Connect your faith and leadership
Explore biblical and theological perspectives on leadership, reflect on your own approach and develop practical skills for leading people through change.
Women in Christian Leadership · 2027 cohort
Women make
strong leaders.
Develop the leader you’re becoming.
Grow in your leadership through Christian formation, practical learning and a community of women. Join Morling’s Women in Christian Leadership cohort within the Graduate Certificate of Christian Leadership.
One year · Three Sydney retreats · Other units on campus or online
Graduate Certificate of Christian LeadershipBring your faith into the way you lead.
A shared year in 2027A set cohort program
Three women’s retreatsIn person in Sydney
Learning you can applyA project in your leadership context
Postgraduate qualificationAustralian University of Theology
For current and emerging leaders
You can see the possibilities.
Take your next step.
You may already lead a team, carry responsibility in ministry or sense that you have more to contribute. This cohort gives you space to explore your leadership and develop it with others.
For Christian women in workplaces, churches, schools, charities and other organisations.
Explore your year of studyLearn with women who understand
Consider the challenges women face, learn from women’s leadership stories and build relationships across different workplaces and ministry contexts.
Bring your learning into real life
Connect your assessments and a substantial project with your leadership context, while working towards a postgraduate university qualification.
Meet your cohort coordinator
Kara Martin
Lecturer & Coordinator for Women’s Leadership and EmpowermentMorling College
Kara helps women connect their Christian faith with the realities of leadership. At Morling, she teaches leadership and faith at work, and develops opportunities for women to grow through study, networking and mentoring.
She brings experience across corporate and not-for-profit settings and is the author of Workship and Workship 2, and co-author of Keeping Faith.
- Adjunct Professor Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
- Co-Chair Theology of Work Project
- Leadership mentor Regent College and the Salvation Army
The 2027 cohort
A year of learning,
formation and connection.
Follow a shared program, studying alongside men in the broader leadership units and coming together with the women’s cohort for dedicated formation retreats.
Semester 1
PC154 · FIVE FRIDAYS
Introduction to Christian Leadership
Explore Christian leadership, with Jesus as the pre-eminent example, and reflect on personal leadership style.
PC146
Women in Christian Leadership A
Explore issues women encounter as they lead.
Sydney retreat · Friday evening–SaturdayWinter School (July)
PC140 · THREE-DAY INTENSIVE / ONLINE
Leading Organisations through Change and Crisis
Engage research and practical approaches to change, innovation and crisis response.
PC147
Women in Christian Leadership B
Learn from women’s leadership, including biblical role models.
Sydney retreat · Friday evening–SaturdaySemester 2
PC204 · THREE FRIDAYS / ONLINE
Seminar (Christian Leadership)
Undertake a substantial project connected to your leadership context.
PC148
Women in Christian Leadership C
Develop resilience and reflect on perseverance in leadership.
Sydney retreat · Friday evening–SaturdayThis is Morling’s planned cohort program within the Graduate Certificate of Christian Leadership, rather than a separate award or AUT specialisation. The cohort follows a set one-year sequence; the broader qualification has other study options.
A project that matters
where you lead.
Work through a practical need in your context and reflect on it through a biblical and theological lens. Your project could develop a policy, investigate an organisational question or create training for a staff or volunteer team.
Your qualification
The Graduate Certificate of Christian Leadership is a course of the Australian University of Theology, delivered through Morling College.
Full qualification details
Study dates
Your 2027 timetable
11 teaching days across the year3 retreats from Friday evening to SaturdaySydney + livestream; retreats in person
All times are Sydney local time, including daylight saving where applicable.
| Unit | Dates & times | Attendance & details |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Christian Leadership | Fri 19 Feb, 19 Mar, 16 Apr, 7 May & 4 Jun9am - 4pm each day | Sydney or livestreamUnit details for PC154PC154: teaching dates
Attendance and studySydney campus: LSR; livestream available. On 19 February, the first retreat begins at 6pm after this daytime class. Allow time to travel to the offsite venue. 5 teaching Fridays · Lecturer: Kara Martin |
| Women in Leadership A: Issues on Women in Leadership | Fri 19 - Sat 20 FebFri 6pm to Sat 4pm | In person in SydneyUnit details for PC146PC146: teaching dates
Attendance and studyOffsite retreat in Sydney. Venue to be confirmed. Friday evening and Saturday retreat. The timetable lists the amount of online learning as to be confirmed. Retreat 1 · Lecturer: Kara Martin |
| Biblical Principles of Leading Organisations through Change and Crisis | Wed 14, Thu 15 & Fri 16 Jul9am - 4pm each day | Sydney or livestreamUnit details for PC140PC140: teaching dates
Attendance and studySydney campus: LSR; livestream available. Online learning (25% of the unit) starts on 19 July. On 16 July, Retreat 2 begins at 6pm after the daytime class; allow time to travel. 3-day intensive · Lecturer: Kara Martin |
| Women in Leadership B: Role Models | Fri 16 - Sat 17 JulFri 6pm to Sat 4pm | In person in SydneyUnit details for PC147PC147: teaching dates
Attendance and studyOffsite retreat in Sydney. Venue to be confirmed. Friday evening and Saturday retreat, following the July intensive. The retreat runs from 6pm on Friday until 4pm on Saturday. Retreat 2 · Lecturer: Kara Martin |
| Pastoral and Church-Focussed Ministry Seminar: Christian Leadership | Mon 9 Aug, Mon 20 Sep & Fri 29 Oct9am - 4pm each day | Sydney or livestreamUnit details for PC204PC204: teaching dates
Attendance and study9 August: LSR. 20 September: R2. Check the latest timetable for the October room. Livestream available. Online learning (40% of the unit) starts on 19 July. 3 seminar days · Lecturer: Kara Martin |
| Women in Leadership C: Formation for Leadership | Fri 29 - Sat 30 OctFri 6pm to Sat 4pm | In person in SydneyUnit details for PC148PC148: teaching dates
Attendance and studyOffsite retreat in Sydney. Venue to be confirmed. Friday evening and Saturday retreat, following the 29 October daytime seminar. Allow time to travel to the offsite venue. Retreat 3 · Lecturer: Kara Martin |
Dates and times are subject to change. For the latest information, view Morling’s timetables.
Attendance and study information
Planning your attendance: all three retreats are attended in person in Sydney, at offsite venues to be confirmed. The first follows the 19 February teaching day and the second follows the 16 July teaching day. The final retreat follows the 29 October daytime seminar. Allow time to travel after daytime classes.
Additional study: allow time for reading, online learning and assessment beyond the listed teaching days. Online learning for PC140 (25% of the unit) and PC204 (40%) starts on 19 July. This is additional to the scheduled teaching days.
The cohort is a Morling study pathway within the Graduate Certificate of Christian Leadership. Check the latest timetables for dates, times and rooms.
Updated 22 October 2026. Source schedules: Semester 1 timetable (PDF) · Semester 2 timetable (PDF).
Plan your year
What you need to know.
Entry pathways
A bachelor degree in a non-theological discipline or at least four years of relevant work experience may provide a pathway into this course.
Equivalent qualifications or other approved study may also be considered. Morling assesses each application individually.
Time and travel
Plan for 11 teaching days across the year, plus three retreats from Friday evening to Saturday in Sydney. Other units can be studied online.
Allow additional time for reading, assessments and any travel. Ask Kara for the full timetable as you plan work, family and ministry commitments.
Fees and support
See our fees page for current tuition fees and payment options. Ask about current fees and any retreat, travel or accommodation costs before committing.
FEE-HELP may be available to eligible students. Discuss your eligibility and payment options with Morling.
Could your organisation support your study?Ask about the Organisational Professional Development Discount: a 20% tuition discount where your organisation contributes 50% of the course fees. Confirm eligibility and payment arrangements with Kara.
Share the employer informationBefore you take the next step
Your questions,
answered.
Do I need to be in a senior leadership role?
The cohort is for current and emerging women leaders. You may lead a team, ministry, program or project, or be preparing for greater responsibility. If you’re unsure whether your experience and goals are a good fit, enquire before applying.
Can I join from outside Sydney?
Yes, if you can attend the three retreats in Sydney. Retreats run from Friday evening to Saturday; other units can be studied online. Discuss the timetable, travel and accommodation with Kara as you plan your year.
Will I only study with women?
You’ll study alongside men in the broader leadership units. The women’s cohort comes together for three dedicated formation retreats.
Is this a separate women’s qualification?
You study the Graduate Certificate of Christian Leadership, a course of the Australian University of Theology delivered through Morling. The cohort is Morling’s planned program within that qualification, rather than a separate award or AUT specialisation.
Can I spread the cohort over two years?
The women’s cohort follows a set one-year program. The broader Graduate Certificate has other study options, including part-time study over up to two years. Enquire if the cohort timetable does not suit your circumstances.
How do I apply for the cohort?
Use the application portal for Bible & Theology and select the Graduate Certificate of Christian Leadership. In your application, select that you’d like to join the women’s cohort. If you need help with the process or can’t see the course, contact Kara or Morling’s admissions team.
Can I enquire before deciding to apply?
Of course. Ask about your suitability, entry pathways, fees or the study commitments. You can use the form below or email Kara directly.