Bachelor of Theology in Community Leadership

The purpose of the programme is to train practitioners in the field of Christian leadership or Christian counselling. The former equips learners with relevant knowledge of theoretical and practical insights into the most important aspects of pastoring, community development and youth and children`s work. The latter, equips learners with a sound knowledge of current insights into the most important aspects of counselling and intervention in various settings.

Rationale for the Qualification

There is a tremendous need in South Africa for professionally trained religious/community workers who are capable of addressing social, religious and psychological issues. The Licentiate in Theology fills this need for those who 1) cannot study full-time due to financial restraints or family responsibilities and 2) do not have a matric exemption but want to attempt degree-level studies. The latter applies to those in particular who have been previously disadvantaged educationally.

The content of the programme is the same as that of the Diploma in Theology, except that 24 extra (level 5) credits are included and an additional assignment and extra reading is required for each module.

• The learner should be competent in the language of instruction, i.e. English.
• The learner should be competent in the general academic knowledge, understanding and commitments achieved at the senior phase of General Education and Training, i.e. level 4.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• To date there is no recognition of prior learning for entrance into the first year of the programme.
• Learners registered for the Diploma in Theology who have completed the first year with the extra work required for the Licentiate programme as well as the extra subject (4 modules) and have obtained an average for the year of 60% and above, may transfer into the second year of the Licentiate in Theology programme.
• Learners who have studied previously at tertiary level can request the transfer of credits into the Licentiate in Theology programme where appropriate.

N/A

CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

Component 1

Competencies related to fundamental knowledge and skills (Biblical Studies and Christian Studies).

The focus of this component is on the foundational knowledge and skills that one must develop in order to minister effectively as a Christian leader. This includes competencies in both Biblical Studies and Christian doctrine.

Exit level outcome 1.1

Demonstrate competence in reading, interpreting and explaining the various genres of writings found in the Bible, and relating them to the major doctrines of the Christian church.

Exit level outcome 1.2

Demonstrate competence in identifying, understanding and explaining the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith and its development throughout history.

Component 2

Competencies related to the development of leaders (Leadership Studies).

The focus of this component is on the role of the learner as a leader within the community, with special emphasis on the development of practical leadership skills through supervised fieldwork:

Exit level outcome 2.1

Demonstrate competence in assessing various leadership styles, identifying their own particular style, and explaining how to develop leadership potential in others.

Exit level outcome 2.2

Demonstrate competence in the skills necessary for effective leadership, including communication, planning, resource development, implementation and evaluation.

Component 3

Competencies related to a specialised area of leadership.

The focus of this component is on the role of the learner as a leader within the community, with specialised knowledge and skills in one of the following areas:

Christian Counselling

Competencies related to the knowledge of current psycho-social theory and practical skills for counselling and intervention.

Exit level outcome 3.1

Demonstrate competence related to the knowledge of current psycho-social theory.

Exit level outcome 3.2

Demonstrate competence related to the practical skills of counselling and intervention.

Youth and Children`s Studies

Competencies related to understanding and transformation of children and youth using culturally relevant methodologies.

Exit level outcome 3.3

Demonstrate competence related to the knowledge and skills necessary to guide the transformation of children and youth.

Community Development

Competencies related to the knowledge of social theory, cultural awareness and skills necessary to engage in community development in a variety of cultural settings.

Exit level outcome 3.4

Demonstrate competence related to the knowledge of social theory and cultural diversity among people of various communities.

Exit level outcome 3.5

Demonstrate competence related to the skills necessary to engage in community development in a variety of cultural settings.

Biblical Languages

Competencies related to the translation and understanding of the Bible as written in its original languages, i.e. Greek and Hebrew.

Exit level outcome 3.6

Demonstrate competence related to reading, translating and interpreting the Bible in its original languages.

CHRISTIAN COUNSELLING

Component 1

Competencies related to fundamental knowledge and skills (Biblical Studies and Christian Studies).

The focus of this component is on the foundational knowledge and skills that one must develop in order to minister effectively as a Christian leader. This includes competencies in both Biblical Studies and Christian doctrine.

Exit level outcome 1.1

Demonstrate competence in reading, interpreting and explaining the various genres of writings found in the Bible, and relating them to the major doctrines of the Christian church.

Exit level outcome 1.2

Demonstrate competence in identifying, understanding and explaining the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith and its development throughout history.

Component 2

Competencies related to the knowledge of current psycho-social theory and practical skills for counselling and intervention.

The focus of this component is on the role of the learner as a counsellor who is able to assist people with psycho-social problems:

Exit level outcome 2.1

Demonstrate competence related to the knowledge of current psycho-social theory.

Exit level outcome 2.2

Demonstrate competence related to the practical skills of counselling and intervention.

Component 3

Competencies related to a specialised area of leadership.

The focus of this component is on the role of the learner as a leader within the community, with specialized knowledge and skills in one of the following areas:

Christian Leadership

Competencies related to the development of leaders, both personally and for the workplace.

The focus of this component is on the role of the learner as a leader within the community.

Exit level outcome 3.1

Demonstrate competence in assessing various leadership styles, identifying their own particular style, and explaining how to develop leadership potential in others.

Biblical Languages

Competencies related to the translation and understanding of the Bible as written in its original languages, i.e. Greek and Hebrew.

Exit level outcome 3.2

Demonstrate competence related to reading, translating and interpreting the Bible in its original languages.

CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

1.1

Explain the historical background and milieu in which the Bible developed and was written.

Utilise appropriate exegetical skills in relation to the various genre of biblical texts and interpret the Bible theologically and spiritually (i.e. in terms of formation), with application of its message to their lives.

Explain and contextualise the Bible in relation to the progress of society, world culture and the future of humanity.

Explain the role of the Bible in the development and formulation of the major doctrines of the Christian church.

1.2

Demonstrate a foundational understanding of Christian beliefs and practices.

Explain the major developments in the history of the Christian faith and its influence on world history.

Demonstrate critical thinking skills in relation to identifying the implications of theological truths.

Evaluate the biblical basis for various doctrinal positions.

Articulate orally and/or in writing one`s own beliefs about doctrinal issues.

2.1

Explain the basic principles of leadership and identify various styles of leadership.

Identify their own leadership style and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of that style.

Develop a plan for selecting a team and developing the leadership potential of that team.

2.2

Demonstrate effective communication skills with small and large groups.

Develop a ministry plan with clear objectives and realistic outcomes.

Secure the necessary human and fiscal resources for the successful implementation of a ministry plan.

Execute a ministry plan and assess the outcomes.

3.1

Identify psycho-social problems and understand the insights and methods psychology and sociology provide for dealing with them.

Explain how psycho-social insights and methods should be utilised in the various spheres of mental health in South Africa.

Explain how and when to refer people to other agencies more suited to handling problems of a psycho-social nature.

3.2

Counsel people who are facing problems of a psycho-social nature.

Demonstrate the ability to use group work as an intervention strategy.

Record an accurate verbatim of a counselling session with a client.

3.3

Explain the cultures of and issues faced by youth and children in South Africa.

Demonstrate the ability to relate effectively with youth and children in the church and community.

Explain the faith development process in children and youth and demonstrate the ability to assist them in their faith development.

Demonstrate the ability to develop a lesson plan and teach a group using effective, age-appropriate teaching methods.

Demonstrate the ability to select and develop a team of youth leaders.

3.4

Explain the theories and models of development and the implications at global, national and community levels.

Identify the significant institutions within society and explain the insights gain from sociological study of those institutions.

Explain the values, beliefs and behaviours of their own culture and appreciate the same in other cultures.

Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the beliefs and practices of the major world religions.

3.5

Explain the principles of church growth and effective community leadership.

Demonstrate the ability to involve local people in participatory research, monitoring and evaluation of community needs.

Explain the specific development challenges faced by both rural and urban communities.

Demonstrate the ability to prioritise community needs and develop effective response plans.

3.6

Read (i.e., properly pronounce) the Bible in its original languages.

Demonstrate the ability to use Greek and Hebrew lexicons, concordances and dictionaries to assist them in their studies.

Demonstrate the ability to transliterate the Greek and Hebrew texts.

Demonstrate the ability to translate verses from Greek and Hebrew into English.

CHRISTIAN COUNSELLING

1.1

Explain the historical background and milieu in which the Bible developed and was written.

Utilise appropriate exegetical skills in relation to the various genre of biblical texts and interpret the Bible theologically and spiritually (i.e. in terms of formation), with application of its message to their lives.

Explain and contextualise the Bible in relation to the progress of society, world culture and the future of humanity.

Explain the role of the Bible in the development and formulation of the major doctrines of the Christian church.

1.2

Demonstrate a foundational understanding of Christian beliefs and practices.

Explain the major developments in the history of the Christian faith and its influence on world history.

Demonstrate critical thinking skills in relation to identifying the implications of theological truths.

Evaluate the biblical basis for various doctrinal positions.

Articulate orally and/or in writing one`s own beliefs about doctrinal issues.

2.1

Identify psycho-social problems and understand the insights and methods psychology and sociology provide for dealing with them.

Explain how psycho-social insights and methods should be utilised in the various spheres of mental health in South Africa.

Explain how and when to refer people to other agencies more suited to handling problems of a psycho-social nature.

2.2

Counsel people who are facing problems of a psycho-social nature.

Demonstrate the ability to conduct psychometric evaluations.

Demonstrate the ability to use group work as an intervention strategy.

Develop, implement and evaluate psychologically-based training programmes.

Demonstrate the ability to conduct appropriate basic research into psycho-social questions.

3.1

Explain the basic principles of leadership and identify various styles of leadership.

Identify their own leadership style and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of that style.

Demonstrate effective communication skills with small and large groups.

3.2

Read (i.e., properly pronounce) the Bible in its original languages.

Demonstrate the ability to use Greek and Hebrew lexicons, concordances and dictionaries to assist them in their studies.

Demonstrate the ability to transliterate the Greek and Hebrew texts.

Demonstrate the ability to translate verses from Greek and Hebrew into English.

Integrated Assessment

- General assessment

Learner assessment procedures differ based on the type of instruction provided. Modules that emphasise theory will utilise reports, case study responses, research papers, quizzes, class tests and oral or written examinations. Practically orientated modules utilise immediate feedback from faculty during the practical activity, peer review in groups and written and oral assessments.

• Final integrated assessment

Learners are finally assessed in the form of a 5 week practicum (24 credits) for both the Leadership and the Counselling programmes. This module should assess whether or not all that has been learnt is fully integrated and the outcomes have been achieved.

Leadership Fieldwork - This practicum comprises 5 weeks of intense ministry experience in the learner`s area of concentration (i.e., pastoral leadership, intercultural studies or educational ministries) under the direction of a supervisor. Evaluation of the experience is based on the following:

• A journal of the student`s experiences
• A letter of reference from the student`s supervisor
• A reflection paper on theological insights gained through the experience
• A personal interview with the student`s tutor

Assessments will take into account the following factors

• Effort expended in planning, organising, executing the fieldwork
• Depth of insight in the student`s personal reflection
• Personal growth of the student through the fieldwork experience

The practicum should finally assess

• The learner`s knowledge of current and biblical insights into the most important aspects of Christian leadership.
• The learner`s ability to do research in the above areas, so that he/she is able to interpret and address leadership issues in the church, community and national spheres of South Africa.

Psychology Fieldwork - This practicum comprises 60-80 hours of active counselling exposure and experience at a counselling placement under the direction of a supervisor. It includes the following components:

• Initial exploratory interviews with clients
• Treatment plans and review with supervisor
• Session notes and session reports to be handed in at the end of every week
• Final reports to be written and handed in for final assessment, once a counselling assignment is complete
• Attending supervision sessions

Evaluation of the experience is based on the following

• The student`s ability to cope with the responsibilities undertaken
• The student`s understanding of the client`s problems/needs
• Supervisor`s overall impression of the student counsellor`s competence
• Student observations about changes in the client`s behaviour
• Evidence of maturity, growth or development in the way cases were managed

The practicum should finally assess

• The learner`s knowledge of current insights into the most important aspects of counselling and intervention in various settings.
• The learner`s understanding of the methods used in contemporary counselling.
• The learner`s ability to provide counselling for people facing problems of a psycho-social nature.