As ministry in the contemporary world becomes increasingly complex, regular access to professional supervision is vital. Qualified supervisors with experience in Christian ministry can be hard to find. Laidlaw College offers in-depth training in this field, leading to a Postgraduate Certificate. Successful completion of the PGCertTh (Ministry Supervision) will assist graduates in meeting the supervisory needs of people in a range of ministries, as well as professionals in other helping vocations.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (Ministry Supervision) is a part-time programme comprised of two successive courses, each 30 credits at level 8: Foundations of Ministry Supervision and Developing a Ministry Supervision Practice. The two papers need to be completed in order, although not necessarily in the same year. 

Each course is taught via lecture blocks at Laidlaw’s Henderson campus, with course readings and assessments across the semester.

Click here to view or download a programme summary.

Postgraduate courses involve block course lectures. Attendance to these block courses is compulsory, with a minimum attendance of 80% for passing.

Note that this programme does not have a Distance Learning option.

R512.830 Foundations of Ministry Supervision
(30 credits; Semester 1)  
Rev. Dr David Crawley & Rev. Dr Karen Kemp
5-7 Mar 2025 | 9am - 4:30pm
7-9 May 2025 | 9am - 4:30pm
Henderson campus

This paper examines the nature and purpose of professional supervision, including its importance in people-related ministries. Several theoretical approaches to supervision will be covered, with in-class opportunities for practice. Participants also reflect critically on the theological, ethical and cultural dimensions of offering supervision in their own contexts, and in the wider context of Aotearoa.                                                    

R513.830 Developing a Ministry Supervision Practice
(30 credits; Semester 2)
Rev. Dr David Crawley & Rev. Dr Karen Kemp
30 Jul - 1 Aug 2025 | 9am - 4:30pm
10-12 Sep 2025 | 9am - 4:30pm
Henderson Campus

This second paper enables practitioners to develop a framework for supervision practice, appropriate to their own cultural and ministry contexts. The focus is on the integration of theory, theology and critically reflective practice.

Candidates will be admitted to the Postgraduate Certificate in Theology (Ministry Supervision) programme: 

• Where the candidate has completed a recognised three-year Bachelor’s degree in Theology or Ministry, with a grade point average of 7.0 (B) in courses of the qualifying undergraduate programme at NZQA levels 6 and 7. 
• Where the candidate holds a recognised Bachelor’s level degree in a discipline other than Theology or Ministry and has completed a bridging programme such as Laidlaw’s 120 credit Graduate Diploma in Theology with a grade point average of 7.0 (B) at NZQA level 7. 
• In exceptional circumstances the relevant Academic Head may allow entry to candidates who hold Laidlaw’s 60 credit Graduate Certificate in Theology with a grade point average of 7.0 (B) at NZQA level 7. 

In exceptional circumstance the relevant Academic Head may, at their discretion, give special admission to candidates who have successfully completed an alternate academic programme that meets the standard required to enter postgraduate study. Each application will, however, be considered in light of the applicant’s overall background and ability to benefit from the programme. The onus is on students to provide details of all qualifications and experience relevant to the application process. 

In addition to the above, candidates must have a minimum of two years’ experience in ministry or a people-helping profession of some kind.

Candidates are expected to have the opportunity to engage in regular supervision practice during the second semester.

Applicants must complete a police check.

For students interested in further study, the PGCertTh (Ministry Supervision) may be counted toward Laidlaw’s Postgraduate Diploma in Theology or, with approval, a Master of Theology degree.

Please contact Laidlaw Graduate School

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