Our students come from a variety of trade and office worker backgrounds

The Advanced Biblical Studies and Ministry Certificate is stage 3 of VBC training and takes 1 year to complete as a full time learner. This course is designed for those wishing to serve as Ministry leaders. You will investigate God’s word deeply, critiquing other positions and further develop skills to preach and lead others. The Advanced Certificate has been developed at an Advanced Diploma level.

There are 10 subjects in this course. Subjects typically run over 19 weeks and require approximately 3 hours a week to complete training activities. 1.5 hours will be spent in a small group discussion and another 1.5 hours doing readings, ministry activities and assessments. 

The Advanced Certificate will prepare you for the following sorts of ministry roles:

  • Chaplain

  • Assistant Minister or Pastor

  • Missionary

Subjects

There are 10 subjects in this course

  1. Introduction to Biblical Languages

  2. Reading Revelation

  3. Sustaining Christian Leadership

  4. Wisdom for Godly Living

  5. Working in your Denomination

  6. Reading ‘the writings’ (Job, Psalms, Proverbs & Ecclesiastes)

  7. Preaching God’s Word 2

  8. Knowing God and His World 2

  9. Christian Leadership 2

  10. Doing Church in Hard Places

Preferred Entry Requirements

We prefer our learners to have the following experience/education prior to enrolling in this course:

  • Committed member in their local church

  • Completed the Intermediate Biblical Studies and Ministry Certificate or equivalent

Ministry Placement

To successfully undertake this course learners will need to have access to a suitable workplace where they can perform roles such as:

  • Leaders and lay assistants in parishes in the areas of ministry and pastoral care

  • Volunteer or paid pastoral positions

  • Youth or Sunday School leaders

  • Women’s or Men’s ministry leaders

This work requirement is necessary so that the learner can fulfill the Ministry Placement requirements of the program.

Cost

This course costs $2500 ($250 per subject). This includes the set text, learning and assessment guide and handouts provided in class.

Additional Information

Additional information about each of the above subjects can be found in the Biblical Studies and Ministry Courses Booklet. The booklet also contains important information about VBC policies including privacy, grievances and disputes, exemptions and support services.

Ready to get started? Learn how to apply for the Advanced Biblical Studies and Ministry Certificate now.