Certain path to growth

Students at Australian Lutheran College (ALC) enrol in the Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology (10433NAT)* course for a range of reasons, including personal growth, professional development or a stepping stone to employment within the church or community services.

The Certificate IV is a practical course, where students are able to apply the information they are learning into their current environment. It can be completed full-time within 12 months, or part-time over two to three years.

All subjects can be taken off-campus and we currently have students in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, ranging in age from 17 to 60+.

Ian Kluge, 58, from Christchurch Lutheran Church, Murray Bridge SA, has been in the police force for 30 years. He also has a ‘huge heart for overseas mission’ and has been on seven trips to Myanmar, since first going there in April 2007 with wife Dianne.

Why is he doing the Certificate IV studies?

‘I felt led to study God’s word in a more formal way. I first had a calling to do this while in Myanmar and God placed it on my heart to undertake doctrinal studies at ALC. My faith and trust in God has grown significantly with my understanding and dwelling in the word. The group studies in my local church community have been very rewarding. I have also used things I have learnt in the community as a Christian sports chaplain (and in) voluntary work at a local Christian bookshop. I believe I am in a time of transition from my career in policing to serving God in other ways. I am keen to get involved in pastoral care work in a school setting (and) I still have a huge heart for overseas mission and an interest in sports chaplaincy.’

‘My faith and trust in God has grown significantly with my understanding and dwelling in the word.’

Kay Jaunais from Grace Lutheran Church, Redcliffe Queensland, is a qualified secondary school teacher, who recently had her ‘Texas Hold-Em’ birthday – she turned 59 and is holding at that! She has also worked in the Australian Taxation Office and the US Navy, trained as a travel agent, has been an assistant magazine editor and a carer to her late mother, and raised two children.

Why is she doing this course?

‘In 2013 the pastor of (my) congregation retired. I wanted to help but didn’t feel that well-equipped. God does have a plan for us all. Attending general synod as a delegate in 2013 was a turning point. I talked to so many encouraging people, several of whom pointed me (to) the ALC display. The rest is history! The Certificate IV has proven an opportunity to explore Lutheran theology as well as gain practical skills. I am so grateful to my church family, my mentor Cynthia Priebbenow, the ALC team, and family and friends for their support. The Certificate IV has given me confidence to explore opportunities to do God’s work in the community. I’ve always had a deep respect and affection for the elderly and would like to find some way I could be of service to them.’

More about ALC’s Certificate IV course

• New students do not require any pre-requisite study.
• There are nine subjects to complete the Certificate IV and study modes include group studies conducted in a local context, online self-paced learning, and workshops.
• Subjects available include Toolkit for Ministry, Building Healthy Relationships and Connection (an evangelism subject).
• The Certificate IV can be completed full-time within 12 months, or can be completed part-time over two to three years.

Emma Graetz is ALC’s Grassroots and VET Trainer.

To find out more about this course, please contact Australian Lutheran College on 1800 625 193 or visit our website www.alc.edu.au

*ALC is a member college of The Australian Centre for Advanced Studies RTO# 50392.

This feature story comes from The Lutheran November 2016. Visit the website to find out more about The Lutheran or to subscribe.