Bachelor of Theology in Christian Ministry

Purpose

The qualification will enable learners to critically apply focused analysis, knowledge and skills in the service and leadership - both lay and ordained - of public schools, Christian communities, Bible translators, community organisations and society. An integrated and systematic qualification of biblical and theological study gives learners a foundational knowledge of the major disciplines of Christian theology including biblical languages, bible translation, music ministry, child- and youth work and pastoral counselling. Learners can choose to specialise in biblical studies, pastoral ministry, and pastoral counselling or cross-cultural missions.

This qualification prepares learners for bible teaching and leadership in a pastoral or cross-cultural ministry context.

Rationale

This qualification with a 388 Credit total differs from the Bachelor of Theology (364 Credits) in that it provides for entry into the ministry for learners from various denominations. The qualification produces life-long theological learners who can raise and debate current issues in African and international contexts. The qualification enables learners to develop, clarify and articulate a value system from a Christian perspective. This qualification raises consciousness in learners concerning issues of justice such as gender, social disparity, disability and the environment, and capacitates them to develop transformative communities, as well as contribute to the development of the society as a whole. It lays the foundations for studies in biblical exegesis.

Most denominations recognise this qualification as fulfilling the academic requirements for ordination but may require additional training to meet their denominational requirements. Mission organisations generally recognise this qualification as adequate training in biblical studies for missionary service, particularly those involving a bible-teaching ministry. The qualification is flexibly structured and is appropriate to the needs of those considering teaching Religious Instruction and Life Orientation in secondary schools.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification is achievable in part through Recognition of Prior Learning in terms of the following criteria: Formal prior learning:

• Learner's prior accredited learning at the secondary level (matriculation certificate) is recognised.
• Mature age exemption can be recognised.
• Prior accredited learning at tertiary level that constitutes credit-bearing modules is also recognised, in particular certificates and diplomas obtained at various accredited theological institutions.

Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning

Learners receive Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if they can produce a portfolio of evidence to show that they meet the outcomes and associated assessment criteria, obtaining the appropriate credits according to the assessment of this institution.

Presentation of evidence is in a variety of forms, including previous local or international qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

The institution subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes-based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The institution endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in a qualification at the honours level. RPL for admission implies an assessment of not only cognate knowledge and skills gained through work experience or other qualifications. To determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to NQF Level 7 the learner already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the learner has to master additionally before being accepted for the honours qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits. An RPL learner seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge must comply with all the requirements as stated for modules. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic taking the context of the qualification as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the learner who receives assessment.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

Or

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelors studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelors studies.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 388 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 84 Credits

• Introduction to Theology (TEOL111), 8 Credits.
• English (ENLS111), 12 Credits.
• Introduction to NT, History and General Canonists (NTES111), 8 Credits.
• Fundamentals of Ethics (ETIE121), 8 Credits.
• Introduction to the Old Testament I (OTES111), 8 Credits.
• Pastoral Counselling (PAST121), 8 Credits.
• Fundamentals of Church and Dogma History (KDGE121), 8 Credits.
• Intro to Academic Literacy (AGLE111), 12 Credits.
• Academic Literacy (AGLE121), 12 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5

• Greek Grammar I (GRKS112), 12 Credits.
• Biblical Hebrew Grammar II (SEMT121), 16 Credits.
• Greek Grammar II (GRKS121), 16 Credits.
• Greek Language COMPETENCE (GRKS113), 16 Credits.
• Biblical Hebrew Linguistic Skills (SEMT113), 16 Credits.
• Biblical Hebrew Grammar I (SEMT112), 12 Credits.
• Narrative Text: the Early Prophets (OTES121), 16 Credits.
• The Synoptic Gospels (NTES121), 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 32 Credits

• Philosophy (PHIL221), 16 Credits.
• Ontology (PHIL211), 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6

• Relationship between Mission and Theology (MISS211), 8 Credits.
• Human Rights (ETIE211), 16 Credits.
• Dogmatics: Scripture and Doctrine on Sin (DOGM211), 16 Credits.
• Biblical Foundations of Catechetics (KATE211), 16 Credits.
• Prophetic Literature (OTES221), 16 Credits.
• Biblical Hebrew Grammar IV (SEMT221), 16 Credits.
• Biblical Hebrew Grammar III (SEMT211), 16 Credits.
• Greek Composition and NT Textual Criticism (GRKS221), 16 Credits.
• Introduction to NT Exegesis and Context of NT (NTES211), 16 Credits.
• Acts, General Epistles, Hebrews and Pauline (NTES221), 16 Credits.
• Scriptural Fundamentals of Homiletics (HOML211), 8 Credits.
• Dogmatics: Christology to Eschatology (DOGM221), 16 Credits.
• Mission as an Africa Initiative (MISS221), 16 Credits.
• Intro to the Interpretation of the Old Test and Pentateuch (OTES211), 16 Credits.
• Development of Pastoral Skills (PAST211), 8 Credits.
• Greek grammar III and Semantics (GRKS211), 16 Credits.
• Reform and Modern Church and Dogma Hist (KDGE221), 16 Credits.
• Elements of Liturgics (LITK221), 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 20 Credits

• Introduction to theological hermeneutics (HERM322), 12 Credits.
• Dogmatics: Institution of Calvyn (DOGM321), 8 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 7

• Key Themes of Revelation History (NTES321), 16 Credits.
• General Canonists, Pauline Epistles (NTES311), 16 Credits.
• Interpretation of the Writings (ketubim) (OTES311), 16 Credits.
• Dogmatics: the Value of Modern Theologians (DOGM311), 16 Credits.
• Missionary Apologetics (MISS311), 16 Credits.
• Pastoral Cases in Counselling (PAST311), 16 Credits.
• Pastoral Treatment of Stress, Trauma and Inner Healing (PAST321), 16 Credits.
• Intercultural Communication of the Gospel (MISS321), 16 Credits.
• Biblical Hebrew Textual Study and Comp Textual Study (SEMT322), 8 Credits.
• Old Testament: Special Themes (OTES321), 16 Credits.
• Biblical Hebrew Language Structure and Textual Study (SEMT312), 8 Credits.
• Relevant Ethical Themes (ETIE311), 16 Credits.
• Greek Translation and Textual Analysis (GRKS312), 8 Credits.
• Greek Translation and Textual Analysis (GRKS322), 8 Credits.

1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the field of Christianity and cognate fields and the ability to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, principles to practical situations.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of inquiry suitable to the field of theology.
3. Select a method that is the best fit to solve a specific problem.
4. Interpret, integrate and apply Christian sources in context.
5. Take decisions and act ethically and professionally within a specific community, in the light of the history of Christianity.
6. Position themselves responsibly in their contexts.
7. Analyse information critically, and articulate and communicate effectively within a multi-cultural context.
8. Demonstrate an aptitude to evaluate and apply Christian theology and ethics personally and within the community.
9. Practise and evaluate ministries in the faith organisation and initiate and develop a Christian ministry presence on the broader community.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous formative assessment strategies are integrated by nature and take the form of assignments and tests. There is a mini-dissertation.

Formative Assessment

• Constitute 70% of the module mark.

Integrated summative

The assessment in the form of a formal examination which forms 30% of the mark.

Oral presentations of smaller integrated research projects or seminars in individual, as well as group context, may also be employed. There is an assessment of integrated knowledge and skills to ensure that learners are competent for the workplace.