Programme Outline
Jesus is calling disciples to follow him to the least, the lost, and the last. Today, more than ever, he yearns for young people to “swim against the tide” of society and live counter-cultural lives transformed by the Gospel.
Intermission is a one-year intentional discipleship journey. It is curated for a full and wide exploration of the Christian faith: seeking ways to impact your head, heart, and hands for the Kingdom.
You will journey alongside no more than 12 fellow 18-20+ year olds, encouraging and challenging each other every step of the way. Together, you will come to experience God in ways you haven’t before. Intermission will form you as a follower of Jesus and help lay a solid foundation for wherever God will call you next.
So come, take an intentional approach to a year of discipleship, and
-
- rethink your world view
- refuel for a life of discipleship
- reorder your priorities for the future
Join Intermission and be transformed for authentic discipleship on the Jesus-journey. You will never be the same.
“Intermission was probably one of the most foundational years of my life. I was exposed to theology. I was exposed to new ways of thinking, doing, and being church. It really grew me in my discipleship.”
– Caleb Haurua, Graduate and Lecturer, Intermission
Programme Structure
There are three foundational areas of learning: academic, formational and experiential.

Academic Learning
Intermission provides a spring-board into future academic study. You will develop skills in research, critical thinking, writing and presentations. When you have successfully completed the programme you will be awarded the New Zealand Certificate in Christian Ministry (NZQA Accredited). The programme is one year full-time study, 120 credits, comprising:
Semester 1: What’s the story we live by?
Code | Course Name | Credits |
MB421 | Christian Worldview | 15 |
MB430 | Exploring God’s Word | 15 |
MS510 | Te Ao Maori | 15 |
Semester 2: How do we live out our story?
MF478 | Faith Engaging Social Issues | 15 |
MF402 | Making Life Work | 15 |
MM581 | Mission of God | 15 |
And the following across both semesters
MF409 | Learning to Live | 30 |
Formational Learning
IN Figuring out me (and you)—personality, strengths, stress, group dynamics, healthy head habits.
UP Leaning into God—sustaining spiritual disciplines.
OUT Serving—in my local church or community.
REFLECTION Mentoring—processes the learning.


Experiential Learning
Exploring the ways people follow Jesus in their own context—out in the neighbourhood.
Experiencing a small church engaging with their local community and local marae.
Creating community and support for people with disability.
Serving at a huge event for the purpose of taking young people on a God journey.
Experiencing intentional communities living in marginal spaces.
Participating in prayer workshops—how do we pray?
Entry Requirements
Admission to open to full-time New Zealand students and full-time International students.
General Admission
Open entry with NCEA Level 2 attainment. Applicants with no secondary schooling or NCEA Level 1 will require an entry assessment test.
Graduate Outcomes
The New Zealand Certificate in Christian Ministry will equip you to:
- Have a foundational understanding of the Bible and key theological concepts
- Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with individuals and groups
- Reflect on your own faith journey and identify areas for growth and development
- Use knowledge to disciple others individually or in groups
- Reflect on ministry/community contexts and identify key strengths and challenges
- Understand and meet the specific needs of different groups (eg different ages, ethnicities, gender)
- Apply your learning in practical ministry/community settings
- Provide an introductory biblical framework for thinking about ministry and service.
Programme Fees*
Domestic Student | Total of $6,965 incl. GST. |
International Student |
*Koha for the noho marae, and travel to and from Wellington for the national field trip are not included in the programme fee.
If this is your first year of tertiary study you may be eligible to get your fees paid for via the Fees Free scheme.

“Intermission has been a truly transformational year. Not only have I gained a solid understanding of the Bible and God’s mission, but I have been challenged by the radical nature of Christian discipleship. I joined Intermission because I wanted to centre my life on Jesus, no matter where I went in the future. It has given me this foundation, and more. I’ve grown in my love for God, been confronted by my apathy, and encouraged by the transformation that comes when we partner with Jesus to change our world.”
– Emma Tucker, Intermission Student