Hillsong College began as two separate entities within the following churches: Hills Christian Life Center and Sydney Christian Life Center. Although these two ministry schools could be found in different locations, under two different names, they were connected right from the start. The shared goal was to provide a training center that specialised in ministry and leadership development grounded within the local church. Both colleges were advanced side by side and maintained similar ethos. The theological education and training was centered around a practical ministry model, combined with an emphasis on creative arts and dedicated to the values of excellence, diligence and servanthood. The desired outcome was to prepare students for the practical ministry needs of the local church, while providing recognisable qualifications comparable to that of other theological institutes. In the year 1999, Hills Christian Life Center joined Sydney Christian Life Center as one organisation under a new name: Hillsong Church. Shortly after this union, in the year 2000, the two separate Colleges combined to form, what was then branded, Hillsong International Leadership College. Both of these original campuses have their own unique history.
City campus
The first of the two original locations began in 1983. Originally known as the International Institute for Creative Ministries under the leadership of Sydney Christian Life Center. IICM’s curriculum centered around a few major topics: theology, creative arts, and missions. Students were encouraged to communicate their faith through many forms of artistic expression: music, dance, drama, visual art, and more. The student body consisted of a high number of international students. Courses were endorsed by the Department of Immigration in addition to being recognised by the Assemblies of God denomination and the Asia-Pacific Theological Association. In 1990, was made Principal of IICM. At this point, the college began to emphasise practical ministry training within a local church setting. With this shift in leadership and focus, the name was also updated and known as Aquila College of Ministries.
Accreditation
Vocational Hillsong College and its courses are through the . The ASUQ is the federal government agency charged with the quality and regulation of the vocational education sector in Australia.
