I want to minister in the Presbyterian church
As the theological institution of the NSW Presbyterian Church, Christ College is the perfect place to start—or finish—your journey toward Presbyterian ministry. We offer reformed and confessional theological education, with particular expertise regarding Presbyterian ministry, doctrine, and church history.
Graduate Attributes
We know that healthy churches need leaders who are practised disciples of Christ. That’s why we focus on your character, as much as your knowledge. Our graduate attributes are our commitment to you—and to your future congregation. We develop candidates who:
- Know God in Christ
- Love God in Christ
- Know self in Christ
- Love people like Christ
- Lead God’s Church under Christ
- Preach and teach Christ from the Scriptures
How Does it Work?
Step 1 – Complete your training course
- Contact the elders of your church, and apply to become a candidate. Download application forms and information for candidacy here.
- Your Presbytery reviews your application.
- Interview with the Candidate’s Review Panel.
- Interview with your Presbytery—if approved, you are officially a candidate.
- Presbytery reviews your candidature annually
Step 2 – Trial, licensing and ordination
Step 3 – Called to a congregation
Presbyterian Candidates say . . .
“I am working as Assistant Pastor at Gracepoint Church Granville, seeking to reach out to the Indian subcontinental people with the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ College has equipped me to apply and effectively communicate the spiritual truths, equipped me to interpret Bible and communicate the gospel to people from multigenerational and multicultural background. – Graduate Minister, Dinesh Taunk“
Minister at Gracepoint Presbyterian Church
“Completing my M.A. at Christ College injected the stimulus and energy I needed as I was pastoring our church. It challenged me to evaluate my ministry theologically in light of the Reformed tradition and more importantly in light of the Scriptures. The leadership development program was a highlight. It was immensely practical and every ounce of it translated into some immediate benefit for myself or the church. I’m grateful to God for the formation and fellowship I received at Christ College. – Graduate Minister, Alan Au“
Minister at Captivate Presbyterian Church
“I am so thankful for the time that I spent studying at Christ College. It has equipped me in so many different ways for serving Christ’s church. As the years go on, I see in a very real and tangible ways how the course of training has been designed to train leaders for our ever changing world by anchoring us deep in the gospel. – Graduate Minister, Angus Gibb“
Minister at Orange Presbyterian Church
Courses and Programs
To become a Presbyterian Minister or Deaconess, you will need to complete our Course of Training (COT). The COT normally involves four-years full-time study at Christ College (three years for Deaconesses), at either undergraduate or graduate level. As part of the COT, you will also complete the Christ College Internship. Together, this provides a comprehensive training for pastoral leadership in the Presbyterian Church. Every member of our passionate faculty is academically and pastorally experienced.
Life at Christ College
As you step into ministry, don’t do it alone. Join a community of other people who are seeking to develop their gifts, for the sake of the Church. Plus, enjoy all the benefits of our central Sydney campus. Located in Burwood, our contemporary and well equipped campus is buzzing with student life. We offer alternate study modes, including online and blended learning.
Preparing for ministry in the Presbyterian church with Christ College is ..
Comprehensive, pastoral, personalised.
