Uniting Aboriginal & Islander Christian Congress Yalga-binbi Institute for Community Development National Provider No. 31116 National Leadership Training Program Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology 30771QLD Course Handbook 2012
Contents YALGA-BINBI INSTITUTE... 2 THE VISION OF THE COURSE... 3 COURSE DETAILS... 4 COURSE PROGRAM... 5 DESCRIPTION OF UNITS & SUBJECTS... 6 WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?... 8 COURSE HOURS... 8 ACCESS AND EQUITY... 9 STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES... 9 TEACHING STAFF... 10 SUPPORT AVAILABLE... 10 ACCESS TO RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE... 11 COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES... 11 RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING & MUTUAL RECOGNITION... 11 FEES AND CHARGES... 12 LOCATION OF THE INSTITUTE... 13 HOW TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION AND ENROLMENT... 14 Notes... 15 1
YALGA-BINBI INSTITUTE Yalga-binbi Institute for Community Development is an Indigenous organisation that promotes and encourages self determination and community development in Australian Indigenous communities. The Institute also makes its services and resources available to the wider community. The Institute is based in Townsville, north Queensland. It is a not-forprofit organisation, established in 1989. It has served many Indigenous communities since that time, providing resources for community development in areas such as community development planning, employment of community development workers, promoting the arts and cultural development, initiating development projects such as the community justice group program in Queensland, and adult education and training. The Institute is an agency of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress of the Uniting Church in Australia. The Congress is a national body controlled and managed by Indigenous people. It has responsibility for the church s ministry and community development work with Indigenous people throughout Australia. Yalga-binbi Institute is a Registered Training Organisation under Queensland and Commonwealth legislation for the delivery of a range of courses including the Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology. This means that the qualification gained by students who successfully complete either of these courses is nationally recognised. 2
THE VISION OF THE COURSE If you are looking through this booklet then you are probably considering doing some study in Christian ministry and in theology, or the ways in which we think and talk about God. The Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology is a first step in doing some study. In a way, this is a taster. It will give you an idea of what study is like. You will learn how much English literacy you might need to complete it. It will give you a chance to check that you can set aside the time to attend the workshops; and set aside time to do some study work at home. You will become aware of how well you can organise your time, and commit yourself, or not, to this study. It will introduce you to some special words that are used in the study of the Bible and theology. It is also a starting point. Having had a taste of study, there is more you can do. The Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology can lead into the Certificate IV. This is not automatic but will depend on your development of ministry skills and the support of your fellowship. This will lead to greater responsibilities, and the possibility of your sensing God s call to become a pastor, minister or deacon within the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. In line with the Congress approach to holistic evangelism the formal training will include Community Development principles and practice. These are built into the Christian Ministry and Theology course. 3
COURSE DETAILS Yalga-binbi Institute offers the Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology on a part-time basis only through a mixed mode of delivery. It is designed to be completed over an 18 month period. Residential workshops are held in Townsville, or other suitable locations, three times a year. Each workshop runs for a two week period. Students then return to their community where they will work through outstanding assignments and any required field work. Assessment will be based on the successful completion of all units of the course. The course is competency-based. That is to say, assessment will be based on how well students meet the performance criteria for each Unit that they study. Where ever possible mentors will support the student in their community. Yalga-binbi is offering the units of competency for the Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology as listed on the next page. 4
COURSE PROGRAM Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology 30771QLD Learning Program Units Unit Code Core CMT001 CMT002 CMT003 CMT004 CMT005 CMT006 Unit Title Identify how Christian Scripture, life and practice are understood today Identifies theological data Identifies a range of information within a theological theme or issue Identifies new theological insights Identifies theological knowledge in relation to the Christian way of life Communicates theology in everyday language Electives CHCPAS401A CHCCD413D Total Undertake pastoral care work Work within specific communities 8 Units A schedule of residential workshops is published each year. These are available from the Course coordinator, and may be varied according to need. 5
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS & SUBJECTS The Bible and Life Today CMT001 Identify how Christian Scripture, life and practice are understood today In this study students will explore how the Bible came to us today and explore the question of Who wrote the Bible? They will give attention to different parts of the Bible and consider how to use commentaries and other Bible resources. Finally, They will investigate basic ways to interpret the Bible for today as Indigenous Christians. God in My Life Journey CMT002 Identifies theological data In this unit students explore the nature of God from their own experience and the Biblical narrative. The central place that Jesus Christ has in the tradition is explored and the call that Christ puts on the lives of his followers outlined. The call to service to all baptised Christians is affirmed and students discern the call that God makes on their lives. Mark s Gospel: Christ s people in the midst of crisis CMT003 Identifies a range of information within a theological theme or issue This unit is a study in the Gospel according to Mark. It covers a study of a number of stories from the Gospel dealing with crisis situations and explores the ways people deal with crisis and see what resources might be available to followers of Jesus faced with critical situations today. Made in God s Image CMT004 Identifies new theological insights This unit focuses on Christian Indigenous identity, and leads the student to a response to the question Who am I as an Indigenous Christian in Australia today? The student will consider the Biblical stories of creation alongside Indigenous creation stories to reflect on the nature of God and creation. Living as Christian Community CMT005 Identifies theological knowledge in relation to the Christian way of life Now the student explores the nature of community. What is it? What is Christian Community? After a brief look at Christian Community through the ages, there is a focus on some New Testament ideas about Christian Community. How can people live together in a Christian way, when all are human and make mistakes? How is reconciliation possible when people get hurt? The Christian s role as caring reconciler is explored and students investigate some approaches to positive living in community. 6
Worship and Preaching CMT006 Communicates theology in everyday language This unit starts out by looking at the nature of the church and goes on to explore the questions, Why do we worship? Having identified the structure of Christian worship students will plan worship services and consider how to prepare a sermon. Part of the assessment will be to give a message. CHCPAS401A Undertake Pastoral Care Work In this unit students will learn skills in active listening and other communication skills. They will acquire some basic knowledge about Pastoral Care including Biblical understandings of human well-being. They will explore the effects of grief and anger and gain an appreciation of the importance of emotions and what to do when they feel they do not have the skills to meet a situation. Finally, students will learn the reasons for reporting and the practice of confidentiality. CHCCD413D Work within specific communities The unit covers the knowledge and skills required to work with individuals or groups in specific communities. This involves defining the issues of specific communities or groups, undertaking relevant work in the context of specific communities or groups and evaluating this work. 7
WHO IS THE COURSE FOR? The Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology 30771QLD is an entry level study for those who are helping with ministry in their local fellowship. It recognises the importance of Australian Indigenous cultural foundations expressed through faith and action, and a holistic approach to faith and ministry. Participants will have a lively, active Christian faith, and be involved in some local form of ministry support. They will also be keen learners who would like to accept more responsibility. Congregations or other fellowships of Indigenous Australians will nominate the people to participate in this course. It is open to people of any church background. COURSE HOURS How much time do I need to give to study? This will vary between students. However, students will need to maintain full attendance at workshops and focused attention in teaching and learning sessions within the workshop. These workshops are held over a 2 week period. In some units students will be able to complete assignment work during the workshop. If the work is not satisfactory at that time, students will have access to help so that they can achieve good progress in their studies. Some of this work will be done at home. In some units there will be projects that have to be done at home. This will be field work, for instance, leading worship, preaching or pastoral care. 8
ACCESS AND EQUITY The Institute is committed to the principles of access and equity in its provision of education and training opportunities and in its employment policies and practices. Yalga-binbi Institute will not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, disability, age, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, pregnancy or family responsibilities, in accordance with the provisions of Commonwealth and Queensland legislation. However, it recognises the need for special priority to be given to Indigenous Australians in order to overcome the effects of discriminatory practices of the past. The Institute actively encourages Indigenous people to participate in all of its courses and training programs, and will adapt these to suit the identified needs of Indigenous people. All courses provided by Yalga-binbi Institute are professionally developed with the co-operation of the relevant industry and conform with the standards required by the Australian Quality Training Framework. All courses are provided by qualified and professional staff competent in the relevant vocational areas. STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The rights and responsibilities of students are written in the Student Code of Conduct. This is printed in the Student Handbook. It sets down what students and the Institute and its staff can expect from each other. This code of conduct has been designed to ensure a productive learning environment and pleasant atmosphere for all students and staff, both in and out of the formal class situation. Institute staff are responsible for ensuring that there is a productive, safe, and secure learning environment for the delivery of its courses. This may mean the formulation of classroom and campus rules and regulations to ensure that this Code of Conduct is enforced. Staff have the authority to ensure that students rights are protected and that students carry out their responsibilities. One important responsibility of all students is to refrain from bringing any alcohol or prohibited drugs on to Institute premises. Intoxicated students are not allowed on the campus. 9
TEACHING STAFF There are a number of teachers involved in delivering the Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology. Rev. Richard Wallace is the coordinator for the course and is based in Townsville. He teaches some units, but also Rev. Michelle Cook, a Deacon in the Uniting Church and working with Calvary Presbytery in Cape York shares teaching of the course. Michelle has developed the Worship and Preaching unit and Living in Christian Community. Based in Alice Springs another Deacon, Rev. Murray Muirhead teaches in Pastoral Care and theology. Rev. Grant Finlay has taught in the Congress Leadership Training Program for a few years and has written the studies in Mark s Gospel. Rev. John Adams leads the way in community development teaching in the course. Visiting lecturers and guest speakers will also assist in the delivery of content throughout the course. Together we take a team approach to course delivery. Richard Wallace Grant Finlay Murray Muirhead SUPPORT AVAILABLE Michelle Cook John Adams Special support will be organised wherever possible to assist students in their academic achievement and in their general welfare as students of Yalga-binbi Institute. Professional counselling and student support are available. Where students have needs in numeracy and literacy, the Institute will organise to provide appropriate support by way of tutoring or organising access to special courses. 10
ACCESS TO RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE The Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology incorporates an emphasis on learning through practical involvement in the local church congregation or ministry area or life of the community. Therefore, admission to the course is subject to a clear understanding between the congregation, the student and Yalga-binbi. This agreement will include all the practical ministry and other field work to meet the course requirements. COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES Yalga-binbi Institute has policies and procedures for lodging complaints and grievances. Complaints and grievances may range from academic matters to issues concerning teaching and assessment, harassment and discrimination, and other matters concerning student welfare. On acceptance into a course, students will be informed of the policies and procedures for dealing with such matters. RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING & MUTUAL RECOGNITION The Institute recognises the qualifications and Statements of Attainment gained in other Registered Training Organisations and TAFE colleges, and as far as possible, will cross-credit qualifications or units of training when enrolling students in its courses. The Institute will also make provision for recognition of prior learning (RPL) from other institutions and experiences, and arrange assessment strategies by which students may gain formal recognition for this learning towards their qualifications in Yalga-binbi Institute. An information brochure on RPL and application forms are available. 11
FEES AND CHARGES Unit Code Nominal Fees Hours Identify how Christian Scripture, life and CMT001 30 $18 practice are understood today Identifies theological data CMT002 30 $18 Identifies a range of information within a CMT003 30 $18 theological theme or issue Identifies new theological insights CMT004 30 $18 Identifies theological knowledge in CMT005 30 $18 relation to the Christian way of life Communicates theology in everyday CMT006 30 $18 language Undertake Pastoral Care Work CHCPAS401A 45 $27 Work within specific communities CHCCD413D 70 $42 Total $177 12
LOCATION OF THE INSTITUTE The Institute is located in the Townsville suburb of Condon, at 190 Hervey s Range Road. It is situated on the campus of the Shalom Christian College. This course may be delivered in other locations according to the need of a Congress Region. 13
HOW TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION AND ENROLMENT Congress members interested in the program should contact their local minister or Congress Region Resource officer. Admission and enrolment application forms can be obtained from the Course Co-ordinator or from your Congress Region s Resource officer. Coordinator Contact: Rev Dr Richard Wallace Course Co-ordinator Yalga-binbi Institute for Community Development PO Box 217 Thuringowa Central Queensland 4817 Telephone 07 4773 5077 Fax 07 4773 4125 Email rwuaicc@bigpond.com 14
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UAICC Leadership Training Holistic ministry formation Yalga-binbi Institute for Community Development Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation