Introduction

The main goal of this two year study programme is to empower the ministry leader with the tools to support the growth and maturing of the Christian church. The programme will focus on deepening the understanding of theology and Christian doctrine, the study of religion, Christian leadership and understanding of some of the spiritual and the practical dynamics of ministry, and the application of scripture in the present. The diploma will also include a practical project in ministry. The second part of the certificate will consists of modules for in-service training in the various ministries of the church, such as church administration, music ministry, Sunday school and youth ministry. Each topic will cover ten weeks of sessions.

Each course will be covered over a period of ten weeks each, with a break of 2 weeks between each Course. An assessment will be undertaken at the end of each course.

Courses

Part I (Year 1)

D101 Bible Study Methods - this is a course which will teach you methods and tools to study the bible. The sessions will focus on the value of studying, interpreting and understanding the bible, and applying God's word in your life and sharing it with others.

D102 Introduction to the Biblical Doctrine - This course will take us through the foundational truths of the Christian faith, including the Word of God, the Nature of God and His subjects, the doctrine of salvation, the church and the end times.

D103 Survey of the Old Testament - The study of the Old Testament will start with the creation, and how God began to reveal himself to man to the establishment of His people and the promised land. Will also look at the works of the judges, prophets and kings, and how God taught His people obedience, salvation and restoration as well as lay the basis for our understanding the New Testament.

D104 Survey of the New Testament - The course begins with an account of the Jesus life and Ministry as written in the gospels, followed by the beginning and expansion of the church, and the prophesies of the end of times.

Part II (Year 2)

D105 The Christian Church - Learn about the role of the church in the redemptive plan of God starting with the great commission, the sending of the Holy Spirit, the ministry gifts, and the caring of the flock.

D106 Ethics in Ministry - The course presents a biblical model for ethics in today's world through a survey of various ethical systems and provide learners with a biblical framework of values, ethics and decision-making in their personal lives, church ministry.

Two Compulsory Electives - In addition to the core topics, students on the diploma will have to choose two compulsory elective courses from the list below. Those electives are designed to prepare for specific areas of ministry in the church.

PE902 Project - The individual project will focus on one or more topics covered in this course and will need to demonstrate application in the ministry and church.

Electives

PE910 Teaching and Preaching - This elective provides an introduction to the ministry, scriptural qualifications for the ministry, and the method, tools and techniques used in both preaching and teaching. There will also be a focus on preparation, gathering, arranging and communicating God's word.

PE911 Leading Worship & Praise - Leading worship and praise is an important ministry for any vibrant church. The elective will focus on the biblical foundations for worship and praise, and then start to explore song leading skills, choir and band management, basic music arrangement, orchestration and technology.

PE912 Pastoral Care and Counseling - This elective will introduce the principles, ethics and techniques, including a focus on understanding scripture in current social contexts, through what makes a good counselor and listener. Will learn how to apply scripture in caring, healing and restoration of broken souls.

PE913 Sunday School - A much needed course for a very specialized ministry as it serves to establish the foundation of God's love and purpose. The course will focus on the biblical principles of pedagogy, starting and planning Sunday School, and also include preparing, presenting lessons using established tools and techniques.

PE914 Youth Ministry - This elective explores the development of teenagers in relation to spiritual growth, examines contemporary issues faced by young people and develop a method and agenda of engagement and empowerment for Christian youths.

PE915 Prayer and Intercession - Having a calling to prayer and intercession, this elective will equip you in understanding of the role and the power of intercession and prayer, a knowledge of various scriptural models of prayer and how being led by the Holy Spirit in terms of hearing God's voice.

PE916 Church Administration and Finance - The orderly and proper functioning of the church that is God-centred, led by the Holy Spirit and implemented with a servant heart is the focus of this elective. The course will explore principles, methods and tools that will assist church members in their task of adding clarity, order, accountability, and efficiency to church organization, so that people are better equipped to best serve in a way that honors God and grow the Kingdom. Managing God's finances on the basis of scripture will be emphasized with focus on fund raising and management, nonprofit accounting, financial policies and investment.

Minimum Entry Requirements:

The minimum entry requirement for the course will be Secondary School or S5 completion Certificate and an Advanced Certificate in Bible Studies. Applicants wishing to obtain recognition of prior learning (RPL) will need to follow the appropriate procedures specified on the Enrollment page.