BA, Christian Religious Studies & Ministry
Deepening Faith, Advancing Knowledge, Equipping Ministry.
About This Program
Program Description
The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Religious Studies and Ministry provides a comprehensive academic and professional foundation for students preparing to serve in churches, schools, ministries, Christian organisations and community-based faith initiatives.
The programme integrates biblical interpretation, Old and New Testament studies, systematic theology, Christian doctrine, ethics, apologetics, church history and contemporary religious thought. Students develop the intellectual and theological competence required to interpret Christian beliefs, evaluate religious ideas and communicate the Christian faith accurately and responsibly.
Courses in Christian education, teaching and learning equip students to design and deliver effective religious instruction in churches, schools, discipleship programmes and ministry training environments. Students learn to communicate biblical and theological knowledge to people of different ages, educational backgrounds and levels of spiritual development.
The ministry component develops practical competence in evangelism, worship, pastoral care, counselling, leadership, discipleship and mission. Students examine the responsibilities of Christian ministry and learn to integrate theological reflection with compassionate service, ethical leadership and effective ministry practice.
Academic writing, critical thinking and research methods prepare students to undertake responsible scholarly enquiry. Supervised field education enables students to apply their learning in approved churches, schools, ministries or Christian organisations under appropriate guidance.
The programme culminates in a 20-credit degree thesis through which students conduct substantial independent research into a defined topic in Christian religious studies, biblical studies, theology, ministry, religious education or a related field.
Graduates are prepared for a broad range of educational, pastoral, ministry and organisational roles. The degree also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study in religious studies, theology, ministry, Christian education, biblical studies or related disciplines.
Specializations
- Biblical Studies and Interpretation
- Christian Theology and Doctrine
- Christian Religious Education
- Pastoral Ministry and Care
- Evangelism and Mission Studies
- Christian Leadership and Discipleship
- Church History and Contemporary Christianity
- Christian Apologetics and Public Faith
Core Courses
- GEN 101 — Examines the foundations of a Christian worldview and its application to learning, ministry, personal conduct and society.
- BIB 101 — Introduces the structure, historical setting, major themes and foundational principles for studying the Bible.
- THE 101 — Introduces the central doctrines of the Christian faith and their significance for Christian belief, life and ministry.
- EDU 101 — Examines the biblical, theological and educational foundations, purposes and principles of Christian education.
- GEN 102 — Develops academic reading, writing, research, referencing, communication and study skills required for university education.
- BIB 102 — Introduces historical, literary, theological and contextual methods for interpreting biblical texts responsibly.
- THE 201 — Examines the biblical and theological understanding of God’s nature, attributes, revelation, works and relationship with creation.
- MIN 101 — Introduces the biblical foundations, responsibilities, practices and contexts of Christian ministry.
- BIB 201 — Examines the content, theology, historical setting and major themes of the first five books of the Old Testament.
- ETH 201 — Explores Christian moral reasoning and its application to personal conduct, ministry, leadership and contemporary ethical issues.
- GEN 201 — Develops critical thinking, logical reasoning, argument evaluation and responsible decision-making for ministry and academic study.
- EDU 201 — Examines teaching methods, lesson planning, learning theory and learner engagement in churches and Christian educational settings.
- BIB 202 — Examines the four canonical Gospels and their presentation of the life, teaching, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- HIS 201 — Surveys the development of Christianity from the early Church through the medieval period.
- WOR 201 — Examines the biblical, theological, historical and practical foundations of Christian worship and liturgical practice.
- EVA 101 — Introduces the biblical basis, theology, methods and practical responsibilities of Christian evangelism.
- HIS 301 — Examines Christian history from the Reformation to the present, including major movements, institutions and theological developments.
- OTS 301 — Examines the major theological themes of the Old Testament and their contribution to Christian faith and doctrine.
- GEN 301 — Explores the relationship between Christianity and contemporary social, cultural, political, economic and ethical issues.
- PAS 201 — Examines the biblical and theological foundations of pastoral care and their application to spiritual, emotional and relational support.
- NTS 301 — Examines the major theological themes of the New Testament and their significance for Christian belief and ministry.
- SYS 301 — Examines Christian doctrines concerning God, revelation, creation and humanity within a systematic theological framework.
- MIS 101 — Introduces the biblical, theological, historical and cultural foundations of Christian mission.
- COU 101 — Introduces Christian counselling principles, active listening, compassionate support, appropriate boundaries and referral.
- MIN 290 — Provides supervised introductory ministry experience in an approved church, school, ministry or Christian organisation.
- MIN 390 — Provides advanced supervised ministry experience requiring the integration of theological knowledge, ethical conduct and practical competence.
- APO 301 — Examines the intellectual defence of the Christian faith and develops responses to major philosophical, religious and cultural challenges.
- LDR 101 — Introduces biblical and contemporary foundations of Christian leadership, character, service, influence and responsibility.
- RES 501 — Introduces qualitative, historical, biblical and theological research methods, research ethics, academic enquiry and scholarly writing.
- CRS 401 — Examines the nature, methods and major themes of Christian religious studies as an academic discipline.
- CRS 402 — Explores comparative religion and interfaith engagement from an informed Christian perspective.
- MIN 401 — Examines advanced approaches to pastoral ministry, congregational development, ministry planning and church-based service.
- EDU 401 — Examines the design, implementation and evaluation of Christian religious education programmes and curricula.
- REL 401 — Analyses religion, culture and society, including the role of faith in public life, identity, institutions and social transformation.
- CRS 490 — Requires the completion and defence of a substantial 20-credit degree thesis in Christian religious studies, biblical studies, theology, ministry or religious education.
Admissions
Entry Requirements
Completion of senior secondary education with the required credits or a recognized equivalent
Demonstrated competence in English
A personal statement outlining the applicant’s academic, ministry or vocational interests
An academic, professional, church or ministry reference
Successful completion of an admissions interview where required
What You'll Achieve
Learning Outcomes
Interpret biblical texts using responsible historical, literary and theological methods
Explain the major teachings and doctrines of the Christian faith
Evaluate Christian beliefs within their biblical, historical and cultural contexts
Teach Christian religious studies effectively in churches, schools and ministry environments
Develop appropriate lessons, teaching materials and religious education programmes
Communicate biblical and theological ideas clearly in written and spoken form
Apply Christian ethical principles to personal, professional, educational and ministry situations
Demonstrate knowledge of major developments in Christian history
Analyse contemporary religious, social and cultural issues from a Christian perspective
Explain the biblical and theological foundations of Christian worship
Apply foundational pastoral care and counselling skills appropriately
Plan and support evangelistic, discipleship and mission activities
Demonstrate effective Christian leadership and ministry teamwork
Integrate academic study, spiritual formation and practical ministry
Engage respectfully and critically with alternative religious and philosophical perspectives
Defend the Christian faith through informed and responsible apologetic reasoning
Recognise situations requiring referral to qualified pastoral, safeguarding, medical or counselling professionals
Conduct independent research in Christian religious studies, theology or ministry
Apply appropriate qualitative, theological and historical research methods
Produce and defend a substantial 20-credit degree thesis
Demonstrate professional competence through supervised field education
Serve ethically and effectively in a range of church, educational and community ministry roles
Progress to postgraduate study in religious studies, theology, ministry or Christian education
After Graduation
Career Opportunities
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