Diploma in Ministry

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide a qualification in Christian Ministry, based on sound doctrinal, academic and theoretical foundations with experiential learning as integral part of the training. The study of Biblical truths, doctrine and practical experience will enable learners to prepare themselves for a vocation in the ministry. The very high standard of academic achievement is expected of each learner with dedication demonstrated in the experiential learning in a local church or outreach where they will do practical work. Embedded in the qualification is end user computing, office administration, basic financial accounting, as part of the learning process about day-to-day church operations. Educational methodology and facilitation techniques also forms part of the embedded knowledge built into the qualification. This compliments the core training in ministry, the biblical knowledge and doctrinal questions and ethics.

The qualification is designed to

• Prepare qualified learners for initial employment into the ministry within the renewal church groups.
• Have a solid understanding of ministry concepts and be able to work in a Church environment where they can apply the values learnt into ministry.
• Professionalise the Christian church community with specific focus on the renewal church groups.
• Communicate effectively with fellow ministry staff, understand the role of ministry in a pastoral context and be able to address pastoral problems with appropriate pastoral solutions.

Rationale

The increase in demand for ministers to incorporate technologies into the church environment requires knowledge and skills of how to integrate technology and study at an advanced level. New and existing ministry systems need to be modernized to be able to engage with technologies in a suitable way. This is embedded into the curriculum of the Diploma in Ministry.

Learners who qualify are most likely to engage in ministry in congregations, para-church and community organisations. The qualification will enable them to play a leadership role in the church environment and society. The Biblical values developed and established during the training will enable them to play an important role in the upliftment of the community. The qualification aims to equip qualifying learners with the academic knowledge base and practical skills required to perform effectively in a ministerial role as well as to prepare them for further learning.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through RPL. Evidence can be presented 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. Assessment of prior learning will be done in terms of the assessment and moderation principles.

Entry Requirements

• National Senior Certificate granting access to diploma studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate without endorsement.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV).

Or

• Higher Certificate at NQF Level 5.

Or

• Advanced Certificate at NQF Level 6.

The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF levels 5 and 6 totalling 379 Credits.

NQF Level 5 modules (total of 144 credits)

• Computer Literacy Windows 7, 3 Credits.
• Computer Literacy MS Word 2010, 6 Credits.
• Introduction to Old Testament Theology 101, 10 Credits.
• Introduction to New Testament Theology 101, 10 Credits.
• Pastoral Guidance 101, 5 Credits.
• Introduction to Systematic Theology 101, 20 Credits.
• Communication in Ministry 101, 10 Credits.
• Introduction to Research Methodology 101, 5 Credits.
• Introduction to Old Testament Theology 102, 10 Credits.
• Introduction to New Testament Theology 102, 10 Credits.
• Understand Ministry to HIV/Aids individuals and relatives, 5 Credits.
• Internship 1 (Practical Work Integrated Learning), 20 Credits.
• Introduction to Pastoral Ministry, 20 Credits.
• Introduction to Practical Ministry, 10 Credits.

NQF Level 6 modules (total of 235 credits)

• Introduction to Ministry Finance and Management 201, 5 Credits.
• Leadership in Ministry 201, 10 Credits.
• Communication in Ministry 201, 5 Credits.
• Pastoral Ministry 201, 5 Credits.
• Systematic Theology 201, 20 Credits.
• Pastoral Ministry 202, 5 Credits.
• Old Testament Theology 201, 10 Credits.
• New Testament Theology 201, 10 Credits.
• Practical Ministry Principles of Discipleship 201, 5 Credits.
• Practical Ministry Leadership in Ministry 203, 10 Credits.
• Practical Ministry Facilitation Principles 201, 10 Credits.
• Internship 2 (Practical Work Integrated Learning), 30 Credits.
• Pastoral Ministry 301 and 2, 20 Credits.
• Practical Ministry Children's Ministry 301, 20 Credits.
• Old Testament Theology 301 and 2, 20 Credits.
• Practical Ministry 301, 20 Credits.
• Internship 3 (Practical Work Integrated Learning), 30 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability to perform practical ministry tasks and pastoral care.
2. Demonstrate critical thinking in analysing and interpreting theological, doctrinal, ethical, Biblical values and principles.
3. Show an understanding of the discipline of theology, its lenses and sources.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The Bible is taught and ministered in a church environment.
• The leadership role in the church environment is understood.
• The leadership in a faith community is promoted, developed and evaluated.
• The Christian faith is contextually communicated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The different theological theories and concepts are critically identified, analysed, compared and evaluated.
• The practical ministry and pastoral care responsibilities are identified.
• Theological concepts and disciplines are applied.
• Explore faith questions and proclaim Christian faith in context.
• Personal faith in context is identified, evaluated and developed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Questions of faith and human existence are examined.
• Investigation of Christian tradition answering fundamental questions of faith is understood.
• How to read biblical literature in its own and in present-day contexts is learnt and how the Bible has contributed to the shaping our world is understood.

Integrated Assessment

Each module will make use of at least three different assessment instruments. In most cases the summative will be either an oral questioning or a written knowledge questionnaire. The formative assessments will make use of a variety of instruments and tools as describes below.

Formative and summative assessment

Formative assessments will count 40% of the final mark, with the summative assessment counting 60% of the final mark.

The assessment methods that will be used: Observation, Evaluation and Questioning. A variety of assessment instruments and tools are used, instruments are: Knowledge Questionnaires, Oral questions, observations of practical assignments and projects, Assignments, Logbooks, Case Studies, Journals, Personal Interviews, Practical exercises/demonstrations, Portfolios and Questionnaires and tools are memos, mark sheets, Observation sheets, rubrics, and rating scales.