About the programme
Has God called you to youth pastoral leadership within the church? Our Diploma in Pastoral Leadership (Youth) provides a unique opportunity for those training to be the new generation of youth pastors and leaders in Aotearoa. Our focus is the formation of the whole person – integrating head, heart and hands to equip and form you for a life of robust and fruitful ministry.
The programme is a three-year journey including biblical and theological NZQA-accredited study, and a personalised development track designed to build your ministry skills, confidence and formation needs. You will become part of a cohort mentored by our experienced ministry training team.
After successfully meeting the three year training requirements you will graduate with the following:
“We are committed to seeing people developed and prepared effectively wherever God has placed them. If you want biblical, contextual and practical training to be a youth pastor come join us at Carey.”
– Sam Kilpatrick, Programme Leader (Youth Ministry)
Qualification | Duration | Intake |
Diploma in Pastoral Leadership (non-NZQA) | Full-time: 3 years | March |
Certificate, Diploma or Degree (NZQA accredited) | Completed within the same timeframe as the Diploma in Pastoral Leadership (Youth) | March, July |
Fees
The cost for one year of the Diploma in Pastoral Leadership (Youth) is $1600 inclusive of 15% GST. A fee subsidy is available for students from Baptist churches (special conditions apply).
Fees for NZQA courses are listed separately on each programme page. Information relating to payment and important dates can be viewed by clicking on the button below.

“Completing my study at Carey challenged me to think deeper about my faith, its outworking, and the kind of life I wanted to live. It helped me to realise where my passions lie and how Jesus speaks into those. The opportunities to practice my learning set me up in the best possible way to serve the community in which I minister.”
– Emma Wells, Graduate, Bachelor of Applied Theology & Diploma in Pastoral Leadership (Youth)
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