The purpose of this qualification is to provide Christian churches, agencies and community organisations with people who are able to evaluate and deliver ministry programmes within their specialist area(s) and lead a wide range of Christian operations.

This qualification is stranded in order to recognise the specific knowledge and skills required in a variety of occupations and contexts in Christian churches agencies, community organisation and not-for profit organisations.

Graduates will benefit by having a qualification which recognises their broad understanding of theology and biblical foundations, evaluation, strategic thinking, and applied Christian leadership skills; enhancing their employment opportunities and/or ability to work in a voluntary capacity.

This qualification focuses on the application of the principles of theology, biblical foundations and ministry in a community of practice through the delivery of programmes and is targeted at individuals who are ready for positions of leadership in a variety of roles. This qualification is also targeted at current practitioners who want to upskill in a particular area of management and/or leadership.

Graduates will be capable of working autonomously within established parameters with some responsibility for the management of learning and performance of others.

Graduates of this qualification 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 faith-based programmes and/or practices based on strategies that integrate a personal and community faith journey, and the social, cultural and other contextual considerations of defined groups.

Graduates of the Chaplaincy strand will also be able to:
- Integrate and apply biblical, theological and practical skills to the specific role of chaplaincy.
- Facilitate worship and pastoral care practices to provide leadership and direction for groups in the broader community with these needs.

Graduates of the Christian Leadership strand will also be able to:
- Apply key Christian leadership principles and Christian leadership dimensions to facilitate team development and accomplish organisational goals in particular areas of responsibility in Christian ministry.

Graduates of the Intercultural Studies strand will also be able to:
- Use intercultural skills and practices to bridge gaps among communities.
- Provide necessary services in specific roles required of local and global Christian ministry, mission organisations, nongovernmental and social service organisations, and intercultural communities

Graduates of the Performing Arts strand will also be able to:
- Use performing arts skills to influence attitudes, beliefs and values, and apply these skills to lead specific groups in a church, agency, or community organisation.

Graduates of the Te Minita Taha Māori strand will also be able to:
- Integrate knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, te reo and taha Māori to provide leadership and direction appropriate to specific groups in a church, agency, or community organisation.

Graduates of the Theological Studies strand will also be able to:
- Integrate core tools of theology, biblical texts and practice, and apply these to the broader community to provide leadership and direction that is culturally and ethically appropriate.

Graduates of the Biblical Studies strand will also be able to:
- Integrate the techniques and practices of biblical studies to inform faith-based programmes and/or practices in one or more local and/or global contexts.

This qualification can lead to the New Zealand Diploma in Christian Studies (Level 6) with strands in Biblical Studies, Christian Leadership, Intercultural Studies, Pastoral Ministry, Religious Education, Te Minita Taha Māori, and Theological Studies [Ref: 2773] and to higher level learning.

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