Waiapu Certificate
The Waiapu Certificate is designed as a pathway to introduce those without formal theological or biblical education to the language of the church. Exploring theology, biblical studies, church history and ecclesiology, alongside practical short courses to support you in your ministry or help you discern your call, there is something for everyone.
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The certificate involves four 'core' courses which run for 15 weeks, and 4 'stream' courses that run for 5 weeks. All core papers must be completed to achieve the certificate, but the stream papers are electives you can choose from, with a minimum of 4 to complete the certificate.
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The study expectation is approximately 2 hours per week. This includes a weekly lecture, a fortnightly small group discussion (in person or via zoom) and 3 assignments that will help you and us to see a growth in understanding.
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Check out the offerings below. More papers and stream options will come available in future semesters and years.
Core Paper
Reading the Bible: Finding the Word in the word.
What is the bible, how did we come to have it, how should we read it and how do we use it. These are key questions for any follower of Jesus, let alone those tasked with teaching and preaching. This course will introduce you to the scriptures, the overarching story, meta-themes, genre, and purpose of this immense library of revelation.
Core Paper
Faith Seeking Understanding: Developing a theological lens
Faith often precedes understanding, but it never excludes it. At its heart, theology is discerning the God that we are in relationship with through Jesus Christ and who is our creator. This course will introduce you to the basic practices of theology and core doctrines that help us to understand and frame the world from a Christian perspective.
Core Paper
The Church: Ecclesiology in the past, present and future
The Church is known for many things, some of them better than others. But biblically it is the bride of Christ, the communion of the faithful, the physical manifestation of the heavenly throne room on the earth. In this paper we will explore some of these images, the purpose and mission of the church and how we can shepherd the community of the faithful toward a flourishing life.
Core Paper
Dilemmas and Doctrines: An introduction to Church history
The history of the church is one of intense debate and hard fought victories for truth and for the gospel. The Church is always reforming and growing in its understanding of what it is called to be and to do. In this paper, we will explore a brief history of the church and see how we have come to be who we are today through the actions, callings and discernment of those who have gone before us.
