Timetable for Post-Graduate Diploma in Theology

Jesus entered history into a world that had been characterised by colliding empires for centuries. He came to establish God’s reign undoing expectations and reframing what imperial power looks like forever. This course will explore Mark’s Gospel in depth, considering how Jesus does this. We will track the implications of this not only from Mark, but the NT. We will be challenged to truly embrace God’s understandings of power and empire and be the people God dreams us to be.

This course is a close study of one major theologian (or a group of closely related theologians), past or present, in the intellectual context of their day. Through the study of selected writings of the theologian and secondary sources, their theological method and commitments will be analysed and their contribution to theology past and present evaluated, particularly as it impacts on the contemporary cultural and contextual situation within Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.

Postgraduate Research and Writing introduces you to the wonder and joy of research. It is a course designed to inspire students with the vast breadth of cutting edge investigations that are being done by the lecturers at Laidlaw, and then to teach them how to research themselves by partnering with one of these lecturers. Students will develop and hone the skills of research and writing by designing and implementing a short research project in their own area of interest.

This course explores the critical role of the inner life (oranga-ā-roto) of the leader in sustaining Christian leadership in Aotearoa, amid personal and organisational complexity. It addresses four key 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 critical engagement with Scripture, classical, cultural, and contemporary texts, personal reflection, embodied practice, and interdisciplinary perspectives students will generate 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.

This is the first of two courses which together comprise a Postgraduate Certificate in Theology, designed to equip graduates to offer professional supervision in a range of ministry contexts (understanding ministry in the broad sense of Christian vocation). It examines the nature and purpose of professional supervision, including its importance in people-related ministries. Several theoretical approaches to supervision will be evaluated and participants will reflect critically on theological, ethical, and cultural dimensions of offering supervision in their own contexts.
A minimum of two years of ministry or professional experience is normally required for entry.