Course Units
Please see below the Doctor of Ministry/Master of Theological Studies units. Unless specified, each unit can be taken at level 8 or 9.
The Atonement and the Doctrine of God (Apr 20-23) – Peter Adam
This unit, undertaken as part of the Annual Ridley Preachers’ Conference, will explore the biblical understanding of the atonement and how this crucial doctrine can best be communicated in the contemporary context. Present-day questions and points of debate relating to the atonement will be evaluated, as well as how a deeper understanding of its significance is vital for life and ministry in the 21st century.
Professional Supervision for Ministry Workers (Feb 28/29, May 14/15) and Advanced Professional Supervision for Ministry Workers (Jul 31/Aug 1, Sep 18/19) – Geoff Broughton and Len Firth
These two units will equip pastors and church leaders to promote ministry development in others. The units will present a range of theories and models in professional supervision in pastoral contexts and will provide practical training in the skills of professional supervision. Students enter the program as postgraduate professionals, and whilst engaged in their own supervision and supervising of one or two supervisees in the context, integrate the skills and knowledge they will learn in the unit. Professional Supervision for Ministry Workers is a prerequisite for Advanced Professional Supervision for Ministry Workers.
Interpreting and Preaching Philippians and Philemon (Jun 22-26) – Mike Bird
This unit presents a study of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians and to Philemon with a view to unpacking their background, main themes, exegeting the text, mining for homiletical tips, relevance for theology, and contemporary application. Students will gain a good grasp of these two epistles as well as Paul’s biography and theology, and will be better equipped to preach and apply these two letters in their own church setting.
Great Awakening Study Tour (Jun 21-29) – Rhys Bezzant (Level 8 only – may not be taken as a capstone or DMin coursework unit)
The Great Awakening in America in the eighteenth century saw thousands converted, lay ministry encouraged, and prayer meetings invented. With the Spirit as the engine of the revivals, there arose a new understanding of authority, institutions, even history itself. Indeed, we can’t understand global missions in the modern world without the background of the evangelical awakening. In this study tour, we trace the steps of the Pilgrims in Boston, George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, and the Moravians in Pennsylvania, and learn about how the American Revolution drew upon the energy of revivalism at the same time that it reshaped Christian ministry. The Reformation was set against the backdrop of superstition, but the context of the Great Awakening is the secularisation of society, which is our experience in contemporary Australia. This unit has the goal to help us reflect upon the Enlightenment challenge to faith, the influence of American models of ministry today, and how emotions and itinerancy impact our expectations of preaching. For more information, visit our study tour page.
Sin and Evil: Ridley Mega-Intensive (Aug 24-28) – Roy Ciampa and Ridley Faculty
A week-long intensive that dives deep into the theme of sin and evil, allowing you to look at the questions from multiple perspectives (bible, theology, ethics, history). You will consider the implications for your ministry, developing points of application with your peers. Featuring an international speaker, Ridley faculty and a rich and varied program.
Introduction to Research Methods (Available in Semester 1, 2 or 3)
MTS students wishing to continue into a research degree may choose to enrol in Introduction to Research Methods to learn the skills of academic research in a theological context. Doctor of Ministry candidates are required to complete a unit of Research Methods which introduces the ministry research candidate or practical theologian to the basic options that are available and used in human or social research today. During this unit, the researcher is introduced to the most commonly used qualitative methodologies as well as a range of ways to source and process the data upon which a compelling thesis may later be built. While no prior knowledge is presumed, by the end of this unit the committed candidate will be able to make their contribution as an authentic researcher of human experiences related to Christian ministry or mission.
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