Grow in biblical depth and be equipped for faithful leadership. Whether you’re serving in your local church, exploring a call to mission or church-planting, this accessible, hands-on course helps you develop theological understanding and practical ministry skills.
The Diploma in Christian Ministry and Theology (11238NAT) focuses on real-life application—learning to study the Bible, disciple others, and lead effectively in your context. Rooted in 2 Timothy 2:2, it trains reliable leaders who can teach and multiply disciples. Ideal for those seeking an alternative to traditional higher education, the diploma empowers you to grow where you’re planted or prepare to be sent.
This course can lead to roles such as Pastor, Youth Minister, Evangelist, Preacher, Ministry Leader, or Church Planter. It equips you with the theological depth and practical skills needed to serve faithfully and lead effectively in a variety of ministry contexts.
Jesus and His Teachings: Apply advanced knowledge of the Bible (NAT11238001)
Worldviews & World Religions: Compare Worldviews and World Religions (NAT11238006)
Practices of Christian Communities: Compare and explain Christian beliefs and practices (NAT11238002)
Walking by the Spirit: Explain and discuss the person and work of the Holy Spirit (NAT11238007)
Caring for Self: Develop Self-Awareness (NAT11238008) & Develop and Implement self-care strategies in ministry (NAT11237009)
Teaching Scripture: Prepare and preach a sermon (NAT11237011) & Research Christian Scripture and Theology (NAT11236002)
Growing in Leadership: Provide Leadership in a Christian Organisation (NAT11238009)
The Story of the Church: Develop and apply knowledge of Church History (NAT11238004)
There are prescribed texts and required readings for this course. You will be given more information about these resources before your course starts so that you can read ahead and bring them with you to class.
Contact our course coordinator and see how this course can be embedded into a church, mission or business internship program.
The course will provide participants with:
advanced knowledge of core Christian beliefs and practices;
skills to interpret, apply and teach Christian beliefs and practices;
practical ministry, leadership or teaching skills;
opportunities for personal ethical formation; and
skills for work or further vocational training.
All applicants will be required to meet Eastern’s General Entry Requirements.
All potential students are required to satisfactorily complete a new student interview with Eastern College Australia before being accepted into the course.
During this interview we can discuss your previous experience and training and any credit that may be available.
For Overseas students:
An applicant for studies in this course will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if:
American Samoa; Australia; Botswana; Canada; Fiji; Ghana; Guyana; Ireland; Jamaica; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Singapore; Solomon Islands; South Africa; Tonga; Trinidad and Tobago; United Kingdom; USA; Zambia; Zimbabwe.
American Samoa; Australia; Botswana; Canada; Fiji; Ghana; Guyana; Ireland; Jamaica; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Singapore; Solomon Islands; South Africa; Tonga; Trinidad and Tobago; United Kingdom; USA; Zambia; Zimbabwe.
was completed in an institution which is listed in the International Handbook of Universities, World Higher Education Database, UK Naric Database or AEI NOOSR guides or an institution accredited through one of ICETE’s registered accrediting bodies and is confirmed by the institution as having been conducted and examined solely in the English language.
IELTS General
Minimum Results – 5.5 Overall
TOEFL (Paper based)
Minimum Results – 527+ Test of Writing English 4
TOEFL (Internet)
Minimum Results – 46-59
Pearson Test of English (Academic)
Minimum Results – 42-49
Cambridge English Advanced
Minimum Results – 47 No less than Borderline in writing
Graduation from this award allows admittance into any Eastern College Australia Bachelor awards and may be eligible to enter a range of other higher qualifications offered by RTOs and Higher Education Providers.
Students who completed core and elective units as part of this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer in relation to these units when enrolling in an eligible qualification or accredited course. This will create pathways into qualifications and courses in which these units are a part.
This course supports leaders and lay people assisting in parishes in the areas of ministry and pastoral care to have a deeper understanding of Christian Ministry and Theology. The course is a learning pathway for those who wish to pursue theology and ministry studies at University who may not have studied for a while.
For a breakdown on the fees for this course please visit our fees page.
The course fees for Launceston (Worldview) and Albany (Albany Ministry Training) are different – please refer to their locally published course fees.
Eastern College Australia values the history, culture and languages of First Nations people and we welcome their participation in all of our courses.
Our friendly Student Services Team is ready to answer any questions you may have.
You can call us, email us, or pop in for a visit or fill in the form and we will get in touch with you.
Our friendly Student Services Team is ready to answer any questions you may have.
You can call us, email us, or pop in for a visit or fill in the form and we will get in touch with you.
Our friendly Student Services Team is ready to answer any questions you may have.
You can call us, email us, or pop in for a visit or fill in the form and we will get in touch with you.
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri People as the traditional custodians of God’s land on which Eastern College Australia stands, and pay our respects to their elders past and present, and our support for the emerging leaders of the future.
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