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3 Month Discipleship Training Programme

Certificate in Biblical Discipleship & Ministry

Next Intake
February 2026
Term Length
16 Weeks
Pricing
$10,500 (excludes travel)
Programme Summary

The Certificate in Biblical Discipleship and Ministry is a 12-week discipleship programme designed to deepen your understanding of the Bible, strengthen your identity in Christ, and equip you for a life of faith, leadership, and service.

Held onsite at Orama’s coastal campus on Great Barrier Island, this immersive experience blends spiritual formation, practical theology, and personal development in a unique setting of beauty and community.

Throughout the course, students will explore key themes such as prayer and devotion, identity, spiritual resilience, the prophetic, apologetics, and Christian living. Each element is designed to build a strong foundation for those exploring ministry, missions, or faith-based leadership.

Future Pathways

  • Church leadership
  • Christian writing
  • Chaplaincy
  • Mission support workers
  • Church-based ministries
  • Ministry with service agencies

Keen to learn more?
Download our prospectus.

Download Prospectus

Programme Modules

Week 1-2

Prayer and Devotional Life

Discover how to cultivate a daily rhythm of connection with God. This module focuses on developing consistent spiritual disciplines, learning to listen, journal, reflect, and create space for God in everyday life.

Week 3-4

Identity in Christ

Understand who you are and whose you are. Dive into the biblical foundation of identity, exploring how God’s truth shapes self-worth, purpose, and calling in a world full of competing voices.
Week 5

Building Spiritual Resilience

Strengthen your faith to endure and grow through challenge. Learn practical tools and biblical principles for walking through adversity, handling doubt, and maintaining a steady spiritual life in a changing world.
WEEK 6

Term Break

At the halfway point of the programme, students will take a one week break from scheduled classes. While this week includes some light study requirements and a continued focus on personal devotion, it also offers space to rest, recharge, and explore more of what New Zealand has to offer. Students are encouraged to use this time to reflect on what God has been doing in their lives so far.
Week 7

Spiritual Gifts & Spiritual Battle

Grow in awareness of your spiritual gifts and the reality of spiritual warfare. Explore how to recognise and activate your God-given gifts while learning to stand firm in faith and spiritual authority.

Week 8

The Prophetic

Learn to hear and speak the voice of God with wisdom and humility. This week explores the biblical purpose of prophecy, how to discern the voice of God, and how to steward prophetic insight responsibly.
Week 9

Understanding Biblical Prophecy

Gain clarity on prophecy in Scripture—past, present, and future. Learn how to interpret prophetic texts in the Bible, understand their relevance today, and navigate different perspectives with grace and truth.
Week 10

Christian Living

Discover what it means to live out your faith with integrity and purpose. This week is a practical look at discipleship in everyday life—relationships, decision-making, integrity, generosity, and spiritual rhythms.
Week 11

Miracles & Healing

Explore God’s power at work through healing and the miraculous. Delve into biblical and modern-day examples of healing, discuss faith and theology around miracles, and how to pray with expectation and care.
Week 12

Apologetics

Learn to articulate your faith with confidence and compassion. Develop a biblical worldview and gain tools to engage in conversations about Christianity with clarity, respect, and conviction.
WEEK 13-15

Ministry Placements

The final phase of the programme includes a three-week ministry placement, where students will serve in real-world settings across New Zealand. These placements are tailored to each student’s interests and may include local churches, youth ministries, community outreach, or other Christian organisations. It’s a time to put faith into action, apply what’s been learned, and grow through practical experience, mentorship, and service outside the classroom.

In addition to ministry work, students will also have ample free time during this period to explore New Zealand.

WEEK 16

Comissioning & Release

After their placements, students return to Orama’s Great Barrier Island campus for a final time of fellowship and reflection with their cohort, teachers, and the wider Orama community. This concluding week is marked by shared stories, worship, and celebration, culminating in a graduation ceremony. This is a time of commissioning, prayer, and blessing, offering students clarity and encouragement as they discern their next steps in faith, ministry, or mission.

Our Story

About the programme

This programme is designed for anyone aged 18+ who desires to grow in faith, gain deeper biblical understanding, and explore their calling.
Whether you’re preparing for ministry, considering a future in missions, or simply seeking spiritual clarity, this course offers a supportive and inspiring environment to grow.

By the end of the programme, students will:

  • Understand their identity in Christ and how to live from that place

  • Gain tools for spiritual resilience and discernment

  • Learn about spiritual gifts, prophecy, and healing from a biblical perspective
  • Have a core understanding of Christian apologetics and theology
  • Be equipped for Christian ministry, service, or leadership roles
  • Have completed a ministry placement that integrates learning with real-world practice

Ministry Pathway

The Certificate in Biblical Discipleship & Ministry serves as a launchpad into various expressions of Christian service. While not an accredited academic qualification, it offers meaningful preparation roles in ministry and church leadership, while providing a solid foundation for future theological study.

Students will leave the programme with a certificate of completion, a strong foundation of faith, and the confidence to take their next step—wherever God leads.

Pricing

Week 1-2

Prayer and Devotional Life

Discover how to cultivate a daily rhythm of connection with God. This module focuses on developing consistent spiritual disciplines, learning to listen, journal, reflect, and create space for God in everyday life.

Week 3-4

Identity in Christ

Understand who you are and whose you are. Dive into the biblical foundation of identity, exploring how God’s truth shapes self-worth, purpose, and calling in a world full of competing voices.
Week 5

Building Spiritual Resilience

Strengthen your faith to endure and grow through challenge. Learn practical tools and biblical principles for walking through adversity, handling doubt, and maintaining a steady spiritual life in a changing world.
Our Story

Still Wondering if This Is Right for You?

We’ve answered some of the most common questions about the programme below — from who it’s for, to what’s included, to what you’ll walk away with.
Do I need to have prior ministry experience or Bible knowledge to join?
No prior ministry experience is required. The programme is designed to meet people where they’re at, regardless if you’re new to faith or have been walking with God for years. We focus on building strong biblical foundations and helping each student grow in confidence, understanding, and spiritual maturity.
What does the cost include, and are payment plans available?
The course fees are $10,500 NZD, and includes all teaching, lectures, accommodation, and food during your time on Great Barrier Island. Students are responsible for their own travel to and from New Zealand and the island. Payment plans and financing options are available, and a small deposit will be required to confirm your place in the 2026 cohort.
Can international students apply, and what support is available for travel or visas?
Yes, international students are welcome! You’ll need to cover your own flights and obtain a suitable visa to enter New Zealand. We’ll provide guidance on what visa to apply for, and our team is happy to help answer questions as you prepare.
What kind of ministry placements will be available during the final phase?
Ministry placements will be based across New Zealand and could include churches, youth ministries, outreach organisations, or community-based Christian initiatives. We’ll match you with a placement that aligns with your interests and strengths. Travel and accommodation will be arranged, but you’ll need to cover any personal expenses during the placement.
Will I receive a qualification at the end of the programme?
Students will receive a Certificate of Completion from Orama Academy, acknowledging the time, commitment, and learning undertaken throughout the course. While this is not an NZQA accredited qualification, it reflects a meaningful level of discipleship training and personal development, and can be valuable in ministry, mission, or church based roles.
ENQUIRE NOW

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re confident this is for you, or still have a few questions — we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to secure your spot in the 2026 cohort, or reach out to learn more about the programme and what to expect.

Enquire Now