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Timetable for Distance Learning

Christchurch campus

Semester 1, 2027

College Orientation: 22 - 26 February

College Semester begins: 22 February

Theology Intensives week: 22 - 25 March

Mid semester break: 12 - 26 April

Theology Intensives week: 24 - 28 May

College Semester ends: 24 June

Weekly Courses

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Distance Learning, Semester 1, 2027
Time MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
Morning
(9:30 am - 12:30 pm)
111.615/715 Interpreting the Bible John de Jong LR2 *

This course is an introduction to biblical interpretation, grammatico-historical exegesis, biblical genres, historical developments, historical-critical and literary-critical methods, and hermeneutical considerations, including hands-on experience in exegeting biblical texts.

582.615/715 Evangelism 1 Mark Keown LR4 *

This course explores the biblical and theological foundation for evangelism. It provides an introduction to the concepts, motivations, process, and issues of evangelism in the contemporary world.

310.615/715 Te Harinui Samuel Carpenter LR4 *

This course explores the story of Christianity in Aotearoa, with particular attention to the spread of the Gospel among Māori and interactions between Christianity and New Zealand identity and institutions, and the contextualization of that story in Christian leadership in Aotearoa.

115.515 Reading the Bible Leigh Greyling LR1 *

This course aims to introduce the broad shape of the biblical story and show how the Christian gospel is integral to biblical theology. It explores the unity, diversity and central themes of the Bible to make sense of the relationships between the Bible, theology, and all of life.

(NOTE: no campus attendance available if enrolled as a Distance Learning student)

480.615/715 Faithful Living: Intro to Reflective Practice Maja Whitaker LR3 *

This course explores the dispositions and practices that are required to form life-long reflective practitioners. Students are introduced to a range of models of theological reflection and will evaluate and apply these within their context. Key theological themes and practices underlying ethical behaviour are explored and students will develop a contextualised code of conduct. Students are prompted to develop self- and other- awareness, and build resilience to the experience of receiving and processing feedback from others.

(9 am - 1 pm) 907.515 Bicultural Relationships Antony Nihoniho LR1

People of all cultures draw their own self-knowledge from their engagement with other people and the world. In the Aotearoa New Zealand context this means an honouring of the covenantal spirit of the Treaty of Waitangi and an awareness of its relational intent. This course introduces Tikanga Maori on the basis of understanding people in their contexts, and combines theological, theoretical and historical reflection with the development of practices drawn from an integration of these. The course includes regular oral activities aimed at developing fluency in the use of te reo and tikanga in a range of settings. The culmination of this oral learning is participation in the Noho Marae, where an overnight stay on a marae provides an integrated opportunity to engage with Maori culture beyond the classroom.

(NOTE: no campus attendance available if enrolled as a Distance Learning student)

202.615/715 Christology Myk Habets LR4 *

This course examines traditional and contemporary theologies of the person and work of Christ, theology of revelation and Scripture.

Afternoon
(1:30 pm - 4:30 pm)
122.615/715 Pentateuch Csilla Saysell LR2 *

This course engages students in detailed exegesis of the English [or the Hebrew] text of selected parts of the Pentateuch, as well as studies in the theology of the Pentateuch with particular focus on the book of Deuteronomy.

140.515 Reading the New Testament Phillip Porter LR2 *

This course aims to develop and apply a broad understanding of New Testament foundations, and their interpretation and application within church, mission, and community contexts.

511.615/715 Pastoral Care in Community John Fox LR1 *

This course is an introduction to the principles and practices of pastoral care in, through and beyond the local church. The course is grounded in vision of community as a paradigm for transformation and carries a fundamental commitment to care of the whole person. Within this relational frame, various approaches to pastoral care, care in life’s stages and transitions as well as care of the carers will be explored.

609.615/715 World Christianity Doreen Ele, Rebecca de Jong LR4 *

This course examines expressions of orthodox Christianity globally with special attention to the developing world. The theology, practice, and context of global expressions of Christianity will be considered along with a focus on the expansion of Christianity globally and the implications this has for the Church and missions.

Late Afternoon
(4:30 pm - 6:30 pm)
108.515 Greek 1 Julia van den Brink LR4 *

This course is an introductory study of the grammar and vocabulary of Biblical Greek, and its application in translation and exegesis.

Note for 2027: For distance learning it is strongly encouraged that students attend the two weekly classes (as per the Auckland Theology timetable) via Zoom to get the most out of the course.

108.515 Greek 1 Julia van den Brink LR4 *

This course is an introductory study of the grammar and vocabulary of Biblical Greek, and its application in translation and exegesis.

Note for 2027: For distance learning it is strongly encouraged that students attend the two weekly classes (as per the Auckland Theology timetable) via Zoom to get the most out of the course.

Evening
(6:30 - 9:30 pm)
(7 - 9 pm) 106.515 Hebrew 1 Julia van den Brink

This course explores an introductory study of biblical Hebrew, including basic vocabulary and key points of grammar.

Note for 2027: For distance learning there will be two online classes each week during the evenings on Mondays and Wednesdays 7-9pm. Attendance is strongly encouraged to get the most out of this course.

(6:30 - 8:30 pm) 505.515 Christian Leadership & Mission Rebecca de Jong, Reuben Munn LR1 *

This course aims to explore and evaluate a range of mission, church, and community-based programmes and applies faith-based principles in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. Learners will reflect on how personal and communal expressions of faith can enhance the wellbeing of others in a range of social and cultural contexts.

(7 - 9 pm) 106.515 Hebrew 1 Julia van den Brink

This course explores an introductory study of biblical Hebrew, including basic vocabulary and key points of grammar.

Note for 2027: For distance learning there will be two online classes each week during the evenings on Mondays and Wednesdays 7-9pm. Attendance is strongly encouraged to get the most out of this course.

(6:30 - 8:30 pm) 143.615/715 Gospels 2 (John) Phillip Porter LR1 *

This course explores exegetical and theological study of texts from the Gospel of John. This course is an opportunity for the student to engage with the text and theology of one of these remarkable texts and reflect on the implications for Christian discipleship in today’s world.

* These courses will involve video conferencing from either Auckland or Christchurch

Non-Weekly Courses (Block Courses, Distance Learning Tutorials, etc.)

351.715 Research Topic 1 | (Distance.) May only be taken with approval of Head of School.

This course provides an opportunity for preparing an extended research paper of 6,000 – 8,000 words on a topic not specifically covered elsewhere in a student’s programme of study. It requires the development of research skills and the ability to present a sustained argument on an issue of some complexity. A Research Topic may be proposed in any of the following subject areas: Bible, Theology, or History. The research topic may only be undertaken with the approval of the head of school or delegate.

352.715 Research Topic 2 | (Distance.) May only be taken with approval of Head of School.

This course provides an opportunity for preparing an extended research paper of 6,000 – 8,000 words on a topic not specifically covered elsewhere in a student’s programme of study. It requires the development of research skills and the ability to present a sustained argument on an issue of some complexity. A Research Topic may be proposed in any of the following subject areas: pastoral theology, practical theology, or missiology. The research topic may only be undertaken with the approval of the head of school or delegate.

408.715 Inner Life of a Leader - Karen Kemp Block course: 22-24 Mar 2027, 24-26 May 2027 (LR2) *Subject to NZQA approval

This course explores the critical role of the inner life (oranga-ā-roto) in the formation of the leader and sustainability of Christian leadership in Aotearoa. It addresses four foundational areas – spiritual integrity (ngākau pono), intimacy with God (whakapiri ki te Atua), emotional and moral resilience (manawaroa), and the formation of authentic discipleship (ākonga pono). Through engagement with Scripture, classical, cultural, and contemporary texts, personal reflection, and embodied practice, students will develop a robust theology of the inner life that integrates both Pākehā and Māori understandings of spirituality, and cultivate a life deeply rooted in Christ, to sustain and enable Christlike stewardship (tuaritanga) of power in leadership that is both faithful and fruitful.

474.530 Leadership Internship I - Joey Millington | (Distance.) Enrolment subject to approval of Internship Coordinator (jmillington@laidlaw.ac.nz)

This course aims to evaluate Christian leadership models within the context of church, mission, and community ministries. Interns will build, lead, and contribute to teams in a way which reflects their sense of call and personal strengths, and through the application of leadership practices that enhance the goals of their chosen ministry.
Note:There is an additional course cost of about $150 to pay for CliftonStrengths online assessment and coaching.
Enrolment is subject to approval of the Internship Coordinator.

475.530 Leadership Internship II - Joey Millington | (Distance.) Enrolment subject to approval of Internship Coordinator (jmillington@laidlaw.ac.nz)

This course aims to apply a range of key Christian leadership skills to develop and lead a team. The intern will plan and execute an assigned ministry project which will contribute to the goals of a church, mission, or community ministry.
Enrolment is subject to approval of the Internship Coordinator.

476.530 Leadership Internship I - Full Year - Joey Millington | (Distance.) Enrolment subject to approval of Internship Coordinator (jmillington@laidlaw.ac.nz)

To evaluate Christian leadership principles within the context of church, mission, and community ministries. Learners will build, lead, and contribute to teams in a way which reflects their sense of call and personal strengths, and also through the application of leadership practices that enhance the goals of their chosen ministry.

477.530 Leadership Internship II - Full Year - Joey Millington | (Distance.) Enrolment subject to approval of Internship Coordinator (jmillington@laidlaw.ac.nz)

To explore leadership principles and practices learnt in Leadership Internship I, in order to develop skills for team leadership.

478.615 Practicum I | (Distance.) Enrolment subject to approval of Internship Coordinator (jmillington@laidlaw.ac.nz)

This course aims to build ministry awareness, leadership resilience, and competence in a field of the student’s choosing. Students are given scope to engage in an area of ministry or vocation in order to develop their proficiency in that field through reflective practice and field-based experience. The course focuses on embodied learning where specific fieldwork-related competencies are aligned to a student’s practicum goals.
Enrolment is subject to approval of the Practicum Coordinator.

479.715 Practicum II | (Distance.) Enrolment subject to approval of Internship Coordinator (jmillington@laidlaw.ac.nz)

This course aims to build ministry critical awareness, leadership resilience and competence in a field of the student’s choosing. Students are given scope to engage in an area of ministry or vocation in order to develop their proficiency in that field through reflective practice and field-based experience. The course focuses on embodied learning where specific fieldwork-related competencies are aligned to a student’s practicum goals.
Enrolment is subject to approval of the Practicum Coordinator.

653.715 Tikanga Rangahau | (Distance.) May only be taken with approval of Head of School.

Working closely with the course co-ordinator this course offers the opportunity for in depth individual research on a particular aspect of Māori theology studied in the indigenous courses. The aim is to identify and become familiar with resources on the chosen topic, to strengthen knowledge base, and to comment and critique on findings.