Bachelor of Theology

Purpose

The Bachelor of Theology has been developed to empower learners with theoretical as well as practical knowledge that is essential to succeed as well-equipped leaders in the Church and society. Learners will be exposed to the full field of theological disciplines which will provide them with knowledge and skills that are crucial to excel in the practical work of the Church. The qualification thus provides the theory and practical application and skills of theology to ensure that learners will have the capacity to develop and grow intellectually.

The main purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with graduate-level knowledge, specific skills and applied competencies in the field of theology that provide opportunities for personal intellectual growth, gainful employment activity and rewarding contributions to society.

In this qualification, learners are exposed to the six traditional disciplines of Christian Theology, namely Old Testament, New Testament, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology, Church History, and Missiology. In addition to this, the two Biblical languages, Hebrew and Greek, are also taught at a basic level. The study of the Old and New Testaments will provide the learner with knowledge of the contents and message of every Biblical book. As the sacred text of Christianity, this knowledge is indispensable. In addition, learners will also gain knowledge of the world of the Bible.

Learners will also be equipped with the necessary skills in hermeneutics and exegesis in order for them to interpret the Bible responsibly and relevantly in a modern South African context. The study of Systematic Theology will expose the student to pertinent ethical issues as well as the dogmas of the Church and the development thereof. In Practical Theology students will be equipped to perform the full spectrum of ministry skills necessary for the practical work of the Church, including all preaching, teaching and pastoral work. In Church History students will gain valuable knowledge concerning the history of the Christian Church worldwide as well as in South Africa.

In Missiology, learners will be equipped to responsibly perform the missionary mandate of the Church, especially also in the field of social upliftment. The study of the Biblical languages will serve a supporting role in the interpretation of the Bible. Students will thus be equipped to function in all fields of Christian theology and practice in both a South African and international context.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

� Demonstrate a broad knowledge base of the Bible, its text, background, theology, and interpretation.

� Develop foundational knowledge of Hebrew and Greek as the languages of the Biblical text.

� Demonstrate a broad knowledge base of the different doctrines of the Christian Church as well as the distinctiveness of Pentecostal theology.

� Apply knowledge and skills to effectively perform the work of ministry in the church at various levels, including preaching, pastoral care and counselling, leadership, liturgy, church growth & administration, and mentoring & coaching.

� Demonstrate a broad knowledge base of the history of the Christian Church from its beginnings to the twenty-first century.

Rationale

The levels of complexity within the modern world have grown exponentially in the last century. This increase in complexity has spread throughout society and has resulted in the fact that the monolithic responses to problems simply do not suffice. Throughout the world, there is a growing need to move away from the singular approaches to problem-solving and adopt more integrated approaches to problems. A degree in theology seeks to equip learners with an integrated approach that will produce results that are sufficient in dealing with the world around them.

Another purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa with significant numbers of graduates in the field of theology and Christian ministry who meet the intellectual, personal, and technical requirements to function as leaders in the Church and Society both locally and internationally, and for entry into postgraduate academic programmes.

The qualification will also provide South Africa with significant numbers of graduates in theology and related disciplines who meet the intellectual, technical and personal requirements for direct entry into local and international theology-related professional activities and for entry into postgraduate academic programmes required for further intellectual development and entry into discipline-related work.

To master the different fields of study, a learner will have to master an array of techniques, including understanding logic and being able to reason. Furthermore, a learner should develop an understanding of abstract ideas and be able to communicate ideas in both verbal and written form.

Finally, the qualification entails a fair amount of analysis in a number of related disciplines. In terms of content, a degree in theology equips a learner to develop an understanding of the related disciplines.

The qualification should also facilitate entry into post-graduate academic research programmes to ensure that the local and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly and professional activity is widened.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The RPL Policy has been aligned with the criteria set by the HEQC and SAQA. Learners who apply to enter any programme at the institution will be assessed against the exit levels and learning outcomes of the course as mentioned in the RPL policy. The principles that will be followed:

• RPL allows access to further study by granting the status, but not the award, of the prerequisite qualification.
• The institution does not accept any form of RPL assessment undertaken by any other institution.
• Any RPL granted is valid only for the period specified by the academic department. Admission, based on RPL, is subject to the rules and regulations of the institution.
• Recognition is given only for current competence, as determined by the relevant department.
• RPL is programme-specified; recognition is given only for learning that is aligned to the learning outcomes and assessment criteria of a specific programme or module, and not primarily the content.
• Applicants are exposed to a formal RPL process that usually involves a lengthy process.
• The applicant must provide evidence (e.g. portfolios, challenge examinations, etc.) that must be assessed as relevant, sufficient, authentic and current.
• Quality assurance processes guarantee the integrity and credibility of all aspects of the RPL process.
• If the applicant is not satisfied with the outcome of any stage of the RPL process, s/he can appeal to the Academic Board.
• Once registered for a programme, the applicant becomes a member of the student body and is subject to all academic rules and regulations.

Recognition of prior learning will be applied on an individual basis against the relevant exit level outcomes of the qualification on a case-by-case basis and will be conducted in accordance with the institution's RPL Policy and HEQC guidelines. Status will be awarded in line with credits as they pertain to the relevant outcomes of the programme.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor's studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor's studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6 and 7 of the National Qualifications Framework totalling 368 credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 124 Credits

• Old Testament 111, 9 Credits.
• Old Testament 112, 9 Credits.
• New Testament 111, 9 Credits.
• New Testament 112, 9 Credits.
• Systematic Theology 111, 9 Credits.
• Systematic Theology 112, 9 Credits.
• Practical Theology 111, 9 Credits.
• Practical Theology 112, 9 Credits.
• Church History 111, 9 Credits.
• Church History 112, 9 Credits.
• Missiology 111, 9 Credits.
• Missiology 112, 9 Credits.
• Greek 113, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 124 Credits

• Old Testament 211, 9 Credits.
• Old Testament 212, 9 Credits.
• New Testament 211, 9 Credits.
• New Testament 212, 9 Credits.
• Systematic Theology 211, 9 Credits.
• Systematic Theology 212, 9 Credits.
• Practical Theology 211, 9 Credits.
• Practical Theology 212, 9 Credits.
• Church History 211, 9 Credits.
• Church History 212, 9 Credits.
• Missiology 211, 9 Credits.
• Missiology 212, 9 Credits.
• Hebrew 113, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 120 Credits

• Old Testament 311, 10 Credits.
• Old Testament 312, 10 Credits.
• New Testament 311, 10 Credits.
• New Testament 312, 10 Credits.
• Systematic Theology 311, 10 Credits.
• Systematic Theology 312, 10 Credits.
• Practical Theology 311, 10 Credits.
• Practical Theology 312, 10 Credits.
• Church History 311, 10 Credits.
• Church History 312, 10 Credits.
• Missiology 311, 10 Credits.
• Missiology 312, 10 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge base of the Bible, its text, background, theology, and interpretation.
2. Develop foundational knowledge of Hebrew and Greek as the languages of the Biblical text.
3. Demonstrate a broad knowledge base of the different doctrines of the Christian Church as well as the distinctiveness of Pentecostal theology.
4. Apply knowledge and skills to effectively perform the work of ministry in the church at various levels, including preaching, pastoral care and counselling, leadership, liturgy, church growth & administration, and mentoring & coaching.
5. Demonstrate a broad knowledge base of the history of the Christian Church from its beginnings to the twenty-first century.
6. Demonstrate a broad knowledge base of Missiology from biblical and Pentecostal perspectives while putting it in the context of cross-cultural communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

� Apply understanding of the socio-cultural background of the Biblical world and its significance for responsible interpretation of the Bible.

� Discuss the contents and theological message of the Biblical canon.

� Apply a foundational understanding of the development of the text of the Bible.

� Analyse different Biblical texts through the application of the principles of Hermeneutics and exegetical methodology that will result in responsible Biblical interpretation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

� Apply a foundational understanding of all aspects of the grammar of Hebrew and Greek and the application of that knowledge in the exegetical analysis of Biblical texts.

� Comprehensively define a range of key theological terms in Hebrew and Greek.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

� Identify and explain the different doctrines of the Christian Church.

� Illustrate an understanding of the unique nature of Pentecostal hermeneutics and theology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

� Examine the theory and practice of Homiletics, and Pastoral Care and describe counselling.

� Analyse and apply the function of the pastor as a leader and effectively integrate leadership and management skills.

� Employ skills for time management and personal development

� Plan and execute the liturgy of a local church service, and clarify the principles and strategies of effective church growth.

� Identify and implement the principles of mentoring and coaching.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

� Explore the global history of the Christian Church from its beginnings to modern times.

� Illustrate a detailed knowledge of the history of the Christian Church in South Africa.

� Illustrate understanding of the birth of the modern Pentecostal movement and the history of the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa as the local expression of the global movement.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

� Apply a thorough understanding of Missions in the Old and New Testaments.

� Exhibit detailed knowledge of effective cross-cultural communication.

� Contextualise different worldviews and religions as displayed in various cultural contexts and effective engagement thereof.

� Examine and discuss the Pentecostal worldview and missiological perspectives.