Diploma in Intercultural Studies (Level 6)

Applicants should have:

• Completed the Diploma in Intercultural Studies (Level 5)
  or Equivalent Qualification
  or can demonstrate equivalent cross-cultural ministry experience
• A Christian testimony of faith in Jesus Christ
• A membership of, and at least one year’s involvement in, a local church or assembly
• The commendation of the local church
• Evidence that they can undertake a course of intensive study and practical activity, i.e.:
  • The successful completion of a course of secular study or training
  • Satisfactory performance in regular employment
  • Physical fitness
• Willingness for cross-cultural mission service
• Be at least 18 years of age in the year of commencement of study

For International Students a minimum English Language IELTS (Academic) 6.0 or equivalent is required. For more information regarding English language requirements please visit our Admissions page.

Leadership – 15 credits

This single component 15 credit course aims to provide learners with the knowledge and skill to apply management and leadership skills within a ministry or volunteer environment with specific focus on church, para-church and multi-cultural organisation contexts. The course will include an exploration of Biblical examples and principles, contemporary examples, concepts and practices helpful to a leader in a multi-cultural and Christian context.

The main objective of the course is that each learner will reflect on the strengths
and expectations of a leader and process their own potential for leadership and
gain insights as to what form that may take.

This 15 credit course aims to develop the learner knowledge and skill in relation to the various hermeneutical approaches to Scripture, including biblical exegesis and genre-sensitive interpretation. It is offered as a single component.

This 15 credit course aims to explore the development of Christian ethics and theologies and apply these within a leadership capacity to diverse cultures and societies. The course consists of the following two components:

Ethics – 5 credits

How do we demonstrate a God-centered ethic as a missionary in today’s world? We will look at ethics from a biblical theological perspective, survey different ethical systems and present a Biblical model for ethics. The component presents you with a Christian framework of values and ethics to live out in a multi-cultural world and grapples with contemporary issues facing the cross-cultural worker.

Theology II – 10 credits

This component considers how the global church contributes to a global theology. It explores how God’s revelation, particularly the Scriptures, is perceived, expressed and applied in various contexts around the world including Asia, Africa, South America, North America and the Middle East.

This 15 credit course aims to review and reflect on the historical development of ministry and the requirements and issues of contemporary ministry through a biblical worldview. The course consists of the following two components

Missions and Church History – 10 credits

This component is an overview of the spread and impact of the church from its beginnings in Jerusalem to its global dimensions in the twenty-first century. We will study movements, events and significant characters with a view to understanding how the church developed its belief and practice, and fulfilled its mandate to “go into all the world”. We will also consider the globalization of the church and current trends which are changing the landscape of missions, as the context of the students’ own future service.

Contemporary Missions – 5 credits

This component takes up a current issue in contemporary missions, and the component content will vary from year to year.

This 20 credit course aims to equip and empower those working in Christian ministry so they can reflect critically on their personal faith journey, professional development, and their ministry practice. The course consists of the following three components

Spiritual Formation II – 5 credits

This component is designed to make students aware of the spiritual challenges that will face  them in living cross-culturally in Christian ministry. It is aimed at developing skills for maintaining spiritual vitality and becoming intentional in spiritual growth.

Community Development – 5 credits

This component aims to to equip and empower those working in Christian ministry, in the context of a developing community, and for their practice to be informed by their personal faith. The component aims to give the student a deeper understanding and framework of the underlying challenges facing communities in a developing context, as well as work in such a way that will see a long-term benefit and ownership to the community.

Internship – 10 credits

This component is an opportunity to serve under a mature Christian leader for a limited period. The component will provide practical and spiritual development to students so they can understand, lead and manage within a Christian community.

This 20 credit course aims to introduce learners to the the process of starting and developing churches with particular focus on the cross-cultural context. The course includes a focus on theoretical models and strategies required for indigenous church planting.The course consists of two components

Cultural Anthropology – 10 credits

This component is an introduction to cultural anthropology with special emphasis on insights and tools that aid intercultural mission work. We will learn to analyze culture, from worldview to patterns of behavior, paying particular attention to those aspects which affect intercultural ministry and communication of the Christian message (e.g. leadership style, ethics, sin, shame, spiritual power). We will consider the influence of culture on our interpretation of Scripture, the communication of the Gospel, and Christian living. We will explore how to contextualize the gospel message and one’s ministry in a manner that is based on both the authority of Scripture and an adequate understanding of the cultural context. We will develop an appreciation of other cultures and skills to learn from others about their context.

Church Planting – 10 credits

This component overviews the process of starting churches and their consequent maturation and growth. Particular focus is placed on the challenges of planting indigenous churches in a cross cultural context. The component provides a biblical basis for church planting and develops a biblical ecclesiology. The component will address significant theoretical issues before introducing models and strategies needed for indigenous church planting.

This 20 credit course aims to provide learners with the opportunity to develop effective ministry practice for personal and spiritual development. The course consists of the following two components.

Care Group Leadership – 10 credits

For this component the learner will lead a pastoral care group and be involved in the teaching and care of the members of the group they are leading during an academic year.

Team Ministry Leadership – 10 credits

This component is a practicum and an integral part of a student’s learning and development. Each student will be assigned to a specific Ministry Team to work together with a staff trainer sharing part of the leadership of the ministry. Staff trainers and those leading the local ministries encourage, guide, connect and teach students in the practical application of theory learned in the classroom. Working in teams, and where possible in a multi-cultural context, is also emphasised.

Teams who are working with existing churches, missions and organisations are to strictly abide by the guidelines and directions of these ministries.