Our one year Certificate IV in Ministry programs is the perfect place to start your training adventure. By building a solid biblical foundation combined with exciting leadership and ministry training with lots of hands-on opportunities to put what you learn in to practice, this course sets you up to make a real difference in the ministry team of your local church.

Core Subjects are done by all students and build a foundation of bible, doctrine personal leadership and ministry teamwork.

Everyone chooses a Stream that gives them focused training in their ministry of passion and calling.

Practicum is where each student gets to turn their classroom learning into real ministry skill through hands-on experience in an area of ministry in Hillsong Church.

General leadership and ministry skills are developed through our Core Subjects, which all students complete. In addition, students also choose one of our five streams, and complete all of their stream’s subjects, to develop their specialised ministry skills. The Core and Stream subjects deliver units of competence drawn from a range of Australian government and industry-recognised Training Packages and Courses.

Duration
One year (two semesters) full-time.

Ministry Training
Our first year program builds a basic foundation of biblical teaching and principles for ministry coupled with practical experience and market-place skills across streams. It trains you with the skills you need to work in a ministry team setting in a local church or Christian organisation, for example:

• A small group leader
• A youth team worker
• A worship team vocalist or musician
• An assistant leader in a kids or student team
• A member of a Christian dance team
• A camera operator
• A sound desk operator

The course also trains you with the skills needed in marketplace careers in the same field as your Stream’s ministry specialisation.

Our study program takes place in a variety of settings including lecture-style classes, group-work, presentation, self-directed learning activities, workshops, tutorials and work-based training. Assessment methods include written assignments, reports and journals, oral and written presentations, ministry observation, performances, portfolios, tests, and work-place feedback.

After successfully completing your first year of study you are eligible to receive a Certificate IV in Ministry. This gives you entry into the Diploma of Ministry course, the second year of our program.

Students are entitled to receive each award at the conclusion of each qualification. However most of our students elect to receive all of their awards together at our public graduation ceremony at the completion of all their studies

Click here for the fees and costs

Year 1 Subjects

Core SubjectsPastoral Leadership StreamWorship Music StreamDance StreamTV and MediaProduction StreamPracticum

If you’re going to serve Jesus, there are some things you just have to know. Core Subjects are done by all students and build a foundation of bible, doctrine personal leadership and ministry teamwork that can be applied in a wide range of life and ministry settings.

New Testament Introduction The books, themes and events of the New Testament in their cultural and historical context are introduced along with their application and relevance today. (48 hours | MINBIB401B Complete and apply a study based on the Biblical material to own life)

Old Testament Introduction The books, themes and events of the Old Testament in their cultural and historical context are introduced along with their application and relevance today. (48 hours | MINBIB401B Complete and apply a study based on the Biblical material to own life)

Christian Doctrine This subject identifies and explores a number of the major doctrines of the Bible, with the goal of building a solid foundation of truth for Christian life and ministry. (40 hours | MINTHY401B Identify and apply foundational theological concepts of Christianity)

Spirit-Filled Living The person and work of the Holy Spirit is introduced including an investigation of the baptism in the Spirit, spiritual gifts and ministering in the power of the Holy Spirit. (16 hours | MINLED401B Demonstrate Christian disciplines and spirituality)

Personal Leadership This subject introduces principles of spiritual leadership and is designed to assist the student in building godly character in to their life as a Christian leader, both spiritually and practically. It covers critical issues including, integrity, core values, healthy living, relationships and finance. (48 hours + 22 hours practicum | MINLED401B Demonstrate Christian disciplines and spirituality & MINLED402B Manage personal and ministry priorities holistically)

Personal Evangelism This subject is customised to equip students with the skills and understanding to effectively share the Gospel in a wide range of settings, from personal relationship to the public sphere. (16 hours | MINLED401B Demonstrate Christian disciplines and spirituality)

Teamwork This subject trains the student with the necessary skills and knowledge to work successfully in a team setting. (32 hours + 39 hours practicum | MINLED402B Manage personal and ministry priorities holistically & CHCORG303B Participate effectively in the work environment 1)

Communication in Ministry This subject trains the student with the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to successfully communicate in ministry settings. (32 hours + 71 hours practicum | CHCORG303B Participate effectively in the work environment 1)

Church and Ministry A wide range of aspects of church ministry and culture are introduced from a biblical basis including how we make church relevant today. (16 hours + 80 hours practicum | MINLED405B Describe and contribute to effective Christian ministry)

• Diploma

Build your leadership
Our Diploma program will take your leadership training to the next level. By building on what you learned in your first year, your understanding of the Bible and theology will continue to expand. You’ll now start adding team and people leadership to your ministry skillset, whilst continuing to grow in your area of ministry. All this while continuing to put what you’re learning in to practice in ways that make a real impact.

Entry Requirement: Certificate IV in Ministry
Core Subjects: 240 hours
Stream Subjects: 240 hours
Practicum: 240 hours

Core Subjects are done by all students, and now enlarge their understanding and skills in bible, theology, team leadership and ministry to people.

Everyone chooses a Stream that further develops their expertise in their ministry of passion and calling.

Practicum is where each student continues to grow by turning their classroom learning into real leadership skill through hands-on experience in an area of ministry in Hillsong Church.

Duration
One year (two semesters) full-time.

Leadership Training
Our second year program enlarges your knowledge of biblical teaching and theology, while starting to develop your team and people leadership skills. It also allows you to further develop expertise in your chosen area of ministry. Put it all together and our Diploma program trains you with the skills you need to lead a ministry team, or exert leadership within a local church or Christian organisation, for example:

• A youth team leader
• A worship leader,
• A music or vocal director.
• An leader in a kids or student team
• A team leader in a church video team
• Lead a discipleship group
• Lead a community outreach or social justice team
• Run church events
• Coach young songwriters

The course also trains you with the skills needed in marketplace careers in the same field as your Stream’s ministry specialisation.

Innovative Learning Environment
Our study program takes place in a variety of settings including lecture-style classes, group-work, presentation, self-directed learning activities, workshops, tutorials and work-based training. Assessment methods include written assignments, reports and journals, oral and written presentations, ministry observation, performances, portfolios, tests, and work-place feedback.

At the end of your second year
After successfully completing your second year of study you are eligible to receive a Diploma of Ministry. This gives you entry into the Advanced Diploma of Ministry course, the third year of our program. And through our articulation arrangement with Alpha Crucis, the Diploma also gives you one year’s advanced standing in their Bachelor of Theology program.

Graduation
Students are entitled to receive each award at the conclusion of each qualification. However most of our students elect to receive all of their awards together at our public graduation ceremony at the completion of all their studies.

Fees & Costs
Click here for the fees and costs

Year 2 Subjects

Core SubjectsPastoral Leadership StreamWorship MusicTV and Media StreamPracticum

Taking your Core studies further, these subjects will further strengthen your understanding of the Bible and theology, while adding key leadership skills to your ministry toolkit, so you can start empowering others to make a difference.

Old Testament Studies An in-depth look at key text in the Old Testament, focusing on Exodus and Psalms, analysing and interpreting major themes and applying them to a contemporary ministry. This subject builds upon the bible study skills you developed in first year by developing some basic exegetical skills appropriate for reading Old Testament texts accurately. (40 hours | MINBIB501B Interpret and apply the Bible)

New Testament Studies An in-depth look at key books and genres in the New Testament, focusing on Paul’s letter to the Romans and The Gospel of Luke. It will delve more deeply in to the cultural and historical settings of both books as it helps you cultivate some early exegetical skills that you can apply to the close study of other books of the New Testament. It will also help you analyse how you might apply these texts to contemporary Christian life and ministry. (40 hours | MINBIB501B Interpret and apply the Bible)

Pastoral Care This subject equips the student with the skills necessary to identify and effectively deal with pastoral care issues that arise in a ministry setting. These topics include: identifying issues, effective consultation and referral, overview of key pastoral issues, such as grief and loss, relational issues and crisis care. It will also help you think through the biblical and theological dimensions of caring for people so that you can grapple with many of the difficult issues that come up in pastoral ministry. (32 hours | MINPST501B Interpret and apply pastoral theology in a ministry setting)

Theology This subject builds on the concepts and skills you developed in Christian Doctrine and Church History in your first year. It discusses and develops major theological concepts, seeing how they developed through church history, and explores the diversity of theological viewpoints across a range of Christian traditions. The strengths and weaknesses of different positions will be assessed, along with their implications for life and ministry in a modern-day church setting. (40 hours | MINTHY501B Interpret and apply theological concepts)

Team Leadership One of the steps up into your second year is level of leadership responsibility you will be trained to carry. In this subject you will be equipped with the understanding and diverse skills you need to lead and build teams in a ministry environment. It will help you build your capacity to recruit people to your team, build a great team atmosphere, manage your team to meet challenging ministry goals, and develop the people in your team to fulfil their God-given potential. (40 hours + 170 hours practicum | MINLED504A Integrate and apply biblical, theological and ministry concepts in a ministry setting, BSBWOR402A Promote team effectiveness, BSBWOR501A Manage personal work priorities and professional development & BSBMGT401A Show leadership in the workplace¹⁾

Leadership Development This subject combines with Team Leadership to give you a well-rounded understanding of leadership, and your pathways forward as you develop as a leader. In particular, this subject focusses on a range of leadership theories, from the academic and business worlds, and explores their implications and application to Christian ministry and leadership. In the process you will be enabled to think about your own leadership style, practice and potential, so that you can map out your leadership development trajectory. (40 hours + 70 hours practicum | MINLED504A Integrate and apply biblical, theological and ministry concepts in a ministry setting, BSBWOR501A Manage personal work priorities and professional development & BSBMGT401A Show leadership in the workplace¹⁾

Ministry Safety Focussing on one of the key responsibilities of modern ministry leaders, this subject equips you with the skills and information you need to assess and maintain safety in a ministry environment. Topics include: managing risk, dealing with emergencies and Health and Safety policies and procedures. (8 hours | BSBOHS304B Contribute to OHS hazard control¹⁾

• Adv. Diploma

• Ministry Training
  Our Advanced Diploma program is specifically designed to help transition students into full-time ministry. The course gives you the opportunity to gain real-life ministry training while furthering academic development. It also equips students with the skills needed to lead and exert influence amongst other ministry leaders.
• Graduates will be equipped with the skills they need for a wide range of key leadership and senior ministry roles. Many of our graduates have gone on to leadership roles, such as Associate Pastor, Youth Pastor and Worship Pastor, where they are using the leadership, management and ministry skills they developed in their third year. Others have gone into key ministry roles, where they are primarily using their highly developed ministry, pastoral and creative gifts to help their churches move forward.
• Entry into the Advanced Diploma of Ministry requires the successful completion of the Diploma of Ministry. The course combines classes with a practicum placement in Hillsong Church, a local church or recognised ministry.
• Practicum
  Students will train alongside a pastor or key leader at Hillsong Church or other approved ministry or church during the week. The College will work with you to tailor a practicum that will further develop your leadership or ministry potential, whilst positioning you to make a significant contribution to the life of Hillsong Church or your local Sydney church. Students intending to commence their Advanced Diploma in Ministry must apply for their practicum during their Diploma year.
• Innovative Learning Environment
  The study program takes place in a variety of contexts including lecture style classes, group-work, presentation, self-directed learning activities, workshop, tutorials and work based training. Assessment methods include written assignments such as reports and journals, oral and written presentations, observation, tests, and work place training.
• Classes
  Your classes will further develop your leadership, ministry and creative skills whilst challenging you to think deeply about your faith and philosophy of ministry for the 21st century. In third year, all subjects are electives, so that you get to choose the mix of subjects that align with your passions and will best develop your ministry potential. The subjects are drawn from a range of disciplines, such as bible, theology, leadership, management, pastoral ministry and creative leadership.
• Hours
• Diploma in Ministry: Completed
  Core Subjects: 270 hours
  Elective Subjects: 450 hours
  Total: 720 hours
• Fees & Costs
• Click here for the fees and costs
• Year 3 Subjects
• Core SubjectsElective Subjects

• Advanced Practicum 1 & 2 These are the subjects behind your Practicum. As you work alongside an experienced church leader, and immerse yourself in the week-to-week running of a church department or ministry, you will learn what it really takes to make ministry work. You will be involved in the development of new ministry initiatives and gain experience managing ministry and exerting influence in a ministry team environment. This development is guided by key members of the College faculty through regular coaching sessions. (34 hours + 240 hours practicum