AUSTRALIAN LUTHERAN COLLEGE · AUSTRALIA
Pastoral Studies Program
Diploma · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Diploma
Level
- Prepare for ordination in LCANZAccreditation
- Hybrid learning (online & intensives)Flexibility
- No relocation required for studyConvenience
- Two distinct ministry pathways (GMP & SMP)Program Options
- Support available for domestic students for intensivesFinancial Aid
The Pastoral Studies Program at Australian Lutheran College (ALC) prepares candidates for ordained ministry within the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ). This program is delivered through a blend of synchronous online classes and face-to-face intensives, allowing students to study from their local communities without needing to relocate to Adelaide. The program offers two main pathways: General Ministry Pastors (GMP) and Specific Ministry Pastors (SMP). The GMP program typically spans four full-time years of theological study and formation, while the SMP program is shorter, usually equivalent to one full-time year, focusing on core Lutheran theology for those already serving in a designated context. ALC works closely with the LCANZ throughout the program, which includes academic study, local fieldwork, formational reviews, and supervised pastoral ministry placements. The LCANZ ultimately makes the decision regarding ordination after ALC's recommendation.
Curriculum
The Pastoral Studies Program involves a comprehensive curriculum combining academic study with practical formation. The General Ministry Pastor (GMP) program spans three stages, while the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program focuses on core Lutheran subjects.
- General Ministry Pastor (GMP) Program - Stage 1 (Discover)
- One full year of academic study (usually a Diploma in Theology)
- Practical ministry and personal reflection in a congregational setting
- Portfolio of evidence for LCANZ
- General Ministry Pastor (GMP) Program - Stage 2
- Continued academic study
- Advanced fieldwork and formation activities
- Gathering evidence towards Pastoral Graduate Outcomes (PGOs)
- General Ministry Pastor (GMP) Program - Stage 3
- Completion of relevant academic award
- Advanced contextual learning
- Significant supervised pastoral ministry placement (vicarage or tailored alternative)
- Evaluation of readiness for ministry (referencing PGOs and church requirements)
- Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program
- Lutheran systematic theology
- Lutheran history
- Lutheran worship practice
Careers
The Pastoral Studies Program is designed to prepare individuals for ordained ministry within the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ). Graduates will be equipped to serve in various capacities within congregational settings or specific ministry contexts.
- General Ministry Pastor
- Specific Ministry Pastor
Frequently asked questions
- What are the pathways available in the Pastoral Studies Program?
- The program offers two pathways: General Ministry Pastor (GMP), which typically spans four full-time years of study and formation, and Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP), which is shorter and focuses on core Lutheran theology for those already serving in a designated context.
- How is the Pastoral Studies Program delivered?
- The program is delivered through a blend of synchronous online classes and face-to-face intensives, allowing students to study from their local communities without needing to relocate.
- What are the career outcomes for this program?
- The program is designed to prepare individuals for ordained ministry within the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ), equipping them to serve as General Ministry Pastors or Specific Ministry Pastors in congregational settings.
- What are the entry requirements for the GMP program?
- Stage 1 of the General Ministry Pastor (GMP) program typically involves completing a Diploma in Theology. Progression to Stage 2 requires a formal application and a psychological assessment.
- Can I apply for the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program independently?
- No, you cannot self-nominate for the SMP program. Candidates are nominated by their local community and require approval from the District Bishop before commencing their study.
- Is financial support available for international students?
- The program mentions financial support is available for domestic students to assist with attendance at intensives and offers general fee scholarships and grants. Specific information for international students is not provided.
0
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Financial support is available to domestic students to assist with attendance at intensives. General fee scholarships are available, often in the form of reimbursement after successful unit completion. Grants are associated with out-of-pocket expenses related to study, such as fieldwork. In limited cases of financial hardship, a short-term living allowance may be granted.
How to apply
1. General Ministry Pastor (GMP) Program - Stage 1 (Discover)Begin by completing one full year of academic study, typically a Diploma in Theology. Simultaneously, engage in practical ministry and personal reflection within a congregational setting. Compile a portfolio of evidence to be presented to the LCANZ Secretary of the Church.
2. General Ministry Pastor (GMP) Program - Stage 2 ApplicationUpon completion of 'Discover,' submit a formal application for official entry into the GMP program. This stage includes a psychological assessment as part of the approval process.
3. General Ministry Pastor (GMP) Program - Stages 2 & 3 ProgressionIf approved, continue with academic study, building on fieldwork and formation. Work towards achieving Pastoral Graduate Outcomes (PGOs). Stage 3 involves completing your academic award, advanced contextual learning, and a significant supervised pastoral ministry placement. Readiness for ministry will be evaluated, including a second psychological assessment.
4. Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) ProgramPlease note that you cannot self-nominate for the SMP program. Candidates are asked by their local community to train for ordained service and require approval from the District Bishop before commencing their study.
Scholarships
Fritzsche New Student Fee ScholarshipReimbursement of fees
Continuing Student Fee ScholarshipReimbursement of fees
Lutheran Church or Agency Employee Fee ScholarshipReimbursement of fees
Overload Fee ScholarshipReimbursement of fees
Fieldwork Support Grant—
Professional Placement Grant—
Low Income Equity Grant A—
Low Income Equity Grant B—
Childcare Assistance Grant—
Accreditation
This program prepares candidates for ordination in the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ). ALC works in partnership with the LCANZ, which ultimately holds the responsibility for ordination decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What are the pathways available in the Pastoral Studies Program?
+
The program offers two pathways: General Ministry Pastor (GMP), which typically spans four full-time years of study and formation, and Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP), which is shorter and focuses on core Lutheran theology for those already serving in a designated context.
How is the Pastoral Studies Program delivered?
+
The program is delivered through a blend of synchronous online classes and face-to-face intensives, allowing students to study from their local communities without needing to relocate.
What are the career outcomes for this program?
+
The program is designed to prepare individuals for ordained ministry within the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ), equipping them to serve as General Ministry Pastors or Specific Ministry Pastors in congregational settings.
What are the entry requirements for the GMP program?
+
Stage 1 of the General Ministry Pastor (GMP) program typically involves completing a Diploma in Theology. Progression to Stage 2 requires a formal application and a psychological assessment.
Can I apply for the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program independently?
+
No, you cannot self-nominate for the SMP program. Candidates are nominated by their local community and require approval from the District Bishop before commencing their study.
Is financial support available for international students?
+
The program mentions financial support is available for domestic students to assist with attendance at intensives and offers general fee scholarships and grants. Specific information for international students is not provided.