Courses
Certificate of Christian Ministry (5 Core Courses)
Courses are listed in our recommended order of completion:
Who is Jesus?
This is the central question of Christian theology—and the foundation of all faithful ministry.
In this course, students are invited to explore Jesus Christ as the full revelation of the Father and to discover the relationship he brings us into through the Spirit. Through careful study of the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—we examine the life, teachings, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.
More than simply learning about Jesus, this subject is designed to help students come to know him more deeply and personally. The Gospels present Jesus not only as a historical figure, but as “the way, the truth, and the life”—the One who reveals God and invites us into participation in the life of the Triune God.
What You Will Learn
This course introduces and examines the person, teachings, and work of Jesus Christ, equipping students for both theological understanding and ministry application.
Students will:
- Engage deeply with the four Gospel accounts
- Develop sound principles of biblical interpretation (exegesis)
- Analyse and interpret selected Gospel passages
- Understand the meaning and significance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection
- Apply the teachings of Jesus in contemporary ministry contexts
Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on reading Scripture faithfully—listening to what the text meant in its original context and discerning how it speaks into life and ministry today.
Course Approach
This subject integrates academic study, spiritual reflection, and practical application. Students are encouraged to engage Scripture not only intellectually, but relationally—recognising that the goal of study is not merely knowledge, but transformation.
The aim is to help students encounter the Incarnate Word through the written Word, growing in both understanding and relationship with God.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Explain key aspects of the person and work of Jesus Christ
- Demonstrate foundational skills in Gospel exegesis
- Interpret and communicate the message of the Gospels accurately
- Reflect theologically on the significance of Jesus for faith and ministry
- Apply Jesus’ teachings in real-life and ministry contexts
Course Structure
- 11 classes delivered through guided content and teaching
- 3 assessments, including:
- Two short-answer assignments
- One exegesis paper
All required texts and supporting materials are provided.
Why Study This Course?
At the heart of Christian faith and ministry is not simply a message, but a Person. This course is designed to help you move beyond knowing about Jesus to truly knowing him—so that your life and ministry are grounded in a living relationship with Christ.
This class equips students in the process of spiritual formation as a life-long transforming and learning experience that emerges from our communion with Christ and forms the basis of Christian ministry. Spiritual formation involves the joyful sharing and participation in the life and love of the Father, Son and Spirit. All of our lives, individually and in communion together, are “in Christ”.
For the purposes of this class, spiritual formation will include the following:
- An exploration of the biblical basis of spiritual formation
- Developing working definitions and descriptions of spiritual formation
- Theological perspectives
- Beginning a conversation with the voices of the Christian past and present
- Developing an understanding of the role of the spiritual disciplines and their implications
- Personal and congregational (community) devotions
- Personal growth and development
- Practical ministry (service)
This course has 13 classes and four assessments which comprise of a short answer paper, self-awareness statement, spiritual journal, and book report. Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline (Hodder & Stoughton, any edition after 1989) is the required text for this course.
What is Christian leadership? Who is a leader? This course enables students to answer these questions through the lens of Jesus Christ.
The Christian Leadership course at ACCM is designed to help those involved in various areas of Christian leadership and ministry to be better equipped to take on the wide variety of challenges and opportunities leadership provides. Students will be led through the foundational aspects and implications of leadership, and encouraged to explore and reflect on the many dimensions Christian leadership encompasses and challenged to find ways of applying what they learn to their own areas of service to God and his people.
Key competencies:
- Develop and demonstrate an understanding of leadership through the lens of Jesus (A Trinitarian, grace-based approach to leadership)
- Understand and apply servant leadership principles
- Develop a working understanding of key contemporary leadership insights, including transformational leadership
- Develop and encourage leadership for everyone, as each individual uses his or her gifts to serve (Leadership is not gender based); leaders develop others as leaders
- Understand and apply the need for teams and team leadership (a particular kind of leadership)
- Develop self-awareness and self-understanding of one’s gifts and strengths and preferred leadership style
- Developing self-leadership skills, including self-care
- Appreciate leadership emerging from spiritual formation
- Knowing and practicing that Christian leadership, like all of life, is – and only is – “in Christ”
This course has 10 classes and three assessments.
Build a strong foundation in Scripture, biblical interpretation, and Christian doctrine. Explore the grand story of the Bible, learn practical tools for understanding God’s Word, and discover the core beliefs that shape Grace Communion International’s Christ-centred and Trinitarian faith. This course equips students to apply biblical truth with confidence in life, discipleship, and ministry.
The Bible and Doctrines course is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in Scripture, biblical interpretation, and the core doctrines of Grace Communion International through a Christ-centred and Trinitarian framework. It equips learners to understand the Bible’s overarching story, interpret Scripture responsibly, explore key Christian doctrines, and apply biblical truth in everyday discipleship and ministry. Suitable for church members, ministry leaders, and those preparing for greater service, the course combines biblical knowledge with practical application for life and ministry.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain how the Bible was formed and identify its major themes and narrative.
- Apply sound principles of biblical interpretation, including historical, cultural, and literary context.
- Interpret various genres of Scripture responsibly and faithfully.
- Articulate the core doctrines of Grace Communion International and their biblical foundations.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the Trinity as central to Christian faith and theology.
- Integrate biblical and doctrinal understanding into practical Christian living and ministry.
- Utilise basic Bible study tools and resources to support personal study and ministry preparation.
- Reflect on how Scripture and doctrine shape discipleship, leadership, worship, and participation in God’s mission.
Diploma in Christian Ministry (additional 5 courses)
Courses are listed in our recommended order of completion, however Applied Christian Ministry is the capstone course and must be completed last.
This unit of study seeks to actively coalesce the accumulated learning of previous ACCM courses, the skills you’ve acquired and the learning community networks in which you’ve participated into a fitting finale for your Diploma program. This is your best chance yet to demonstrate the practical way(s) in which you’re integrating your learning into the day-to-day life and culture of your fellowship. At ACCM, we see this as what the Master can expect from sincere disciples participating in the process of His Body “edifying itself in love” (Eph.4:16).
Upon registering for the capstone course, you will be assigned a Project Coordinator (Coach) who will supervise your research and project submission.
Course Transition Notice
ACCM is currently transitioning to a range of new and updated courses as part of our commitment to providing relevant and contemporary ministry education. During this period, some courses may be undergoing revision or may not be immediately available for enrolment.
If there is a specific course you would like to undertake, please contact the Registrar for assistance and advice regarding course availability and study options.
Register Now:
Certificate of Christian Ministry
Diploma of Christian Ministry
(Includes completion of Certificate of Christian Ministry)
