FCMA Department of Church and Intercultural Relations
Undergraduate

BA, Church & Intercultural Relations

Building Reconciliation, Leading Across Cultures, Strengthening the Church

Full Time Part Time Online Blended

Program At a Glance

Duration
4.0 Years
Credits
120
Start Application →

About This Program

Program Description

The Bachelor of Arts in Church and Intercultural Relations prepares students to understand and respond constructively to the cultural, ethnic, social and religious diversity encountered within the contemporary Church and wider society.

The programme is grounded in the biblical vision of the Church as a reconciled and multicultural community. It equips students with the theological understanding, analytical ability and practical skills required to address cultural difference, prejudice, conflict, exclusion and division within congregations, ministries and communities.

Students study intercultural relations, missiology, cross-cultural communication, world religions, interfaith engagement, reconciliation, Christian ethics, leadership and contemporary social issues. Supporting studies in biblical interpretation, Christian doctrine, Church history, apologetics, worship and spiritual formation provide a strong theological foundation for intercultural ministry.

The curriculum develops competence in analysing cultural dynamics, facilitating dialogue, managing diversity, resolving conflict and leading ministries of reconciliation. Students learn to communicate across cultural boundaries, build inclusive ministry environments and support churches serving multicultural populations.

Supervised field education enables students to apply their learning within churches, community organisations and intercultural ministry settings. Five advanced courses strengthen professional preparation in reconciliation practice, conflict transformation, migration and diaspora ministry, community engagement and intercultural leadership.

The programme culminates in a 20-credit degree thesis through which students investigate a significant issue in intercultural relations, reconciliation, diversity, mission, community engagement or multicultural ministry. Graduates are prepared for leadership and service in churches, Christian organisations, community agencies and related professional settings, as well as progression to master’s-level study.

Specializations

  • Intercultural Ministry and Church Diversity
  • Reconciliation and Conflict Transformation
  • Cross-Cultural Mission and Communication
  • Interfaith and Community Engagement
  • Migration, Diaspora and Multicultural Ministry

Core Courses

  • GEN 101 — Foundations of Christian beliefs, values and worldview
  • BIB 101 — Introduction to the Bible, its structure and central themes
  • ICR 201 — Foundations of Church and intercultural relations
  • MIS 101 — Introduction to Christian mission and missiological studies
  • GEN 102 — Academic writing, study methods and research preparation
  • BIB 102 — Principles and methods of biblical interpretation
  • MIS 201 — Biblical and theological foundations of Christian mission
  • THE 101 — Introduction to the central doctrines of the Christian faith
  • ETH 201 — Christian ethics and responsible moral decision-making
  • HIS 201 — History of the early and medieval Church
  • GEN 201 — Critical thinking, reasoning and logic for ministry
  • MIN 101 — Introduction to Christian ministry and congregational service
  • MIS 301 — Communication across cultural and linguistic boundaries
  • LDR 101 — Foundations of Christian leadership and service
  • WOR 201 — Christian worship, liturgy and congregational practice
  • MIS 401 — World religions, dialogue and interfaith engagement
  • HIS 301 — Church history from the Reformation to the present
  • GEN 301 — Christian engagement with contemporary social issues
  • SYS 301 — Systematic theology of God, revelation and humanity
  • LDR 301 — Organisational leadership, teamwork and staff development
  • APO 301 — Christian apologetics and the defence of the faith
  • LDR 201 — Discipleship, spiritual growth and Christian formation
  • SYS 401 — Systematic theology of Christ, salvation and the Church
  • RES 501 — Research design and methods for theology and ministry studies
  • MIN 290 — First supervised church or community placement
  • MIN 390 — Advanced supervised ministry or community placement
  • EVA 101 — Foundations and methods of Christian evangelism
  • FIN 201 — Church finance, stewardship and financial accountability
  • BIB 201 — Study of the Pentateuch and its theological themes
  • ICR 301 — Reconciliation theology and practical peacebuilding
  • ICR 302 — Conflict transformation in churches and communities
  • ICR 401 — Migration, diaspora and multicultural ministry
  • ICR 402 — Diversity leadership and inclusive church development
  • ICR 403 — Intercultural community engagement and social cohesion
  • RES 590 — Independent 20-credit degree thesis in intercultural relations

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 interest in intercultural ministry, reconciliation or community relations

An academic, professional or ministry reference

Successful completion of an interview where required

What You'll Achieve

Learning Outcomes

Analyse cultural, ethnic, social and religious dynamics within churches and communities

Apply biblical and theological principles to intercultural relations

Lead ministries and initiatives that promote reconciliation and unity

Manage cultural diversity constructively within Christian organisations

Communicate effectively across cultural and social boundaries

Facilitate dialogue between individuals and groups from different backgrounds

Identify and respond to prejudice, exclusion and intercultural conflict

Develop inclusive ministry strategies for multicultural congregations

Apply conflict transformation principles within church and community settings

Engage respectfully and critically with world religions and other faith traditions

Support migrant, diaspora and culturally diverse Christian communities

Integrate Christian ethics with intercultural leadership and decision-making

Plan and evaluate intercultural ministry and community engagement programmes

Promote unity in mission without disregarding cultural identity and difference

Demonstrate leadership, teamwork and organisational competence

Conduct independent research in intercultural relations or reconciliation studies

Apply academic learning through supervised ministry and community experience

Develop evidence-based responses to intercultural challenges facing the Church

After Graduation

Career Opportunities

Intercultural Ministry Leader
Reconciliation Worker
Community Relations Officer
Multicultural Church Coordinator
Cross-Cultural Mission Worker
Conflict Resolution Facilitator
Interfaith Engagement Officer
Church Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
Diaspora Ministry Leader
Migration and Refugee Ministry Worker
Community Outreach Coordinator
Christian Organisation Programme Officer
Intercultural Training Facilitator
Peacebuilding and Reconciliation Officer
Mission Agency Intercultural Adviser
Multicultural Congregational Development Officer
Faith-Based Community Development Worker
Church and Community Liaison Officer
Intercultural Ministry Consultant
Progression to a Master’s Degree in Intercultural Studies, Missiology, Theology, Peace and Conflict Studies or a related discipline
Gallery

Ready to Enrol in BA, Church & Intercultural Relations?

Take the first step. Apply today and our admissions team will guide you through every stage.

Admissions Team

24/7 Support

Secure Process