Christian Ministry Christian Studies Department

Handbook for the

Diploma in

Christian Ministry

Christian Studies Department

Contents

1. Programme Aims 4

1.1. Purpose and Opportunities 4

1.2. Graduate Attributes 4

2. Accreditation Information 5

2.1. Alphacrucis Sydney 5

2.2. Assemblies of God in New Zealand 5

2.3. Other 5

2.4. New Zealand Qualifications Authority 5

3. Faculty 6

4. Admission to the Diploma in Christian Ministry 7

4.1. Admission regulations 7

4.2. Admission Procedure 7

4.3. Other requirements 7

4.4. Credit Transfers from Other Institutions 7

4.4.1. From Diploma programmes 7

4.4.2. Applications for Cross Crediting 7

4.5. Recognition of Prior Learning 8

5. Diploma in Christian Ministry Regulations 8

5.1. Completion requirements 8

5.2. Policy for awarding credit and Grading policy 8

5.3. Attendance 9

5.4. Assessment 9

5.4.1. Assignments, Tests, Examinations 9

5.4.2. Extensions for Assignments: 10

5.4.3. Resubmissions and Resits 10

5.4.4. Reassessment and Appeals against Assessment Decisions 10

5.5. Awarding the Diploma 10

6. Curriculum 12

6.1. Level 5 Papers 12

6.2. Subject Availability 12

6.2.1. Semester length classes 12

6.2.2. Intensive delivery. 12

6.2.3. Distance study 13

6.3. Paper Descriptions 14

Welcome
It is our pleasure to welcome you to Alphacrucis and our Diploma in Christian Ministry. We are delighted you have responded to the call of God on your life, and taken this important step to thoroughly prepare yourself for ministry. The Diploma in Christian Ministry is a foundational level qualification in Christian Ministry. It is also the first year of our Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry three year degree programme. The Diploma in Christian Ministry is an NZQA Level 5 qualification.

The Diploma in Christian Ministry provides a unique opportunity to engage in ministry education within the framework of a Pentecostal expression of the faith. Alphacrucis has in recent years developed a strong theological underpinning to the dynamic experiences of the Pentecostal practice. This is critical for the development of the next generation of leaders who want to combine an empowering of the Spirit with thorough training and accurate Christian worldview. The Diploma in Christian Ministry combines contemporary scholarship with a dynamic experience of the presence of God.

The Diploma can be undertaken by fulltime study in campus based papers, through intensives that are offered in various locations through the country or by distance/e-learning studies.
Alphacrucis also works collaboratively with other ministry training providers in New Zealand. This means that students in partner colleges have preferential entry and facilitated cross crediting. Please talk to the Dean of your College about continuing your studies with Alphacrucis so that we can provide the most efficient service.
We look forward to having you on the journey with us.

Jack Zoutenbier

Principal

To discuss any aspects of the Diploma in Christian Ministry please contact:

Academic Director,

Alphacrucis,

60 Rockfield Road, Penrose

Auckland.

Email: info@acnz.ac.nz

Phone: +64 9 580 1500

1. Programme Aims

1. Purpose and Opportunities

The Diploma in Christian Ministry is designed to prepare people for ministry in a variety of situations. These include church leadership and ministry in churches, particularly Pentecostal denominations. It is accepted by many denominations as a pre-requisite for ordination both in New Zealand and overseas. The roles of pastoral leadership, youth, worship, children’s ministries and missions are all appropriate positions the Diploma equips for.
The Diploma in Christian Ministry is also valuable for shaping a Christian worldview and leadership skills applicable to other careers. It provides the opportunity to explore the Bible at a deeper level and sharpen skills required for church ministry and leadership.
The College has a strong ethos for shaping Christian and professional character and this is expressed through the graduate attributes detailed below which shape the content and delivery of all papers.

2. Graduate Attributes

Attribute 1. Christian Worldview:

A knowledge of the Christian story, derived from the Scriptures and tradition of the church. An awareness of the implications of this story for self- identity in the context of local and global communities. This includes a commitment to engage with alternate worldviews, showing appreciation of the values and perspectives of others.

Attribute 2. Integrity and Justice:

The ability to apply a Christian worldview in the diverse situations and responsibilities of life, and to exercise faith, hope, love and generosity as prevailing attitudes. This includes the active promotion of the gospel, social justice, equality, mutual respect and an ecological ethos.

Attribute 3. Communication:

The ability to communicate effectively to a range of audiences, in appropriate contexts using high levels of verbal, written and technological skills. This includes visual and media literacy, numeracy, rhetoric and persuasion.

Attribute 4. Personal and Social Skills:

Demonstrate relational skills that incorporate the flexibility for both independent and collaborative situations. This includes personal and group organizational skills, conflict management and resolution, as well as the ability to value and respect the opinions of others.

Attribute 5. Critical and Creative Thinking:

A capacity for critical and reflective thinking that is explored not only individually but within a community context. This includes a capacity to be creative and to research, analyze and resolve problems in innovative and prophetic ways.

Attribute 6. Professional Knowledge:

Use and maintain knowledge about a discipline or field, in terms of theoretical, conceptual and methodological elements, striving continually and independently to secure further knowledge and where appropriate, defined professional skills.

2. Accreditation Information

1. Alphacrucis Sydney

Alphacrucis is a partner with Alphacrucis Sydney which is accredited as a Higher Education Provider in Australia. Our papers are integrated with those offered by Alphacrucis Sydney which provides pathways for students to pursue postgraduate studies in Sydney or through distance in New Zealand.

2. Assemblies of God in New Zealand

Alphacrucis is the national ministry training college of the Assemblies of God in New Zealand Inc.

3. Other

Alphacrucis participates on a regular basis in meetings of the Christian Theological and Ministry Education Sector (CTMES), and the Association of the Pentecostal and Charismatic Bible Colleges of Australasia (APCBC).
Alphacrucis is a member of the Asia Pacific Education Office of the Assemblies of God (APEO)

Links have been developed with many Bible colleges and schools in New Zealand and overseas, including the Asia Pacific Theological Association of the Assemblies of God (APTA), of which the College is a charter member.

4. New Zealand Qualifications Authority

Alphacrucis is registered as a Private Training Establishment accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education Act 1989. Alphacrucis has accreditation for the Level 5 and also the Level 7 Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry.

3. Faculty

Lecturer	Subject Area
Auckland Campus
Steve Allen	Theology
Robert Coenradi	Mission/ Evangelism
Sean du Toit	New Testament
Michael Frost	Theology
Kerry Gordon	Ethics/Church History
Paul Gordon	Leadership/ Pastoral
Raewyn Harrison	Leadership/Ministry
Andrew Martin	Pastoral Theology
Ray Moxham	Old Testament
Jack Zoutenbier	Theology
Sydney Campus
Lily Arasaratnam	Research/Communication
Shane Clifton	Theology
Jacqui Grey	Old Testament
Kevin Hovey	Mission
Ian Jagelman	Leadership
Narelle Melton	Old Testament
David Parker	New Testament

4. Admission to the Diploma in Christian Ministry

1. Admission regulations

4.1.1 One of the following:

• 
  Completion of the Level 4 Certificate in Christian Ministry
  
• 
  An overall pass in NCEA Level 3
  
• 
  A Level 4 Christian studies Certificate from another provider with approval from the Christian Studies committee.
  
• 
  Recognition of Prior learning (RPL): Students may apply for recognition of prior learning. This may be applied to previous study in courses that have no recognised credit rating and to ministry or leadership experience. Students may apply to the Academic Director.
  
• 
  Students aged over 20 years old may apply for mature student entry
  

4.1.2 All students may be required to undertake an examination of capability in English language before admission to this award. International students will generally require an overall band of 5.5 or higher in IELTS (academic), with a minimum of 5.0 in reading and writing. Students may apply for a waiver from the IELTS requirement if they are able to supply ample evidence of English capability from another test or by having completed other qualifications in English.
4.1.3 Students must be 18 years of age or over.

2. Admission Procedure

For returning Students

1. 
   Obtain a returning student application form from the Registrar
   
2. 
   Complete and return application to the registrar
   
3. 
   You will be notified if an interview is required and whether your application is successful
   

For new students

Obtain an application to study at Alphacrucis from the registrar

3. Other requirements

Students will require regular access to a computer and internet. It is recommended that students save all their assignments on an external hard drive or USB in case of computer breakdown of theft.

4. Credit Transfers from Other Institutions

Students transferring from another institution may be able to transfer credits.

1. From Diploma programmes

Where the other institution an articulation agreement with Alphacrucis

The cross crediting allowances will have been determined. Please contact the Dean of the institution or the Alphacrucis Registrar.

For students from institutions that do not have an articulation agreement with Alphacrucis

Students may submit transcripts which will be assessed for cross-crediting.

2. Applications for Cross Crediting

An application form is available from the Registrar.

For students who have completed studies at an Alphacrucis partner College, credit transfer will be facilitated through the Registrar of your own college.

The fees for cross-crediting are published in the Alphacrucis Application Guide.

5. Recognition of Prior Learning

Students may apply for recognition of prior learning. This may be applied to previous study in courses that have no recognised credit rating and to ministry or leadership experience. See the student handbook for details. Students may apply to the Registrar and a decision will be made by the Academic Committee.

5. Diploma in Christian Ministry Regulations

1. Completion requirements

1. 
   The successful candidate must meet the following level credit requirements:
   

• 
  A minimum of 120 credits total
  
• 
  A minimum of 100 credits at Level 5
  
• 
  30 credits in Biblical Studies papers
  
• 
  15 credits in Theology papers
  
• 
  45 credits in Ministry papers
  
• 
  Students are allowed to have up to 20 credits at Level 4 to complete the award provided those credits have not been used to complete another qualification.
  
• 
  There is provision to allow students to have up to a maximum of 45 credits at Level 4 to complete the Diploma in certain circumstances. All applications for this provision must be referred to the Academic Committee for their consideration.
  

2. 
   Every Diploma component (paper or subject) will be 15 credit points. The qualification will therefore require a total of 8 papers for full time study over one year.
   
3. 
   The normal duration of the course for full time students is 2 semesters. These are normally studied consecutively.
   
4. 
   For full time students the maximum period in which to complete the Diploma is within 8 semesters or 4 years. This includes any suspensions in study or repeated papers.
   
5. 
   Students may enrol for part time study from 1 paper per semester. The maximum time allowed to complete the Diploma through part time study is 4 years
   
6. 
   Students will make subject selections each academic year or semester. Students may request guidance prior to finalising their annual selection of subjects. Applications for guidance must be made to the Dean of Christian Studies prior to the commencement of papers.
   

2. Policy for awarding credit

Policies for awarding credit are outlined as follows:

1. 
   The determination whether a candidate has satisfactorily completed a paper is made by the Academic Committee on the recommendation of the Programme Director or Head of Department in which the paper is offered.
   
2. 
   In order to complete a paper satisfactorily and to gain the number of credit points specified for that paper a candidate shall:
   

• 
  attend classes as required by the Attendance Policy of the College
  
• 
  complete required assessments as outlined in the paper
  
• 
  reach a satisfactory level of achievement in assessments as outlined in the paper
  

3. 
   Where a candidate is prevented by unavoidable disruption from satisfying the requirements the policy for aegrotat passes will be followed.
   
4. 
   Students are not required to pass each form of assessment for a paper, but must achieve a cumulative mark of at least 50% overall to pass.
   
5. 
   Late assignments will attract a penalty of 3% per day up to a maximum of 21%. No essay will be accepted more than one calendar week after the due date.
   
6. 
   All assignments must be typed. Hand-written assignments will be returned to the student and will incur the 3%/day penalty until submitted in an acceptable format.
   

Important Note: Please see the Alphacrucis Student Handbook for the relevant policies and processes for extension requests, attendance requirements, aegrotat passes, resubmissions, re-enrolments and appeals.
Grading Policy

A candidate’s grade for a paper offered by the College is determined upon an assessment of performance in required coursework and/or examinations.

1. 
   Grades for assessments and overall papers for a candidate are recorded as follows:
   

Grade	Percentage Range
A+	90-100%
A	85-89%
A-	80-84%
B+	75-79%
B	70-74%
B-	65-69%
C+	60-64%
C	55-59%
C-	50-54%
D	40-49%
E	below 40%
DNC	Did Not Complete

2. Attendance

Students are expected to attend all lectures and be prepared to participate in all college activities. An attendance record for all students will be kept. Where any student’s attendance falls below 80% the attendance record will be referred to Academic Director and may result in the student not being awarded the Diploma. Where students are studying the subject by distance the submission of assessment material by the required dates is evidence of attendance.
Students may be excused for notified absence caused by illness or other unavoidable circumstances. See the student handbook for full details of attendance requirements.
NB. Campus students will be required to attend weekly tutorials on campus. These will be of 2 hours duration. Details will be in the Campus timetable.

2. Assessment

   1. Assignments, Tests, Examinations

All papers will be assessed using a variety of assessment tools. The outlines for each subject will clearly state the requirements for passing the paper.

2. Extensions for Assignments:

Extensions of assignment deadlines will only be granted on the following grounds:
Medical illness (certified by Doctor’s Certificate); Extreme Hardship; Compassionate Grounds.

• 
  Extensions will not be granted for reflections (Where the contribution to the final grade is less than 5%)
  

• 
  Requests for extensions must submitted via the link found on the Moodle website
  
• 
  Requests for extensions should not be made to individual lecturers
  
• 
  In extreme cases, students who are unable to complete the assessment for a paper due to extenuating circumstances, will, subject to approval by the Academic Committee, receive an ‘Extension’ (E) grade for that paper. The student then has a period of time determined in discussion with the lecturer (usually one month - maximum of 60 days) to complete any/all assessment for that paper. The student will incur no financial penalty in this case, due to the extreme nature of his/her situation. Further, once any/all forms of assessment have been submitted, the ‘Extension’ grade will be replaced by the new grade.
  

3. Resubmissions and Resits

Where a student receives a ‘Fail’ grade for completed assessment, and the lecturer believes that the student has made a genuine effort to satisfy the assessment requirements, the lecturer may decide to ask the student to re-submit that assessment. If this occurs, the student will be given an ‘Incomplete’ grade, and has three weeks following the notification of the grade to re-submit the assessment. If the re-submitted assessment is deemed satisfactory, the ‘Incomplete’ grade will be replaced by a new grade. This grade will be 75% of the mark given for the resubmitted assignment e.g. If the marker gives a resubmitted assignment a grade of 80% the actual mark received will be 60%. This penalty will be incurred down to a minimum of 50%.

In the event of the assessment not being re-submitted within the stipulated period, the student will receive a ‘Fail’ grade. Students will only be allowed to re-submit one piece of assessment per paper, and further unsatisfactory assessments will result in a ‘Fail’ grade (unless exceptional circumstances are approved by the Academic Dean).

Re-sits are only allowed at Level 5 and below. If a student fails to achieve 50% overall in a particular paper, s/he will receive a permanent ‘Fail’ on his/her transcript. If the student then wishes to pass the paper, s/he must re-enrol (with a 50% discount on the enrolment fees only if a grade of 30% or greater was initially achieved) and resubmit all forms of assessment required by the lecturer. If approved by the relevant lecturer, and if the ‘Fail’ grade was not the result of poor attendance, the student will not be required to attend classes. If this resit is not completed by the end of the semester following the fail grade, then students wishing to redo the paper will be required to pay full-fees and attend all classes. A student will not be permitted to repeat a paper more than once.

4. Reassessment and Appeals against Assessment Decisions

If students believe that work has been assessed unfairly, they must first discuss the matter with the lecturer. If this does not provide satisfaction, students can make appeal to the Dean of Christian Studies. An appeal form is available from the Head of Christian Studies. External appeals may be used when an assessment matter cannot be settled within the College. The Registrar will provide information on how external appeals can be lodged.

2. Awarding the Diploma

The following conditions are applied to the conferral of the Diploma:

1. 
   Meeting the Diploma regulations set forth in sections 3.1 – 3.4
   
2. 
   Accounts department clearance
   
3. 
   Library clearance
   

Students meeting these conditions will be presented to the Academic Committee to have the Diploma awarded.

The Academic Committee may award the Diploma with credit or distinction according to the following definitions:
Credit: a grade average of 80 across all papers contributing to credit in the Diploma
Distinction: a grade average of 90 or higher across all papers contributing to credit in the Diploma
Where a student is awarded credit or distinction this will be recorded on the Diploma award.

2. 
   Length of Academic Year
   

The year consists of 32 study weeks (28 class weeks, 4 study weeks) and 6 holiday weeks giving a total of 38 weeks.

5. Curriculum

1. Level 5 Papers

Subject / Paper	Day School Semester
Writings of the First Testament	1
Understanding the Faith	1
Cross Cultural Mission	1
Introduction to Ministry	1
Writings of the New Testament	2
Communicating the Gospel	2
Leadership Principles	2
History of Christianity	2

Note: Not all papers are available each semester as campus taught subjects, although most are available each semester as distance papers. Consult timetable for details.

2. Subject Availability

Papers in the curriculum will be available through several delivery options:

• 
  Semester length day-class
  
• 
  Distance study
  
• 
  Intensives
  

1. Semester length classes

These are taught at the Alphacrucis campus.

See the annual calendar for subject availability (on website)

2. Intensive delivery.

All lectures will be delivered during a four day block of full time classes (Normally 30 hours of lectures). Support for completing the paper will be provided through Alphacrucis’ on-line learning platform, Moodle. These will be available at the Alphacrucis campus and from time to time selected locations through NZ.

3. 
   Campus Retreat
   

All Campus students are required to attend a 3 day retreat at the beginning of Semester 1. There is a cost for this and students will be advised of this during the enrolment process.

4. Distance study

Alphacrucis distance study is supported by the E-learning platform, Moodle.

3. Paper Descriptions

BIB101 Narrative of the First Testament

This paper provides an overview of the First Testament in light of the historical and cultural framework of the Ancient Near East.

BIB102 Writings in the New Testament

This paper provides a broad introduction to the New Testament literature within its social and historical context.

THE101 Understanding the Faith

This paper sets out the theological foundations of a Christian Worldview based on the broad parameters of the gospel, covering foundational material upon which later theology papers build.

MIN101 Introduction to Ministry

This paper is an introduction to the practice of ministry. It is also an opportunity to overview the biblical and theological foundations of ministry. Common aspects of ministry will be considered.

LEA101 Leadership Principles

This paper provides the student with an understanding of the principles of leadership as applicable to a church context.

HIS101 History of Christianity:

This paper provides students with a thematic understanding of the origin and development of the Church from the times of Christ to the Modern period.

MIN102 Communicating the Gospel

This paper is a practical examination of the history, theology and practice of evangelism. It stresses the empowering role of the Holy Spirit in evangelism.

MIS102 Cross Cultural Ministry

This paper lays a foundation for cross cultural ministry, by broadly examining cultural and lifestyle issues vital to contemporary missions.

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