This page answers common questions for students, pastors, and ministry leaders—from what the year looks like and how placements work, to who’s involved and how to apply. Whether you're considering studying or supporting someone who is, you'll find key details here to help you take the next step.

Students will study in a full-time programme from 16 February – 13 November 2026. There are four terms that roughly follow the school terms. Please ask for a full timetable if you are interested.

• Term One: 16 February – 2 April
• Term Two: 20 April – 19 June
• Term Three: 13 July – 28 August
• Term Four: 31 August – 13 November (includes 2 weeks of break)

There will be four block courses held in Christchurch.

Students can study onsite or by distance.

Distance students are strongly encouraged to attend the block courses. Those who cannot will be able to access a shorter online class, as well as the online resources.

There are 7 weeks each term where Ministry Students are practising their practical ministry in their local church or community trust setting for around 15 hours per week.

During these 7 weeks, students attend classes each Thursday from 9am – 3pm.

Jacqui is the Director of VMS, Marcus is the VMS Co-ordinator, and Sarah serves in administration and hospitality.

Our tutors are Matt Stott, Jayson Palmer, and Emily Hall.

The first step is to look at who is already serving and ask if they’ve considered becoming a Ministry Student in 2026. VMS is not just for school leavers—we expect people of all ages and stages to want to grow and develop as Kingdom leaders.

Our preference is that Ministry Students have been serving in their church area for at least six months before starting VMS.

We prefer that prospective Ministry Students have already been serving in an area for at least six months before applying to study. This allows both parties to get to know each other and gain an idea of what study might be like.

For cases where the student is unknown to the supervisor (e.g. international applicants or newcomers to the church), we strongly recommend allowing time to build a relationship before entering into a placement contract.

When a prospective student applies, VMS staff will work with the leaders of the church or organisation where the student hopes to serve, to discuss and process the placement together.

It’s up to Ministry Leaders to determine how many Ministry Students they can support in terms of available roles and the capacity to supervise and walk alongside them.

Each student needs 15 hours of meaningful ministry practice per week, and each must have a supervisor to oversee and coach them.

Ministry placement is a key part of the course. It’s the responsibility of the pastor or leader to think and discuss carefully before making any commitments to individuals.

Different churches may organise placements differently to suit their structure and the student’s learning needs.

Decisions and communication around placements and key tasks are to be worked out between the student, the church or organisation, and VMS.

There is potential for Vineyard churches to host Ministry Students from other areas for a 7-week placement.

Students attend Thursday classes in person at Grace Vineyard City Campus or online. If an area has up to 10 students, a learning hub may be formed so they can attend online together. If there are more than 10 students, a cohort—and potentially a delivery site—can be established over time.

• Applicant starts by chatting with a potential supervisor or ministry leader.
• Applicant fills out their application: https://vineyard.org.nz/ministryschool
• Applicant asks someone in their church who knows them well (ideally a potential supervisor) to complete a reference.
• Once both the application and reference are received, VMS staff will check in with the prospective supervisor/referee and determine whether to proceed.
• VMS staff will consult with the ministry supervisor or co-ordinator in the church to discuss possibilities and draft key tasks for the student’s Ministry Plan.
• An interview will be arranged with the student, and VMS staff will confirm placement discussions with the supervisor before progressing.
• If accepted, the applicant then completes the Laidlaw application: https://www.laidlaw.ac.nz/apply/
• The prospective supervisor and mentor complete a short online training.
• Placement contracts are signed and submitted.
• Once approved by Laidlaw and fees are paid, the student can start. They will receive login details for our student management and learning platforms, plus course start information.

Each Ministry Student has a mentor who meets with them every three weeks, providing at least 8 hours of mentoring per semester.

The mentor supports the student in their spiritual growth, character development, and goal-setting.

The mentor keeps a record of meeting times and provides a written report (via template) twice a year, which is discussed with the student to support their development.

A supervisor is the primary point of contact for helping a student love and serve effectively in their ministry area.

They meet regularly with the student to offer guidance and feedback.

The supervisor tracks the student’s practical ministry hours (210 hours per semester) and provides a written report twice a year, using a template, and discusses this with the student.

• Handbooks are provided for both supervisors and mentors.
• A short online training helps clarify each role.
• VMS staff and tutors will stay in regular contact with supervisors and mentors.
• Supervisors and mentors are invited to offer feedback to help improve the programme.

The best practice is for Ministry Students to serve in one primary ministry area.

In some cases, a student may split their time with 10 hours in a major area and 5 hours in a minor area (or similar). The supervisor should be from the major area.

• Laidlaw College scholarships: https://www.laidlaw.ac.nz/scholarships/ (Applications close 1 December)
• Vineyard scholarships: Available for Vineyard people (also close 1 December). Email: scholarships@vineyard.org.nz

Applications should be submitted by Christmas each year.

Late applications must be received no later than Monday 2 February 2026.