Study

On Line Diploma of theology

Metro (study) completes 12 of the 16 units of the Diploma of Theology. This gives the student the opportunity to:

• Complete the Diploma (1 semester fulltime) and then take up a Ministry Worker position or return to the secular workforce; or
• Choose to go to theological college where some units may be credited towards a higher degree.

METRO study utilises the Timothy Partnership.

Trainee AND Trainer

• In keeping with the 2 Timothy 2:2 model, the program is designed such that the trainee is always simultaneously a trainee and a trainer.
• This ‘trainee and trainer’ shape is reflected through the trainee meeting not only one-to-one with their trainer, but also with key others they are training—passing on their training.
• In the overall shape of the program, the ‘trainee’ role is to the fore in year 1, but the ‘trainee as trainer’ role comes more to the fore in year 2.
• An ideal one-to-one meeting will spend time on each of the 3 strands below (e.g. a 1 & 1/2 hr mtg will spend 30 minutes on each of the strands).

The three strands

PERSONAL GODLINESS: The program emphasises daily bible reading & prayer as the key to godliness, and discussion/accountability in the training relationship in relation to this. There is also specific attention given to personal evangelism and family life.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION: The Diploma course replaces the Metro (scholarship) reading program.
MINISTRY SKILLS: The program is designed to develop thinking and skills in certain core areas of ministry, as well as some elective areas. The main training resources used are the MINISTRY PAPERS, alongside other key reading.

Core and elective

• In the ministry skills strand of the program, there are both (i) core areas of training which all trainees undertake; & (ii) elective areas of training where trainees select from options.
• The three core areas of training are preaching, small groups, & welcoming/evangelism. Development in these areas is seen as fundamental to development for gospel ministry.
• A major elective is then selected from such ministry areas as: youth group, kids church, kids club, university ministry, men’s ministry, women’s ministry (this should usually be a major elective for women metro trainees). The goal here isn’t so much to do with specialization as development of leadership skills. There are opportunities for learning and growth that can only come through such sustained leadership of a ministry team.
• A minor elective(s) selected from a range of ministry areas: e.g. music, drama, audio (or one of the ministry areas above but in a lesser role) is optional.
• There are also some assorted tasks that round out the ministry training experience.

Flexibility

• Clearly, the ‘core and elective’ shape of the program already allows for significant flexibility in the program. Other aspects of the program, e.g. the order/timing of the program, will also need to be approached in a flexible manner.

Coaching

• The trainer also is simultaneously a trainer and a trainee! — needing to be supported in their training role and to learn through the experience—through ‘coaching’ support.
• Coaching the trainer is the key way Metro supports the training relationship. The focus of the annual metro conference will be time for coaches to spend with trainer/trainees. The coach will then also have regular phone and email contact with the trainer through the year.