Ridley Melbourne has launched a new online video-based course aimed at people keen to be trained theologically without the price tag or time commitment of bible college.

The Ridley Certificate is offered in video-based modules covering a range of topics including the Bible, apologetics, theology of church, worship, spiritual gifts, mission and ministry service.

So far, only two modules—Bible Overview presented by Michael Raiter and Ministry Skills by Tim Foster and Rhys Bezzant—are available, but filming has begun on the Psalms, presented by Jill Firth, with plans to shoot 1 Corinthians with Brian Rosner and Understanding the Bible with Andrew Reid in coming months.

What makes the course unique is the video-based lectures, which are designed to be watched by individuals or in group settings, like church bible studies.

Kara Martin, Co-ordinator of the Ridley Certificate says the course is designed with an online audience in mind.

“What we’ve done is ask: how can we present academic quality theological material that’s really accessible to people. We’ve really tried to enhance the visual learning experience,” says Kara.

Ridley recently employed a videographer to do the work of filming and editing the bite size modules, and his skills have been used to create graphics and text which enhance the lecture material.

Another distinctive is how the modules are assessed. Rather than an exam, which might intimidate some people, the Ridley Certificate has in-built quizzes to test participants’ knowledge.

“People get frightened by exams and we wanted to make sure that our material was accessible to people who might otherwise feel nervous about taking up theological studies.”

At $95 a module, the whole course costs less than a single unit at most Australian theological colleges, a price tag designed to attract everyday Christians interested in growing in their knowledge of the bible and doctrine.

Kara says some small churches in country towns are looking into how they can utilise the material for their monthly gatherings, while the Anglican church is thinking about using the Ridley Certificate to train lay people.

She believes it’s the only purpose-built online video-based theological certificate on offer in Australia.

“Especially because of the enhanced video lecture concept. Some people use video-taped lectures, but that’s a very different experience to purposefully filming something that’s delivered for the online audience.”

60 students have signed up for the first module since its launch last month, and Ridley is hoping over time it will be taken up around the world.

“Because it’s all web based, anyone in the world can use it. So I’m excited about the possibilities,” says Kara.

For a taste of the course, see this promo video for Ministry Skills: http://vimeo.com/67362560 or Bible Overview: http://vimeo.com/65196123.