ACOM / Study / Units / P5139C Christian Community Development

P5139C Christian Community Development

This unit introduces students to principles and practices of Christian community development, particularly for the Australian context.
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Unit Overview

Qualification

Diploma

Unit Availability

Trimester 1 2026

Study Mode

No Facilitation, Online Facilitation

Placement

30 hours of vocational placement

Tuition

Diploma BTM Fee

Prerequisite

N/A

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

N/A

Schedule
Availability Facilitation Type Time Dates Facilitator
Trimester 1 2026 Online Facilitation 9:30am – 12:30pm
(AEDT/AEST)		 Friday 20 February
Friday 13 March
Friday 27 March
Friday 24 April
Thursday 7 May		 Dave Fagg

Unit Details

This unit introduces students to principles and practices of Christian community development (CCD), particularly for the Australian context. It outlines theological and practical frameworks for CCD, gives an overview of the practical skills involved in CCD, and engages with topical issues such as evangelism and the local church.

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

  1. Identify key ethical and evidence-based practices in community development.
  2. Outline how Christian theological and ethical perspectives can interact and respond to community development values and methods.
  3. Use basic skills in community listening, mapping and research to understand strengths and priorities of local communities.
  4. Recognise common challenges in faith-based community development.
  5. Participate in the planning and support of simple, community-based initiatives.
  1. The Call to Christian Community Development
  2. Principles for Christian Community Development
  3. Distinctives of Christian Community Development
  4. Community Research for Christian Community Development
  5. Developing a Christian Community Development Project
  6. Practical Skills for the Christian Community Development Worker
  7. Community Development and Christian Organisations
  8. Tensions and Complexities (Part 1): Barriers and Tensions within Christian Community Development
  9. Tensions and Complexities (Part 2): Christian Conviction and Secular Settings
  10. Becoming a Reflective Practitioner
  • Russell, C. and John McKnight. The Connected Community: Discovering the Health, Wealth and Power of Neighbourhoods. Oakland: Berrett-Koehler Publishers Inc, 2022.
  • Gordon, W. and John Perkins. Making Neighbourhoods Whole: A Handbook for Christian Community Development. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2013.

Unit Details

Key Dates

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

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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

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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

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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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Studying with ACOM provided me with a unique and incredible academic experience! ACOM worked with me to deliver a course that benefited and enriched my role in ministry, and that was of great benefit as it meant that I was actively able to apply the material that I had been studying. What stood out for me though while studying with ACOM was how seamlessly spiritual formation was integrated with academic learning. Instead of studying material and writing assessments that had little to do with the complexities of life in ministry, many of the units that I studied were tailored in such a way that I was engaging with God, my heart, and others which led to a deep transformation in my own character and relationship with God. I would highly recommend ACOM to anyone who desires more in their life with God!
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