  This will be an exploration of history, theology and the significance of these letters for contemporary discipleship.   Unit detail page >>

BIB357 - The First Epistle of Peter

Description: Examine the first epistle of Peter in detail; more specifically to investigate issues of history and theology in this letter as well as what this tells us about Christianity in Asia Minor in the first century.   Unit detail page >>

CCM304 - World Religions: Understanding and Engaging with People of World Religions

Description: This paper provides an overview of the development, practices and beliefs of the world’s religions in order that the contemporary Christian might respond to the cultural and theological challenges they present and engage with their adherents with understanding and respect. Unit detail page >>

HIS101 - History of Christianity

Description: This introductory paper covers key turning points in Christian history from Christ to the contemporary era, with a view to providing a basis for future historical and theological studies.  Unit detail page >>

LEA302 - Strategic Thinking and Planning

Description: This paper aims to introduce students to strategic thinking for organisational planning. While this is an extensive area, it is important for students to grasp the need for clarity of thinking, the holding of clear objectives, and the value of proactivity rather than reactivity, flexibility, coordination, commitment and operation from a secure base.  Unit detail page >>

MAN210 - Legal and Governance Issues for Christian Leadership

Description: With the massive growth in law suits, sexual abuse cases and the like, the legal and constitutional context of churches is an essential part of pastoral formation. This paper aims to raise an awareness of the importance for church life of the legal and regulatory environment in which Christian leaders (both in church employ and in profit/ non-profit pursuits) have to act    Unit detail page >>

MIN202 - Contemporary Preaching

Description: This paper applies the foundational theological and biblical concepts of the first year of study to the craft of preaching. The challenges posed to contemporary preaching by our postmodern cultural context and the dynamics of mediating renewal of the mind through preaching are addressed. Unit detail page >>

MIN203 - Ministry Internship 1

Outcomes:

Students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the process of theological reflection
2. Explain the competencies required for effective ministry
3. Identify and describe the skill level appropriate for their ministry experience
4. Analysepersonal actions in ministry through theological reflection
5. Discover and discuss the value of feedback found in  a mentoring relationship 

Unit detail page >>

MIN204 - The Healing Ministry of the Church

Description: This subject addresses the phenomena and significance of healing in the life and ministry of the Christian church. Particular attention is given to the precursors and pioneers of the 20th century ‘Healing Revival’ in America and Australia. This course also aims to sharpen the student’s commitment to prayer for healing.  Unit detail page >>

MIN205 - Lifespan Development and Formation

Description: This paper explores theories of development and influences on people of all ages from children through to the 'golden years'. Discusses the contexts of  family, community and culture and the changes that occur during the lifespan. Unit detail page >>

MIN213 - Women and Christian Ministry

Outcomes:

Students should be able to:

 

1.      Critically evaluate the sociological and religious factors affecting gender roles throughout church           history

2.      Identify the effectiveness of key Christian Women over time

3.      Analyse the contexts in which female leaders operate in churches

4.      Engage critically with some of the significant writings of key  Christian women

5.      Examine the place of women in contemporary  church ministries

       6.      Construct a personal philosophy of women in ministry

Unit detail page >>

MIN214 - Developing Women Leaders

Description: This paper examines the obstacles and challenges for women in leadership . It examines leadership theory from the perspective of women’s participation and seeks strategies for the development of women into leadership and management roles Unit detail page >>

MIN302 - Discipleship

Description: This subject examines the importance of discipleship to create mature Christians. It will examine it from biblical, theological, and historical perspectives. As well as discuss and critique different discipleship models for the church today.  Unit detail page >>

MIN303* - Ministry Internship 2

Description: This paper builds upon Ministry Internship I (MIN2043), incorporating learning experiences at a practical level as well as giving opportunity to further reflect on both the practice and theory of ministry. This reflection occurs with an appointed mentor as well as the formal classroom situation. The mentoring would be with experienced ordained pastors or those in recognisedspecialist ministries Unit detail page >>

MIN304 - Church in Society

Description: This paper incorporates learning experiences at theological, sociological and practical levels with opportunity to develop a strategic template for church ministry in 21st century society. Unit detail page >>

MIN305 - Church Planting

Description: This subject provides insight into biblical, historical and contemporary models of church planting as well as the social and spiritual dynamics of church planting Unit detail page >>

RES201 - Critical Thinking for Undergraduate Students

Description: This paper explains the nature and process of critical thinking and the process necessary for academic writing. Students will learn how to structure arguments and research for assignments. Unit detail page >>

SOC201 - Theology of Social Engagement

Description: This paper provides a biblical theology of holistic mission that takes seriously the responsibility of the Church to address issues of justice and poverty.  It argues that the good news of the Kingdom of God has vital implications for social institutions and cultural values, and explores various ways in which the church can respond Unit detail page >>

SPI201 - Christian Spirituality and Vocation

Description: This paper explains a range of both traditional and contemporary expressions of spirituality including Pentecostal movements and explores the various approaches throughout history to vocation and calling. Spiritual disciplines are discussed and applied. Unit detail page >>

THE - Pastoral Theology

Description: This paper discusses the theological issues involved in pastoral ministry at an advanced level in light of growing practical and theoretical experience. Unit detail page >>

THE202 - Christ and Salvation

Description: This paper aims to demonstrate and formulate a thorough knowledge of doctrine concerning the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ. Unit detail page >>

THE204 - Pentecostal Pneumatology

Description: This paper, which builds upon Understanding the Faith, examines the biblical foundations and historical developments in respect to the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, a key area in Pentecostal theology and practice.  Unit detail page >>

THE205 - Personal and Public Ethics.

Description: This paper is designed to explore theological and philosophical bases of ethical decision making, and to facilitate guided reflection on personal morality and societal ethical issues.  Unit detail page >>

THE301 - Triune God and Creation

Outcomes:

Students should be able to:

• Outline the historical development and contemporary formulations of the doctrines of God and creation. This includes consideration of other Christian perspectives and understandings
• Analyse various understandings of the being and attributes of God
• Discuss various conceptions of the nature of humanity
• Identify the interdependence between humanity and the whole of creation
• Explain the connection between these doctrines and our understanding of spirituality, Church and worship, and society

Unit detail page >>

THE304 - Theology and Popular Culture

Outcomes:

Students should be able to:

1. Analyse the way in which the mediums of popular culture provide a window into the values and meanings that frame life in a globalized world
2. Explain and apply hermeneutical tools for the purpose of understanding the meanings conveyed in film, television and contemporary music
3. Discuss theological concepts, themes and issues expressed through the various mediums of pop culture
4. Assess the potential and use film, television and music in the prophetic task of proclaiming the gospel for the contemporary church

Unit detail page >>