FAQs
Where is Loftus and is it too far away?
Loftus is the suburb next to Sutherland (depending on traffic, approximately an hour from the Northern suburbs of Sydney, an hour from Blacktown, 45 mins from Wollongong and 35 mins from Liverpool). This should not be a problem, particularly when you are coming down for two days (with overnight accommodation). In regards to public transport, the College is 2 mins drive from Sutherland station and in walking distance from Loftus train station.
Click here more details about the campus location and public transport.
Does Youthworks College offer full time accommodation?
The College does not provide any full time accommodation for students. All students are encouraged to stay at the College on Monday night and may also come down Sunday night ready for Monday morning lectures. On the weekends the College site is rented out to groups for conferences or church camps. For students who are in need of full time accommodation we are able to put you in touch with local churches who may be able to provide places for you to board.
Do I have to go to an Anglican church to study at Youthworks?
No. Even though Youthworks is an Anglican organisation we welcome students from a range of denominational backgrounds.
Why study at Youthworks, when I can study at other colleges?
Youthworks College cooperates with other Bible and Theological Colleges in Sydney. What we bring to the ‘market’ is specialised training in children's, youth and family ministry that is Christ-focused, Bible-based, missionally-engaged, culturally-relevant and developmentally-appropriate. Where other colleges might have some units offered in these ministry areas, at Youthworks College every student is involved in children’s and youth ministry in some form and all of the lecturers are reflecting on Christian life and ministry with this focus area in mind. At Youthworks College you’ll be part of a whole community of people passionate about Jesus and passionate about sharing the good news of Jesus with young people and their families.
Does Youthworks College offer a degree program or articulation to a degree program?
Youthworks College graduates with a credit average can apply to enter the second year of the BTh and BD programs at Moore Theological College. As a member College of the Australian College of Theology, Youthworks College graduates can transfer academic credit to undergraduate degree programs at other ACTh member institutions.
Click here for more details about articulation.
Can I transfer credit from prior theological study to Youthworks College?
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) applications for the transfer of credit from other courses of study can be made in writing to the College Registrar.
Applicants from churches in the Soul Revival Jesus Movement who have successfully completed the requirements of the Berea Training program can apply for credit for DM211 Youth in the churches (Youth Ministry 1)
Can Youthworks College graduates be ordained?
Youthworks College students can apply to be candidates for ordination as Deacons in the Anglican Diocese of Sydney. Ordination candidates must complete the Advanced Diploma of Ministry/Theology program (including three compulsory units), participate in annual candidates’ conferences and be involved in supervised Anglican ministry.
Click here for more details.
Can I do Ministry Training Strategy (MTS) or the like and study at Youthworks College at the same time?
Yes! By starting earlier in the year, finishing later and adding an intensive unit in the middle, we have contained the full time program at Youthworks College to only two days a week on campus at Loftus and one and a half days of private study. So with one day of rest, that means you have two and a half days of the week to be involved in ministry at your church.
Not only is this a good educational practice (to combine rigorous classroom reflection with substantial on the ground ministry), it means you don’t have to leave your church when you decide to start studying, and it can help your church start a new ministry by beginning with a part time position and then moving on to a full time role in the future.
What would I do once I graduated?
There are still more jobs in children’s and youth ministry available than we can send graduates to fill them. There are tremendous opportunities in all sorts of areas where you could make a difference for the Kingdom. Our very first graduate back in 2001 is now working on the mission field in Ethiopia. Other graduates have ended up working as children’s and youth ministers in churches, in university campus ministries, para-church ministries, Christian outdoor education, full time Scripture (SRE) teaching, school chaplaincy and in secular youth work. Numbers have gone on to further theological studies, or to other university study (often in teaching as a further skill training for children’s and youth ministry). Others have finished their two year Diploma and moved on to other areas of work or study while continuing as a theologically informed member of their local church.
Is Youthworks sufficient training for long term children’s or youth ministry?
We are fully in favour of being thoroughly equipped for whatever ministry you do (which is why we spend a lot of time reading and studying the Bible together… see 2 Timothy 3:16-17!). If you’re going to be involved in long term ministry with children or young people then you will need to do more than just a Diploma. But you’d also need to do more than just a degree and more than just a masters course. Youthworks College is committed to equipping people as life-long learners. Whether you continue with formal study or not, to be thoroughly equipped you need to be someone who is ready, willing and able to learn through everything you do in your life and ministry.
One of the features of the Youthworks College course is the focus on developing skills in experience-based learning and theological reflection. These are the really essential skills for being able to continue to grow and develop in your ministry long after the formal program of education has finished.
Hearing God speak in the Scriptures, theologically rigorous teaching, character shaping community, substantial ministry practice and skills in critical reflection – put it all together and the Youthworks College course will give you a solid foundation to propel you into a lifetime of ministry and learning.
Can ‘older’ people study at Youthworks?
There seems to be a myth that you need to be young to work in children’s or youth ministry but we believe that youth and children’s ministry NEEDS leaders who are in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, and anyone who is 90 or 100 if they’re willing and able!
So if youth and children’s ministry needs leaders of all ages, then Youthworks College is the place for students of all ages Youthworks College is not a college for young people, but rather a college for people who love young people, and who love Jesus and want to introduce them to each other!
Our current student body ranges in age from 19 to 50. While the majority of students are in their early 20’s our community includes people who are single, married, with young children, teenage children, adult children, with varying experience in ministry and life, with varying embedded-ness in popular culture, with varying roles in children’s and youth ministry teams. All of that makes for a very rich learning environment and a great experience of the diversity in the body of Christ.
Can international students study at Youthworks College?
Youthworks College welcomes applications from overseas students. The Diploma courses are listed on the Australian Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS Code: 02650E) and are open for applications from Overseas Students. Accommodation is not provided at the College but can be arranged with families from local churches, or in share accommodation with other students. International students in Australia with a student visa must also have arrangements for health insurance.
Click here for more details.
Is there a time limit in which I am required to complete the Diploma program?
No. You can choose to study part time over any number of years in order to suit your work, ministry and family commitments. You may select as many or as few subjects each year according to your preference (this includes the option to attend intensive courses).
Click here for details on part time study.
Does Youthworks offer FEE-HELP?
Yes! Australian Citizens are able to get a FEE-HELP loan from the federal government which will cover most of the required fees. For students working in churches while they study, other fees can be paid directly to the College as a tax free ministry expense. Therefore even if you don’t have any savings, with FEE-HELP, church assistance and a part time job you've got the fees covered.
Click here for more details.
Does Youthworks offer Youth Allowance?
Yes! Student who qualify are able to apply for Austudy, Abstudy or Youth Allowance.
Click here for more details.