What is alarming, though, is that the average youth worker will experience ‘burn out’ within the first 18 months of starting a new role. This can be due to the demanding nature of working with young people, lack of proper support structures, or being under-resourced and ill-equipped. We believe that more than training is required to keep youth workers in the field and passionate for young people.

Our Immerse program invests in the whole person; we seek to develop knowledge, character and skill. The depth and breadth of our Immerse program exposes students to the realities of ministry, links them into networks, and equips them for ministry – practically, spiritually and emotionally. Our goal is that our students leave inspired and enabled to follow their calling in strength for many years, wherever God leads.

Immerse is a one or two year course that involves on-site training for three days each week, with a focus on three areas: biblical input, character development, and practical training (head, heart and hands). Most teaching takes place in a small group context, being discussion-based in style and very interactive. Students also gain experience in different ministry areas (particularly schools ministry), and also spend time weekly with a personal mentor.

One final element of the Immerse program is a year-long church placement. We believe it is vital for our students to be active members of their local church. We want to see them as invaluable servants of their church community. As such, every student completes a half-day each week with their church, serving and gaining invaluable leadership experience.

First Year students will complete the following subjects:

Studies for First Year

Acts, What Happened Next?

The book of Acts describes the birth of the church and its development from being essentially a Jewish sect to being the dynamic and growing body of Christ mainly composed of Gentile believers. It is an exciting book in which we see the Gospel spread powerfully, clearly enabled by the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

How are we to understand and apply this book for ourselves in the 21st century? Should we be returning to our roots and become like the 1st century church, as many would suggest?

Students will examine what took place then and what the implications are for us today.

Course Code: CMT009

Communicating with Young People

Students develop skills in communicating their faith to young people in ordinary, everyday language in a variety of contexts. They learn to be interesting and engaging speakers who can hold the attention of teenagers and deliver a meaningful message.

This begins with giving short ‘thought spots’ to year 7 and 8 students in a Student Focus program. It also involves preparing and giving a 10-15 minute gospel talk and a 5 minute testimony of the student’s own Christian conversion to be presented at Scripture seminars in secondary schools.

Course Code: CMT012

Counselling by Encouragement

Info to come soon.

Course Code: CMT010

Helping Beyond Hearing

Helping Beyond Hearing is designed to equip students with skills to be effective listeners and helpers to friends and young people to whom they minister.

Students learn and practise skills in listening and supporting, including body language, verbal and non verbal cues, understanding the difference between behaviours and feelings, and defining and practising empathy.

Course Code: N/A

Humanity and Deity of Jesus

The life of Jesus is examined through the study of the Gospel of Luke and the miraculous signs in the Gospel of John. The study of Luke’s gospel focuses on Jesus’ humanity, following a variety of themes: prayer, women, faith in crisis, money and Jesus’ passion.

Emphasis is also placed on how Jesus interacts with us today. Focus turns to Jesus’ deity through the investigation of His ‘I am’ statements and the corresponding miraculous signs.

Course Code: CMT009

Spiritual Disciplines

How do we connect and communicate with God?

The study of spiritual disciplines, based on Richard Foster’s book, ‘Celebration of Discipline’, looks at how we can put ourselves in the position to receive grace, to go deeper with God. The spiritual disciplines are not the goal in and of themselves; rather, they are a response to the call to depth of relationship with God.

Students explore the role of traditional spiritual disciplines (meditation, fasting, submission, guidance, simplicity, prayer, confession, solitude, celebration, study, worship, service) and how they might enhance our individual and corporate spiritual walk.

Course Code: CMT011

Spiritual Gifts

The study of spiritual gifts is designed to provide a sound biblical understanding of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and an opportunity to explore how those gifts might be present in our own lives.

The course involves study of the major biblical teaching, mentoring and work-shopping in regard to personal gifts and passions, and opportunity to explore giftings in a practical setting.individual and corporate spiritual walk.

Course Code: CMT011

Studies in Life

Studies in Life is a ten-session series on a whole variety of issues of life which challenge traditional thinking and practice. Issues covered impact on relationships, church and Christian discipleship.

The centre-piece of this subject is the ‘Nooma’ DVD series by Rob Bell. Students engage with themes from the DVD series through reflection and discussion of personal responses.

Course Code: CMT010

Sword of the Spirit

The bible is, Christians believe, the divinely inspired word of God – the means by which He has revealed Himself and His plans to us. It contains instructions on what we are to believe and how we are to live if we want to be in relationship with him.

People have died rather than renounce what is written in this book. Yet the Bible is probably the most debated and discussed book of all time – both in those who believe it to be God’s chosen word and those who believe it to be fraudulent.

As Christians, it is important to be confident in our belief that the Bible is, in fact, the word of God. It is also vital that we are confident in how we approach the Bible as we seek to understand and apply it in our own lives.

Students will gain knowledge and skills that will grow their confidence and ability to understand, apply and teach Scripture.

Course Code: CMT007

The Story of the Old Testament

You are invited to take a journey through the stories of the Old Testament.

It is a long road, following the events of a millennium. At times it will feel like we are flying along a freeway watching the blurry scenery from the car window. At other times we will stop the car, clamber out and pause to take in a scene, reflect on a moment and listen to what God is saying.

By the end of this journey, we will come to understand the big picture of the Old Testament, how all the little stories and sayings, poems and prophesies fit together to form one big story of God’s redeeming heart for humanity.

Course Code: CMT008

Practical Experience for First Year

Church Placement

For the duration of their Immerse course, students will spend a minimum of 4 hours per week serving their local church. In this context, they will learn skills in leadership, communication, team development and administration.

Incorporates Ministry Interviews - Course Code: CMT007; Developing Teams – Course Code: CHCCD401D; Sustaining Leadership – Course Code: CHCCD509C

Schools Ministry

Schools Ministry is an integral part of Youth Dimension and, therefore, of Immerse. Students will be trained to facilitate both the Student Focus program (a lunchtime games program, incorporating a short devotion, for Year 7 & 8 students) and the Senior Lounge program (a lunchtime coffee-lounge for Year 11 & 12 students).

Immerse students will facilitate these programs in high schools three days a week for the duration of their Immerse course. In doing so, students gain invaluable experience with youth, while building relationships and sharing the Gospel with them.

Course Code: CHCGROUP403D

Sydney Mission Exposure Trip

The annual ‘Sydney Trip’ is a major highlight of the Immerse year.

It involves exposure to a range of ministries and experiences outside the comfort zone. Students meet people from a variety of walks of life and hear their stories of hope, heartbreak and faith. They visit Kings Cross, stay a night at a homeless centre and have the privilege of being involved in the church service. They visit Hillsong and St Marks Anglican and chat with experienced youth ministers. The trip also involves a trip to a juvenile detention centre and presenting Scripture seminars at NSW schools.

The whirlwind experience of meeting people, exploring ministries and working as a team is often used by God to clarify the student’s sense of call to a particular area, provide clarity on gifting and passions, and to grow the student’s confidence in up-front presentation skills, and much, much more!

We are working with:

   

Youth Dimension is a part of the Australian College of Ministries Training Network - RTO #90965

Second Year students will complete the following subjects:

Studies for Second Year

Christian Leadership

Whether or not specifically involved in a ministry leadership position, every Christian at some point will find themselves leading people. When we find ourselves in such a position, we desire to have a positive impact on others. It is therefore important that we understand our personal style of leadership, as well as that of others.

Of equal importance is that we learn how to adjust to the leadership style of others. In the discussion of leadership, these are some of the issues that will be examined: the place of prayer in leadership; how to know the people you are leading and using that to motivate others; knowing yourself as a leader; how to face obstacles in leadership; building community in leadership; and the connection between leadership and personal character.

Course Code: CHCORG624C

First Timothy

Our understanding of the Bible is bound up in culture and history. We are far removed from the original context in which the Bible was written, and biased by our own culture and experience. It is therefore of vital importance, when we seek to interpret and apply Scripture, that we do so with an understanding of our own biases and culture, of the disparity between the original culture and the present culture, and the role that history has played in traditional or accepted interpretations of Scripture. This study of 1 Timothy is designed with these concerns in mind, to equip students to appropriately interpret and apply Scripture with integrity.

Course Code: CMT013

Going Deeper

Christians often jokingly say that the answer to just about every question in Sunday School or Religious Education classes is: ‘God’, ‘the Bible’ or ‘Jesus’. But if a person’s faith is to last a life-time, it will require them to face questions which cannot be answered with trite responses.

It is possible to feel very confident and passionate in our Christian lives and beliefs until we encounter:

People who hold opposing views just as confidently and passionately or who challenge our views rigorously;

Life situations which do not seem to have clear Biblical answers;

Levels of pain and suffering in our relationship with God that we did not expect to encounter and which can even cause us to question God’s goodness.

"Going Deeper” aims to help students ‘go deeper’ in their theology, their application of Biblical principles to their personal management skills, and their appreciation of God and His character in the midst of tough times.

Themes examined include developing appropriate boundaries, seeking God in the midst of tough times and responding to a range of different religions and cults.

Going Deeper A - Course Code: CMT016 + Going Deeper B - Course Code: CMT017

Jeremiah

Every Christian should study the book of Jeremiah, yet it is one of the least read books of the Bible. It is confusing, non-chronological, and depressing!

It is the story of one man who was called by God to preach His Word to a stubborn and rebellious people; Jeremiah’s obedience cost him everything. But it is in this story of hardship and struggle, immense suffering and persecution that we see the costly sacrifice demanded of those who claim to follow Christ. More than that, though, God is shown to be a passionate lover of all people, committed to seeking and saving those who have turned their backs on Him.

If we claim to follow Christ, if we want to serve the Living God, this is the yoke that we must bear – obedient sacrifice whatever the cost, pouring out our lives in love, not obligation. Success as a Christian is not measured by the number of people who respond to our message.

It is vital that we not only understand, but also learn and apply, the lessons of the life of Jeremiah.

Course Code: CMT015

Mission Theology

Yahweh is a missionary God.

His heart is for redeeming the lost, bringing people into relationship with Him that they may worship and glorify Him. And just as the Father sent out the Son, and as the Father and Son sent out the Spirit, so too does God call His church to join Him in His mission, and sends His people out into the world.

We are not God’s “chosen” people for our own benefit. We are chosen and redeemed to worship and serve God. Part of that service is joining Him in His mission. Therefore, as His people, it is vital that we understand what that mission is and our role within it.

Course Code: CMT013

New Testament Survey

Students explore the individual books of the New Testament and get greater insight into the context of each book, how they fit into the Bible as whole, how they fit chronologically and how they are relevant today.

The book of Hebrews is examined in greater depth as an example of how students may continue their own deeper study into individual books of the New Testament.

Course Code: CMT014

Romans

In the book of Romans, Paul sets out very clearly and systematically the theology of the Gospel.

What is sin? Why is it that Jesus had to die? How are we made righteous before God? What is grace? How do we receive grace? How do we live as children of God?
These are some of the questions students will tackle in their study of the first eight chapters of Romans. In the process of addressing these questions, students will grow their understanding of Christian theology and develop their theological vocabulary.

Course Code: CMT018

Practical Experience for Second Year

Church Placement

For the duration of their Immerse course, students will spend a minimum of 4 hours per week serving their local church. In this context, they will learn skills in leadership, communication, team development and administration. Specifically, students will oversee a ministry project, including the administration of it, and be involved in mentoring someone within that ministry.

Incorporates Administrative Practices – Course Code: CHCADMIN403C; Christian Leadership & Discipleship – Course Code: CHCORG624C; L.E.A.R.N.E.R. – Course Code: CHCORG529B

Indigenous Cultural Exchange

It is very easy to forget that this world consists of many different people who exist within different cultures and view the world through different lenses. We start to think that the way we think, the way we view the world, and the way that we “do life” (i.e., our culture) is the right way, and we become egocentric and narrow in our mindset.

Recognising and understanding these differences, and the impact of culture, is so important to gaining a greater appreciation for the Creator in whose image all people are made, and vital when considering how to appropriately share the gospel with different people.

As a step towards broadening students’ views, students spend a week in an indigenous community in South Australia. They go with one agenda: to serve without an agenda. Students are challenged by the language barrier and cultural differences, but as they meet people who essentially are not so different to themselves, they learn to love and to serve, and encounter God in the midst of it.

Mission Networks - Course Code: CHCNET503C

Mentoring

Young people are faced with a diversity of issues, including relationships with family and friends, future direction, and decision-making. As they try to navigate their way through these issues, they desperately need mentors who offer support and pastoral care.

Through training and practical experience, students develop skills in mentoring and pastoral care of young people. They are equipped and supported while they offer one-on-one mentoring to a secondary student and a year twelve school-leaver.

Course Code: CHCORG29B

Passing It On (Small Group Teaching)

There comes a time when students of God’s Word should also become teachers and “Pass on” what they have learned. This subject gives students the opportunity to do their own research into a particular topic or theme and then pass on their own prepared material to two groups of younger students.

Course Code: CMT015

Preaching Course

The last instruction Jesus gave His followers was to go and make disciples. Part of the instruction was, “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:20).

When Paul wrote to Timothy in Ephesus, he urged Timothy to devote himself to the “public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching” (1 Tim. 4:13). A vital part of every Christian leader’s role is to teach Scripture and help people to apply it in the way that they live. Knowing what Scripture says is important; being able to effectively communicate it to others is vital.

In a society where television rules and senses are constantly stimulated, teaching Scripture has its challenges! Learning to structure content well and deliver it with engaging style, as well as presenting application that cuts through to the heart and motivates people to action, are important skills that every leader needs, whether they will be preaching every Sunday or teaching more infrequently in a small group situation.

The preaching course teaches students these, and other, key skills to help them become effective ministers of God’s Word. Through practical experience, theory, small group interaction and exercises as well as personal feedback, students’ communication skills will be extended and refined.

Course Code: CMT018

We are working with:

   

Youth Dimension is a part of the Australian College of Ministries Training Network - RTO #90965

What does a typical week of Immerse look like?

Immerse roughly follows the school terms, kicking off in early February and finishing up in early December.

Cert IV:  $2900
Diploma:  $3100

You must be turning 21 or older
You need to have the support of your local church.

Download the Immerse Application Form to apply.
Fill it out and send it off to YD. We will then contact you for an interview.