Courses

See each of our individual Courses pages for detailed information about the courses available at Pathways College.

Diploma in Christian Ministry (Internship)

Diploma in Christian Ministry (Internship) DipCM is a one-year course that lets you learn on the job with an experienced supervisor while you work in a church or Christian organisation. It is aimed at preparing people for vocational Christian service, especially among Christian Brethren and like-minded churches. But it also is designed to lay a foundation for advancing levels of study and the vocational opportunities that these offer.

The NZQA-approved course requires 15 hours per week ministry and an average of 15 hours per week study.

Lectures are delivered through short regional block courses based in Matamata or Wellington.

Diploma in Christian Ministry (Internship) DipCM is an NZQA approved level 5 course. It qualifies for government student allowances and loans. After completing this Diploma you can progress to the Diploma in Ministry Leadership (Internship) or to the second year of degree courses offered by other Christian Colleges.

Click here to go to our prospectus page.
Here you can download a PDF file of the full Pathways prospectus.

Diploma in Ministry Leadership (Internship)

The Diploma in Ministry Leadership (Internship) is a one-year course that builds on the Diploma in Christian Ministry (Internship). Students continue to 'learn on the job' with an experienced supervisor while working in a church or Christian organisation. It is aimed at equipping people for leadership roles and vocational opportunities, especially among Christian Brethren and like-minded churches. It also provides a platform for further levels of study and subsequent vocational opportunities.

The NZQA-approved course requires 18 hours per week ministry and an average of 12 hours per week study.

Lectures are delivered through short regional block courses based in Matamata or Wellington.

The Diploma in Ministry Leadership (Internship) is an NZQA approved level 6 course and qualifies for government student allowances and loans. After completing this Diploma you are able to apply to continue your study at degree level through other Christian Colleges.

Click here to go to our prospectus page.
Here you can download a PDF file of the full Pathways prospectus.

Diploma Of Ministry (Pastoral Leadership)

As a result of constant requests to see Pathways College offer a program for the training of pastors specifically for Brethren churches a memorandum of understanding with Carey College now enables this to occur.

A student can complete the Bachelor of Applied Theology through Carey College (which is right over the road from Pathways), and over those three years (more if part-time) also work on a Diploma of Ministry (Pastoral Leadership) jointly through Pathways and Carey Colleges. The award is offered from the commencement of 2010.

It is available to accepted applicants who, in addition to being suitably endorsed by a church or a similar organization, are also perceived as possessing gifts and calling which may lead into church pastoral responsibilities, part- or full-time.

The Diploma of Ministry (Pastoral Leadership) is not a stand-alone award. It is integrated within the academic framework of the Bachelor of Applied Theology from Carey College (see diagram below) and is offered only to students undertaking this degree. Students who have already completed an equivalent or higher qualification in Bible/theology/ministry may apply for special entry.

The Diploma of Ministry (Pastoral Leadership) is specifically planned for those who desire to do theological and practical training in preparation for pastoral leadership.

The Diploma recognizes that:

• pastoral leadership is undertaken in many different settings
• there are different types of pastoral staff within the church
• there are different ways of doing church

The specific interests and callings of the students would be reflected in course selection, fieldwork, and supervised experience.

Course structure:

1. Academic

Pastoral Leadership students are required to include the following papers within their Bachelor of Applied Theology [or, if offered special entry, to ensure that if these or similar papers are not already in their degree that they take them alongside their Diploma of Ministry (Pastoral Leadership) course]:

• Introduction to Preaching
• Introduction to Pastoral Care
• Spiritual Leadership
• People of God
• Brethren Studies

2. Fieldwork

Church-based learning experiences are a key component of the programme. Pastoral Leadership students are required to spend 12 hours each week in church ministry (first year students are required only 6 hours in their first semester). It is recommended that students spend an 8-hour day plus Sunday in the church. This includes time for reflection and supervision.

In addition students are required to do summer placements for about 12 weeks between November and February. This is an opportunity to learn the reality of full-time ministry and get exposure to different church contexts. Pathways will make every effort to negotiate church placements for students that will best assist them to learn and grow in the development of their pastoral skills. Students are required to submit written reflections on their ministry experience and meet with a ministry supervisor. A supervisor is assigned within the church to assist integration of knowledge, skill and character.

The aim of church-based learning is that students develop the ability to:

• Reflect theologically on church based experiences.
• Identify your strengths, gifts, and passions - developing the weaker ones and establishing the stronger ones.
• Work collaboratively within team and leadership situations.
• Set realistic goals.
• Take responsibility for your personal and spiritual growth and development.
• Establish accountability, support and encouragement networks.

3. Mentorship

Pastoral Leadership Students are to meet at least monthly with a mentor who is an experienced pastor. The purpose of the mentoring is to assist in the development of character and passion. The mentoring process explores the student's daily life in the areas of home, ministry and community in the light of Scriptures. A mentor is someone who is willing to journey with the student and give guidance in the areas of theological reflection and self-reflection. Pathways will guide in the choice of a mentor. A good mentor is someone who demonstrates maturity, wisdom, courage and grace. They have the willingness to speak into another's life and encourage reflective thinking.

Students will also meet regularly with the Pastoral Leadership Coordinator at Pathways. These sessions will help to integrate different components of the programme to enhance personal and ministry development.

4. Evaluation

Evaluation is an important part of the training process and will be received from designated Pathways staff, supervisors, mentors and peers, on a regular basis. Each year there are two significant evaluations. Firstly, a mid-year review with the Pathways Pastoral Leadership Coordinator. Secondly, a more significant and robust review with the wider group of people involved in their training.

5. Pastoral Theology

Pastoral Theology is a weekly 90-minute class organised by Carey College for all Pastoral Leadership students on a Tuesday morning. A presentation on a pastoral leadership issue is given each Tuesday followed by 30 minutes of interaction in a peer formation group. Sometimes more time is scheduled for peer formation groups. Spouses are encouraged to participate when they are able. The purpose of this class is as follows:

• To develop an appreciation of how theology influences practice
• To develop strong pastoral leadership values, philosophy and culture within our students
• To synthesize your study, fieldwork, and experiences - attempting to look at them through pastoral lenses.
• To develop critical thinking skills, and understand the difference between idealism and realism.
• To provide a forum for discussion and reflection on current issues within the church and the world.
• To have input from both academics and practitioners.
• To interact with one another and develop relationships.
• To develop team building skills.

Students are also required to attend community worship, speaker's corner (to develop preaching skills) and lunch on Tuesdays (taking from 9 am to 1 pm). The Pastoral Theology programme is scheduled for 24 Tuesdays each year.

Students are required to keep a journal based on these class sessions and accompanying reading. The purpose of this journal is to consolidate understanding of these topics and connect theories to one's practical work and experiences.

Applicability of the Diploma of Ministry (Pastoral Leadership) Course to Christian Brethren Churches:

Bachelor of Applied Theology courses offered at Carey College are taught by Carey faculty (some of whom are members of Brethren assemblies) and from time-to-time will include input from Pathways staff. These courses overlap with requirements for the Diploma of Ministry (Pastoral Leadership) - see diagram below. The Bachelor of Applied Theology may be taken through distance education, attendance at classes at Carey's Penrose, Auckland campus, or a blend of these modes of learning.

In addition to the Diploma of Ministry (Pastoral Leadership) classes offered at Carey College there is specific lecture content and small group tutorials taught on the premises at Pathways College, Penrose. These are directed to the particular ministry contexts for Brethren students. Attendance (on each Tuesday of the academic year) at these and associated Carey classes is a course requirement. Note that the Diploma of Ministry (Pastoral Leadership) at both Carey and Pathways is only offered in the context of denominational endorsement; consequently loyalty is held highly and a denominational change during the program excludes a student from the award.

A Pastoral Leadership student would graduate at the conclusion of their studies with a Bachelor of Applied Theology from Carey College and a Diploma of Ministry (Pastoral Leadership) jointly from Carey and Pathways Colleges.

Graduates with the Diploma of Ministry (Pastoral Leadership) are offered an important further recognition, earned during the following two years of pastoral leadership: a Ministry Experience Endorsement. This is designed to facilitate successful entry into pastoral responsibilities, encourage the consolidation of gift and competency, and establish lifestyle disciplines which undergird longevity in ministry. The opportunity to participate in the program of ministry development offers graduates (and churches) two years of supported, mentored, and reflective pastoral experience. It is also available to other pastoral workers within the Brethren movement whose training and equipping has been through other institutions.

At the satisfactory conclusion of the above process of ministry development, and in association with their church, Pathways offers a ministry experience endorsement to the Diploma of Ministry (Pastoral Leadership).

Further information:

For further details on the Bachelor of Applied Theology and Carey's Diploma of Ministry (Pastoral Leadership) see - http://www.carey.ac.nz/pastoral_leadership/

Further details are available on the Diploma of Ministry (Pastoral Leadership) through Pathways College. For application papers, schedule of fees, course requirements and scholarship possibilities - write or email to The PL Coordinator, Pathways College of Bible and Mission.

Certificate in Christian Foundations

Certificate in Christian Foundations (non NZQA)

Two year night class course in Samoan.

Aimed at introducing people to the Bible and encouraging deeper Christian living, this Samoan language course is offered on Tuesday nights 7.00 -9.00pm at 56 Mascot Ave, Mangare.

Entry Requirement

There is an open entry into this course.

One off Diploma level courses

Have you thought about taking just one of our courses? Maybe you don't feel quite ready to do a whole internship year, or maybe you don't have the time. Why not look through the course list and consider taking just one Diploma level course? We'd love to talk to you about this option.