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
What you will learn
Introduction to the Biblical Narrative
Analyse & Apply the Bible
Personal Management and Spiritual Health
Theology of God
Group Ministry Practice
Personal Spiritual Growth
Work with and Care for Others
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
GREAT COURSE
Such a great course, short simple videos and assignments
Pearls of wisdom well delivered & received
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the wonderful gift of teaching upon Matt. The content was delivered in a way that was clear & easy to understand. Initially, I was a bit nervous, however after the introductory zoom cohort with Jasmine & now listening to these lectures, my excitement for what is to come has been elevated. Thank you for an encouraging start.
Biblical narrative
The lectures on biblical narrative are very enlightening. They help one to understand the fusion between historical and cultural contexts, and literary contexts of the various biblical writings from creation and how these affect our understanding of the Bible and its application in our contemporary context.
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
Never too old to learn more!
I’ve been a Christian for many years, and made a point of reading the Bible, probably in a haphazard way. Reading the Bible to understand the context and the cultural differences is paramount to fully understand what God is saying to me today. There is such a wealth of knowledge and background information that is necessary to glean what it means today.
I am loving this unit. The lectures are brilliant, very clear instructions and the presenter Andrew is amazing.
'I walk by faith'. Works without action is dead. (James 2:26 NIV).
Putting into practice is an essential element and act of obedience in our walking out what God has commanded us to do by going out into the world and making disciples/ being disciples of Christ Jesus. (Mark 16:15 NIV). This is something I have actively been trying to walk out this year. This topic is helping me actively and engage Godly Principals into my world locally.
It was amazing
Shows me how to go deeper in the word of God not just look at it at the surface level
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
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.
Eye opener and Heart warming
How Andrew Groza explained our role in God’s narrative humbled me that apart from his grace and mercy, I am nothing. The modules made me realised that there is a lot to do to reach out lost souls… that I’m one of those called to do the work of God.
May God bless you and empower you more Andrew! Continue to be a blessing!
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
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.
Great
Excellent
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
GREAT COURSE
Such a great course, short simple videos and assignments
Pearls of wisdom well delivered & received
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the wonderful gift of teaching upon Matt. The content was delivered in a way that was clear & easy to understand. Initially, I was a bit nervous, however after the introductory zoom cohort with Jasmine & now listening to these lectures, my excitement for what is to come has been elevated. Thank you for an encouraging start.
Biblical narrative
The lectures on biblical narrative are very enlightening. They help one to understand the fusion between historical and cultural contexts, and literary contexts of the various biblical writings from creation and how these affect our understanding of the Bible and its application in our contemporary context.
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
Spiritual Disciplines
I have found that our studies have made me question my understanding of “Christian Maturity”. I thought that I was one after 37 years but I now realise that I became mature by ‘doing’ not ‘listening’. This I believe is why I do not feel as close to God as I would like, that I do not hear His voice through the Spirit. In my retirement is is time to learn to be still and hear Him.
Eat Pray Love Evaluate and Repeat
Unit 1 is a very practical way at looking at setting yourself up for success in the study of church ministry. Looking at goals, values and how to address your personal feelings and gauging your need for rest etc. It’s very gentle and offers practical lessons and advice that can be used in everyday life.
I am God's Masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10) I am poetry to God (ref Amelia Pickering)
Working through this course is like peeling the layers off an onion. With each layer I am discovering more about myself that I really didn’t give much weight to. I’ve never thought about personal core values, and I found this quite challenging yet humbling. I’ve come to understand more fully and realise that my life is important to God and that I am his masterpiece, and he wants me to go deeper in Him. I am enough for Him; I am His child. Learning about the Spiritual Disciplines is like a breath of fresh air – so complete and purposeful and I’m wondering why I didn’t know about these before now. I’m still trying to make them a daily priority. I understand that my life has purpose, and God is the mastermind behind what I do with my life. He is my personal tour guide, showing me where to go and how to get where He wants me. God draws up the plans then in His own time he shares them with me. What do I want to do with my life? I want to serve the Lord, and I want to help others deepen their faith. At the time of writing this review I am co-leading our church, and I feel that God has me here for a reason. I am truly blessed to be in this position. This course is helping me stay grounded and giving me strategies and tips to lead our church forward.
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
Spiritual Disciplines
I have found that our studies have made me question my understanding of “Christian Maturity”. I thought that I was one after 37 years but I now realise that I became mature by ‘doing’ not ‘listening’. This I believe is why I do not feel as close to God as I would like, that I do not hear His voice through the Spirit. In my retirement is is time to learn to be still and hear Him.
Eat Pray Love Evaluate and Repeat
Unit 1 is a very practical way at looking at setting yourself up for success in the study of church ministry. Looking at goals, values and how to address your personal feelings and gauging your need for rest etc. It’s very gentle and offers practical lessons and advice that can be used in everyday life.
I am God's Masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10) I am poetry to God (ref Amelia Pickering)
Working through this course is like peeling the layers off an onion. With each layer I am discovering more about myself that I really didn’t give much weight to. I’ve never thought about personal core values, and I found this quite challenging yet humbling. I’ve come to understand more fully and realise that my life is important to God and that I am his masterpiece, and he wants me to go deeper in Him. I am enough for Him; I am His child. Learning about the Spiritual Disciplines is like a breath of fresh air – so complete and purposeful and I’m wondering why I didn’t know about these before now. I’m still trying to make them a daily priority. I understand that my life has purpose, and God is the mastermind behind what I do with my life. He is my personal tour guide, showing me where to go and how to get where He wants me. God draws up the plans then in His own time he shares them with me. What do I want to do with my life? I want to serve the Lord, and I want to help others deepen their faith. At the time of writing this review I am co-leading our church, and I feel that God has me here for a reason. I am truly blessed to be in this position. This course is helping me stay grounded and giving me strategies and tips to lead our church forward.
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
Pastoral care review
I enjoyed this unit and thought it was very well covered and was developed well to adapt in with our effectiveness in working in pastoral care. Easy to understand and relevant information. Case stidies could of been a bit more clearer.
Thanks Axx Bible College
Thank you Axx for this tremendous opportunity that you giving, I’m honored to be part of this marvelous tutors who took through this journey of learning. I am going to treasure these qualifications I feel very special to be part of this College it really changes lives.
I am unique and I am a steward of the Lord I’m equipped and the law of love is fulfilled through Axx for I am able to study in this authentic College about honest and integrity. I have also learn communication skills and teams, I was called for relationship indeed know I understand the advantages of teams.
Thank you Axx and the entire management.
Opening the door of Pastoral Care
It’s natural isn’t it – the more mature you become as a Christian the more you seek to help people, after all it was what Jesus was all about. Then you think ‘Well am I the right person to do that?’
This unit has been a thought provoking, prayer inspiring process of learning about my own gifts, drivers and abilities when thinking about Pastoral Care. It has been so valuable to be taken through both the practical and spiritual considerations to be made when deciding if you should engage with the important role of caring for other people.
It has been incredibly helpful to be taken through the DISC personality test and then applying that to a potential team situation. Being reminded of my personality type made me so much more aware of how I work, communicate, handle conflict and want to be treated myself. This subject certainly reminded me of issues that I would need to be careful of when working in a team.
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
Certification of Local Church Ministry Reviews
Growth beyond words
Important topics and rich teaching material!
Equipped
I am pleased to present my qualifications for certification in local church ministry. I have undergone extensive theological training, including coursework in biblical studies, pastoral care, and church leadership. My hands-on experience includes serving in various ministry roles, where I have developed skills in preaching, teaching, and community outreach.
I am committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive church environment, and I have actively engaged with my congregation to support spiritual growth and development. My dedication to serving others and my understanding of the challenges faced by local communities have equipped me to make a meaningful impact in ministry.
I am excited about the opportunity to further my service and contribute to the mission of the church through this certification.
Certification of Local Church Ministry Requirements
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