POSTGRADUATE
Leadership Development Program
Origins of the Program
In July 2013, Christ College welcomed its first intake of students into the Leadership
Development Program (LDP). The college created this program because of several
convictions about leadership:
Leadership matters
Leadership is one of the greatest influences on the health and growth of others. The
Scriptures have a strong focus on the leadership of God’s people (good and bad),
because leaders have a decisive impact on the life of God’s people. Recent research
shows that there is a strong connection between good leadership and the health and
growth of individuals, organisations and churches1. Most people can probably name at
least one leader who, under God, made a significance impact in their lives.
Christian leadership is challenging
As the pace and scale of change accelerates around us, and society becomes more
distant from the Christian worldview, Christian leaders are put under extra pressure. In
response, too often Christians reach for popular models of leadership that are flawed
theologically and empirically. Instead, we need approaches to leadership that are based
on a deep understanding of the Scriptures and thoughtful application of the gospel to
our specific context.
Leadership benefits from intentional development and experience-based learning
Traditional theological education has usually had little focus on leadership development.
Further, it has often relied primarily on classroom instruction, followed by unsupervised
ministry experience. Even the most gifted leaders benefit from exposure to a range of
leadership frameworks and styles, reflection on their own strengths and weaknesses,
challenging projects which stretch them, feedback on their leadership, and
encouragement from mentors and peers.
Graduates of Christ College are leaders in all of life
The College is committed to developing graduates who live and lead for Christ in all of
life. Many of our graduates take on pastoral leadership roles in churches; all of them
lead in their families, workplaces, cities or wider culture. We want them to know God
from his Word, grow in the likeness of God’s Son, understand God’s mission and their
role in it, and apply their knowledge of God in healthy forms of leadership.
Christ College is committed to developing pastoral leaders who will develop all of God’s
people for all of life. This program is an important means to that end.
Kouzes J and Posner B. (2012) The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations,
San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass; Mark Green R. (2009) Management Matters in Australia: Just how productive are we?
Canberra: Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research; Mark Bellamy J, Cussen B, Sterland S, et al. (2006)
Enriching Church Life: A Practical Guide for Local Churches, Adelaide: Openbook Australia, Pratt J. (2010) ‘Growing
Healthy Churches’: Voices from the Churches. Directions 2012 Research Project. Epping: NSW & ACT Baptist Churches,
Schwarz CA. (1996) Natural Church Development: A Guide to Eight Essential Qualities of Healthy Churches, Mt Gravatt
East, Qld: Direction Ministry Resources.
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Aims of the Program
The LDP aims to develop leaders who:
 Have a leadership style shaped and driven by the gospel
 Make and develop disciples and leaders towards maturity in Christ
 Form and empower effective teams with complementary strengths
 Adapt, innovate and lead change across diverse contexts
 Understand and value their own gifts and calling
 Improve in their effectiveness over time
These program aims are embedded deeply into the design of the program. They also
shape the learning goals, content and assessment of all related subjects.
Design of the Program
The program is based on clear Biblical and theological foundations, and draws on the
best of contemporary leadership and organisational theory. It has been designed from
first-principles to equip aspiring pastoral leaders to better serve our churches.
Subjects within the LDP are highly applied, developmental, and fit together as a
coherent program nested within other college programs and other awards from the
Australian College of Theology (ACT). They also require students to work collaboratively
with peers and church leaders.
The LDP can be completed as part of a Graduate Diploma of Ministry, or a larger Master
of Arts degree. Some students may also participate in the LDP in parallel with FES (see
further the relevant application for undergraduate and graduate students). A summary
of the relevant LDP subjects for postgraduate students is listed below in Figure 1.
Figure 1: LDP Subjects and ACT Awards
Award
Graduate Diploma of Ministry (32 cps)
Master of Arts (Ministry) (64 cps)
Eligibility
ACT Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of
Ministry or equivalent (e.g. Master of
Divinity)
24 credit points (cps) of leadership:
 PC766i Frameworks for Christian
Leadership (8 cps)
 PC749ai Leading in Different Contexts
(2 cp)
 PC749bi Leading Skills 1 (2 cp)
 PC749ci Leading Skills 2 (2 cp)
 PC749di Lifelong Leadership (2 cps)
 PC738 Developing Disciples and
Leaders (8 cps)
 896 Leadership Project (internal unit –
4 cps)2
 8 cps from 700 level electives in any
unit field
Same as for the Graduate Diploma
LDP
Rest of
Award
2
Internal subjects do not count towards formal ACT credit points.
2
Same as for the Graduate Diploma
 32 cps from 700 level electives in
any unit field
 8 cps project or capstone
experience unit from 700 level
units in EM, PC or DM fields
Primary Audience
The primary audience for this program are men aspiring to serve in pastoral leadership
roles. While this program is aimed first at developing pastoral leaders, it can also cater
simultaneously to the needs of men and women seeking to grow as leaders in other
ministry contexts. In this instance, equivalent learning opportunities may need to be
sought, and a modified agreement entered between the church and student.
Intensive Delivery Mode
All subjects in the LDP are now offered by intensive mode. That means classes are not
scheduled on a weekly basis, but are offered over a limited number of full days, arranged
together in larger teaching blocks, where possible. This delivery mode is more
accessible to students living outside Sydney, as well as part-time students with other
commitments during the week. It is also more appropriate pedagogically, as it enables
the program to ‘front-end’ formal face-to-face learning in anticipation of individualised
application over a year-long church-based project. Learning each semester is further
reinforced through one-day retreats after the examination period every semester. A
summary of the timing of LDP classes is found in Figure 2.
Figure 2: LDP Subjects and their Timing
Church-Based Projects
In Semester A of the program (July to November), students will investigate a recent
significant change in a Presbyterian church in Australia in the subject Frameworks for
Christian Leadership. Students may investigate their own church (if it is Presbyterian),
or visit another Presbyterian church in Australia of their choosing (this church does not
need to be part of the PCA). After gaining ethics approval from their lecturer, students
may request opportunities to speak about these changes with church leaders and
members, past and present. They may ask for relevant documents and artefacts that
support these changes (e.g. strategic plans or reports prepared for church leaders or
members). And they may ask permission to observe church services or ministries in
action. Although students bear ultimate responsibility for selecting their church and
collecting their own data, church leaders are expected to accommodate reasonable
requests for information.
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During this same semester, students will be given detailed instructions regarding the
design of a proposal for a significant church-based Leadership Project in Leading in
Different Contexts. A further six days of intensive classes will be held prior to the start of
Semester B to prepare students for the delivery of their project. The Leadership Project
will be implemented by students in Semesters B and C of the program (January to
November).
This Leadership Project will involve the introduction of substantial change, or the
creation of a new venture, that:
a) Furthers Jesus’ agenda for whole-of-life discipleship3;
b) Involves large-scale and small-scale training and development; and
c) Requires students to form and lead a new team.
This project may be combined with other existing or planned projects in the church or
local community. This project should be a blessing to both the student and the broader
church and community. The student will discuss their proposed project with their
college-recognised ‘Trainer’ (often the Moderator or an equivalent ministerial role)
prior to seeking their final approval, the approval of their Session, and the approval of
the LDP Coordinator. Following this approval process, the Trainer will then oversee the
student’s implementation of their project the following calendar year, after the intensive
classes in January/February.
Estimated Time Commitments
The Leadership Project will require a significant investment of time from students and
their church leaders. Students should expect the process of proposal development to
take approximately 20 hours in Semester A of the program (their major project in
Leading in Different Contexts).Prior to the start of Semester B, students will spend a
further six intensive days being equipped to deliver their project effectively.
During Semesters B and C of the program, the Leadership Project should require
approximately 320 hours of student time, or an average of approximately 8 hours per
week over a 40-week year (allowing for school holidays) from January to November.
A typical breakdown of this time is indicated below:
a) Approximately 200 hours for implementation of the approved project proposal,
or an average of 5 hours per week. This time does not include ordinary
participation in the church community, such as attending regular church
services.
b) Approximately 80 hours for attending ordinary meetings of Session (or the
equivalent body) and the staff/pastoral team as an observer, or an average of 2
hours per week (see further below).
c) Approximately 40 hours for meetings to discuss and review progress of the
Leadership Project, or an average of 1 hour per week. This time is to be allocated
in the following manner:
That is, discipleship which leads people to Jesus and teaches them how to follow and enjoy Jesus in the
different spheres of God’s good but fallen world. See further Matthew 28:19-20, Ephesians 4:12 and Titus
2:3-10. This form of discipleship is more comprehensive and less church-centric than most training for
internal church-based ministries.
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i.
ii.
iii.
Approximately 20 hours for meetings with their Trainer to review
progress implementing the project, or an average of 2 hours per month
(note: up to half this time may be spent in preparation for these
meetings).
Approximately 10 hours for two individual written reports submitted to
the LDP Coordinator (5 hours in June and November).
Approximately 10 hours for preparation and delivery of two individual
presentations at LDP Retreats (5 hours in June and November). This time
does not include engagement with other student presentations and
related activities scheduled during Retreats.
Participation in Session and Pastoral Team Meetings
Throughout the program, students will be encouraged to learn about leadership by
observing their church leaders in action. Most students who graduate from college will
eventually assume significant leadership responsibilities in their local church, usually
within Session in Presbyterian churches.
It is therefore recommended that student applicants be given opportunities to
participate regularly in ordinary4 meetings of Session (or the equivalent body) and the
staff/pastoral team, as an observer, if they are not already doing so. Attending these
meetings regularly will help students to discern relevant spiritual, political and
sociological dynamics within their church community, form authentic relationships with
their church’s leadership community, and over time make more valuable contributions
to the broader church and its overall mission. The required hours spent in observation
will count formally towards the Leadership Project in Semesters B and C of the program
only. However, church leaders are encouraged to invite their students to observe their
Session and staff/pastoral team meetings throughout their enrolment in the LDP.
Approved female students will need to identify with their church leaders appropriate
forums within which they can observe the practice of leadership.
Church Commitment to the Approved Project
Once the Trainer and Session (or the equivalent senior leadership team) formally
approve the student’s project proposal towards the end of Semester A, they are
expected to do all that they can to support and defend the student’s implementation of
their approved project during Semesters B and C. Changes made to the student’s project
at this late stage put the student’s successful completion of the LDP at risk.
Church leaders who are interested in further information about their student’s
participation in the LDP are invited to attend an LDP Church Leader’s Briefing held
shortly after the commencement of the LDP in the middle of each calendar year.
Those meetings that are deemed appropriate for them to attend, excepting extraordinary meetings in
which Session operates intentionally as a ‘closed court’.
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Changing Churches during the LDP
As a result of the very significant time commitment required to develop and then deliver
the Leadership Project in Semesters A to C of the program, along with the relational
capital required to develop an observer relationship within Session and the relevant
staff/pastoral team, it is recommended strongly that students remain in the same local
church during Semesters A to C of the program. A change of church after the start of the
program can result in significant delays in the development, approval and ultimately
implementation of the project. These delays can impact upon the student’s timely
completion of the broader program.
Mentoring
In Semester 1 in Leading in Different Contexts, students will develop a mentoring
relationship with a more experienced leader of the same gender. Students are
encouraged to choose their own mentor. This mentor must be someone other than the
student’s local church leader or college lecturer whom they are already formally
accountable to. Students will organise their own meetings with their mentor, usually on
a monthly basis over the life of the program, and potentially beyond. They will also set
their own developmental agenda. Compulsory training will be provided to students and
their mentors over a catered lunch on the second intensive day of Leading in Different
Contexts at the college. This training is provided to enable students and their mentors to
begin their new relationship well. To promote the development of safe and authentic
relationships with mentors, the college will never ask mentors to report on student
progress (unlike the college-recognised Trainer).
Acceptance into the Program
Acceptance into the program is conditional upon the approval of both the LDP Director
and Coordinator, taking into consideration the following:
 Submission of a complete, compliant and timely application form
 Commitment by the student to the aims and expectations of the program
 Completion of other relevant subjects at a satisfactory level
 Evidence of discipline in the student’s development of character consistent with
church leadership (see further 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9)
 Commitment of the student’s Trainer and Session (or equivalent senior
leadership team) to support the student’s participation in this program
Conflict Resolution
If problems arise between a student and their church leaders during the program, they
will be encouraged to discuss and resolve the matter between themselves in the first
instance. Should these matters, or aspects of them, be unresolvable to the satisfaction of
the student and/or church leaders, the following staff from Christ College can be
contacted for further assistance:
Rev Dr John McClean, Director of the Leadership Development Program
Email: jmcclean@Christcollege.edu.au
Dr Jonathan Pratt, Coordinator of the Leadership Development Program
Email: jpratt@Christcollege.edu.au
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POSTGRADUATE
Student Application Form
Application closing date: 30 June
Note: new students are also required to submit a general application form relating
to their particular ACT course (e.g. Graduate Diploma of Ministry). These forms can
be found on the Christ College homepage.
Student Details
Personal and Family Background
ACT no. (if known) :
Date of this application:
Dr/Rev/Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss:
Family name:
Given name:
Preferred name:
Date of birth:
Gender: male/female
Home phone:
Mobile phone:
Email:
Marital Status: married/divorced/widowed/single/engaged
Name of spouse:
Dependent children:
(Names and year of birth)
Study and Ministry Background
Degree/course (MA/M.Div., B.Th etc.):
Credit points completed:
Present church:
Years at present church:
Previous churches:
Do you have a mentor at present?
If so, what is their name?
Are you a Candidate, or have you applied for
Candidacy with the Presbyterian Church of
Australia? Yes/no
If so, which presbytery?
Are you employed as a Home Missionary under
Ministry and Mission? Yes/no
If so, what is the name of your Moderator or
supervising minister?
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Past Paid and Voluntary Work Experience (Including Church-Based Roles)
Year/s
Organisation
Roles
Student Aspirations
Motivation to Enrol
Why do you wish to join this program?
Developmental Needs
In what ways do you hope to grow over the next two years within this program?
Desired Outcomes
What do you hope to accomplish after the completion of this program?
Future Ministry
What kinds of roles and/or service opportunities do you hope to pursue after the completion of
this program?
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Church and Student Commitments
Church Commitment
Students intending to apply for entry into the Leadership Development Program require the
formal commitment of their church’s proposed Trainer and Session (or equivalent senior
leadership team). The Trainer and Session will be expected to:
a) Support and defend the development and implementation of an approved church-based
leadership project involving substantial change or the creation of a new venture, which
i) furthers Jesus’ agenda for whole-of-life discipleship; ii) involves large-scale and smallscale training and development; and iii) requires the student to form and lead a new
team.
b) Invite the student to attend regularly ordinary meetings of Session (or the equivalent
leadership body) and the staff/pastoral team throughout the student’s enrolment in the
program. Where the student is female, the church agrees to negotiate with the student
participation in other appropriate forums within which they can observe leadership in
action.
The church’s proposed Trainer will be invited to attend an LDP Church Leader’s Briefing
following formal acceptance into the program.
By signing below, the proposed Trainer and Session (or equivalent senior leadership team) agree
to honour the above stated requirements over the duration of the student’s enrolment in the
program (normally two years).
___________________________________________________________
Church name
_________________________________
_______________________________________
________________________
_________________________________
_______________________________________
________________________
_________________________________
_______________________________________
________________________
_________________________________
_______________________________________
________________________
Name of proposed Trainer
Email address
Name of Session Clerk
Email address
Signature
Office Phone
Signature
Office Phone
Date
Mobile Phone
Date
Mobile Phone
Student Commitment
The Leadership Development Program will demand much of students. Life impacting learning
experiences are normally challenging by nature.
By signing below, the student agrees to complete all required elements of the Christ College
Leadership Development Program over the next two years.
The student also agrees to submit to and honour their local church leaders, especially in relation
to sensitive or confidential information discussed within Session and/or staff/pastoral teams.
_________________________________
Student name
_______________________________________
Signature
______________
Date
Please submit your completed application form to the Christ College Office by June 30
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