ACOM / Study / Units / M5134C Developing a Church Plant

M5134C Developing a Church Plant

This unit introduces students to the foundational principles and practices of church planting, focusing on the journey from vision to launch within a team-based context.
Unit Overview

Qualification

Diploma

Unit Availability

Trimester 3 2026

Study Mode

No Facilitation, Online Facilitation

Placement

30 hours of vocational placement

Tuition

Diploma BTM Fee

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

N/A

Unit Details

This unit introduces students to the foundational principles and practices of church planting, focusing on the journey from vision to launch within a team-based context.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Describe the various stages and components of a church planting journey.
  2. Identify the key roles and importance of a team in a church planting initiative.
  3. Explain basic models and rhythms relevant to establishing a new church.
  4. Outline the process of gathering initial support for a church plant.
  5. Articulate principles and pathways to encourage the organic multiplication and reproduction of church plants.
  1. Building an effective team for church planting
  2. Understanding the various stages of a church plant
  3. Identifying and selecting appropriate models for the church plant
  4. Developing rhythms of church life
  5. Developing healthy partnerships
  6. The start/launch phase
  7. Outreach and adaption in the local context
  8. Multiplication: preparing for future leaders and new communities

Student Stories

I’ve loved my ACOM journey! Every unit has brought practical skills and theoretical knowledge I use every day with my counselling clients and beyond. I’ve grown as a person, and my confidence in academic learning has been supported by highly skilled lecturers in their field. The online learning platform has enabled me to work and balance family life and other commitments. Integrating spirituality and faith throughout every unit has been so refreshing and lovely!
Alison Bury – Bachelor of Counselling

Student Stories

A lot of theology training focuses on helping you know what to do, formation helped me go deeper and learn about who I wanted to become. As someone who learns a lot by doing, the highly practical nature of the ACOM model helped me put theory into practice immediately. The online learning helped me do that in the context I’d grown up in.
Ben Dainton – Graduate Diploma of Arts

Student Stories

My studies at ACOM equipped me to be job-ready by providing the ability to complete my student ministry placement in local churches, allowing me to apply what I was learning directly to real-world situations. The practical elements of the coursework gave me the hands-on experience and confidence needed to step into ministry roles, fully prepared to make a meaningful impact.
Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

Admittedly, at first I was nervous about the prospect of Spiritual Formation and what might be involved. But after my first Spiritual Formation retreat, Spiritual Formation very quickly became one of my favourite subjects, and created some of my fondest memories throughout my years studying with ACOM. The relationships I built and the journey I went on with my formation companions, has left a profound impact on my faith, the shaping of who I am, how I lead and my continued involvement in ministry today. I couldn’t recommend Spiritual Formation highly enough as a valuable part of your studies.
Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

As a relatively young person in an employed ministry position, I have greatly benefited from my degree of Bachelor of Ministry and have observed my growth through undergoing studies. While studying and working full time in ministry, I have found that each unit, in some way or another, is relevant to my job whether that be learning to preach or growing my Biblical literacy skills. Through working full-time in ministry, I have found that the online content and structures of my studies allows me to be flexible in structuring my learning around my busy ministry schedule. Each week I am able to accommodate my studies to fit my needs based on my schedule demands.
Libby Hall – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

ACOM's online study options have allowed me to study a theological degree without having to leave my current church setting. The experience of journeying with my formation group has been a huge part of my growth this year.
Simon Cauchi – Bachelor of Theology

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