Bachelor of Ministry and Theology

Avondale’s Bachelor of Ministry and Theology (BMinTh) prepares students for employment in ministry in Seventh-day Adventist churches and organisations, and other Christian denominational churches. Within the bachelor degree, an elective in chaplaincy is also available, extending career opportunities.

The ministry qualifications equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to build a strong church and community. The Bachelor of Ministry and Theology is offered either on campus or via distance education, allowing you to balancer study with work, social or family commitments. With practical experience opportunities, strong industry contacts and one-on-one support, you will be work-ready upon graduation.

Areas of study

Biblical studies, church ministry, theology.

Career opportunities

Church pastor, youth minister, evangelist, church administrator, school chaplain, pastoral educator.

Practical experience

Supervised field education is central to ministry formation and employment within the Seventh Day Adventist Church. It permits ministry students to be engaged in supervised ministry settings as trainee pastors under the guidance of a mentor. The mentoring allows students to integrate theological content with practical ministry and provides students with the opportunity to experience ministry in various circumstances.

All Church Ministry units are associated with supervised field education. Field education is a type of internship or apprenticeship experience whereby ministry students will team with SDA pastors or chaplains who supervise, support and mentor the student throughout the ministry placement in a local congregation. Their supervised Field Education can either be a church placement, school placement, or a ministry practicum externship. The supervised Field Education experience comes with a grade weighting for the unit.

At the end of the semester, the student is asked to write a theological reflection paper on their placement. The Theological Reflection paper helps students develop knowledge of their gifts, strengths, and weaknesses.

Students experience two types of Supervised Ministry development. 
Placements: Placement places students for ten consecutive weeks in a local church or school under the supervision of a pastoral mentor.
Externship: Externship places students in an evangelistic context for ten consecutive days, inclusive of two weekends.

Full details of the management of placements and externships, including relevant forms can be found in the Ministry Practicum Handbook.

To participate in clinical placements, students will need to comply with the NSW Health Vaccination policy and successfully complete a Fitness to Practice Declaration. Clinical placements go for periods of a few days to four weeks at a time, with the course requiring the completion of a total of 800 hours of placement throughout the degree.

Professional recognition

The course is recognised by the Board of Ministerial and Theological Education of the South Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Avondale is also a member of the Australia/New Zealand Association of Theological Schools.

Fees and charges

Refer to Avondale University latest fee information.