Bible School

Bible School

BIBLE - DISCIPLESHIP - MISSION

BDM1: Feb – July, BDM 2: Sept – Dec

Take the time to discover the true reality of what it means to experience the person of Christ in your life. We don’t simply fill our heads with information but we engage in transformation! And we don’t do it alone, we live in community together and engage in daily discipleship. Faith in action here at Capernwray prepares for a life in Christ wherever He may take you! Let the life of Jesus shine through you so that this world can see God’s power in action.
BDM runs twice a year, our 20 week programme runs from early February to early July and our 12 week programme runs from mid September to early December. The courses are complete in themselves and so can be taken on their own or joined with each other or our Aussie Road Trip in any order.

 

BIBLE

Students will be encouraged to have a strong confidence in the Word of God as authentic, reliable and clearly life-related. This will come through the quality teaching in class but also personal study, research and reflection. We cover some Bible books in reasonable depth (Old and New Testaments), Apologetics, Biblical Overviews as well as teach students how to study Biblical passages. We want each student to leave Capernwray confident and with a strong conviction that the Bible is the Word of God

How is this done?

  • Students will attend approximately 12 x 45min lectures per week
  • Weekly assignments (Prepare a Bible Study, write a devotional talk, memorization, passage summaries)
  • Lectures are presented by resident faculty and guest lecturers from around the world. These teachers are involved in Torchbearers International and various other ministries. Guest lecturers typically spend a week a the school covering a particular topic and are available to speak with students out side of lecture times.

DISCIPLESHIP

Students are challenged to think clearly and prayerfully about what it means to have Christ at the centre of their lives – which is discipleship. Being a real Christian has radical implications which are very demanding but actually provide the most fulfilling way to live. We try to build strong personal relationships with students through small group times, one to one discipleship times and social interaction (eg we invite small groups of students into our homes, go out for coffee etc).

MISSION

We give students many opportunities to express their faith out into the Christian and non-Christian community. As Christians we are called to be ‘salt’ and ‘light’ to a confused and frustrated world. We give specific training and opportunities for students to develop their ministry skills. Students are assigned a weekly ministry which include, youth groups, school scripture, community service, and nursing homes. They also spend a week serving in a church locally or regionally.

Taste & See

Don’t want to commit to a whole Bible School course without first giving it a try?

Come to Capernwray Australia for just a week and see if it something you want to do … only for $150. So that’s full accommodation, all meals and lectures for the week. Even if you aren’t thinking of attending the full semester but want to do a week, that’s cool with us come anyway! Taste & See weeks are offered during our BDM semesters and available date are listed below.

AVAILABLE DATES AND LECTURERS

31 – 05 Aug: Neil Bernard – OT Survey
07 – 12 Aug: Elizabeth Thomas – Prayer
14 – 19 Aug: Craig Millowick – Proverbs
21 – 27 Aug: Daryl Carter – The King & His Kingdom

02 – 07 Oct: Callum Thomas – Acts
09 – 14 Oct: Daniel Breuninger & Keith Adam – The Gospels
05 – 11 Nov: TBA
13 – 18 Nov: Peter Thomas – Revelation
20 – 25 Nov: Matty Overweel & Ryan Gerbert – 10 Commandments

Winter Bible School

INVEST IN 4 WEEKS WITH JESUS

Winter Bible School is a great opportunity to study God’s Word and grow in your personal relationship with the Lord in the beautiful campus and surroundings of Capernwray Bible School. It is a time of real fellowship and encouragement in your walk with Christ.

Many people in our churches want to experience Bible School but are worried that their age limits their opportunities. Winter Bible School is a mature-aged Bible School designed with you in mind.

EACH WEEK IS STAND ALONE

Winter Bible School is a 4 week course designed for those who are 40+.

Each week a gifted lecturer will teach a particular Book or Topic. Students can enrol for all 4 weeks at a discount or participate in a particular week or two that works for your schedule.

Winter Bible School is not as activity-driven as our usual Bible School programs. There is the same number of lectures, no assignments but with some small-group discussion time and worship. Weekly off-site local ministry is optional.

Aside from classes you’ll enjoy a book-study, flexible programs and prayer gatherings.

EXPERIENCE GOD IN COMMUNITY

The week course runs from Sunday tea to Friday lunch. For those staying for multiple weeks week-end accommodation and meals are included in the cost.

AVAILABLE DATES AND LECTURERS 2023

Week 1: 23 – 28 July (TBA)
Week 2: 30 – 04 Aug (TBA)
Week 3: 06 -11 Aug (TBA)
Week 4: 13 – 18 Aug (TBA)

LEADERSHIP - INTERNSHIP - TRAINING

Putting Lessons into Practice

TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL

… (2nd year course)

LIT offers 8 weeks of residential training on campus with specialist ministry input, as well as Biblical input. Each week, specialist areas are covered (eg. Leadership, apologetics, contemporary cultural awareness, strategies for reaching a community, personal development, studies on the church and church history, evangelism/missions etc.). We interview a range of people in ministry (church pastors, youth leaders, chaplains, people in ministry to people with disability etc.) and most week-ends practical ministry opportunities are arranged (eg. taking church services, assisting in local youth groups etc).

After the 8 weeks of residential input, there is an option of being ‘placed’ in a local or regional church or ministry for 10-12 weeks. The host church or ministry provides accommodation for the students, and oversees their service as ‘interns’ alongside their existing church leadership and staff. Capernwray oversees the placement, and provides support in any way possible (eg. visiting, regular communication, prayer).

The course is designed for students who have completed BDM 1 or an equivalent Bible School at any Capernwray (Torchbearer) School internationally.

Photo Gallery

Dates and Fees

  • BDM 1

  • 2023

    Jan 29 – June 30  (20 weeks)
    $9929

    *$10,425

    2024

    Jan 28 – Jun 28 (20 weeks)
    $10946

  • LIT

  • 2023

    July 16 – Sept 8/ Dec 8
    8 weeks $3743; 21 weeks $5406

    *8 weeks $3930; 21 weeks $5676

  • Winter Bible School

  • 2023

    July 23 – Aug 18
    4 weeks $1786 or $470 per week

    *4 weeks $1881 or $495 per week

    2024

    July 28 – Aug 23
    4 weeks $1976 or $520 per week

  • BDM 2

  • 2022

    Sept 18 – Dec 09 (12 weeks)
    $5840

    2023

    Sept 17 – Dec 08 (12 weeks)
    $5959

    *$6257

* Due to recent significant unexpected cost increases, the fees for our 2023 courses will be increased from September 30, 2022. All applications (with a paid application fee) for a 2023 course received before September 30 will pay the currently listed price. All applications received after September 30 will pay the increased price listed in red.

** Applications for internationals close 1 month prior to the commencement of each course. (Please note that it can take up to 8 weeks to process your visa)
*** Applications for Aussie Road Trips are limited, applicants from the Outback Road Trip may be moved to a Coastal team upon acceptance due to space.
Combine a BDM course with the Aussie Road Trip and get $250 off
Combine both BDM courses and receive $500 off 
Complete the full year with (BDM 1, ART & BDM 2 in any order) and receive $750 off

Frequently Asked Questions

General Bible School Questions

Are there any prerequisites for applying?

All applicants must provide a Police Check from their home country with there application. This is required because our students work with children and vulnerable people.

Applicants from Non-English speaking countries are required to complete (or have completed in the past 2 years) a proficiency in English Test – Level 4.5 or equivalent. We suggest the following tests: International English Language Test www.ielt.org or Test of English as a foreign language www.toefle.org (This is only required for students applying for BDM 1)

What does a regular week look like?

Please click here to see a sample timetable for our BDM programs.

Are lectures compulsory?

Yes – Attendance at all lectures is compulsory with the only reason for being absent is when you are sick or on a ministry commitment. Lectures are scheduled for mornings and evenings, leaving afternoons free to study and complete assignments.

What is accommodation like for students?

Sleeping accommodation is on a shared basis, with up to 4 people per room. We have a number of rooms with ensuite bathrooms while others have a communal bathroom. We provide all bedding, including sheets, blankets, pillow and doona. You will need to bring your own towel.

What age do I need to be to attend?

International students will need to be 18 years of age or older to be eligible for the required visa. In some cases we may accept Australian students who are 17.

Can I enrol in more than one course?

Yes – We highly recommend that students do more than one course. You can do our courses in any order. (you don’t need to start with BDM 1)

Can vegetarian or special needs menus be accommodated for?

The catering department will do their best to accommodate those people who require a special diet for medical reason and you must provide a medical certificate. If your diet is a lifestyle choice we may not be able to cater for all your needs and you may need to substitute with your own food.

Can married couples apply?

Yes – we have a number of small units we can use for married couple, we generally can only accept 1 or 2 a semester so it is good to apply early.

What is the average age of students?

We have students from 17 to 35 attending Capernwray with the average age of our students around 19 – 20.

Are your courses accredited?

No. We are not a registered education provider in Australia so our courses are not accredited. You will receive a certificate of attendance along with a transcript of subjects covered. Some students in Canada have been able to use this to gain credits in further education.

Can students from African Nations Apply?

While we would love to have students from African Nations apply to our Bible School it is extremely difficult to get the required visa. We have had many African students apply but unfortunately not one has had a visa application approved. Before applying to our school, we recommend looking into your visa options and the likely hood of your being accepted.

Immigration Questions

Do I have to have medical / Travel insurance?

Yes – All international students MUST have appropriate and current medical insurance while staying in Australia it is also highly recommend that you get travel insurance as well. Medical and travel insurance is for your own protection, you must provide us with a copy of your insurance paperwork on arrival at Capernwray.

Do I need a Visa for Bible School?

Yes – All international students (excluding New Zealand) need a Visa to study at Capernwray Australia. Click here for more information on Visa’s

Can I apply for a Student Visa?

No – Capernwray is not an accredited school and therefor you cannot apply for a student visa. Please see the visa information document in the previous question.

Where can I apply from my Visa?

Once accepted into our program you will need to visit www.homeaffairs.gov.au/Trav to apply for a visa.

Fees & Payment Questions

What currency are the fees in?

All fees listed on our website are in Australian Dollars

What is included in the fees?

All meals, accommodation, lectures and use of the washing machines are included in your fees.

You will need extra money for wifi, use of the dryer, any personal item you may need to buy and you will need money for weekend trip and if you are coming for BDM 1 you will need to have enough money for the 2 week break where all students must leave campus.

How do I pay my application fee?

The most effective method for all application is by credit card. You can make a secure payment at the end of your online application. Our application fee is $50AUD

How do I pay my deposit & fees?

The easiest way to pay your fees is by using the following link. https://capernwrayaustralia.org/pay-students-fees/

When do I need to pay my deposit?

You will need to pay your deposit as soon as possible after you are accepted into the course. Your place is not secure until we have received this payment. The registrar will forward you more information with your acceptance letter. Please note your deposit is non-refundable.

When are my full fees due?

Your full fees are due 4 weeks prior to the start of the course.

As an Australian can I access Youth Allowance?

Unfortunately no. We are not an approved educational provider for the purpose of government support.