Certification of Local Church Ministry
Academic Level
Diploma
Duration
8-10 Months
Assessment
Yes. Certificate of Completion
Study Method
Online
Play to Preview Certification of Local Church Ministry

Certification of Local Church Ministry Overview
The Certification of Local Church Ministry course qualification is for people who are serving or who are preparing to serve in a local church. It is suited for people undertaking a one-year Internship program. It gives you an excellent grounding in Bible, theology and local church ministry.
This qualification is the perfect starting point for those who are on a journey to discover their calling in God.
Who the Certification of Local Church Ministry is for
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The Certification of Local Church Ministry course is designed for those who are interning or volunteering in a local church or a Ministry.
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It is ideal for those seeking to be more effective as a future leader or a key volunteer in a local church setting.
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It is ideal for those seeking the Call of God.
What you will learn
Introduction to the Biblical Narrative
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How to understand & communicate the Bible’s key themes, events, characters and how to apply lessons learnt in my life and ministry.
Analyse & Apply the Bible
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How to master the features of a study Bible, to interpret what a biblical passage meant to its original audience and how to apply learnt principles to my life, family and ministry community.
Personal Management and Spiritual Health
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How to develop your relationship with God through holistic spiritual and practical disciplines to achieve your God-given destiny and spiritual goals.
Theology of God
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How to grasp the true nature of God revealed in the Father, Jesus & the Holy Spirit. You will also learn how to assess personal needs and grow in the gifts and fruit of the Spirit
Group Ministry Practice
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How to serve, lead and develop your ministry team in a local church or another ministry context. Your role and responsibilities are made more effective and measured against best practice and biblical standards. Ministry practices are recommended to increase ministry health and effectiveness in light of church/ministry focus.
Personal Spiritual Growth
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How to lay a personal foundation for development as a Christian and a leader through a process of personal and spiritual growth, thus undergirding all their spiritual life and ministry.
Work with and Care for Others
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How to provide pastoral care for an individual, members of a family or your community. How to effectively work with and serve people whilst developing tools and insights in self-awareness. You will understand how to apply principles and skills to promote effective group harmony and synergy.
Included Courses
Play Course Preview Introduction to the Biblical Narrative
This course presents a ‘bird’s eye view’ of the Bible as one story. Each teaching is aimed at equipping learners with the skills and knowledge required to evaluate, communicate and apply the biblical narrative to a specific contemporary ministry context.
Curriculum Covered
- Course Description
- Seeing the Bible as One Story
- Orientation/Creation
- The Plot: Solution: The Patriarchal Narratives
- YHWH is crowned Israel’s King
- The Former Prophets: from Conquest to Exile
- The Ups & Downs of Samuel
- The Latter Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel & Twelve
- Jeremiah: The Weeping Prophet
- The Writings
- Lamentations: the Shedding of Righteous Blood
- Who is Jesus?
- The Crescendo of Jesus
- The New Covenant
- Epistles: New Covenant Prophets
- Good Deeds are Essential
- The Hope of Resurrection
About your instructor

Matthew Jarlett
Following the completion of his Bachelor of Arts (Biblical Studies), Matthew assumed the Vocational Education Course Supervisor role with Harvest Bible College.
Course Reviews
Introduction to Biblical Narrative
I found this subject very interesting. It was a lot to try to take in in the time. but it had made me want to study the Bible Indepth, more than I am already doing.
not impressed
the Assignments is not covered off in the videos accurately or deeply enough. the unit barely touches on the subject matter and i feel only brushes the surface of biblical narrative.
Doing Good and practicing this is essential in our day to day walk with Christ.
I have been trying to do this with God in my walk this year to develop in this area, I ask God to show me who he wants me to minister to today or send someone who needs to hear from you. Quite often He doe’s and it has been happening in various ways. I have been excited to explore this in more detail as I fundamentally think it will help in my daily walk with doing God’s will, but for personal growth and development as well as expanding my ability to outreach to many. Thank you for your ability to share about purposing / activating this in study and teaching format.
Play Course Preview Analyse & Apply the Bible
This series of lessons is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to utilise the features of a study Bible, as well as historical and cultural analysis to compose an accurate application of a biblical passage.
Curriculum Covered
- Course Description
- Introduction to Interpretation
- Introduction to Study Bibles
- A Pattern for Application
- Look for Clues
- Original Audience & Historical Context
- Researching Historical Context
- Genre Pitfalls (Part 1)
- Genre Pitfalls (Part 2)
- Literary Context
- Observation
- From Analysis to Meaning
- But we are different… aren’t we?
- Meaning to Application
- Summary & Example
About your instructor

Pastor Andrew Groza
Andrew is an experienced Pastor with a demonstrated history of working in the e-learning industry. Skilled in non-profit organizations, E-Learning, coaching, organizational development, and instructional design. Andrew holds a Master of Arts in Ministry from Harvest Bible College.
Course Reviews
An informative and helpful unit
This unit has given me the tools to understand and know how to correctly interpret and apply of the Bible.
A Powerful Online Bible Course
I have been blessed immensely by this program. For a remote worker like me who finds it impossible to attend to regular classroom study with fixed session schedules, having the flexibility that the online course provide is very beneficial. Thank you for coming up with this idea. God Bless You!
Better knowledge
Has enabled me to interpret scriptures correctly.
Play Course Preview Our Place in God’s Narrative Axx
This course is designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge to evaluate contemporary ministry practices and develop a ministry plan based on theologies of mission and church.
Curriculum Covered
- Course Description
- Introduction – God, Us & You
- What Mission is not/What Mission is
- Creation, Covenant, Consummation – God’s Rule
- The Missio Dei through Israel
- The Missio Dei through Christ
- The Missio Dei through the Church
- Culture (1) God’s mission is within cultures
- Culture (2) National & Local. Being effective WITHIN a culture
- Contextualisation – 3 step model
- Proclamation – What is the Gospel?
- WHO – What on earth is the church?
- WHAT – What does the church do?
- HOW – The charismatic community. Tongues/baptism/healing
- Being Christ-like, Love, God’s community
- Our life together. Part 1. Authority, leadership & Governance.
- Our life together. Part 2. Structure & order in community
- The Church in History Part 1 – Roman Catholic church
- The Church in History Part 2 – Reformation/revivals/Pentecost
- The Church in History Part 3 – Sacred Space
- YOU – From our to my
- YOU – internal – A faithful witness
- In the School of Christ – We are a student
- Church in the Public Sphere (Sermon on the Mount)
- What now? Thoughts about moving forward
About your instructor

Pastor Andrew Groza
Andrew is an experienced Pastor with a demonstrated history of working in the e-learning industry. Skilled in non-profit organizations, E-Learning, coaching, organizational development, and instructional design. Andrew holds a Master of Arts in Ministry from Harvest Bible College.
Course Reviews
Made me feel special.
Understanding the word from God perspective made me realise how special I am in his eyes and how fearfully and wonderfully I am made.
It was amazing
It was very informal
Refresher
I did bible college many years ago and Axx is a good refresher without the pressure of assignments and exams.
Play Preview Course Theology - Ministry in the Spirit
The lessons in this series are presented by a number of experienced ministry leaders, with the emphasis on the Holy Spirit – who He is and what He loves to do, the Spirit’s work with and through believers, and Holy Spirit empowered outreach.
Curriculum Covered
- Course Description
- Introduction to Course
- The Spirit the Life-Giver
- The Person of the Holy Spirit
- Holy Spirit Baptism
- Relating to the Holy Spirit
- The Work of the Spirit
- Community of the Spirit
- The Gifts of the Spirit
- Experiences of the Holy Spirit at Work
- The Fruit of the Spirit (1)
- The Fruit of the Spirit (2)
- Jesus & Ministry of the Holy Spirit
- What Does Ministry in the Spirit Look Like?
- When Prayer Doesn’t Work
- Evangelism in the Gospel: Jesus
- Evangelism with Paul & the Apostles
- The Breath of the Gospel
- Different Approaches to Evangelism
- Sharing Your Testimony
- The Missional Discussion
- Talking to Non-Christians
- Spirit Led Ministry
- Discipleship & Follow Up
- Following People Up
- Developing an Understanding of the History of the Holy Spirit
About your instructor

Tex Houston
Tex (Gary) became a successful pub musician in 1980’s, from there began working with large church & community organisations in media and music production. He has travelled to many places in the world, usually with a video camera and tripod, either doing documentaries on Australians working in other lands, or filming his own works on Anzac history in the First World War. In addition to being an avid steam engine enthusiast with YouTube channel ‘symphony of steam’, Tex is an authority on Christian worship.

Matthew Jarlett
Following the completion of his Bachelor of Arts (Biblical Studies), Matthew assumed the Vocational Education Course Supervisor role with Harvest Bible College.
Course reviews
Many hands made for one truly inspiring unit
I really enjoyed this unit of work. Mainly due to the variety of speakers each chosen I assume ffrom their chosen field of work to deliver the content. Also the touch of interviewing guest speakers to lend their personal insight. This demonstrated that theology is a complex study and requires many experts with different insight to deliver within their area of knowledge. I also particularly like the sessions that related it to our everyday lives as Christians like talking to non-christians and when our prayers aren’t answered. Thanks so much!
Peace and Power Combined
I loved studying Theology – Ministry in the Spirit!!! This gave me a whole new perspective and understanding of my relationship with the Holy Spirit and His power in my life and the closeness we can experience as we learn to listen and discern Him.
Both informative and practical
I enjoyed this course. It was both informative and practical and was good to hear more personal testimonies and experiences.
Play Course Preview Introduction to the Biblical Narrative
This course presents a ‘bird’s eye view’ of the Bible as one story. Each teaching is aimed at equipping learners with the skills and knowledge required to evaluate, communicate and apply the biblical narrative to a specific contemporary ministry context.
Curriculum Covered
- Course Description
- Seeing the Bible as One Story
- Orientation/Creation
- The Plot: Solution: The Patriarchal Narratives
- YHWH is crowned Israel’s King
- The Former Prophets: from Conquest to Exile
- The Ups & Downs of Samuel
- The Latter Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel & Twelve
- Jeremiah: The Weeping Prophet
- The Writings
- Lamentations: the Shedding of Righteous Blood
- Who is Jesus?
- The Crescendo of Jesus
- The New Covenant
- Epistles: New Covenant Prophets
- Good Deeds are Essential
- The Hope of Resurrection
About your instructor

Matthew Jarlett
Following the completion of his Bachelor of Arts (Biblical Studies), Matthew assumed the Vocational Education Course Supervisor role with Harvest Bible College.
Course Reviews
Introduction to Biblical Narrative
I found this subject very interesting. It was a lot to try to take in in the time. but it had made me want to study the Bible Indepth, more than I am already doing.
not impressed
the Assignments is not covered off in the videos accurately or deeply enough. the unit barely touches on the subject matter and i feel only brushes the surface of biblical narrative.
Doing Good and practicing this is essential in our day to day walk with Christ.
I have been trying to do this with God in my walk this year to develop in this area, I ask God to show me who he wants me to minister to today or send someone who needs to hear from you. Quite often He doe’s and it has been happening in various ways. I have been excited to explore this in more detail as I fundamentally think it will help in my daily walk with doing God’s will, but for personal growth and development as well as expanding my ability to outreach to many. Thank you for your ability to share about purposing / activating this in study and teaching format.
Play to Preview Personal Spiritual Growth
This course helps people lay the foundation to develop as a Christian leader through a process of personal and spiritual growth, thus undergirding all their spiritual life and ministry.
Curriculum Covered
- Course Description
- Spiritual Growth
- How Do I Best Grow?
- Growing Through Seasons
- Integrity: What is Integrity?
- Benefits of Integrity
- Building Integrity
- What is Character?
- Character Development
- Spiritual Formation of Leaders
- The Power of Surrender
- Overcoming Obstacles to Spiritual Growth
- Responding to Temptation
- Self-Leadership & Self-Mastery
- Achieving Self-Leadership & Self-Mastery
- Self-Management
About your instructor

Pastor Cheryl Forrest
With more than twenty years in ministry, Cheryl brings experience in the areas of: well being coaching, running addiction recovery groups, training new Christians, outreach ministries, overseeing and developing departments, pastoral care and leadership training. Cheryl holds a Master in Arts Ministry.
Course Reviews
Insightful
Very helpful in growing in spiritual disciplines, values and goal setting.
Helps you grow
It’s good to know and be reminded of this to keep you growing in yourself and your relationship with God. As usual though, too many assignments.
Too deep too fast!
Good to know and be reminded of these things in order to continue growing. As usual though, too many assignments.
Play to Preview Personal Spiritual Growth
This course continues to build foundation spiritual disciplines and leadership practices including; biblical study tools, prayer and spiritual disciplines. Students build a foundation for development as a Christian and as a leader through a process of personal and spiritual growth, thus undergirding all your spiritual life and ministry.
Curriculum Covered
- Course Description
- Scripture Reading & Journaling
- How to Read the Bible
- Bible Reading Program
- Leaders & Prayer: What is Prayer?
- Prayer Strategies & Spiritual Warfare
- What are Spiritual Disciplines?
- The Need for Spiritual Disciplines
- The Benefits of Spiritual Disciplines
- Spiritual Disciplines: Foster, Willard, Whitney & Calhoun
- SD Abstinence Part 1
- SD Abstinence Part 2
- SD Engagement Part 1
- SD Engagement Part 2
- The Truth Quest & Biblical Submission
- Relationships with God
- Relationships with Others
- Relationships at Work
- Being a Catalyst for Growth & Health
- How God causes Growth through Adversity
- Review & Future Growth
About your instructor

Pastor Cheryl Forrest
With more than twenty years in ministry, Pastor Cheryl brings experience in the areas of: well being coaching, running addiction recovery groups, training new Christians, outreach ministries, overseeing and developing departments, pastoral care and leadership training. Cheryl holds a Master in Arts Ministry.
Course Reviews
Insightful
Very helpful in growing in spiritual disciplines, values and goal setting.
Helps you grow
It’s good to know and be reminded of this to keep you growing in yourself and your relationship with God. As usual though, too many assignments.
Too deep too fast!
Good to know and be reminded of these things in order to continue growing. As usual though, too many assignments.
Preview Work with & Care for Others
This Course equips students with practical skills to better understand people, teams and to provide care in a variety of situations. Students will discover how God has uniquely created every person & how we can effectively work with others.
Curriculum Covered
- Course Description
- Uniquely You
- Spiritual Gifts
- Self Management
- Relational Health
- Communication
- Conflict
- Teams
- Followership
- Leadership
- Pastoral Care
- Boundaries & Self Care
- Pastoral Care in Church
- Pastoral Care Skills & Tools
About your instructor

Regan Perry
Regan firmly believes that you never stop learning and enjoys creating pathways for others to discover their full potential. He has lead & served on church staff, coordinating teams & interns, and overseen ministry programs and campus facilities.
Course Reviews
Practical tools to benefit your accountability when ministering to others
I don’t generally keep diaries, so the information to help keep you safe and for accountability, while ministering to others especially if of a more sensitive issues or just for any conversation, informative and very interesting to learn and is something I wish to develop further.
Enlightening and useful
This was very helpful by identifying my own personality type and spiritual gifts and how they interact with others for the benefit of being able to work effectively other people in ministry and pastoral care settings.
Enlightening
Lectures has expanded my knowledge and understanding as well as how to go about achieving the tasks effectively.
Certification of Local Church Ministry Enrolment Options
Monthly Subscription
- Certified Training
- 8 specifically designed courses
- Access with an active subscription
- 112 Lessons
3 Monthly Instalments
- Certified Training
- 8 specifically designed courses
- Access with an active subscription
- 112 Lessons
Upfront Payment
- Certified Training
- 8 specifically designed courses
- Lifetime access to all resources
- 112 Lessons
Certification of Local Church Ministry Snapshot
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8 specifically designed courses
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112 lessons
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29 hours on-demand video
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Certification
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Full lifetime access
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Access on computer, mobile devices and TV
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All learning resources, handouts and E-library at no extra cost
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Personalised Certified Certificate of Completion
Certification of Local Church Ministry Reviews
Thank you
I am better equipped to serve in my local church, where God has called me
Very informative
Certification of Local Church Ministry Requirements
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The Certification of Local Church Ministry only requires a desire to learn about the introductory concepts of the Bible and local church ministry.
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The Certification of Local Church Ministry requires a desire to learn about theology, spiritually caring for yourself and others.
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A love of God and your local church.
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Learners are welcome to commence this qualification at any time
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A computer, tablet or smartphone is required
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No additional software is required
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Internet connection is required
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Lessons are presented in English
All assessment tasks must be completed to be certified
- Learners are required to complete all video lessons
- Each lesson has a short multiple choice quiz
- There are no essays to be written in this qualification