• Critically engage with and evaluate a specialised body of knowledge in the disciplines of biblical studies, theology and practical ministry and their underlying methodologies;
• articulate an advanced and integrated understanding of Seventh-day Adventist history, theology, identity, and mission;
• critically analyse, research, and synthesise complex theological and ministry concepts independently, and demonstrate how they relate to a Seventh-day Adventist world view;
• interpret and communicate advanced and integrated Biblical and theological knowledge, and practical ministry skills in a contextualised manner to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
• model and articulate the relevance of a relationship with Christ and Christian beliefs to the practice of pastoral ministry and Christian living;
• apply the skills and capacities expected of a growing, reflective Christian ministry practitioner, researcher and/or scholar;
• have an understanding of research principles and methods, including analytical and communication skills applicable to ministry and its related disciplines.

To qualify for admission, an applicant must have achieved:

• An Australian Bachelor’s degree or higher; or
• an overseas qualification comparable to an Australian Bachelor’s degree or higher.

In exceptional circumstances an applicant may be admitted based on qualifications deemed equivalent as assessed by the Course Convenor in consultation with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).

This course has additional entry requirements which are listed below.

• A satisfactory recommendation completed by the applicant’s church pastor ~ Pastoral Recommendation Form; and
• Agree to abide by Avondale Seminary's Acceptance of the Code of Professional Ethics; and
• A National Police Check (issued within the last six months); and
• A current Working with Children Check (or equivalent) for the state/territory where students are living while studying (students may need to discuss interstate or international circumstances with the Field Education Director); and
• Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) applicants must have been baptised for two years and provide evidence of their commitment to, and active involvement in their local church; or
• Applicants from other denominations must provide evidence of their commitment to, and active involvement in their local church.

From 2025, all incoming theology students will also be required to undertake psychological testing (at their own expense) as recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Further information is available from the Course Convenor.

International Students

This course is available to international students who meet the Australian government requirements for a student visa to reside in Australia for the duration of the course. It is also available online for international students residing outside Australia. For information regarding visas refer to https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/study.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose primary language is not English, must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following:

1. achieving an overall IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no sub-band less than 6.0, or
2. one of the other ways outlined in Appendix 2 of the Admission Policy (HE), or
3. documentary evidence of a prior qualification (or at least two years of tertiary study) conducted and assessed in English in a recognised country^ and completed within the last two years.

^Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, or the United States of America.

Advanced Standing

Applicants who have completed prior study may be eligible for advanced standing (credit recognition). Applicants should discuss their eligibility for advanced standing with the Admissions Team or the Course Convenor.

• Students complete four units in each of four semesters in a full-time program (or part-time equivalent).
• Some units are offered on a rotational calendar basis. The order in which students enrol in units will depend on the year they commence. A recommended program for even and odd year commencement is provided below.
• Part time students should discuss their program with the Course Convenor.
• The maximum time to complete the course is eight years.

The maximum time to complete the course is eight years.

The 16 units required to complete the course are:

The recommended program for full-time students commencing in even years is shown below.

The recommended program for full-time students commencing in odd years is shown below.

To find out more about any of the units listed here, copy the unit code and then search for that unit here.

All Church Ministry (CHMN) coded units are associated with a form of work integrated learning, which in theological circles is referred to as supervised field education. Field education is an apprenticeship whereby ministry students are teamed with pastors who supervise, support and mentor the student throughout ministry placements which can occur in various settings. Supervising trainee pastors in real-world settings is central to ministry formation. It allows students to integrate theological content with practical ministry and provides students with the opportunity to experience ministry in various circumstances. Field education also enables students to develop a deeper knowledge of their spiritual gifts, strengths, and weaknesses.

Students experience two types of supervised field education:

1. Placements: Students are on placement for 4 hours/week for 10 consecutive weeks in a local church or school under the supervision of a pastoral mentor.

2. Externships: Students are immersed in an evangelistic context for 10 consecutive days, inclusive of two weekends.

Students are supported throughout their field education experience.

Post Admission Requirements

An AdSafe Certificate of Completion for Safe Churches must be obtained prior to Church Placement. Students will complete the training for this certificate online. Additional in-person AdSafe training is provided as part of the course.

Seventh-day Adventist graduates of the MMin are eligible to begin a ministry internship in a local conference. After two years of internship, their progress is reviewed to determine if they are ready for a ministerial or commissioned licence. A further three or more years of satisfactory ministry practice is necessary before they can be considered for ordination or commissioning and a full ministerial / commissioned credential is issued.

Other graduates of the MMin should liaise with officers of their own denomination to determine the ministry requirements that apply to them.