Diploma in Christian Studies (Level 5) Christian Leadership [Ref: 2793]
Applications now open for 2026
Applications now open for 2026
The Diploma in Christian Studies (Christian Leadership) Level 5 is a 1 year, full-time programme. It is designed to build on what was learned in the 1st year, further developing interns in their church ministry effectiveness and leadership skills. Interns will also gain transferable skills and personal attributes that will be useful throughout their lives.
While the content of this programme is divided into two main areas, theoretical (60 credits) and practical (60 credits), learning takes place in a supervised and mentored internship context. Linking theory with practice is of vital importance in this programme.
Interns will learn how to:
- Build their own relationship with God and help others to do the same.
- Apply a broad understanding of theology and biblical foundations.
- Apply key Christian leadership principles.
- Develop teams and accomplish goals in their ministry area.
- Formulate strategies and evaluate a ministry programme as well as their own performance.
Interns will:
- Participate in online lectures provided by experienced ministry leaders.
- Work independently in their own unique practical ministry context under the guidance of an experienced supervisor and mentor.
- Formulate goals and strategies, and evaluate their performance.
- Complete activity logs and reflect on what they are learning and how it applies.
- Developing critical and strategic thinking skills.
- Complete assessments that both enhance learning and inform their practice.
- Attend two 3-day block courses in Auckland.
- Attend one online learning block.
- Have the opportunity to grow in knowledge, skills and attitudes required of those in Christian ministry.
In undertaking this programme interns will commit to:
- One x 1-hr tutorial online per week (Tuesdays, 9am -10am)
- Two x 2-hr live online lectures per week (Wednesdays, 9am-11.00am and 12-2pm)
- 15 hrs per week ministry in their local church
- 13 hrs per week self-directed study and assessments
- One x 3-day learning block (February online am only)
- Two x 3-day live-in block courses in Auckland (usually in May and August)
- Interns may volunteer to attend and serve at Elim’s ONE Conference, held annually usually in late September.
Programme content
This programme is made up of the following courses, all of which are compulsory.
| Leadership in action | 15 Credits |
| Studying and communicating God's word | 15 Credits |
| Practical Ministry 1 | 30 Credits |
| 60 Credits |
| Theology in Practice | 15 Credits |
| Following Jesus: Discipling yourself and Others | 15 Credits |
| Practical Ministry 2 | 30 Credits |
| 60 Credits |
Fees Free
Starting tertiary study or work-based learning for the first time? You may be able to get Fees Free after you complete your first eligible qualification or programme.
Fees Free covers the cost of your fees for the final year of study or final two years of work-based learning, up to $12,000.
When you enrol, you will need to pay your fees. To help you cover this cost, you may wish to apply for a student loan. Find out more at Student loan – StudyLink.
For more information on the eligibility requirements and when it is best to apply for Fees Free, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.
- Fees Free aims to motivate and reward learners for completing their qualification or programme, and reduce the overall cost of their study and learning.
- Fees Free can only be used once.
- If you get Fees Free and you have a student loan, the payment will reduce your loan balance. If you do not have a student loan, it will be paid to the bank account you provide in your application.
For more information visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue (ird.govt.nz/fees-free).
Note: In addition to these fees, students must provide their own laptop or Ipad and there are some textbooks that students need to purchase.
Application details
For more info email to: [email protected]
A withdrawal and/or refund requires specific steps. Details are included in the Withdrawal and Refund Policy
All students will be police vetted. This is valid for 3 years, so if you completed Level 4 last year, this is not required. Police Vetting Policy.
Read our Fee Payment Terms
Important Dates
- Academic Dates
- Block Courses
- Download Key Dates sheet here
Entry requirements
- NZ Certificate in Christian Ministry (Level 4) or equivalent, or meet the criteria for recognition of prior learning.
- Applicants must be 18 years or over.
- As this is an internship programme, entry will be dependent on having an approved supervisor and mentor and gaining approval from the lead pastor of the church where the internship will take place.
International students
In ADDITION to the entry requirements above, the conditions of acceptance for international students are:
- A completed online application form.
- A current student visa or limited purpose visa with a current variation to conditions.
- A minimum English Language IELTS (Academic) 5.5 or equivalent with no band score lower than 5 is required.
- A valid travel and medical insurance policy (proof of which must accompany application form).
Find out more for International Students here.
Local church partnership
- As ELC internships are based on a partnership between ELC and the local church, applications must be completed in agreement with the local church Lead Pastor.
- It is the role of the host church to provide pastoral care for their intern on a day to day basis.
- Each intern will work with a local Supervisor and Mentor throughout the year.
- ELC staff will provide academic support for each intern throughout the year.
Find out more here for Pastors.
Supervisors and Mentors
- Supervisors meet with their intern for approximately 30-60 minutes each week, and the Mentor meets with them at least monthly.
- Supervisor and Mentor training will be provided in March via online classes. Completion of this training is required.
- Supervisors and Mentors are required to submit progress reports on their intern’s work each term, using a template supplied by ELC.
Find out more here for Supervisors and more here for Mentors.
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