Below is a list of all subjects currently being offered by Harvest West. Each subject has a brief description. Please note that these are not Courses. These are subjects that would be studied within a course.
Contact the College on 9479 3443 for more information.
Those subjects without ‘VU’ numbers are Degree level subjects only.
Acts
VU20386 Analyse New Testament literature
This study of Acts will consider its composition, structure and historical milieu. Key events will be addressed as will the study of key individuals. In particular events surrounding the Day of Pentecost, the expansion of the early church and other seminal theological issues of the day will be examined.
Children’s Ministry
VU20357 Evaluate aspects of children’s ministry
This unit enables students to understand the basis and basics of an effective children’s ministry. Students will develop an awareness of the different developmental stages and needs of children, the challenges of ministering to today’s children and their families. It also enables students to realise the need to provide duty of care and establish safety and protection protocols for children in their local church.
Children’s Ministry 2
VU20424 Develop a Childrens Ministry Program
This subject addresses the issues of development of an effective children’s ministry. It engages planning, development and implementation of materials and methods that are used in children’s ministry.
Counselling Skills 1
VU20403 Develop and apply biblical approaches to counselling
This subject introduces a biblical understanding of counselling and psychology. The course is designed to equip the student with a foundation of counselling and the biblical perspective on human psychology. We endeavour to assist the student to recognise root causes of some common problems. NOTE: The course is not designed to produce professional counsellors.
Ethics
VU20413 Analyse ethical issues in Christian context
This subject analyses the nature and content of ethics, and examines carious approaches to ethics. It examines the biblical and non-biblical approaches to various ethical questions and controversies. It also discusses the nature and destiny of man, the meaning of being a divine image-bearer, and how personhood should be regarded in the light of the current ethical debates.
Evangelism Principles and Practice
VU20400 Communicate the Christian Faith
This subject develops a thorough understanding of the scriptural indictment to evangelise. It looks at the patterns of evangelism biblically, historically and currently. It equips students to do the work of evangelism, both personally and corporately. It also encourages students to consider contemporary culture and the contextualization of the gospel in post-modern society.
Greek 1
In this subject the student is introduced to the alphabet and grammar of the Greek New Testament as the foundation for further study of exegesis of the biblical text on the basis of the Greek text.
Greek 2
In this subject the student is taken further in their understanding of the Greek of the New Testament. More grammar and more vocabulary is the focus as well as beginning regular translation exercises from the UBS 4 text.
Hermeneutics
VU20352 Apply the Christian Bible in a Christian ministry setting
This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to explore the meaning and application of the Bible in a Christian ministry setting. It provides the learner with a practical understanding of the basic principles of biblical interpretation including an introduction to Pentecostal Hermeneutics.
Homiletics
VU20374 Communicate in a Christian ministry setting (Certificate IV)
VU20401 Deliver a Sermon (Diploma)
In this subject practical communication skills in preaching and public speaking are taught. Questions about the nature of preaching are explored and discussed, including various styles of preaching and of sermon construction. Speaking occasions such as weddings, funerals, baptism and other preaching opportunities explored.
Internship 1
VU20373 Demonstrate Christian disciplines and spirituality
VU20394 Manage personal priorities and resources
Internship 2
VU20395 Work with others in a Christian Ministry team
BSBOHS201A Participate in Workplace Safety Procedures
Internship 1 & 2 are subjects within the Certificate IV in Ministry (insert specialisation) award. The internships require the students to complete 16 supervised hours per week in their local church within their field of specialisation (Youth, Children’s, Intercultural Ministry, Counselling, Creative Arts, or Pastoral Leadership). Duties are negotiated between the student and their supervisor, with the College acting in a supportive role. Each subject is the length of one semester.
Internship 3
VU20398 Provide Pastoral Care and Support
Internship 4
Youth – VBP788 Develop a Youth Ministry program
Counselling – VU20196 Lead others in a Christian Ministry Team
Pastoral Leadership – VBP760 Investigate and evaluate aspects of local church ministry
Internship 3 & 4 are subjects within the Diploma of Ministry (insert specialisation) award. The internships require the students to complete 16 supervised hours per week in their local church within their field of specialisation (Youth, Counselling or Pastoral Leadership). Duties are negotiated between the student and their supervisor, with the College acting in a supportive role. Each subject is the length of one semester.
Introduction to Church History
VU20364 Apply Church History findings to a Ministry setting
This subject features a study of history, thought, and literature of the Christian Church from the Apostolic Age through to the present day, and features a special emphasis on the Reformation. This study will include an examination of cultural context, personalities, controversies, and periods of persecution.
Introduction to Intercultural Ministry
VU20419 Develop an approach to intercultural ministry
This unit develops a ‘World Christian’ perspective which enables students to build awareness of both global missions and cross cultural opportunities in Australia. In also encourages the development of local church missions programs, establish good friendships with sending agencies and to nurture and mobilise a new wave of cross-cultural workers.
Introduction to Theology
VU20355 Communicate foundational theological concepts of Christianity.
This subject introduces and overviews the content and dynamics of Christian theology, examining how we know and understand the Persons of the triune God and His revelation in Scripture. An examination is made of God’s creation and redemption of humanity, with particular focus on the Persons and work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Finally, we briefly overview the nature and mission of the Church and briefly examine perspectives on the future.
Israel and the Middle East
This subject offers an introduction to the study of the Middle East in terms of history, current events and Christian witness and destiny. The focus of this course is on historical, cultural and religious insights into the modern Middle East and their significance for the Christian Church.
Issues in Apologetics
This subject examines the more important challenges to Christian belief that have arisen since the Enlightenment, and surveys resources for meeting those challenges.
Lead a Ministry Team
VU20196 Lead others in a Christian ministry team
This unit describes the skills and knowledge to lead a team in a Christian ministry environment. It addresses the responsibilities of all persons, especially those in leadership roles or positions, in a Christian organisation to promote a positive and inclusive learning culture which actively acknowledges, respects, and builds on individual differences, and integrates principles which underpin inclusively into all practices. In this unit the principles of inclusively are applied to working with both colleagues and clients.
Life of Christ
Topics covered include an overview of the life of Christ as presented by the gospels. This will include Christ’s genealogies, birth, and his years of ministry, his arrest, trials, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The question of the “Jewishness of Jesus”, within his cultural context in first century Judaism is also discussed. Issues realised by critical scholarship regarding the life of Christ and the gospel accounts are addressed. Attention is also given to the history of scholarship on the “quest for the historical Jesus”. A survey of extra-biblical historical references to Jesus will be conducted. The place of biblical archaeology in the life of Christ will also be examined.
Music and Worship Principles and Practice
VU20360 Develop Christian worship practices
This subject offers a Bible overview of Creative Ministries, praise and worship. It applies this to the contemporary local church. It offers practical skills for leading praise and worship, running Creative Ministries events and building ministry teams.
New Testament Exegesis
This subject is designed to give the student an in-depth introduction to the theory and practice of New Testament Exegesis; including ‘hands-on’ analysis skills to be learned and applied, both personally and in teaching and preaching.
New Testament Survey
VU20354 Create a Ministry Resource using the New Testament
This subject introduces the literature of the New Testament, including attention to its background, critical issues, and theological motifs.
Old Testament Survey
VU20353 Create a Ministry Resource using the Old Testament
This subject is an introduction to the literature of the Old Testament. Attention will be given to the historical and cultural background, messianic images, and geography of the Old Testament, critical issues, theological motifs, and the major themes of each book. This study will be predominantly conducted in chronological order.
Pastoral Ministry
VBP759 Work effectively with groups within a congregation (Certificate IV)
This subject integrates a Biblical theology and a realistic understanding of the nature of pastoral ministry, of the practice of faith principles and many of the skills necessary for effective pastoral leadership in the contemporary church. This broad overview seeks to address many of the “How-can-I-be-an-effective-caring-pastor?” questions. The material begins wit a review of Biblical foundations of pastoring. From there it reviews ways by which pastoral skills associated with gifts may be developed. Pastoral care is then examined both as care within the church, and the whole community. God’s people are seen as His finger-tips in the world, at the point of its felt needs and must therefore be equipped and released to be a part of service. This subject considers pastoral care in some practical areas of social and contemporary issues such as family and single life, substance abuse, ethics, dependencies, etc. Clear guidelines are taught to help the pastoral leader in public ministry. The pastor’s personal life is a key focus for serious consideration as his / her effectiveness is to be rooted in the quality and degree of a proper Biblical relationship with “the great Shepherd of the sheep” (Heb 13:20)
Pauline Literature
This subject is a study Paul’s theology and pastoral ministry as found in the Pauline Literature. Selected books from the Pauline corpus and selected pericopes will be covered in detail from the Pauline Literature. Books and themes may vary each time. Attention will be given to composition, themes, historical contexts, theology, and relevance for ministry and Christian living today. Little attention will be given to Paul’s epistles to the Romans and Galatians as they are studied separately.
Pentateuch
This subject will study the Pentateuch by focusing closely on a thematic overview of Genesis as the foundational book of the Bible, its meaning for theology and relevance for ministry and Christian living today. Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers will be considered in terms of the themes of land, covenant, law, family-people, journey and exile with a special focus on the paradigmatic event of deliverance from Egypt.
Pentecostal History
VBP766 Investigate denominational Church history and apply findings to a ministry setting
This subject is an historical study of the Pentecostal Movement, covering aspects of charismata from the holiness movements 1800s to modern Pentecostal movements. Attention will be given to the Holiness movement and the revivals that led up to the beginnings of the modern Pentecostal movement at the turn of the 20th Century. The primary focus will be upon the formation and spread of the Pentecostal movement from the various locations around the world, and the effect of Pentecostals on World Missions. It will examine the formation of various Pentecostal denominations and movements, their effect on other denominations and Australian Pentecostal movements.
Personal Development and Teamwork
VBP764 Manage personal priorities and resources
VBP776 Work with others in a Christian ministry team
CHCOHS301A Participate in Workplace Safety Procedures
This subject comprises two units: Manage personal priorities and resources: describes the skills required for the management of personal responsibilities and resources. Work with others in a Christian ministry team: describes the skills and knowledge required to work within a Christian ministry team.
Planting and Developing Churches
This subject seeks to inspire potential ministers to become involved in church planting. It deals with the challenges and various issues regarding the initiation, formation, health and multiplication of churches. It seeks to discover and apply church health and growth principles to the targeting, planting and development of a local congregation. For the purpose of this subject the definition of ‘church’ is broadened to include new pioneer churches, new satellite churches, new small groups, or new specifically targeted congregational meetings and / or outreach services.
Prophetic Literature
VBP744 Interpret and analyse Old Testament Literature
This subject is an overview of the Old Testament Prophetic Literature, covering composition, themes, historical and Biblical contexts its meaning for theology, and relevance for ministry and Christian living today. This unit takes a ‘Biblical theology’ approach, examining the foundations the prophets laid for the development of the concepts surrounding the new covenant and NT eschatology.
Romans and Galatians
This subject provides a thematic introduction to Paul’s exposition of the gospel to the churches in Galatia and Rome, giving special attention to the apostle’s views on righteousness, the law, the equal standing of Jews and Gentiles with God and the implication of the gospel in mission.
Spiritual Leadership Formation
VBP763 Demonstrate Christian disciplines and spirituality
This subject explores vital aspects of the spiritual life and growth of future leaders, especially in the realm of prayer, and the indispensable and desirable nature of Christian character. It is intended to deepen students’ personal journey and lifestyle by a consideration of their lives in light of scripture, other literature and various spiritual disciplines. It will challenge students to seek high standards of integrity and character development to achieve God’s destiny and purpose in their lives. Good illustrations and insights will help[ stimulate motivation and practical obstacles that frustrate that sense of call; the key spiritual disciples that sustain vision and faith; practising the presence of God; maintaining a disciplined body and mind; avoiding fatigue and burnout; developing personal relationships and friendships.
The Person and Work of Christ
VBP793 Interpret and apply the theology of the person of Christ to a ministry setting
VBP794 Interpret and apply the theology of the work of Christ to a ministry setting
This subject familiarises the student with the biblical teachings on the person and work of Jesus Christ, especially with regard to the various theories of the atonement, free will, and predestination.
The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
VBP795 Interpret and apply the theology of the person and work of the Holy Spirit to a ministry setting
The person and work of the Holy Spirit are the focus of this subject, including treatment of such aspects as the baptism in the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, miracles, power encounters, signs and wonders, and healing. A survey of major biblical texts on the theme of the Holy Spirit is presented. Finally, theological treatment of this subject from across the broad spectrum of Christendom will be offered. There will be regular “clinic” to practice prayer and the exercise of spiritual gifts.
The Theology of the Future
VBP797 Interpret and apply the theology of the future
This subject analyses several major schools of eschatological thought, end-time events, and the after-life. Biblical apocalyptic literature is examined, especially an exegesis of set texts from the Old Testament books of Ezekiel and Daniel, an New Testament Book of Revelation.
World Religions
VBP783 Investigate and compare major non Christian beliefs and practices
This is a Christian approach to the subject of comparative religions. This subjects sets out to inform the student of the global religious scene in terms which both summarise and describe the major faiths. This is done by firstly looking at a universal basis for religion, and then at the principle features of non-Christian religions. This finally section looks at the way in which the Christian faith can be seen as unique and how for the Christian, other faiths can and should be interpreted.
Youth 1
VBP802 Identify and evaluate youth ministry
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for understanding the characteristics of an effective local youth ministry.
Youth 2
VBP803 Communicate the Christian faith to young people
This subject investigates the advanced aspects of leading a Bible based, culturally relevant, and challenging presentation of Christ to young people in local church and high school settings. This includes planning, development, and implementation of Youth Ministry strategies.