Kingsley College Australia

In 1946, Kingsley Ridgway founded the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia in Victoria. He had a vision of establishing a college that would train students in the theology of practical holiness. Sponsored by the Wesleyan Methodist Church of America, a property was purchased in Glenroy, Victoria, to serve as the national headquarters and the training college.

The Wesleyan Methodist Bible College began to offer training in 1949 with a class of seven students. By 1974, the three-year Diploma of Theology had expanded to a four-year Bachelor of Theology degree. The same year also saw a change of name to Kingsley College , in honour of the founder.

Prior to 2006, Kingsley College had offered self-accredited training. In 2006, Kingsley College became part of the Sydney College of Divinity (SCD), and in 2008 partnered with the higher education programs of Tabor College Victoria.

By 2006 saw the start of Kingsley Community study; the purpose of offering vocational training was to better equip men and women for ministry in local churches. Two training centres opened in Brisbane, with more centres added in following years.[1]

In 2010 the national leaders of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia approved the Kingsley Community study as the route for ministerial training up to ordination level.

Kingsley College provides practical accredited theological education and training to develop and equip people for vocations in Christian ministry, pastoral work, chaplaincy, Christian education, missions, or Christian counselling. Training is based on the spiritual development of individuals and is open to those who are planning to go into part-time or full-time Christian work.

The college has links to the Nazarene Theological College and Booth College in Sydney.

Study in Christian Ministry and Theology is offered under the Unity College Australia RTO 6330.

Kingsley Community study offers vocational education programs in Christian Ministry and Theology at several levels.

The outcome of each vocational course is to provide participants with a range of knowledge, skills and competencies that will enable them to serve effectively in churches, parishes, para-church organisations, missionary organisations and schools. Graduates from these courses may find employment as pastors, church workers, ministry leaders, chaplains, religious education instructors, missionary workers, church planters and mission support workers depending on the requirements of the organisation. Students can further their studies through an application into the degree program of a Bible college.

The college shares the mission statement of many Methodist institutions.[2] "Through the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we at Kingsley Australia facilitate the development and equipping of Christians to become empowered and passionate in their ministry to shape their world."[3]

• Kingsley College
• College documentary on KCA's history
• Eastern College Australia