Vineyard College Prospectus 2020

Vineyard
 College
Prospectus
 2020

Welcome 3

Study information 4
Entry requirements 5

Programme details 6

Certificate in Christian Ministry .....................................6
 God’s Story ..............................................................................7
 Introduction to Church History .......................................... 7
 Understanding the Bible — New Testament .....................8
 Exploring Spiritual Growth ...................................................8
 Christian Beliefs......................................................................9
 Practical Ministry (Internship) .............................................10
Diploma in Christian Leadership . ...................................11
 Introduction to Ministry ........................................................12
 Survey of the Old and New Testament ..............................12
 Spiritual Growth & Discipleship ..........................................13
 World Religions and the Christian Worldview ...................13
 Project Internship ..................................................................14

Pathways for future study 14

About Vineyard College 15

General information 16

Fees 17

Other costs and requirements 17

Scholarships 17

Enrolment process 18

Students with learning impairments 18

 Withdrawals and refunds 19
 Disclaimer 19

 Contact details 20

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Welcome
Welcome to Vineyard College! It’s a privilege to serve you and offer you
the chance to be involved in our programme.
Vineyard College equips potential church leaders by balancing sound
Biblical knowledge with practical application in a ministry setting. Our
students have a safe learning environment in which they have a go at
“doing the stuff” as they develop their understanding of the Kingdom of
God. This provides a launch pad into a life-long pursuit of learning and
deepening relationship with Christ.
Vineyard College serves the whole Church, working with many
denominations to equip students through mentored practical ministry and
online academic study. Our students stay in their own church or
organisation as they study.

 “Vineyard College was the perfect
 platform for me to launch into
 ministry and grow in many of the
 areas I’m so passionate about! I gained
 a deeper understanding of the Bible,
 grew in all sorts of practical ministry
 skills (the exciting, the mundane and
 everything in between!) and in my
 personal relationship with God. A few
 years on I feel so blessed to be
 working for my church doing some of
 these things that I love every day!”
 - Rhoda Baker (Grace Vineyard)

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Study information
Vineyard College programmes use a distance-learning mentor-assisted
model, where students stay in their home environments and supervisors
assist them in deciding what areas in the church to focus on.
Course materials and tutorials are delivered via Google Classroom.
The College also offers two block courses, early in each semester, for
students to develop a sense of common purpose and hear College staff
lecture on the academic subjects for that semester. Block courses run from
Monday afternoon to Thursday morning, with the overall course fees
covering accommodation and food.
Our 2020 block courses are in Papamoa from February 10-13 and
July 20-23

Entry requirements
Vineyard College is open to New Zealand or Australian citizens or those with
New Zealand permanent residency. When English is not the first language of
the student, an (IELTS) academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than
5.0 is required.
While the Certificate in Christian Ministry and Diploma in Christian
Leadership have no formal prerequisites aside from those mentioned above,
we strongly recommend enrolling in the Certificate course if this is your first
time studying at a tertiary institution.
If University Entrance has not been attained by an applicant, they may be
asked to complete a foundation exercise to assess which programme level
is a suitable entry point.

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Calendar 2020
 J F M A M J J A S O N D
1
2
3 Start
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 Block
11 course
12
13
14
15
16
17
18 Finish
19
20 Block
21 course
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

 Semester 1 - 3rd Feb - 17th July
 Semester 2 - 20th July - 18th Dec
 Semester 1 - 3rd Feb - 17th July
 Due dates

 Semester 2 - 20th July - 18th Dec
 - Due dates

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Programme details
Certificate in Christian Ministry
Level 4, 120 credits
Duration: 46 weeks including 6 weeks holidays
Dates negotiated with student’s church

Students must achieve 120 credits and pass all learning outcomes with a
grade of 50% or more to gain the qualification.
Graduates of this programme will be able to:
• Integrate foundational knowledge of selected biblical principles and
Christian beliefs and apply to specified communities, acknowledging
bicultural or multicultural contexts.
• Apply biblical and theological principles to own faith journey and to that
of others.
• Apply biblical, theological and ministry skills in a mentored practical
ministry context to support the spiritual development of individuals and
groups.
• Organise and prioritise tasks and responsibilities in the provision of
practical ministry to individuals and groups.
• Set goals and make plans for providing practical ministry to individuals
and groups.

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This programme is made up of the following courses:

Semester One Semester Two

Practical Ministry - 30 credits Practical Ministry - 30 credits

God’s Story - 15 credits Intro to Church - 15 credits
 History
Exploring Spiritual - 15 credits
Growth Understanding the
 Bible — NT - 15 credits

 Christian Beliefs - 15 credits

Course descriptions
God’s Story
Credits - 15
Learning hours - 150
This course introduces students to a number of different approaches
to reading the Bible as one big story. By engaging with the best
contemporary thinking on biblical interpretation, students will be
equipped to critically reflect upon their own lives and ministry practice in
light of their place within God’s Story. Along the way, students will explore
the backstory to the Bible, learning about how it came to be, in order to
gain a greater appreciation for the Christian tradition of seeking God’s
voice through reading and applying Scripture.

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Introduction to Church History
Credits - 15
Learning hours - 150

This course introduces students to various strands of Church History to
encourage a greater appreciation for the practices, values and traditions
that have informed their personal ministry practices and those of their
church community. Significant figures and events of the past will be
studied in order to deepen students’ understandings of the ways God has
been at work with all kinds of people, in all kinds of places, to advance his
Kingdom. By the end of the course, students will be able to situate
themselves and their church within the wider family of churches that
together constitute the body of Christ.

Understanding the Bible - New Testament
Credits - 15
Learning hours - 150

This course explores the criss-crossing themes, genres and storylines of
the New Testament. It maintains a uniquely practical focus by looking at
various ways in which the gospel message can be used to speak into the
particular social and cultural settings in which students live and minister.
Throughout this course, students will be supported and encouraged as
they develop innovative ways of communicating the teachings of the
New Testament, deepening their understanding of the story and
connecting this gospel message to the needs of their world.

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Exploring Spiritual Growth
Credits - 15
Learning hours - 150

This course introduces students to various spiritual disciplines to broaden
the ways they are able to connect with God. Drawing on the rich traditions
of the past, students will be equipped with tools to sustain their inner life
as they serve their church and community.

Christian Beliefs
Credits - 15
Learning hours - 150

This course introduces students to the foundational beliefs of the
Christian Church. It begins by examining how the Church has arrived at its
beliefs before diving into such crucial topics as the Trinity, the role of the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the nature of humanity, sin, salvation,
God’s mission, the Church and different theories of the end-times. By the
end of the course, students will be able to better articulate why they
believe what they believe and to use theological frameworks to enhance
their approach to discipleship and service within the local church.

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Practical Ministry
Credits - 60
Learning hours - 600
This course is the heart of our programme and covers both semesters. It
provides students with practical tools to develop ministry skills and apply
knowledge from their academic papers in a mentor-assisted environment.
Students are introduced to essential ministry skills such as organising
and prioritising tasks, setting goals, discovering their personal gifts
and strengths, working within a team, thinking strategically and
developing new approaches to supporting individuals and groups.
The course is informed by a ‘learn-by-doing’ approach and, under the
guidance of a supervisor, students are given room to discover their unique
calling within the life of their church.

“We have been partnering with
Vineyard College for the past five
years, and we absolutely love what
they do. Every year we have seen
our interns achieve massive personal
growth through the pastoral and
academic support they receive.
It has complemented our leadership
training seamlessly.”

- Marty Emmett (YWAM Furnace)

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Diploma in Christian Leadership
Level 5, 120 credits
Duration: 46 weeks including 6 weeks holidays
Dates negotiated with student’s church

Students must achieve 120 credits and pass all the learning outcomes
with a grade of 50% or more to gain the qualification.
Graduates of this programme will be able to:
• Evaluate and apply a broad understanding of theology and biblical
foundations to defined contexts based on textual interpretation and
religious practice.
• Evaluate a ministry programme based on strategies that integrate
personal and communal faith journeys, and the social, cultural and other
contextual considerations of defined groups.
• Apply key Christian leadership principles to facilitate team development
and accomplish organisational goals in particular areas of
Christian ministry.
This programme is made up of the following courses:

Semester One Semester Two

Project Internship - 30 credits Project Internship - 30 credits

Introduction to Ministry - 15 Survey of Old Testament
credits and New Testament - 30 credits

Spiritual Growth & Discipleship
- 15 credits

World Religions and the
Christian Worldview - 15 credits
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Course descriptions
Introduction to Ministry
Credits - 15
Learning hours - 150

This course examines the Biblical and theological foundations
underpinning contemporary ministry practices. It discusses ministry in its
broadest terms in light of God’s cosmic redemptive plan for the whole of
creation. It also reflects on challenges and opportunities facing ministers
in New Zealand, giving students space to consider strategies for how to
move forward with wisdom and courage in a changing world. Along the
way, students will look at a number of practical models to unpack what
ministry looks like in reality.

Survey of the Old and New Testament
Credits -30
Learning hours - 300
This course takes a narrative approach to the Bible, reading it as an
integrated story that leads to Jesus. It introduces students to essential
interpretive skills such as understanding Biblical genres and literary design
patterns in order to come to terms with the original message of the Biblical
authors. It also brings students into contact with cutting-edge thinking in
the area of Biblical interpretation to inspire their own journey of reading
Scripture. The course maintains a practical focus by connecting Biblical
interpretation to ministry applications, encouraging students to
take the Bible off the bookshelf and into the world.
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Spiritual Growth & Discipleship
Credits -15
Learning hours - 150
This course explores the intersections of spirituality and discipleship.
Drawing from the deep well of Church History, students are given
opportunities to look at a range of ancient and contemporary prayer
practices to broaden their ways of connecting with God. The course also
functions as a practical toolkit for discipling others and leading them
toward a greater awareness of God in their lives.

World Religions and the Christian
Worldview
Credits -15
Learning hours - 150
This course introduces students to the concept of worldviews as a way of
exploring the formation and evolution of different religions and belief
systems. Students will critically examine some of the claims of world
religions such as Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Animism and
Secularism in order to reflect on how these worldviews shape belief and
religious practice. By the end of the course, students will be able to better
articulate their faith with truth and grace to an increasingly complex and
pluralistic world.

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Project Internship
Credits - 60
Learning hours - 600

This part of the programme provides students with the opportunity to
apply leadership principles in a practical ministry setting, whether in the
church or the community. Essential ministry skills such as strategising,
planning, goal-setting, developing teams, reflecting on strengths and
weaknesses, journalling etc are developed to assist students in becoming
increasingly effective in supporting and championing the life of their
church. This course is informed by a ‘learn-by-doing’ approach to ministry,
under the broad guidance of a supervisor and/or mentor.

Pathways for future study
Want to go even deeper with your study? Credit some of your diploma
towards the first year of a Bachelors Degree with one of our partner
Colleges.

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About Vineyard College
Vineyard College was registered in 1997, delivering onsite, face-to-face
study. In 2003, in response to church and student feedback, we moved
to a distance-learning, mentor-assisted model which allowed students to
remain in their churches and develop in response to their local context. We
love this ‘hands on’ approach to training people for ministry and are always
working on ways to make it as good as it can be for our students. Our
programmes work well with local churches and enable students to stay in
a supportive, familiar environment while studying.
Vineyard College works with all kinds of churches from many
denominations all over New Zealand. We have a student-focused method
of teaching that flexes around the particular needs and circumstances of
each student. Students are supported through one-on-one supervision
and mentoring in their church or organisation, together with pastoral care
and academic support from the College. This partnership approach to
training means we have consistently high graduation rates.

 “We have been with Vineyard College
 for 4 years now, and each year it has
 been very beneficial and instrumental
 to the growth of our interns and the
 health of our local church. The staff
 and faculty have been a pleasure to
 work with and go the extra mile to see
 the success of the interns.”

 - Pastor James Stevens (Advance Church)

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General information
Our study year starts on February 3 and finishes on December 18. This
incorporates 40 weeks of study plus 6 weeks of holiday. Students do a
minimum of 15 hours of practical ministry relating to the student’s
project areas and 15 hours of guided academic study per week.
Churches and organisations provide students with a supervisor to help
direct their practical work and provide pastoral care. This is a great
opportunity to develop leaders who can help expand the ministry of the
local church.
Vineyard College is funded through the Tertiary Education
Commission and governed by the Vineyard Churches Aotearoa New
Zealand board of directors, who are all active in ministry.
Vineyard College is accredited to provide a New Zealand Certificate in
Christian Ministry (Level 4) and a New Zealand Diploma in Christian Lead-
ership (Level 5) by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under section
250 of the Education Act 1989. We are a Category 2 provider. All Vineyard
College programmes are eligible for fees free, student loans and allow-
ances. Please go to our website www.vineyardcollege.org.nz to check your
eligibility with Studylink.
You will also find a copy of Vineyard College’s full 2016 External Evaluation
Report carried out by NZQA.

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Fees
Certificate in Christian Ministry – Level 4 $2059
Diploma in Christian Leadership – Level 5 $2267
(All tuition fees are GST-inclusive)

Other costs and
requirements
• Students should allow a minimum of $200 a year for books and study
 materials. A list of required readings will be provided.
• Laptop.
• A stable internet connection, capable of watching online
 videos and video calls.

Scholarships
Fee scholarships are available for Maori and Pasifika students if they wish
to apply. We also have support available for other special circumstances
(eg, If you have financial hardship). Please contact the College for an
application form.

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Enrolment process
Enrolment forms are available at www.vineyardcollege.org.nz or contact
the College (see details at the end of this prospectus). Applications need to
be in writing and include a personal biography and pastoral
recommendation letter. Our preferred method is scanned and emailed,
or these can be posted to the College. Feel free to contact us at any time
throughout the process if you have questions.

Students with learning
impairments
Vineyard College has strategies in place to assist most learning
impairments as we want study with us to be a positive experience. If
needed, we will create new strategies to assist students with learning
impairments.

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Withdrawals and refunds
Fees are paid into the Public Trust. Students who withdraw within eight
days of commencement of courses will be refunded all fees paid, less an
administration fee of 10%.
Students who withdraw later than eight days but less than 40 days after
commencement of courses may be refunded a maximum of $500 or 50%
of the tuition fees, whichever is the lesser amount, at the discretion of the
College.
Students who withdraw later than 40 days after commencement
of courses will not be eligible for any refund of tuition fees.

Disclaimer
Information given in this publication may be subject to change. If there are
any changes, prospective students will be notified.

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Contact details
Vineyard College
P O Box 21-541
Henderson
Auckland 0650
(09) 940 8463
021 0285 3945
training@vineyardcollege.org.nz
www.vineyardcollege.org.nz

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