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The entry point into the CRC College training pathway.
Designed for people wanting to deepen their understanding of the Bible, grow in their faith and develop confidence in ministry, the program brings together biblical learning, personal development and practical ministry.
Program Details
Program Level
Certificate III in Christian Ministry & Theology
Accredited Qualification
2 Core + 6 Electives
Units
Foundations
Program
Duration
12 months
Complete this program over approximately one year
Intake
Flexible Enrolment
Learners can apply to enrol at anytime throughout the year.
Delivery
Online | Distance Education
Online Learning & Assessment
Access your learning materials, resources and assessment tasks online. Your online learning platform is where you work through your course content, submit assessments, receive marking from qualified assessors and track your progress.
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Face-to-Face Local Cohort
Local cohorts bring learners together within their church for face-to-face teaching, discussion and shared learning. Your local cohort helps you unpack the course content, learn alongside others and connect your training with real ministry
Study Options
Accredited
Attend classes. Complete accredited learning and assessment. Work toward the nationally recognised Certificate III qualification delivered through Malyon Vocational Training.
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Graduate
Attend classes. Complete the CRC College assessments and receive a CRC College Certificate of Completion. This option is non-accredited training
Audit
Attend classes only. Not required to complete assessments. Engage with learning for personal development. Receive a Certificate of Participation.
Program Fees
Non-refundable Enrolment Fee $180.00
Program Fee
Study Option
Pay As You Study
Accredited
Pay per subject only
$240 per subject
$1,220 full-program upfront
Graduate
$165 per subject
Audit
$125 per subject
$900 full-program upfront
Payment Options
Pay As You Study - Pay progressively, with payment required before each subject is unlocked.
Enrolment fees are non-refundable. Annual program fees provide the best overall value; Pay As You Study offers greater flexibility.
Delivery
Online | Distance Education
Online Learning & Assessment
Access your learning materials, resources and assessment tasks online. Your online learning platform is where you work through your course content, submit assessments, receive marking from qualified assessors and track your progress.
​
Face-to-Face Local Cohort
Local cohorts bring learners together within their church for face-to-face teaching, discussion and shared learning. Your local cohort helps you unpack the course content, learn alongside others and connect your training with real ministry
Study Options
Accredited
​
Attend classes. Complete accredited learning and assessment. Work toward the nationally recognised Certificate III qualification delivered through Malyon Vocational Training.
​
Non-refundable Enrolment Fee - $180
Pay per subject option Only
$240 per subject
Graduate
​
Attend classes. Complete the CRC College assessments and receive a CRC College Certificate of Completion. This option is non-accredited training
​
Non-refundable Enrolment Fee - $180
$1,220 full program up-front tuition fees OR
$165 per subject
​
Audit
​
Attend classes only. Not required to complete assessments. Engage with learning for personal development. Receive a Certificate of Participation.
​
Non-refundable Enrolment Fee - $180
$900 full program up-front tuition fees OR
$125 persubject
Study Units
Learners must complete 8 units, comprising 2 core units and 6 electives.
Electives must include:
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At least 4 must be selected from the listed units.
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At least 1 must be selected from Group A (Scripture and Theology).
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At least 1 must be selected from Group B (Ministry and Formation).
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Up to 2 may be selected from another endorsed Training Package or accredited course, provided they are relevant to the qualification.
Core (Mandatory)
Bible Themes & Covenant Overview
Bible Themes & Covenant Overview introduces learners to the Bible as one unified story, building confidence in what Scripture is, how it came to us and why it provides the foundation for Christian faith and practice. Learners explore the overarching biblical story from creation and the fall through God’s work of redemption, examining key themes including God’s kingdom, His people, promise, faith, obedience, grace, restoration and new creation.
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A major focus of the subject is understanding the covenants that shape the biblical narrative. Learners explore the Edenic and Adamic foundations and the Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Priestly, Davidic and New Covenants, considering how each develops God’s purposes and points towards fulfilment in Christ. The subject also explores the role of the Holy Spirit and what it means for believers and the Church to live as God’s New Covenant people today.
Authority & Authenticity of the Bible
Explore why the Bible can be trusted as the authoritative foundation for Christian faith and life. This subject examines how God has revealed Himself through Scripture and explores the inspiration, formation, preservation and reliability of the biblical text.
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Learners explore how the Bible was formed and transmitted across generations, including the Old and New Testament canon, manuscript evidence, textual criticism and archaeological and historical support for Scripture. The subject also considers challenges to biblical authority and equips learners to approach questions about the Bible with understanding and confidence.
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More than understanding why Scripture can be trusted, learners consider how its authority shapes Christian belief, ethical decision-making, discipleship and everyday life. The subject encourages learners to engage with Scripture faithfully, apply its truth and develop a life increasingly shaped by the Word of God.
Electives (Choose 6)
Group A
Basic Christian Doctrine
Basic Christian Doctrine gives learners a clear biblical foundation for understanding the core beliefs of the Christian faith and how those beliefs shape everyday Christian life and ministry. Beginning with Scripture as the foundation for Christian belief, learners explore the nature and character of God, the Trinity, humanity’s identity and purpose, the reality of sin, repentance and faith, salvation, atonement and the new creation life in Christ. The subject is designed not simply to introduce theological terminology, but to help learners understand what Christians believe, why they believe it and how those beliefs are grounded in Scripture.
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Learners then explore how these foundational beliefs are lived out through the work of the Holy Spirit, baptism and communion, the laying on of hands, the life and mission of the Church, Christian stewardship, family and faith, resurrection and eternal judgment. The subject also introduces CRC history, beliefs and mission, helping learners connect foundational Christian doctrine with the identity and ministry context of the CRC movement. Throughout the subject, learners are encouraged to move beyond simply knowing doctrine to allowing biblical truth to shape their faith, character, relationships, ministry and everyday decisions.
Creation vs. Evolution
Creation vs. Evolution explores the question of origins through a biblical worldview, helping learners examine what Scripture teaches about creation and why our understanding of origins matters for Christian faith, identity and purpose. Learners consider the biblical creation account alongside questions about the origin of life, the complexity of living systems, human origins, the fossil record, geological processes and the universe, exploring how these topics relate to belief in God as Creator.
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Throughout the subject, learners engage with arguments presented in the training material for creation and critiques of evolutionary explanations, considering areas such as DNA and biological complexity, dating methods, geology, astronomy and evidence of design in nature. The subject ultimately connects the discussion of origins with a broader biblical understanding of humanity; created in the image of God, entrusted with stewardship and called to live with purpose; while developing learners’ ability to study, form and communicate a biblical perspective on a significant contemporary topic.
Bible Prophecy
Explore the purpose, meaning and interpretation of biblical prophecy. This subject introduces practical strategies and hermenuitical principles for interpreting prophetic passages by considering their biblical, historical and literary context, helping learners understand how prophecy communicates God’s message and how it can be interpreted and applied responsibly.
Group B
Children & Culture
Children & Culture equips learners to understand the importance of children within the life and mission of the local church and to create environments where they can belong, grow and develop in faith. Learners explore the biblical priority of children, early faith formation, the influence of Christian leaders and families, and the importance of connecting children into the wider church community. The subject considers children’s emotional, social, cognitive and spiritual development, helping learners understand how ministry can respond appropriately to children at different ages and stages.
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With a strong practical focus, learners develop skills for communicating and teaching effectively, building safe and supportive relationships, encouraging positive behaviour and creating inclusive ministry environments. They also explore cultural diversity, emotional safety, resilience, transitions between children’s and youth ministry, and ways to prepare children to navigate the challenges of growing up with a strong Christian identity. Throughout the subject, learners consider how their own ministry practice can reflect the mission and values of a Christian organisation while partnering with families and helping children develop a faith that connects with everyday life.
DESIGN
DESIGN helps learners discover how God has uniquely shaped them for ministry and how they can use what He has given them to serve effectively within the local church. Through the DESIGN framework—Divine Gifts, Enthusiasm, Skills, Individual Wiring, Growth Story and Next Step—learners explore their spiritual gifts, passions, abilities, personality and life experiences, bringing these together to develop a clearer picture of how they can contribute to God’s mission. The subject reinforces that ministry is not limited to particular positions or leaders, but involves every believer using what God has given them to serve others as part of the Body of Christ.
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With a strong practical ministry focus, learners apply their discoveries to realistic ministry situations, explore how to work effectively with others and consider where their DESIGN may best contribute within a ministry team. Through interactive activities, biblical examples, discovery tools and ministry-in-practice exercises, learners build their personal DESIGN Profile and finish with a coaching session focused on discerning practical next steps. The subject connects directly with NAT11236006 – Support Ministry Activities by developing learners’ understanding of ministry purpose, teamwork, responsibilities and how their own strengths can be used to faithfully support the work of a Christian ministry.
New Creation, Faith & Healing
New Creation, Faith & Healing helps learners develop a deeper understanding of their identity and life in Christ and equips them to explain foundational Christian beliefs with clarity and confidence. Learners explore what it means to become a new creation, including justification, forgiveness, righteousness, regeneration and the believer’s standing and state—what God has accomplished through Christ and how that new identity is progressively lived out. The subject also explores the work of the Holy Spirit, including baptism with the Holy Spirit, walking in the Spirit, renewing the mind and applying Scripture to everyday Christian life.
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Learners then examine the nature, source and development of faith and explore the biblical foundations of divine healing, including Christ’s ministry of healing, prayer, the role of faith and the importance of wisdom and pastoral sensitivity when ministering to others. Throughout the subject, learners are encouraged not only to understand these beliefs personally, but to communicate them in language that is clear, respectful and accessible to people from different backgrounds. This directly supports NAT11236008 – Explain Own Beliefs to Others, developing learners’ confidence to articulate what they believe, explain the biblical basis for those beliefs and share their faith thoughtfully in everyday conversations and ministry contexts.
Communicating the Gospel
Communicating the Gospel equips learners to understand the core message of the gospel and communicate biblical truth clearly, faithfully and confidently in everyday language. Learners explore the gospel from creation and humanity’s need for God through to sin and brokenness, the person and work of Jesus Christ, the cross and resurrection, repentance, faith, salvation and new life in Christ.
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The subject then develops practical skills for sharing these truths within contemporary Australian contexts. Learners explore how to communicate without unnecessary religious jargon, use story and personal testimony effectively, move naturally from everyday conversation to spiritual discussion, ask thoughtful questions, listen well and respond to common questions and objections with clarity, gentleness and respect.
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Throughout the subject, the emphasis is not simply on knowing Christian theology, but on being able to explain it in ways other people can understand—while remaining biblically grounded, Christ-centred and sensitive to the person and context. Learners develop confidence to share the gospel through ordinary relationships and conversations, trusting the work of the Holy Spirit while communicating with love, integrity and cultural awareness.
The Working of the Spirit World
The Working of the Spirit World equips learners to understand the person, presence and work of the Holy Spirit and how spiritual realities relate to everyday Christian life and ministry. Learners explore the Holy Spirit’s nature, baptism and empowerment, spiritual gifts, walking in the Spirit, spiritual warfare, deliverance and the authority of the believer, while developing practical skills to recognise and respond to the Spirit’s leading. The subject develops confidence in communicating and ministering to others appropriately, including prayer, laying on of hands, sharing the gospel and helping others experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit within a Christian ministry context.
New Testament Church
New Testament Church explores the biblical identity, purpose and function of the Church and what it means for believers to participate faithfully in its life and mission. Learners examine the Universal and Local Church, biblical pictures of the Church, spiritual and ministry gifts, leadership and church government, accountability and different approaches to governance. The subject also explores the distinctive vision, values and ministry focus of CRC Churches International, helping learners understand how biblical principles shape the way churches are led, serve their communities and fulfil the Great Commission.