In this unit, you will explore contemporary mission theology and Catholic social teaching, which addresses the social dimension of mission, together with their implications for women's leadership in the Church and society. The unit will introduce and model the Pastoral Spiral method as an approach to practical theology and a tool for leading participation in God's mission for the transformation of the world.

In this unit, you will have the opportunity to bring the experiences and questions of your own life into dialogue with texts concerning figures of leadership within the biblical tradition. You will be given opportunities to acquire and employ the dispositions, skills, tools and resources of critical biblical interpretation to evaluate issues in the context of their current situations and to identify the subsequent implications for action.

Having journeyed through scripture and contemporary theological reflection, you will now focus on articulating visions for leadership that are grounded in your own personal and professional experiences. You will explore models of Church and leadership from general, feminist and liberation perspectives. You will engage in dialogue with contemporary Australian and international sources, as well as emerging and established women leaders. The unit will involve mentored reflection and creative theological work on designing approaches and strategies for women's leadership for the future of the church.

Current research indicates the importance of bringing women's experiences to visibility and affirming women as creative and authoritative. This final unit is designed to make visible women's experiences and thinking about leading for mission and to facilitate your contributions to creative and responsible dialogue within and beyond Church. The unit also enables women to develop constructive networks and relationships for mission beyond the course. The unit will culminate in a public seminar at which you will present your vision of leadership for mission and receive feedback from women who are presently leading in mission.

As part of the Women’s Leadership for Mission program, you will be undertaking a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, with a specialisation in Leadership for Mission. This graduate certificate comprises four academic units of study (see list of units above), including assessments.

View the Leadership for Mission webpage for more information about the academic program. Here you will find links to unit details, including the learning outcomes, and information about the assessments you will be expected to complete as part of each unit of study.

The cost of the academic program includes the tuition fee per unit (listed on the course browser), and the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). The university reviews fees annually. Please visit acu.edu.au/fees for the most up to date information.

You will also need to make your own travel and accommodation arrangements, as well as cover the costs of attending any face-to-face components of this program.

We are committed to providing access to women from across a diversity of contexts. We also understand that cost can be barrier to participation. We invite you to contact us directly at L4M@acu.edu.au if access is something you would like to discuss.

Women’s Leadership for Mission is an online course, with some face-to-face participation expected. Please refer the program structure above for these details.