Bachelor of Ministry

All applicants who endeavour to apply must meet the general admission requirements.

Admission to the Bachelor of Ministry requires

• All domestic candidates must be 17 years old or older.
• An Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 70, or its equivalent within the past 2 years; OR
• Have other acceptable post-secondary qualifications (e.g., PBC Diploma of Ministry with credit average); OR
• Qualify for admission as a mature-age student by obtaining a satisfactory grade in both the Written English (at least 140) and Multiple Choice (at least 135) sections of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) conducted by the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre Inc. within the past 2 years.

Applicants must confess their faith in Christ under the PBC Statement of Faith, be involved regularly in a local church, demonstrate a desire to be involved in church ministry, demonstrate the physical and psychological capacity for studying in a tertiary institution, agree to abide by PBC policies and procedures and agree to abide by the Student Code of Conduct.

Before applying, please ensure you have:

• A Unique Student Identifier number (USI). If you don’t have one, you can apply here. To find your number, click here.
• A colour PDF of your birth certificate, passport, and permanent resident visa (or a certified copy)
• A digital passport-style image
• A colour PDF of previous academic transcripts and certificates of completion(or a certified copy)
• A page or two detailing your testimony, including how you became a Christian and why you believe the Lord would have you train for Christian life and service at PBC
• Contact information for two chosen referees (2 non-related Christian referees who have known you for at least 2 years).
• Contact information for your Pastor/Leader.

When you have all the required supporting information for your application, please apply online here.

All international candidates must be 18 years old or older.

In combination with meeting the general admission requirements Overseas students must also provide:

• Evidence of English Proficiency (please scroll down to the FAQs for more information)
• A medical certificate verifying you are fit for studying at a higher education institution
• $500 AUD application fee.

When you have all the required supporting information for your application, please apply for an undergraduate course online here.

The Bachelor of Ministry is a higher education award provided by Perth Bible College Inc (PBC).

CRICOS Provider Code: 00986G
CRICOS Course Code: 051857F

The course structure is based on six semesters (each 15-week duration), with four units taught in each semester. It comprises of

• 8 first-year core units
• 10 core second and third-year units, including two ministry practicum units
• 4 ministry specialisation units
• 2 elective units.

Each unit carries three credit points, and graduates require 72 credit points to complete the course successfully.

The Bachelor of Ministry course includes two compulsory Ministry Practicum (MP) units where students are involved in ministry projects. Students are primarily responsible for finding their own placement and developing their own projects. Additionally, the College has partnerships in place for students to secure placement with industry partners. All placements are approved by the MP lecturer, who can also assist students in finding appropriate placements.

During the MPs, students are assessed at PBC via ministry project journals and project-related assignments. PBC also provides one‑on‑one ministry coaching sessions with students as part of the units. For more information, please contact the College.

18 Core Units

Interpreting the Bible (HE501, HE801)

How does God communicate through the Bible? How do we apply the Bible today? What does this passage mean? How should I approach the Bible?

These are common questions for anyone who reads God’s Word. This unit helps to answer these questions and provides a foundation for all biblical study. It equips students to analyse and interpret the Bible responsibly and creatively by bridging the gap between the world of the Bible and our modern world.

In this unit, we look at different approaches to Scripture, the background of Scripture, how we, as interpreters, are involved in constructing meaning, and how we can effectively apply the message of an ancient book to our world and lives today.

This unit lies at the heart of all biblical and systematic theological studies. Thus, it integrates with all New Testament, Old Testament and systematic theological subjects.

Overview of the New Testament (NT505, NT805)

This New Testament unit is exciting because it provides an opportunity to engage seriously with the biblical text. This is a core unit.

In the first half of the unit, students will gain an insight into the background, purpose, and overall message of the Gospels and Acts, introducing us to the person of Jesus, the kingdom of God and the mission of the church. Knowing the Bible and its overall message is important for any person involved in ministry. This cannot be done unless we understand the story of Jesus, both in the light of the meta-narrative of Scripture and the historical context from which the story unfolds.

Students will discover that this narrative is not only objective but also intersects their personal lives, as the reality of a risen Saviour calls them to participate in the continuation of a story that brings life and hope.

Not only will students grow in confidence by coming to grips with God’s bigger picture, but this unit will also provide an open door for further in-depth studies.

In the second half of the unit, students will gain insight into the New Testament letters’ background, purpose, structure, and themes and understand various methodologies for studying these books.

For any person involved in Christian ministry, it is important to know the New Testament well, as it is based on the authority of the Scriptures.

This unit will have a life-changing impact on students. They will be exposed to the teaching of Paul and other Apostles within the story of the Gospel, reaching various parts of the world in the context of internal church problems and external persecutions.

An overview of the New Testament letters also opens the door for further in-depth study. Students will grow in their faith and understanding as they’re exposed to topics that stir their desire to conduct additional research.

Overview of the Old Testament (OT505, OT805)

Although most of the Old Testament is written as a narrative, it is seldom read as such. Therefore, this unit aims to examine how Genesis to Nehemiah should be read as a narrative.

It starts by looking at what narrative is, how it functions and how it should be read. With this as a base, we look at the Old Testament’s meta-narrative (‘big picture’ narrative). Guided by the author, students subsequently consider the building blocks that make up the narrative.

In the course, we meet different characters and experience another world through the author’s eyes. We also look at the interaction between the characters and, in the process, learn to know the main character better – who He is and what He is like.

Furthermore, we also inquire how the author, through his narratives, draws his audience into his story world and changes their worldview. Having engaged with the characters in the story, we leave the narrative world with a different perspective on the characters, especially the main character, ourselves and the world we live in. The objective is that the narrative would fulfil its purpose in changing worldviews.

In the second half of the unit, we look at the story of God’s people. We will be looking at life in God’s presence. What does it mean to live as God’s people in every aspect of our lives? Ancient Israel expressed her life before God predominantly in the form of poetry. In prophetic literature, we hear God’s admonishing and comforting voice. In the Psalms, we hear the voice of God’s people in their heartache, suffering, pain, hope, joy, worship and celebration. In the wisdom literature, the sages of old give direction as to how God’s people should live wisely in this world.

Studying these books of the Bible gives us, as God’s people, the opportunity to hear His voice anew. It also gives us a voice to express ourselves in all our needs and joys.

Introduction to Theology (TH501, TH801)

Introduction to Theology gives students the big picture of God’s involvement with humanity and the world. It offers an opportunity to consider their faith’s foundation carefully. We will consider important questions such as:

• What is truth, and how can we understand and know God?
• Who is God, and how are we designed in His image?
• What is the effect of sin on God’s design for creation?
• Who was Jesus, and how do His life and work affect us today?
• Who is the Holy Spirit, and how is He involved with us now?
• What is the church’s charter today, and what is our unique role within it?
• How will this world end, and what lies beyond?

This subject takes a person’s Biblical knowledge, which is often compartmentalised and places it in a broader theological framework. This allows students to think more clearly and widely about issues in ministry and everyday life.

The subject doesn’t only detail and describe the foundations of the Christian faith but places the major theological themes of the Bible into the dramatic reality of a gracious covenantal God. This approach gives the student a clearer perspective of God’s involvement with them in everyday life.

Christian Discipleship (PM604, PM804)

Christ calls the believer to follow Him and to live a life of faith and obedience whilst we remain amid a broken reality.

We are called to participate in the Kingdom of God through the power of the Holy Spirit to become more Christlike as we seek to glorify our Heavenly Father. All who decide to follow Christ commence the journey of Christian discipleship, which challenges and transforms our lives.

The Scripture provides specific direction to train, encourage and teach others to grow in deeper wisdom and maturity, bearing fruit in keeping with repentance, both individually and corporately. In a society seeking instant gratification, there remains an urgent need to consider Christian discipleship.

As we engage and identify with sinful, fallen, broken humanity, we need the deep wisdom and understanding gleaned through authentic discipleship. This course will establish a comprehensive trinitarian theology for Christian discipleship, explore historical precedence and engage in the transformational journey that will shape and equip us for Christian life and ministry.

Christian Spiritual Formation (PM605, PM805)

Growth, maturity and discipleship are all vital components of the Christian life, and all denominations have spiritual traditions designed to encourage believers down this path.

What these traditions (at their best) have in common is a desire to participate joyfully and fully in the work of the Holy Spirit in and through us, both individually and corporately.

Most of us, however, have limited exposure to how men and women delight in, pursue, share, worship – and are shaped by – God. This unit explores a wide range of these pathways to expand our understanding of spirituality and discipleship.

We all may ask questions regarding our relationship with God. How can I grow in my spiritual life? Is there any way I can appreciate God’s work in the world profoundly? How can I engage more deeply with Christians whose traditions differ from mine? How can I live an authentic and coherent Christian life?

This unit shows the differing ways in which Christians approach these issues.

Ministry Practicum A (MP601, MP701)

At PBC, we believe that academic training not thoroughly grounded in the real world of ministry often leads to the disillusionment and failure of those sent out to serve. Likewise, practical skills training without a broad understanding by which the existing status quo may be challenged in the light of the Word of God, in turn, often leads to stagnation and death.

PBC endeavours to combine the highest academic standards with practical ministry training. For this reason, the field education component is designed to help students gain clear insights into the practical operations of the church in the world.

At the same time, it wishes to instil the necessary skills in the students to not only work for the church but also the church.

For the fieldwork experience to be the most fruitful, students must build an ongoing relationship with the pastor and leaders of the church in which they worship.

The insights of those who are already doing the work are invaluable. PBC’s Field Education program, together with the supervision of the leaders in the field, will provide you with a rich and lasting experience, formative for your future ministry to God.

Ministry Practicum B (MP602, MP702)

At PBC, we believe that academic training not thoroughly grounded in the real world of ministry often leads to the disillusionment and failure of those sent out to serve. Likewise, practical skills training without a broad understanding by which the existing status quo may be challenged in the light of the Word of God, in turn, often leads to stagnation and death.

PBC endeavours to combine the highest academic standards with practical ministry training. For this reason, the field education component is designed to help students gain clear insights into the practical operations of the church in the world.

At the same time, it wishes to instil the necessary skills in the students to not only work for the church but also for the church. For the fieldwork experience to be the most fruitful, students must build an ongoing relationship with the pastor and leaders of the church in which they worship.

The insights of those who are already doing the work are invaluable. PBC’s Field Education programme and the supervision of the field leaders will provide you with a rich and lasting experience, formative for your future ministry for God.

New Testament Studies A – Gospels (NT601, NT701)

The Gospel writers used the stories (narratives) of the life and ministry of Jesus to illustrate that Jesus came to earth not only as the awaited Messiah but also as the Son of God.

Through these stories we see how Jesus proclaims the ‘Kingdom of God,’ shows His power through miracles, teaches the crowds through parables and accomplishes victory over death and sin through the cross.

In this unit, we will look at the Gospels, particularly the Gospel according to Mark, his composition of the text, the different genres he uses and how we can understand the text today to communicate it to others.

We will exercise our exegetical and hermeneutical skills and apply them to a relevant target audience.

New Testament Studies B – 1 Corinthians (NT602, NT702)

First Corinthians is one of the most practical yet, often misunderstood letters of the New Testament. And while Romans is a longer letter, taken together with 2 Corinthians and other letters to which Paul refers (see 1 Cor 5:9-10; 2 Cor 2:4-9), it is clear that Paul wrote more to the Corinthian church than he did to any other.

The letter discusses life in the church in all its facets and tackles many questions that the Corinthian members raise themselves. In response, Paul goes to great lengths to discuss how the church ought to reflect the character of God in terms of her unity, holiness and love.

To that end, Paul deals with practical matters such as church unity, the role of leaders, church discipline, marriage, food laws, spiritual gifts and the resurrection, among many others.

It is for these reasons that 1 Corinthians remains so relevant today. The Corinthians had many of the same questions we still ask today, and Paul’s responses are equally applicable. This course will dive headlong into the background and culture of the Corinthian church as we wrestle with the whole text over thirteen weeks.

Old Testament Studies A – Narrative (OT601, OT701)

More than a third of the Old Testament consists of stories told around the family fire, intended to be passed down through the generations.

They were intentionally designed to make the children sit up and listen, knowing that these stories about their ancestor’s journey with God are also their stories –that these stories and this journey continue in and through them.

These stories became part of our canon – God’s Word to us. Should we wish to understand God and His Word better, it seems logical then to take narratives, how they function, and how they are to be interpreted very seriously.

According to Long (1994, p. 43): “an increased appreciation of the literary mechanisms of a text—how a story is told—often becomes the avenue of greater insight into the theological, religious and even historical significance of the text—what the story means.” Knowing how stories work, what they wish to achieve and how they want to achieve it will give us a better understanding of God and his dealings with his creation.

Old Testament Studies B – Isaiah (OT602, OT702)

This unit looks at biblical prophecy and how one should interpret it.

Crucially, this unit also endeavours to ask about the relevance of the Bible’s prophetic texts in the life of the church and our society – does it still have anything to say to us, and does it still mean anything to us?

Our focus for the semester will be particularly on Isaiah.

Biblical prophecy’s significance is found in its literary beauty and universality; Isaiah speaks to Israel and the nations. He speaks God’s word to his people, often dealing with the sinful reality of Israel and the nations – their rebellion, idolatry, injustice, etc.

In calling out such sin, he offers the hope of redemption for those who put their hope in Yahweh. As a distinctive genre, biblical prophecy is highly demanding of the interpreter.

So, the major question this unit endeavours to answer is, “How should one interpret these texts in a responsible and accountable manner while still appreciating them as works of literary art and God’s word to His people?”

Christ and the Holy Spirit (TH601, TH701)

To think about Christ and the Holy Spirit is to come to a place of awe and worship. It is here that we can catch a glimpse into the very depths of God’s being, and it is here that we are brought to a deeper understanding of ourselves.

We see the relationship between the Holy God of love and sinful humanity brought to its surprising climax.

This unit is of supreme importance for everybody wishing to be in the gospel service. Unless we understand who Jesus is and the full significance of what He has done for us, we will never experience the full richness of the gospel of Christ. And unless we understand the relationship between Christ and the Spirit, we will not discern God’s continuing work in the church and our lives.

This unit will provide foundational knowledge to practically build our lives and the church in worshipful service to God.

The Church: Engaging with the World (TH602, TH702)

Is this another ‘How to reach your neighbours with the gospel’ course? Not quite. There are many good courses out there that can help Christians build bridges to speak to non-Christians about their faith.

This course wants to go further. It wants to equip students to think through the deeper dimensions of what it means to become and be a Christian in the light of the whole message of the Bible.

What are some of these ‘deeper issues’ that we will look at?

We need to understand the world, the church and the message of the gospel in their dynamic interaction with each other.

When it comes to the world, we will focus on analysing people’s expected disposition towards the world. This entails predestination and God’s election; the definition, role and place of faith; who we are as humans – free to choose for God or doomed in our sinfulness. Then there are also further aspects, such as the role of the Holy Spirit in our salvation etc.

What about the context in which we are to proclaim the gospel? Students will focus on a context they are interested in – such as cross-cultural communication, youth, pastoral etc.

The Church: Its Essence and Expression (TH603, TH703)

In this unit, we will explore the church’s essence and practices.

People often feel hurt by the church, encountering unexpected sins ranging from jealousy, small-mindedness, selfishness and hard-heartedness to even coarse sexual sins. At the same time, the church can be a place of wonderful blessing and support for many, where they uniquely experience the reality of Christ.

This begs the question: What is the church? How should we understand this very human organisation which also claims to represent the body of Christ on earth?

We deal with these two dimensions of the church to uncover both the essence of the church and how this is expressed or possibly not expressed through the church’s actions.

The Church: Its History and Theology (CH601, CH701)

The study of the history of the Church provides a vital context for understanding the contemporary Church. We can’t truly understand the present unless we understand the past because the past created us.

This unit surveys the development of traditions, the growth of theology and the unity, or lack thereof, displayed in the church during the past 2,000 years.

The clashes between people, ideas and movements are a thrilling journey in itself, but it will also prove to be a journey of self-discovery.

Theological Orientation for Ministry (TH505)

Worldview and Witness (MI505)

Ministry Elective Units

Christianity and World Religions (MI603, MI703)

Australia has become multicultural at all levels of society. It is essential for students seeking to minister, both in Australia and overseas, to be aware of other people’s worldviews, religions and cultures to develop principles and strategies for relating to them and engaging them in dialogue.

This unit aims to broaden students’ understanding of the beliefs and practices of several major world religions and how they are expressed in culture. It will explore the differences and similarities between these religions and Christianity and how Christians can relate, communicate and witness to people of other faiths in a multicultural, pluralistic society.

And as Christians – do we know how to engage in dialogue with a person from another religion? Do we know their beliefs, sharing our faith honestly and purposefully?

Counselling and Pastoral Care for the Ageing (CP606, CP706)

As more Australians live into old age, pastors and chaplains increasingly require an understanding of the pastoral needs of older people. This unit considers ageing and the care of the elderly from a theological perspective, identifying where that differs from cultural expectations and lived experience.

This unit considers various Australian ministry contexts with older people and their families. This may be the pastoral care within a church congregation or the care shown to a friend or neighbour in the community. It could also be a ministry to reach out to older people living in their homes or residential aged care facilities.

This is a practical unit, so students will benefit from engaging with ageing people to understand their perspectives on issues raised in the unit. This may be through conversations with elderly family members, neighbours, members of the local congregation or through engagement with an aged care service provider.

Cross-Cultural Training (MI602, MI702)

This unit integrates two fields of study – Cross-cultural Communication and Teaching and Learning Studies. It will look at the concepts of culture, worldview and communication and the understanding of communicating effectively in a cross-cultural setting.

Students learn about the basic theories of teaching and learning, the development of training material and the planning, preparing, delivery and evaluation of lessons (all within a cross-cultural context) and put them to practice.

Denominational Polity (PA606, PA706)

Students entering the pastoral ministry in a local church must understand their denominational affiliation and where their denomination fits into the church scene.

In this unit, students study their denomination’s history, doctrinal distinctions, practices, structure and administration.
It includes topics such as

• The history of the denomination
• Theological basis and developments
• The denominational scene
• Doctrinal distinctions
• Administrative structures

Students also consider their denomination’s particular distinctive doctrines and practices of their denomination and how and why they are different from other denominations.

Foundation for Christian Spirituality (PM606, PM706, PM806)

In this unit, Christian spirituality concerns both vertical and horizontal dimensions. It refers to “living a life of transformation and self-transcendence that resonates with the lived experiences of the divine.”

This definition consists of “a lived faith experience of the divine-human relationship” and “living a life of transformation and self-transcendence that resonates with that of the divine-human relationship.”

This unit focuses on the character of the triune God and how God can be experienced in the believer’s daily life. It also focuses on the believer’s character that enables the believer to experience the divine in that person’s life.

Foundational Mission Perspectives (MI601, MI701)

This Mission unit is exciting because it cuts to the heart of the Father’s agenda for His creation: His mission to reconcile all things to Himself through the person and work of His son, Jesus Christ.

It is the church’s joy to participate in this mission by following Jesus through the empowering of the Holy Spirit to be agents of reconciliation.

Students will gain insight into this remarkable privilege by considering the church’s history on the mission, the Trinitarian heart of mission, and contemporary missional issues for the church in the 21st century.

This course is an optional ministry unit. Although one may not be a full-time minister or missionary in the ‘typical’ sense, each person has a mission field and is called to witness in their respective environs. It may be in their family environment, their workplace, or elsewhere. Whatever the case, it is for this reason that understanding the history of missions and the God who engages people through the mission is vital for one’s understanding of their place in God’s story.

Leading Christian Ministry (PA601, PA701)

Many students who enter ministry, having done a lot of studies, are soon asking themselves – “How do I now do church? How should we lead and manage this ministry?” In this subject, we put it all together, theology, Bible knowledge and practical skills – and ask, “How are we going to lead a church or ministry?”

Leading a church or a ministry is more than understanding the Bible and having a good theology.

It requires vision, planning, an understanding of organisational dynamics and the ability in any given context to provide a relevant expression of the church while maintaining the core values of what a church or particular ministry should be.

This unit covers developing values, visions and strategies, organisational approaches and leadership styles, dealing with change and reviewing progress. The goal of this unit is for each student to have developed their philosophy and strategy for church and ministry so that after completing the unit, they have a framework for approaching, developing and leading ministry with confidence.

Marriage and Family (CO604, CO704)

This unit deals with human sexuality, marriage and family life.

Human sexuality, marriage and family sets us apart from animals. It is precisely in the domain of sexuality and relationships that the dignity of humanity is the most clearly expressed.

Our sexuality calls us beyond ourselves to a whole, secure, healthy and intimate relationship with another human. Marriage and family issues present an ideal opportunity to show how the gospel can affect lives for the good.

Our marriages and family relationships can become showcases of the grace of God. It does not mean we must present ourselves as ‘getting it right’ in our marriages and families. But we can meet the world as people who have tasted something great and cannot settle for anything less.

The hope that we can offer people in the light of our understanding of God’s vision for our marriages and families can transform lives and relationships.

Ministry in a Cross-Cultural Context (MI607, MI707)

This unit provides the opportunity for cross-cultural exposure, ministry and field research in a context chosen by the college.

Students will be required to undertake a group field trip to a cross-cultural context of at least two weeks and consider, among other things, the following:

• The cross-cultural issues of the context
• The worldview and religious distinctions of the context
• Approaches to communicating the gospel in the context
• The theological and ministry challenges of the context
• The personal impact of cross-cultural involvement for life and ministry.

Models for Pastoral Counselling (CO601, CO701)

Pastoral counselling equips us to engage meaningfully with people in the light of the gospel’s message.

This unit will present and explore several foundational models to the understanding and practice of pastoral counselling. They will include psychological, anthropological, theological and counselling theories and models.

This will enable students to develop pastoral counselling relationships that are informed, supportive, at times graciously challenging and always hopeful.

Pastoral Counselling as Community Care (CO603, CO703)

Pastoral counselling does not occur in a vacuum. It occurs in a particular context – a church, a school, a para-church organisation or in more specialised agencies. It also exists within a specific community and cultural context.

People’s challenges and struggles also occur within particular contexts.

This unit will help the student to develop the understanding and skills needed for pastoral counselling and care in their particular community, cultural and practical ministry contexts.

Pastoral Counselling in a Christian Context (CO602, CO702, PA604, PA704)

In this unit, students will develop and practise pastoral counselling models shaped by theological thinking, the social sciences, and ministry contexts.

Students will learn to work through several counselling models through practicum and role-play. After developing the skills to move through the models step by step, they will be encouraged to use them more flexibly and contextualise the models to specific case studies.

In the first instance, the Christian context being referred to is developing and practising counselling models informed by a Christian perspective and worldview. Secondly, it is referring to the vocational contexts a pastoral counsellor may be working in.

Preaching (PA603, PA703)

Preaching is the task of conveying the message of the heart of God so that people today hear God’s message as if it were meant for them. All church ministries involve communicating God’s word in one context or another.

The skill to share God’s word effectively is essential to anyone entering any Christian ministry.

In this unit, we study the Word of God to understand what it means to us today and then consider how we should communicate it into today’s culture for maximum impact.

We consider the content, delivery, and style needed to construct a faithful message of God’s Word and communicate effectively with our target audience. Developing your preaching skills will significantly improve your effectiveness in serving God and increase your ministry opportunities.

Preaching also affects you.

Preaching – moving from exegesis to interpreting the text, contemplating the delivery and communication context – promotes spiritual growth in the life of the servant of the gospel. The message must touch your heart first before you can touch others with the good news.

The Local Church and Mission (MI605, MI705)

John Piper states that the Church exists to worship God. But because not all humankind worships Him, missions exist to introduce people to their Maker so they will worship Him!

The local church is central to reaching the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and should understand its identity and task within God’s universal plan.

The Bible, especially the New Testament, gives us a good understanding of the principles of the Church, her role in reaching the world and some principles in missionary methods.

This course will integrate current missiological discussions while staying grounded in Scripture, particularly the letter of 1 Peter.

During the trimester, we will move towards missionary theology for the local church by looking at some of the relevant issues that concern the church today and in the not-too-distant future.

A Theological Introduction to Chaplaincy (CP551/CP851 – Contemporary Chaplaincy Program)

This is the foundational Contemporary Chaplaincy unit. As such, it will introduce key ideas which will be referred to throughout other Contemporary Chaplaincy Units. Students will be introduced to a number of contemporary chaplaincy approaches and their theological underpinnings.
This module aims to develop the student’s understanding of ‘God as Chaplain’, ‘Incarnation as Divine Strategy’, the Chaplain as ‘presence’, guide, and carer, amongst others. In addition, the unit addresses theological aspects for the modern-day Chaplain, encouraging students to assess their ministry through various lenses.

Models of Chaplaincy (CP552/CP852 – Contemporary Chaplaincy Program)

The Models of Chaplaincy unit aims to assist students to consider the various models of Chaplaincy. This will include the various ways the impact of a Chaplain might be measured, from the influence of an organisational culture, through to more overt forms of faith-sharing within appropriate settings.

Chaplaincy in Context (CP553/CP853 – Contemporary Chaplaincy Program)

This unit aims to encourage the student to consider how they might develop a culture and environment of spiritual engagement and enquiry, respecting the context within which they are serving. This unit includes the use of third places for negotiation, serving in a multi-faith arena, understanding and engaging with other worldviews, and how to encourage healthy spiritual dialogue
Students are required to identify and manage an individual at risk in their ministry context. The topics include “respond to client needs” and “work with people with mental health issues” ensuring that all the requirements for the Australian Government School Chaplaincy Program are met.

Personal and Professional Care of the Chaplain (CP554/CP854 – Contemporary Chaplaincy Program)

This unit is designed to challenge students to self-reflect on their own life history, personability, leadership approach and style, enabling this to inform their approach to chaplaincy. The unit equips the student with various tools of theological reflection to facilitate this process.
Students will be able to identify the need to access external resources and conduct an effective referral.

Elective Units

Biblical Hebrew A (BL603, BL703)

Biblical Hebrew is the language in which most of the Old Testament was originally written and which the ancient Israelites spoke.

Understanding and being equipped to use Biblical Hebrew opens up a new world into a deeper understanding of the Old Testament.

Biblical Hebrew A will introduce students to the basic principles of Biblical Hebrew. It will give students an overview of the Hebrew language, its grammar and structure and its use in interpretation.

Students will be introduced to different Hebrew language tools they can use to help them exegete the Hebrew text.

In this first-level course, students will learn the fundamental grammatical structure of Biblical Hebrew and its vocabulary.

Students are introduced to available Hebrew language tools to help them quickly analyse the text. This is important, as time constraints often force ministers to bypass analysis of the Hebrew text in their sermon preparation, resulting in poorer exegesis.

Biblical Hebrew is critical for in-depth analysis and understanding of the Old Testament. Therefore, it is foundational for students wishing to continue their studies of the Old Testament on a post-graduate level.

Biblical Hebrew B (BL604, BL704)

Biblical Hebrew is the language in which most of the Old Testament was originally written and which the ancient Israelites spoke.

Understanding and being equipped to use Biblical Hebrew opens up a new world into a deeper understanding of the Old Testament.

Biblical Hebrew B will introduce students to the basic principles of Biblical Hebrew. It will give students an overview of the Hebrew language, its grammar and structure, and its use in interpretation.

Students will be introduced to different Hebrew language tools they can use to help them exegete the Hebrew text.

In this first-level course, students will learn the fundamental grammatical structure of Biblical Hebrew and its vocabulary.

Students are introduced to available Hebrew language tools to help them quickly analyse the text. This is important, as time constraints often force ministers to bypass analysis of the Hebrew text in their sermon preparation, resulting in poorer exegesis.

Biblical Hebrew is critical for in-depth analysis and understanding of the Old Testament. Therefore, it is foundational for students wishing to continue their studies of the Old Testament on a post-graduate level.

Readings in Selected Theologians (TH606, TH706)

This course unit enables students to appreciate, via a detailed study of the key works of selected theologians, that theology is an evolving and historically embedded discipline.

Study Ready (CE504)

An essential part of studying theology on a higher education 500 level is knowing how to complete work to the required academic standard.

Study Ready helps to prepare students to achieve the required academic standard by focusing on essential study processes and communication skills.

Studying theology and thinking about how to use this knowledge in the church requires the application of productive self-learning strategies, sound analytical skills, constructive research methods, effective reading and note-taking methods and good writing and speaking skills.

All Provisional Students must complete this foundational course before or in conjunction with their first year of study.

Course Completion

Students may exit the course at any moment and receive a Statement of Attainment with a list of all the completed Units.

Students leaving the course before completion and satisfying the course completion requirements for the Diploma of Ministry may exit with the Diploma of Ministry.

When a student has completed all the requirements of the eight first-year core units, ten core second and third-year units, including the two ministry practicum units, four ministry specialisation units and two elective units, they will be awarded the Bachelor of Ministry.

To complete the Bachelor of Ministry with a specialisation, a student must complete all four of the ministry specialisation units within the same ministry stream.

CRICOS Course Details

CRICOS Code: 051857F
CRICOS Provider: PBC Inc.
CRICOS Provider Code: 00986G

Recognition of Prior Learning

PBC will assess Recognition of Prior Learning on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to apply for RPL, please inform the College at the time of applying.

For more information on this, please see PBC’s Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.