Presbyterian Ministry Candidates

Those considering the work of the ordained ministry in the Presbyterian Church of Victoria should notify their own minister and apply to the clerk of their presbytery to guide them in their application. They should also confer with the principal of the Theological College.

Course of Training
4 years full-time training, including:

University Background Subjects
Philosophy/Apologetics; Historiography (part of Church History Survey); English Language and English Literature.

Core Subjects
Old & New Testament Surveys; Church History Survey; Hebrew; Old Testament Hebrew Exegesis (2 years); Greek; New Testament Greek Exegesis (2 years); Reformation History; Systematic Theology (2 years); Christian Ethics; Introduction to Canon and Text; Hermeneutics; Principal’s hour.

Presbyterian Distinctives
Westminster Confession of Faith; Australian Presbyterian Church History; Presbyterian Church Polity.

Practical Subjects
Choice of 10 semester length courses, 2 of which may be audited, which means passing the subject with meaningful and attentive participation.

Exit Thesis
All candidates for the Presbyterian Ministry must submit one exit thesis in the area of Biblical Studies (Old or New Testament). This thesis, presented in the student’s final year, is to be supervised by an appropriate lecturer and passed by an external examiner appointed by the College Committee.

The standard required for the thesis is equivalent to advanced level BTh essays (Length 4,000 - 6,000 words). See the Academic Dean for a copy of the thesis guidelines prepared by the College Committee. The thesis should be submitted no later than 30th September.