Description

Passionate about the Church? Culturally aware, thoughtful and reflective? Ready to learn from those on the ground?

This 3 year part-time, masters degree program employs the wisdom of experienced practitioners and theologians. Through this program students will be equipped to think critically and constructively about the ways in which the church shapes its life to respond to what God is doing in our world. The curriculum does not use the traditional subject divisions of theological study; instead the practices of the local church serve as themes to be studied. Each one of these practices becomes the focus of a unit of study. Theological and social sciences subjects are explored in a reading program as it relates to the practices. This provides an opportunity to integrate theory and practice.

Participants are placed in small cohort groups of 3-5 students to study in a team context. In addition, pastors, ministry practitioners and academics join forces to deliver this program. The course draws on the best practices and theories explored and implemented by the churches and the college.

In every unit students spend three months reading and processing the set reading for the module. This set reading is provided through the internet and prescribed text and references. During this first phase in the unit, cohort groups embark on a research project to discover the emerging questions in the light of traditional insights The second phase involves four and a half days on-site experience at a local church to learn from pastors, college faculty and peers. In the third phase students write personal theologies about the church practice being studied and implement a ministry plan to address a pastoral concern.

Cohort groups meet in cafés, lounges or wherever else they may desire, to study, research and implement ministry plans. The course requires only one week of on-site, intensive study per semester, no weekly classes are required.

Those with a bachelors degree and one year of ministry experience qualify to do this course. Students with no undergraduate degree, but with extensive ministry experience in church leadership may also qualify to enrol in this program. A limited number of students can be admitted under this category.

Participants will:

• Interact with and learn from experienced pastors, teachers and missional thinkers in Melbourne.
• Learn from experienced pastors in the context of the local church.
• Experience the joy of doing theology as part of a team.
• Apply their learning immediately to everyday life.
• Course goes for 3 years part time.

Level and Duration of Course

• Academic Years: The course has been developed as a 3 year part-time equivalent undergraduate course of study at Master's degree level. Students may enrol in the Master of Arts program on a part-time basis.
• A total of 72 credit points must be gained for the Master’s degree.
• The degree is made up of 6 modules each of 12 credit points.
• Twelve (12) credit points require 320 hours of nominal study.

For more information:

• Master of Arts in Church Practice - Information Booklet

Please visit the Open Seminary web site at http://www.openseminary.com

Study Options

Graduate:

• Master of Arts in Church Practice