From 2025 Laidlaw College is partnering with Vineyard Ministry School to offer a foundational programme for people who want to explore ministry in their local church or community organisation. Students from all churches can study in person in Ōtautahi Christchurch, or via distance learning from across the nation.

Laidlaw's Academic Dean, Rev Dr Maja Whitaker writes;

“It’s about 20 years since I completed an internship programme at my local church in Dunedin; I did classes through a college run at a nearby church and practical hours at my own church. It was one of the most significant and formative experiences of my life and set me on a pathway to ministry. I’ve never stopped believing in the power of a well-rounded programme, where theology meets practice and formation, particularly when it’s worked out in the context of your own church environment.” 

This level 4 Certificate in Christian Ministry (Internship) is a one-year, full-time course, in which students spend around half their time in ministry placement, while also grounding themselves in core papers. The programme is approved for Studylink student loans and allowances. Students will study bible, theology, formation, ministry and mission through classes taught in a block at the start of every term and one day per week either online or at Grace Vineyard City Campus.  

Alongside this students will spend 15 hours per week in practical ministry in their own local church or faith-based organisation. The church will need to provide a supervisor, a mentor, and a safe and meaningful internship placement. Church leaders get to be hands-on in growing and developing young leaders in their own context, while the students receive robust biblical and theological teaching and an accredited qualification through the taught courses.

Across Aotearoa there’s a real need for pastors to be intentionally developing people, particularly young people, in to ministry pathways, and many students do need to start with a level 4 programme.

If you would like to hear more or discuss how it might serve you or your church community please contact:

Jacqui White
Director of Vineyard Ministry School
[email protected]