This course examines church planting as the supernatural act that represents the frontline of missional advance.
CHPL610
Church Planting
The Pointy Tip of the Missional Spear
New to Haddon?
Apply NowDates
10 weeks
Workload
8 hours per week
Class
Fri 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Online and in-person
Location
Meadowbrook, Logan Queensland Australia
Tuition Fees
Enrol AUD $1,440
Audit fee is 50% of tuition fees
12-week payment plans available
Applications close
18 Jul 2025 at 5:00 pm AEST
Course Overview
This course examines church planting as the supernatural act that represents the frontline of missional advance. Students will develop a robust theology of the local church as heaven’s outposts and understand why the mission of missions is the church itself. Through theological foundations, biblical examples, and practical application, students will be equipped to plant gospel-preaching, disciple-making, and self-multiplying communities.
Please note that this course is a part of the Professional Credential in Theology program. Explore the full program to see how this course sits within the wider course of study.
Course Learning Objectives
1
Articulate a biblical theology of the church’s centrality to God’s mission
2
Distinguish church planting from evangelism, missions programs, and parachurch ministries
3
Analyse biblical and historical models of church planting
4
Develop practical strategies for planting healthy, multiplying churches
5
Demonstrate understanding of the supernatural nature of church planting work
Course Details
Applications close
18 Jul 2025 at 5:00 pm AEST
Timeframe
1 Aug - 3 Oct 2025
Lecture times
Friday 6:00 PM ⎯ 7:30 PM
Location
Meadowbrook, Logan Queensland Australia
Duration
10 weeks
Workload
8 hours per week
Credits
2
Tuition Fees
Enrol AUD $1,440
Audit fee is 50% of tuition fees
Assessment
Required Reading
1.5 hours per week across 10 weeks
Due Date
Ongoing
Est. Hours
15
Weight
10%
Lecture Attendance & Participation
Weekly attendance and in-class participation across 10 weeks
Due Date
Ongoing
Est. Hours
10
Weight
10%
Mid-term Research Paper
Due Date
2025-08-27T23:59:00
Est. Hours
15
Weight
25%
Viva Voce Oral Defence
Due Date
2025-09-26T23:59:00
Est. Hours
10
Weight
25%
Final Praxis Paper
Due Date
2025-09-19T23:59:00
Est. Hours
32
Weight
30%
About the Lecturer
A strategic ecclesiologist, he has pastored, planted, and revitalised churches in Australia and the United States, leading high-risk mission trips among unreached peoples. Through worldwide seminars, networks, and conferences, Dr. Ireland delivers theological depth, pastoral warmth, and prophetic clarity, fostering church faithfulness and renewal in turbulent times. Holding a Doctor of Education (University of the Cumberlands, USA), Doctor of Ministry (Columbia International University, USA), M.A. in Theology (University of Chester, UK), and B.A. in Theology (Charles Sturt University, Australia), his doctoral research examined leadership, innovation in theological education, and adult learning theories. At the Haddon Institute, he lectures in theology and worldview, leads Spurgeon symposia on spiritual warfare and missional advance, and has authored works such as By Grace Alone (an updated All of Grace) and No Higher Calling: Shepherding God's People According to Paul. Married to Katarina for over 22 years and father to four, he embodies conviction and compassion in scholarship and shepherding.
Lecture Content
1
The Centrality of the Church in God's Mission
The Mission of Missions is the Church
Date
28 Jul 2025
2
The Purchased Church - Christ's Investment
The Purchase of His Blood
Date
4 Aug 2025
3
Biblical Foundations of Church Planting
Clothed with Power from on High
Date
11 Aug 2025
4
Theological Foundations of the Church
The Pillar and Ground of Truth
Date
18 Aug 2025
5
The Church Planter's Calling and Character
Overseers made by the Holy Spirit
Date
25 Aug 2025
6
Church Planting Strategy and Methods
How then shall they hear?
Date
1 Sep 2025
7
The Multiplying Church
To the end of the Earth
Date
8 Sep 2025
8
Challenges and Perseverance in Church Planting
The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail
Date
15 Sep 2025
9
Viva Voce Oral Defence
Session 1
Date
22 Sep 2025
Notes
10-minute individual presentations with Q&A based on Final Research Paper
10
Viva Voce Oral Defence
Session 2
Date
29 Sep 2025
Notes
10-minute individual presentations with Q&A based on Final Research Paper
Testimonials
It is no secret that Australia is in dire need of biblical churches. In this class, I was confronted with the real trials of church planting as well as encouraged by the hope we ought to have in this mission. Dr Ireland’s church planting experiences and lessons are invaluable. The class’ assessment tasks were academically challenging and extremely practical. And there is no doubt in my mind that this class has equipped many who will now go forth and plant many missional churches. Though I may not be the one sent, I am now more ready and zealous to use my gifts to see more churches established and souls won to Jesus Christ.
Jordan Dietrich