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Master of Arts in Church Practice

Students who have limited or no foundation in biblical/theological studies are required to undertake one introductory module. The required module is listed below under “Course Outline”.

This course is designed as continuing preparation for people who are called to local church ministry, particularly people who are already involved in or are considering local church ministry. The course is designed to equip trainees in ministry to best serve the local church. The structure of the course embraces broad philosophical and theoretical approaches to ministry practice as well as the development of task specific skills and outcomes.

The course recognises the changing context in which the church finds itself and is designed to equip learners to reflect critically and constructively on the praxis of the church’s mission. Such reflection leads to “ongoing modification and development of the ways the church shapes its life to be in partnership with God’s work in the world” (Fowler, James W (1987) Faith Development and Pastoral Care Philadelphia; Fortress Press, 17)

This approach considers the influence of historic Christian traditions and sees the need to extend its design to include perspectives of post-modernity, contextualisation and the appropriation of current ethical standards.

These ministry needs are similar both within current church organisations and in a wider range of ecclesial contexts. Due to Tabor College Victoria’s multi- denominational nature, the College is in a favourable position to offer such a design as there is scope and exposure across the range of denominations and an involvement and understanding of relevant mission ministry that comes from a large cross-section of learners and staff.

This programme is designed to:

  • Prepare learners who are choosing church ministry as a career or seeking to serve their local church while maintaining their professional lives;
  • Provide broad subject knowledge to understand the ministry of the church at the local congregational level and to develop the necessary theoretical knowledge and the research skills required to work in this field;
  • Offer integrated study to provide learners an opportunity for study, work and research;
  • Address the need for well-trained ministers in established and emerging churches.

Further details