★★★★★
The Licentiate of Pastoral Leadership qualification is specifically designed for people in ministry who are seeking to become advanced in their skills to care for people in a godly manner. It is for those who are taking on a leadership role and more responsibility to care for people inside the Church or in a community workplace.
This qualification further develops your God-given pastoral care focus, leadership skills, biblical and theological knowledge. You will be equipped with the advanced skills required to lead a pastoral care team, local church or ministry department.
What is a Licentiate of Pastoral Leadership? Licentiate comes from the Latin licentia, “freedom” which is applied in the phrases licentia docendi meaning permission to teach and licentia ad practicandum signifying someone who holds a certificate of competence to practise a profession i.e. ministry, theology or parish life.
Graduates of the Licentiate of Pastoral Leadership will be equipped with the skills they need for a wide range of senior leadership and ministry roles. Many graduates go into leadership roles, such as senior pastor, associate pastor or pastoral care pastor, where they are using the leadership, biblical and caring giving skills they have developed.
From AUD$95/mo – Flexible Choice (Month-to-month)
“My job is not to solve people’s problems or make them happy, but to help them see the grace operating in their lives.”
Eugene H. Peterson
What the Licentiate of Pastoral Leadership includes
- Certification
- 12 specifically designed courses
- 63 hours on-demand teaching videos
- 190 lessons
- Full lifetime access
- Access on computer, mobile devices and TV
- All learning resources, handouts and E-library at no extra cost
- Personalised Certificate of Graduation
Who is the Licentiate of Pastoral Leadership for
- The Licentiate of Pastoral Leadership is the perfect qualification for pastors already in ministry looking to step up in God and lead a church or a pastoral care team.
- It is ideal for those who seek to take on a greater role in the church by leading lead a ministry team such as associate pastor or executive pastor.
- It also provides a great foundation for people transitioning into full-time ministry from a secular career.
What you’ll learn
- Counselling Basics: Part 1 Certified
- How to build basic counselling skills like building rapport, active listening and responding. The theology of the human person is covered.
- Counselling Basics: Part 2 Certified
- How to assist people who are dealing with a range of emotions including anger, anxiety, shame and guilt. You will also learn when to refer people for additional assistance and care.
- Principles of Teamwork: Certified
- The importance of working well in a team within a ministry setting. You will learn how about developing teams, team culture, emotional intelligence theory and how to deliver and receive effective feedback.
- Person & Work of the Holy Spirit Part 1: Certified
- How to understand key theological issues related to the person and work of the Holy Spirit is vital to all engaged in ministry.
- Person & Work of the Holy Spirit Part 2: Certified
- How to understand key theological aspects of the person and work of the Holy Spirit including the various Pentecostal, Evangelic and Charismatic views and experiences.
- Navigating Team Dynamics
- How to bring change to a team situation and various approaches to effective Christian Leadership.
- Demonstrate reflective practices relevant to being team leaders such as describing their own leadership style, skills and abilities and reflection on ministry case studies and practical experience.
- Understanding Kingdom Ministry: Part 1 Certified
- Learn about the Kingdom of God in the Bible with special focus on the gospels and the rest of the New Testament as well as some historical understandings and expressions of the Kingdom of God and its relationship to the Church.
- Understanding Kingdom Ministry: Part 2 Certified
- Learn about the Kingdom of God in the Bible with a special focus on servant leadership in relation to the Kingdom of God and its outworking in ministry.
- Church Dynamics and Health
- How to develop a holistic strategy for dynamic church development and health from a Pentecostal perspective. It is designed for those in Christian ministry to assist them to reflect on their own ministry situations.
- Theology of the Church: Part 1 Certified
- How to integrate the development of the church and the theology that has undergirded movements and trends of the global & local church.
- Theology of the Church: Part 2 Certified
- How to look at new and emerging philosophies that are developing in the church today.
- Organisational Management: Certified
- How to be equipped with the skills and knowledge required to create a management strategy and help you manage a ministry team. It will also formulate specific steps to further develop the current management processes of the Christian organisation.
Axx Requirements
- Students should have completed the Advanced Certification of Pastoral Ministry
- If you have relevant ministry experience or previous training then you can commence this qualification immediately.
- If you would like to course advice on this qualification please contact us on [email protected] or book a phone call
- The Licentiate of Pastoral Leadership requires a desire to be active in full-time ministry and or learning how to prepare for it.
- Students should have a solid understanding of the concepts of the Bible, theology, spiritual formation and pastoral ministry.
- A love of God and people.
- A love of the local church.
- Learners are welcome to commence this qualification at any time.
- A computer, tablet or smartphone is required.
- No additional software is required.
- Internet connection is required.
- Lessons are presented in English.
Licentiate of Pastoral Leadership Courses
Counselling Basics: Part 1 Certified

Counselling Basics: Part 1 is an introduction to the skills and knowledge required to establish and apply a biblical Christian counselling approach. We also discuss mental illness and depression in relation to understanding and renewing the mind.
Curriculum covered
- Course Description
- Introduction to Counselling Basics
- Goals of Pastoral Counselling
- Theology of the Human Person
- Role Play #1 – Building Rapport
- Counselling Theories
- All Counselling Techniques
- Skills Overview
- Assessing the Severity
- Role Play #2 – Active Listening
- Understanding & Renewing the Mind
- Emotions
- How we View & Respond to the World
- Mental Illness& Depression
- Role Play #3 – Building Micro skills
About the instructor

Pastor Grant Buchanan
Prior to Bible teaching, Grant served as a full-time pastor and school chaplain. Although a lecturer in theology and biblical studies with a focus on Pauline theology and the Gospels, Grant also operates as a professional counsellor and is working towards the completion of this Doctor of Philosophy by exploring a pneumatological reading of Galatians in light of 6:15 and the impact this has on Christian identify.
Counselling Basics: Part 2 Certified

Counselling Basics: Part 2 discuss the theology of emotions & the emotions that are encountered including; anger, anxiety, grief & loss, guilt & shame and conflict. Then discusses forgiveness, inner healing and prayer and pastoral counselling.
Curriculum covered
- Course Description
- A Theology of Emotion
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Supporting People & their Emotions
- Role Play #4 Reflecting & Paraphrasing
- Grief & Loss (Part 1)
- Grief & Loss (Part 2)
- Grief & Loss (Part 3)
- Role Play #5 – Empathy Statements
- Guilt & Shame
- Forgiveness
- Conflict
- Solution Focused Therapy
- Role Play #6 ‘Solution Focused Counselling’
- Ethics
- Group Dynamics
- Referral
- The Holy Spirit
- Prayer & Pastoral Counselling
- Inner Healing
- Course Summary
About the instructor






Pastor Grant Buchanan
Prior to Bible teaching, Grant served as a full-time pastor and school chaplain. Although a lecturer in theology and biblical studies with a focus on Pauline theology and the Gospels, Grant also operates as a professional counsellor and is working towards the completion of this Doctor of Philosophy by exploring a pneumatological reading of Galatians in light of 6:15 and the impact this has on Christian identify.
Principles of Teamwork: Certified

In this course, you’ll learn about the importance of working well in a team within a ministry setting. Our experts cover the developing teams, team culture, emotional intelligence theory and how to deliver and receive effective feedback.
Curriculum Covered
- What is a Team?
- Types of Teams
- Stages of Team Development
- Developing Teams
- Johari Window
- DISC & Teams
- Team Culture
- Team & Leader Relationships (1)
- Team & Leader Relationships (2)
- Diverse Teams
- Team Emotional Life
- Emotional Intelligence Theory
- Emotional Intelligence Practical
- Team Emotional Life: Belonging
- Team Social Dimensions
- Three Levels of Communication
- Communication Questions
- Feedback (1)
- Feedback (2)
About your instructor




Dr Nigel Pegram
Nigel completed his Master of Theology, focusing on Old Testament Prophets. He has continued his study and completed his Doctor of Ministry, writing a dissertation on emotional intelligence and prevention of ministry burnout.
Person & Work of the Holy Spirit Part 1: Certified

This course introduces us to pneumatology by examining a number of major issues as expressed in biblical, theological and historic material. Understanding the key aspects of the person and work of the Holy Spirit is vital to all engaged in ministry.
Curriculum Covered
- Course Description & Additional Resources
- Course Introduction How to Journal (Interview)
- Insights: Ian Grant (Interview)
- Holy Spirit Words & Symbols
- The Holy Spirit in History
- Developing Understanding of the Spirit in Church History
- Insights: Fiona Sear (Interview)
- The Personhood of the Spirit: Problems
- Biblical Basis for the Personhood of the Spirit
- Implications of the Personhood of the Spirit
- Insights: Andrew Groza (Interview)
- The deity of the Holy Spirit: Divine Names & Attributes
- The Spirit in the Trinity
- Implications of the Deity of the Spirit
- Insights: Albert Haddad (Interview)
- The Work of the Holy Spirit in the World
- The Work of the Holy Spirit in the OT
- Work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus and the Believer
- Insights: Brendan Roach (Interview)
- Concepts & Views on Spirit Baptism
- Conversion-Initiation & Spirit Baptism in NT
- The Distinctive Nature & Purpose of Spirit Baptism
- Insights: Diane Manusama (Interview)
About your instructor




Dr Jon Newton
John is an Associate Professor at Alphacrucis College after serving for nine years at Harvest Bible College, most recently as Dean of Postgraduate Studies and Research. His goal is to promote Christian higher education and missions, including training students for Asia and Europe.
Dr Jon’s PhD was gained at Deakin University (conferred 2007) with a thesis entitled “Postmodernism, Christianity and the Book of Revelation.” The author of two books: Revelation Reclaimed: The Use and Misuse of the Apocalypse (Paternoster 2009) and The Revelation Worldview (Wipf and Stock 2015). I also edited New Frontiers: Redefining Christian Ministry for 21st Century Contexts (Mosaic 2013). I have also had a number of articles published in peer-reviewed journals such as Australian Biblical Review, Colloquium, Heythrop Journal and Journal of Pentecostal Theology. I am the editor of the Journal of Contemporary Ministry. Currently I am working on a commentary on Revelation for a new Pentecostal commentary series. My other main research interest is Australian Pentecostalism.
In other areas of life, I am married to Judy (since 1977) and we attend New Horizons Christian Church, Whittlesea, having served as senior ministers of Oasis Church in Hampton, a bay side suburb of Melbourne, 2011-2018.
Qualifications
PhD (Deakin University)
Dissertation Title Postmodernism, Christianity and the Book of Revelation 2007
MA (Australian College of Theology) 2000
BA (Hons) (ICI University, Texas)
Person & Work of the Holy Spirit Part 2: Certified

This course continues to examine pneumatology by understanding the key aspects of the person and work of the Holy Spirit including the various Pentecostal, Evangelic and Charismatic views. Leading pastors and teachers share their views and experiences.
Curriculum Covered
- Course Description & Additional Resources
- Evidence of Spirit Baptism: Background & Pentecost
- Evidence of Spirit Baptism in Acts
- The Rise of Pentecostalism
- Insights: Michael Adelana (Interview)
- Gifts in the NT
- More on Gifts of the Spirit in the NT
- Worship in the Spirit
- Insights: Tex Houston (Interview)
- Living in the Spirit in Community
- Hearing the Spirit’s Voice
- Praying in the Spirit & Tongues
- Insights: Tanya Harris (Interview)
- The Concept of Sanctification
- The Process of Sanctification
- The Spirit & Sanctification; the Fruit of the Spirit
- Insights: Matt Jarlett (Interview)
- Laying on of Hands & Impartation
- The Gift of Prophecy
- Guidelines for Prophecy
- Insights: Richard Warner (Interview)
- The Spirit in the Church
- Moves of the Spirit
- Revivals & Spiritual Moves
- Insights: Melinda Dwight (Interview)
About your instructor




Dr Jon Newton
John is an Associate Professor at Alphacrucis College after serving for nine years at Harvest Bible College, most recently as Dean of Postgraduate Studies and Research. His goal is to promote Christian higher education and missions, including training students for Asia and Europe.
Dr Jon’s PhD was gained at Deakin University (conferred 2007) with a thesis entitled “Postmodernism, Christianity and the Book of Revelation.” The author of two books: Revelation Reclaimed: The Use and Misuse of the Apocalypse (Paternoster 2009) and The Revelation Worldview (Wipf and Stock 2015). I also edited New Frontiers: Redefining Christian Ministry for 21st Century Contexts (Mosaic 2013). I have also had a number of articles published in peer-reviewed journals such as Australian Biblical Review, Colloquium, Heythrop Journal and Journal of Pentecostal Theology. I am the editor of the Journal of Contemporary Ministry. Currently I am working on a commentary on Revelation for a new Pentecostal commentary series. My other main research interest is Australian Pentecostalism.
In other areas of life, I am married to Judy (since 1977) and we attend New Horizons Christian Church, Whittlesea, having served as senior ministers of Oasis Church in Hampton, a bay side suburb of Melbourne, 2011-2018.
Qualifications
PhD (Deakin University)
Dissertation Title Postmodernism, Christianity and the Book of Revelation 2007
MA (Australian College of Theology) 2000
BA (Hons) (ICI University, Texas)
Navigating Team Dynamics

In this course you’ll learn how to navigate some of the challenges associated with team dynamics. Topics covered in this course include conflict styles and resolutions, narcissism, success, status, ego, team reflexivity, virtual teams and more!
Curriculum Covered
- Conflict Introduction
- Recent Research in Conflict
- Conflict & Personality
- Conflict Styles
- Conflict Resolution
- Roles & Boundaries
- Dealing with Difficult People
- Virtual Teams
- Group Pressure to Conform
- Ethics in Teams
- Team Creativity & Innovation
- Introduction to Reflexivity
- Team Quality Management
- Narcissism
- Success, Status & Ego
- Encouragement
- What Really Matters
About your instructor




Dr Nigel Pegram
Nigel completed his Master of Theology, focusing on Old Testament Prophets. He has continued his study and completed his Doctor of Ministry, writing a dissertation on emotional intelligence and prevention of ministry burnout.
Understanding Kingdom Ministry: Part 1 Certified

This course introduces students to the descriptions of the Kingdom of God in the Bible with special focus on the gospels and the rest of the New Testament as well as some historical understandings and expressions of the Kingdom of God and its relationship to the Church.
Curriculum Covered
- God’s Dream
- What is Kingdom Ministry?
- The Kingdom in the Old Testament (1)
- The Kingdom in the Old Testament (2)
- The Kingdom in the Gospels
- The Kingdom in the New Testament
- The Kingdom in Paul
- The Kingdom in History (1)
- The Kingdom in History (2)
- Today’s Church & the Kingdom
- What is Culture?
- How can I analyse culture?
- How can I contextualise the Gospel?
- All of Life
- What a Kingdom Individual Looks Like
About your instructor




Pastor Andrew Groza
Andrew is an experienced Pastor with a demonstrated history of working in the e-learning industry. Skilled in non-profit organizations, E-Learning, coaching, organizational development, and instructional design. Andrew holds a Master of Arts in Ministry from Harvest Bible College.
Understanding Kingdom Ministry: Part 2 Certified

This course introduces students to the descriptions of the Kingdom of God in the Bible. Part two of this course explores servant leadership in relation to the Kingdom of God and its outworking in ministry.
Curriculum Covered
- Leviticus
- Matthew
- Sonship & Agape
- Towards a Theological Approach to Leadership
- Servant Leadership
- Leading from within a Familial Paradigm
- The Place of the Local Church
- Establishing Kingdom Ministry
- Listening to Community Narrative
- What is that we are proclaiming?
- Kingdom Proclamation & Evangelism
- Living it out
- The Poor Among Us
- Interview with Leanne Rhodes
- Leading in Discontinuous Change
- Looking back, looking around, moving forward
About your instructor




Pastor Andrew Groza
Andrew is an experienced Pastor with a demonstrated history of working in the e-learning industry. Skilled in non-profit organizations, E-Learning, coaching, organizational development, and instructional design. Andrew holds a Master of Arts in Ministry from Harvest Bible College.
Church Dynamics and Health

This course aims to present students with a holistic strategy for dynamic church development and health from a Pentecostal perspective. It is designed for those in Christian ministry to assist them to reflect on their own ministry situations.
Curriculum Covered
- Course Description & Additional Resources
- Challenges & Trends in the Church
- The Global Church
- The Local Church
- What’s a church to do?
- The Corporate Worship Gathering
- The Church Growth Movement
- Natural Church Development
- NCD Quality Characteristics & Biotic Principles
- Introducing NCLS Research
- Church Health NCLS Australia
- Purpose Driven Church
- Models of the Church
- Leadership
- Discipleship
- Spirit-Empowered People
- Vision & Values
About your instructor



Dr Peter Downes
Peter describes himself as a teacher and trainer of Christians in a variety of contexts. He is committed to raising up disciples to reach their full potential, find their calling and to be lovers of Jesus and His word.
Having served as an Anglican Priest in several parishes, Peter stepped out in 1990 as a Church Planter. He has planted 5 churches and a further 7 from churches he has lead. Peter has served as the National Director, Vineyard Churches Australia for more than 13 years. He holds a Doctor of Ministry (MST) 2012, where his thesis examined what the corporate worship gathering is about and impact of the Emerging Missional Church on the gathering and church life.
Theology of the Church: Part 1 Certified

Grant Buchanan walks us through the development of the church and the theology that has undergirded movements and trends of the global & local church. He also takes a look at new and emerging philosophies that are developing in the church today.
Curriculum covered
- Course Description & Additional Resources
- Course Introduction
- Definitions
- The Church in the New Testament
- What the Church is…
- The Origin of the Church
- The Purpose of the Church (1)
- The Purpose of the Church (2)
- The Marks & Nature of the Church
- Church Universal & Local
- The Church & the Kingdom
- The Sacraments (1) Introduction
- The Sacraments (2) Baptism
- The Sacraments (3) The Lord’s Supper
- Worship
About your instructor






Pastor Grant Buchanan
Prior to Bible teaching, Grant served as a full-time pastor and school chaplain. Although a lecturer in theology and biblical studies with a focus on Pauline theology and the Gospels, Grant also operates as a professional counsellor and is working towards the completion of this Doctor of Philosophy by exploring a pneumatological reading of Galatians in light of 6:15 and the impact this has on Christian identify.
Theology of the Church: Part 2 Certified

Grant Buchanan walks us through the development of the church and the theology of the local church. He also takes a look at new and emerging philosophies that are developing in the church today.
Curriculum covered
- Course Description
- Leadership & Ministry
- Leadership Ascension Gifts
- Leadership Administration Gifts
- Leadership Governance
- Leadership & Authority
- Church Health & Growth Indicators
- Natural Church Development (NCD)
- Church Health: REVEAL
- Church Health: Tony Morgan
- Profile of a Healthy Church
- Evangelism & Mission
- The Missiological Church
- What is Mission?
- Emerging Ecclesiology
- Missional Ecclesiology
- Contemporary Examples (1) Local
- Contemporary Examples (2) Global
- Pentecostal Ecclesiology
- The Destiny of the Church
About your instructor






Pastor Grant Buchanan
Prior to Bible teaching, Grant served as a full-time pastor and school chaplain. Although a lecturer in theology and biblical studies with a focus on Pauline theology and the Gospels, Grant also operates as a professional counsellor and is working towards the completion of this Doctor of Philosophy by exploring a pneumatological reading of Galatians in light of 6:15 and the impact this has on Christian identify.
Organisational Management: Certified

This course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to minister to create a management strategy and help you manage a ministry team within a Christian organisation. It will also formulate specific steps to further develop the current management processes of the Christian organisation.
Curriculum covered
- Course Description
- Introduction
- Biblical Foundations
- The BIG Picture
- How do you know you’re winning?
- Achieving VISION
- Organisational Structure
- Managing People
- Managing Finances
- Managing Resources
- Asking Good Questions
- Being Solution Focused
- Brainstorming
- Setting Goals
- Understanding How Change Affects Others
- Dealing with Barriers
- Clearly Define Expectations
- Creating a Culture of Communication
- Thinking Things Through
- Vision Alignment
- What is measurable & what is not?
- Value of Reporting
- An Evaluation Process
- Monitor Progress through Informal Reviews
- Dealing with the Unexpected
- Keep Talking about the Wins
- Transitioning
- A Culture of Gratitude
About your instructor



Andrew Drummond
Andrew has held various pastoral roles for over fifteen years. He now works with Springboard Consulting where is all about empowering people for a purpose whether that be for pastors, leaders, denominational leaders, business leaders, NGO or mission leaders. Drawing from extensive experience training, strategic coaching and personal mentoring will be provided to empower you and your leaders for their purpose
Licentiate of Pastoral Leadership Enrolment & Payment Options
- Lifetime access to all resources
- 12 specifically designed courses
- Certified Training
- Lifetime access to all resources
- 12 specifically designed courses
- Certified Training
- Access with an active subscription
- 12 specifically designed courses
- Certified Training
Axx is an Australian based NFP Ministry. Note prices are listed in Australian dollars
Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock, I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
Matthew 16:18