Orama Academy offers a fresh pathway for people who want to grow their faith and build a deeper Christian life. The Certificate in Biblical Discipleship & Ministry course runs for three months and is hosted at Orama on Great Barrier Island. It replaces the former Spiritual Formation School, with a full refresh and rebrand that better reflects the direction and heart of the programme. The Academy still holds the same purpose, but now presents a clearer structure, updated modules, and a broader focus on spiritual resilience.

What Orama Academy Offers

Orama Academy is a space for people who want to know Jesus in a deeper and more practical way. It brings together structured teaching, devotional rhythms, community life, and hands-on experience. Students learn to develop a steady faith, understand their identity in Christ, and grow the tools they need to live out their beliefs in a changing world.

The Certificate in Biblical Discipleship & Ministry runs for fifteen weeks. Each week has its own theme and purpose, building on the one before it. The school blends teaching, spiritual disciplines, community meals, worship, outdoor life, and real-world service across New Zealand. While the programme schedule may change slightly each year, the core training remains steady.

Programme Modules

The first six weeks lay the foundation for the rest of the course. Students begin by strengthening their devotional life through prayer, silence and solitude, Sabbath, and biblical meditation. These early weeks focus on learning the way of Jesus and building spiritual rhythms that help form a resilient faith. Students also create a personal rule of life to guide them as they move forward. Weeks three and four shift toward identity in Christ. Students explore who they are, what shapes their identity, and how Christ defines their purpose in a world that often tries to mould them in other ways. Weeks five and six begin to explore ‘how’ we build and strengthen a devotional life through prayer, silence and solitude, Sabbath, and biblical meditation. These early weeks focus on learning the way of Jesus and building spiritual rhythms that help form a resilient faith.

Week seven provides a term break, giving students space to rest, reflect, and enjoy parts of New Zealand while keeping a light focus on study and devotion.

Weeks eight to twelve explore some of the deeper and more challenging parts of Christian faith. Students begin with ‘the Prophetic’ in week eight, exploring how God has spoken biblically and historically, followed by week nine spent exploring the different ways God communicates with us. Weeks ten and eleven addresses spiritual gifts and spiritual battle, followed by a deep dive into miraculous healing. Week twelve will explore the importance of understanding how we read the Bible.

The final stretch of the programme brings everything together. Weeks thirteen and fourteen take students out into real-world ministry placements across New Zealand. Each placement is matched to the student’s interests and gives them the chance to serve, learn from mentors, and apply what they have gained in class. Students also have time to explore more of the country during these weeks.

In week fifteen, students return to Great Barrier Island for a final week of connection and celebration with their cohort and the wider Orama community. This week ends with a commissioning service filled with prayer, encouragement, and blessing as students prepare for the next stage of their journey in faith and life.

Enrolling and Life at Orama

The enrolment process is simple. Students apply online, the Orama team reaches out for more information and to confirm their place. The team guides each student through practical steps such as fees, travel to Great Barrier Island, what to bring, and what to expect. An overview of this information can be found on Orama Academy’s Prospectus.

Life at Orama is peaceful, community focused, and shaped by the natural surroundings of Great Barrier Island. Students live by the water, take part in group meals, enjoy shared worship, and explore outdoor spaces. The island’s quiet setting supports spiritual growth, reflection, and strong connections within the cohort.

Orama Academy combines teaching, community, and God’s creation to form people who want to live out their faith with purpose. It offers a clear structure, a supportive environment, and a practical path for anyone wanting to grow in their Christian life. Applications are open now for early 2026 enrolment. Visit Orama Academy’s website to learn more and to apply.