Internet Bible College

Certificate III & IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Christian Ministry

The difference between the Theology and the Christian Ministry Awards are found in the practical subjects to be addressed. The doctrine subjects are identical however the units used to strengthen the practical subjects vary. It is for the student to determine their preference of study, Theology or Christian ministry and the difference is largely a matter of personal perception as both streams of study provide awards with identical outcome options.

The accredited programme is built around two streams of study. These two streams are –

Biblical Theology studies (or “CM” units as they are referred to in the Curriculum); and

Practical Ministry Skills Development. The units for the ministry skills development qre taken from the “Community Development Programme” required by VETAB. It is this combination of Community Development and related units with the study and application of Biblical Theology that makes the Vision programme so effective.

The Student will complete the Biblical studies through the text books that will be supplied; they will come complete with assignments. They are designed to assess the student’s comprehension of the text not their memory, as such a supervisor is not requited while for the assessment.

Practical skill assignments are clearly set out and are developed with the students Pastor or mentor in their own church or though some form of overseer if you are involved in a community based project as a volunteer or employee. At the beginning of course the students will nominate an area of ministry or service they be involved in for the course. Practical skills will be developed within that area of ministry. It is strongly recommended that the student remain within that area of ministry as it will be easier to build skills upon skills. These Units are offered with a relevant doctrinal subject to strengthen them from a Christian perspective.

Competency-based Vocational Training

The competency-based vocational training perfectly complements Vision's commitment to training within the local church and community. The student is less required to memorize and repeat information, and more required to demonstrate that he or she is competent to perform essential skills for vocational ministry. Competency is demonstrated by collecting and submitting evidence to qualified assessors. We believe that this is best accomplished in the context of the local church.

Our five values of competency-based vocational ministry training: Vision affirms the following values for vocational ministry training.

Christ

All teaching will be centred in Christ — seeking to bring students into a Christ like life and thinking.

Community

Training will be carried out, and proven in the context of community life (relationships). The student's ministerial vocation will be expressed and worked out in the daily life of his or her various communities: family, church community, society, and the broader community of the world.

Character

Building strong character will be the goal of all training, not just an accumulation of knowledge. The indwelling life of Christ expressed and worked out, in community will develop godly character.

Calling

Will be observed, developed, and proven within the immediate context of the community.

Competency

Competency in a particular area of life and ministry is developed and nurtured in the environment of a loving community. Competency is demonstrated by practical, hands-on training in the immediate context of the local church and community.

Recognition Given To The Training Program

Graduates from these courses will be recognized as appropriate persons to be employed as Parish Workers, Church Workers, Religious Instructors, Ministers, mission support personnel, Pastors, and Church-Planters and Missionary Workers (as relevant to the level and type of qualification completed) by the majority of Christian denominations functioning in Queensland, Australia and beyond.