Interested in a particular topic?
Want to sit in on a class?
Each year Worldview offers a range of topics relevant to ministry and mission. Whether using a musical instrument or an exegetical commentary, dig into any Short Courses which interest you.
Some of these are accredited units (or “subjects”) as part of a one or two year course, while others are unaccredited seminars/workshops.
“Tell me more”
Short Courses are facilitated by practitioners who have firsthand experience in mission or ministry and are passionate about their topic. These courses range from learning how to express the gospel using indigenous music and art to understanding genres of biblical text, for example.
Any accredited unit may be “audited” as a Short Course. This term refers to the process of sitting in on classes without the need to complete assessments.
There are additional unaccredited seminars/workshops offered each year as part of our ongoing training for cross-cultural ministry and can be audited as well.
The cost of participating in a Short Course is usually $150, unless otherwise specified. Alternatively you can attend one day for $15 per day.
“Can I get credit for completing these?”
If you decide to enrol in formal study then previously completed Short Courses (including accredited units which you have audited) cannot be counted towards a Diploma or Degree. If you want to consider part-time or full-time study then check out how our accredited program works.
Short Courses offered in 2019
The following list provides an overview of our timetable for this year.
Jesus and the Gospels
This is one of two foundational units that form the basis for all further study of the New Testament. Its primary concern is to enable you to gain a clear understanding of the ministry of Jesu and of the contents, themes and character of the various canonical Gospel traditions.
Teacher: Dr Martin Spadaro
Term: 1
Date: 25 Feb – 12 April
Class days: Mondays and Thursdays
Time: 9am – 12.30pm
Old Testament Foundations
The Old Testament Scriptures tell God’s story with man. God is the author of history and he steps into history. Those who want to know god and tell of his mighty deeds must come to terms with the Old Testament texts. This unit will allow you to re-familiarize yourself with the Old Testament and provide opportunity to dig deeper.
Teacher: Dr. Christoph Ochs
Term: 1
Date: 25 Feb – 12 April
Class days: Tuesdays and Fridays
Time: 9am – 12.30pm
Old Testament Exegesis: Isaiah
You will delve into the themes and theology of the book of Isaiah, applying the methods of exegesis to understand the text for personal and ministry contexts. This study will allow you to apply the teachings of Isaiah to contemporary church and society.
Teacher: Rev. Don George
Term: 1
Date: 25 Feb – 12 April
Class days: Mondays and Thursdays
Time: 9am – 12.30pm
Term 2
Cross-cultural Communication
Effective communication, even between people from similar cultural backgrounds, can be difficult. As the cultural distance increases between people, so does the probability of miscommunication. The purpose of this unit is to equip you with appropriate skills for effective communication across cultural boundaries in order to ensure that the intended message is not only conveyed, but also understood by the host culture.
Teacher: Michelle Kallmier
Term: 2
Date: 29 April – 7 June
Class days: Mondays and Thursdays
Time: 9am-12.30pm
Church Planting
This subject will introduce you to the methods, tools, and skills necessary for building communities of faith or ‘church planting’. A theological framework is developed alongside a set of biblical principles which should direct the sharing, walking and gathering process. Several models are examined and evaluated.
Teacher: Stefan Wagner
Term: 2
Date: 29 April – 7 June
Class days: Tuesdays & Fridays
Time: 9am-12.30pm
Patterns Of Spiritual Formation
Theology and practice of worship is introduced through a study of the Bible, equipping you to practice disciplines leading to maturity in Christ.
Teacher: Rev. Tim Meyers (Melbourne School of Theology)
Term: 2
Date: Monday 1 – Friday 5 July (this is an intensive unit)
Time: 9am-5pm
Cost: $200
Term 3
Principles of Hermeneutics
This subject will introduce you to the methods, tools, and skills necessary for competent and accurate biblical interpretation. You will learn about ancient manuscripts and textual criticism, discover the importance of recognising different forms of literature in the Bible, understand the significance of the historical context of the biblical documents, do word studies, and apply the text to new situations.
Teacher: Dani Misdom
Term: 3
Date: 5 Aug – 20 Sept
Class days: check with the Registrar
Time: 9am-12.30pm
Evangelism and Missiology Seminar: Ethnodoxology
Ian heads up ‘Arts Release’, a ministry of WEC International facilitating the use creative arts in ministry, particularly in cross-cultural contexts. Ethnodoxology is the exploration of worship within a culture; understanding our own heart language and indigenous music styles and appreciating how the understanding and development of these in other cultures leads to deeper and richer worship.
Teacher: Ian Collinge
Term: 3
Dates: 12-23 August – this is an intensive unit
Time: 9am – 12.30pm
Term 4
History of Christian Mission
This unit explores the missional activity of the Church throughout history, methodologies and motives employed, and helps you to assess the developments in Christian mission during the 20th century.
Teacher: Stefan Wagner
Term: 4
Date: 14 Oct – 29 Nov
Class days: Mondays & Thursdays (to be confirmed)
Time: 9am-12.30pm
Theology Overview
Theological convictions and patterns of thinking – that is, beliefs about God’s existence, God’s nature, and God’s involvement in history – are at the core of human thinking past or present. In this unit you will explore how to know God, His triune nature, the Creation, Fall, and work of grace. Then you will be able to relate this deeper understanding to individual and corporate Christian life.
Teacher: Dr. Christoph Ochs
Term: 4
Date: 14 Oct – 29 Nov
Class days: Tuesdays & Fridays (to be confirmed)
Time: 9am-12.30pm
Register for a Short Course
To register for a Short Course simply complete the form below. If you prefer you can phone (03) 6337 0444 and speak with Sandra.
Please note that to register for “Patterns of Spiritual Formation” you will need to register via Melbourne School of Theology’s office. Please contact the enrolment coordinator here.
