Strategic Purpose Statement

STC Diploma of Theology provides an essential component of training for ministry in the church and offers students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Bible and theology.

The purpose of this qualification is to provide the FWCT with people who able to evaluate and deliver ministry programmes within their specialized area(s), and lead a wide range of Christian operations.

This qualification is stranded in order to recognize the specific knowledge and skills required in a variety of occupations and contexts in Christian contexts, wider affiliated sectors, and in not-for-profit organizations.

Graduates will benefit by having a qualification which recognizes their broad understanding of theology and biblical foundations, evaluation, strategic thinking, and practical Christian leadership skills; enhancing their employment opportunities and/or ability to work in a voluntary capacity.

The course consists of 16 subjects (240 credit points) with 10 core subjects and 6 electives. The course offers a foundation in Biblical Studies, Church History and Systematic Theology at a level appropriate to students with a prior undergraduate degree.

The qualification focuses on the application of the principles of theology, biblical foundations and ministry in a community of practice through the delivery of programmes; and is targeted at individuals who are ready to positions of ministerial leadership in a variety of roles.

Graduate Profile
Level of Study	6
Units	16
Duration	2 Consecutive Years
Language of Study	English
Credit Points	240
Contact Hours	10hrs x 240

Graduate Profile Outcome

Graduates will be able to:

• Evaluate and apply broad understanding of theology and biblical foundations to defined contexts based on contextual interpretation and theological appropriation
• Evaluate a ministry programme based on strategies that integrate personal and community faith journeys, and the social, cultural and other contextual considerations of defined mission
• Execute strategic practical biblical, theological, and ministerial knowledge and skills
• Accommodate and value multicultural perspectives
• Critically responsive to social and practical situations

Qualification Pathways

1. Education Pathway

This qualification may lead to entry into Bachelor level degree or equivalent

2. Employment Pathway

Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to work in specialized administrative and leadership positions in a variety of occupations in Christian church and communities, Bible and theological schools, pastors, and ordained ministers at the church.

Eligibility

1. All FWCT probationary ministers aimed at ordination are required to attend and complete this program
2. Applicants must pass the Pacific Secondary Senior Certificate (PSSC) or an equivalent (or higher) qualification. This does not apply to probationary ministers candidates.
3. Applicants with a Certificate in Theology and Pastoral Ministry with Honours need the recommendation of the Faculty Meeting and the approval of the Board of Studies

Tenure

1. This is a two (2) years residential program
2. An extension, based on special circumstances, approval must be sought from the Board of Studies, only to a maximum of three (3) consecutive years of study
3. A Leave of Absence is only available for a year
4. The program of study expires after 4 years of continuous incompletion omitting the year where a Leave of Absence would have been granted

Eligibility for the Award

1. All candidates must pass all the courses with a minimum credit score of 7.5 (50%)
2. All assessment tasks must comply with the Assessment Policies of the College
3. Failure from Diploma in Theology program qualifies a candidate to no more or less than a Diploma in Theology Incomplete award.

Year I
Semester I
BS611	Exploring the Bible
TH611	Doing Theology in Tonga
HS611	Methodism in Tonga: First 200 Years
PT611	Sociology of Religion
PT612	Human Development
Semester II
BS622	Interpreting the Bible
TH622	Grounding Christian Ethics in Tonga
TH623	God, Humanity in/and Creation
PS623	Introducing Practical Theology
PT624	Church and Society
Year II
Semester I
BS613	Torah, Covenant, Promise & Land
TH614	Faiths in Public Space
PS615	Christian Education: Theories and Practice
PS616	The Church in a Culture of Technology
Semester II
BS624	Gospels, Power, and Identity
PS627	Mission, Evangelism and Culture of Postcolonialism

Diploma in Theology Course Descriptions

Biblical Studies: Requirements Courses

BS611 Exploring the Bible

This unit is designed to develop the student’s knowledge and understanding of biblical history and literature in relation to the social and cultural context of ancient Israel and the early church, its variety of genres and key biblical and theological themes

BS622 Interpreting the Bible in Tonga

This unit is designed to enable students to critically explore and apply various tools and methods of interpretation. It will also engage students in a transformative manner of interpreting Scriptures.

BS613 Torah, Covenant, Promise & Land

This unit is designed to explore and analyse the biblical and theological nature of covenant, promise, and land in the books of the Torah through a close reading of selected passages with attention paid to the history of their interpretation and application.

BS624 Gospel, Power, and Identity

This unit is designed to enable students to explore the relationship of social location and identity to ideologies of oppression in the gospel.

Studies of Theology and Ethics

TH611 Doing Theology in/from Tonga

This course is designed to allow students to explore and understand the landscape, field, and development of theological studies in history and in Tonga. It enables students to do critical theological thinking and reflection on public and contextual issues pertaining to the Tongan context.

TH622 Grounding Christian Ethics in Tonga

This course is designed to enable students to explore the history and theories of ethics in relation to the essence of Christian ethic. It allows students to critically evaluate biblical and theological moral principles against a Tongan moral perspective and religious context.

TH623 God, Humanity in/and Creation

This course is designed to explore the being and nature of the triune God, facilitate with biblical overview of the person and ministry of the Triune God in creation and providence, and articulate the problem of evil and sin with particular focus on issues related to the relationship of human and creation.

TH64 Faiths in Public Space

This course is designed to enable students to explore and critically evaluate how theology is understood and could serve the needs of those outside the academic spaces. It also engages students on critical analysis and dialogue with other faiths.

Studies of History

HS611 Methodism in Tonga: First 200 Years

This course is designed to enable students to explore and evaluate the historical development of Methodist faith in Tonga 

Studies in Practical Theology

PT611 Sociology of Religion

This course is designed to enable students exploring and analysing the social nature of religion. It facilitate students with analytical qualitative skills in social studies.

PT612 Human Development

This course is designed to allow student to explore and acquire in-depth knowledge and critical reflection on physical and mental development of humanity

PT623 Introducing Practical Theology

This course is designed to enable students explore and evaluate the historical, biblical and theological foundations of pastoral care and counseling

PT624 Church and Society

This course will provide students with a framework for engaging the community.  Students will learn principles and strategies for church and individual community involvement and development. 

PT615 Christian Education: Theories and Practice

This course is designed to enable students to explore and evaluate theories and practical components of Christian education in the local church (FWCT)

PT626 The Church in a Culture of Technology

PT617 Mission Evangelism and Culture of Post-colonialism

This course is designed to allow students to explore and evaluate the nature of evangelism in postcolonial thinking