Diploma in Practical Ministry

Purpose

The purpose of this Diploma in Practical Ministry is to prepare learners for either full-time ordained ministry in the church or for various non-ordained types of Christian Ministry, for example, chaplaincy, leadership, counselling, community development and community upliftment.

Learners will be educated in historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage, as well as essential foundations of their faith, within a holistic and contextual framework. Furthermore, learners will be sensitised in the mission of the church amidst contemporary social, economic, and political realities, and will work towards being agents of social transformation. Learners who achieve this qualification will be encouraged in their vision to become worthy servants of God and humanity, and to build their community and nation.

Rationale

Within the church there are many ministers who play a vital role in the development and transformation of local communities. These ministers may wish to pursue a professional qualification in ministry but may not meet the minimum requirements for a Degree qualification. Additionally, there may be ministers-in-training for the ordained ministry who lack the qualifications to enter degree programmes, and those already ordained, who have an interest in post-ordination training that is vocationally centred and focussed on practical outcomes. This Diploma is designed to fill these needs.

A qualification in ministry addresses the need for the church to produce opportunities for learners with Christ-like character, knowledge of the Bible and theology, skills in preaching, teaching, counselling, administration, and evangelism. A Diploma: Practical Ministry will give learners the opportunity to integrate faith-based knowledge with the practical and leadership skills needed to lead Christian communities and develop and transform their respective environments and broader society. Some learners will continue after this Diploma to complete a first Degree and further articulate to post-graduate studies.

The Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary (SMMS) is the only officially designated service provider for the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA), comprising South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Mozambique. However the seminary is also suited for private learners, ministers-in-training from other denominations, as well as any persons with a calling to chaplaincy work or any other form of ministry.

It is assumed that learners who enrol for this qualification are able to

• Read and write in English at NQF Level 4.
• Formulate their own viewpoints in writing.
• Organise and process new information and viewpoints that they encounter.
• With guided support, take responsibility for their own intellectual progress and learning.

Recognition of Prior Learning

This Qualification can be achieved in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including previous local or international qualifications. All such evidence shall be judged according to the general principles of assessment.

Access to the Qualification

• Access is open to learners who have a National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in English plus three subjects at 40-49%.
• Accepted candidates for the ministry of partner churches, who have completed an accredited Grade 12 certificate, may also be admitted.

Learners who do not meet the minimum admission requirements may apply for admission through the Recognition of Prior Learning.

The Diploma: Practical Ministry (360 credits) comprises 40 credits at NQF Level 5 and 320 credits at NQF Level 6.

Modules at NQF Level 5

There are two compulsory modules of 4 credits each and four elective modules of 8 credits each

Compulsory Modules (4 credits each)

• Study and writing skills.
• Computer skills.

Elective Modules (8 credits each)

Choose two each from Groups A and B

Group A

• Mission and Contemporary Social Issues.
• Book Study: Generous Orthodoxy.
• Cross-cultural Ministry.
• Youth and Children's Ministry.
• Urban, Rural and Suburban Ministry.

Group B

• Cultural Anthropology and Inter-cultural Communication disciplines.
• Effective Ministry Responses to HIV/AIDS.
• Mission and Politics.
• Ministry Responses to Natural and Social Crises.
• Ministry of Peace-making and Reconciliation.

Modules at Level 6 (totalling 320 credits)

At NQF Level 6, there are 20 compulsory modules and two electives

Compulsory modules

• Spirituality 1, 16 credits.
• Evangelism and church growth 1, 16 credits.
• Justice and Service 1, 16 credits.
• Community Development and Empowerment 1, 16 credits.
• Vocational Skills 1, 16 credits.
• Work integrated learning 1, 16 credits.
• Language 2, 8 credits.
• Spirituality 2, 16 credits.
• Evangelism and Church Growth 2, 16 credits.
• Justice and Service 2, 16 credits.
• Community Development and Empowerment 2, 16 credits.
• Vocational Skills 2, 16 credits.
• Work integrated learning 2, 16 credits.
• Language 3, 8 credits.
• Spirituality 3, 16 credits.
• Evangelism and church growth 3, 16 credits.
• Justice and service 3, 16 credits.
• Community development and empowerment 3, 16 credits.
• Vocational skills 3, 16 credits.
• Work integrated learning 3, 16 credits.

Elective Module/s (8 credits each)

Choose two

• The Emerging Church.
• Women in Ministry and Mission.
• Caring for Creation/Environmental Studies.
• Book Study: Money, Sex and Power.
• Bible, Church and same-sex controversies.

1. Apply basic skills in the interpretation of the Christian Scriptures, especially in the context of Southern Africa.
2. Understand the history of the church and basics of the Christian belief-system and explain its relationship to current circumstances.
3. Minister to cross-cultural congregations/communities.
4. Minister to children, youth, and adults in the Southern African context.
5. Communicate effectively in all modes of inter-personal communication.
6. Apply the skills needed to assist other believers to grow spiritually.
7. Perform basic pastoral functions, including administration, leadership, and counselling.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

This qualification addresses all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Understand and apply basic principles of interpreting Christian texts.
• Interpret passages based on Biblical history.
• Explain the relevance of Biblical books to the African context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Explain the major developments in the history of the Christian faith.
• Explain the history of the expansion of the Christian church historically and currently.
• Evaluate the Biblical basis for various doctrinal positions.
• Understand and explain the social, political and cultural events that have been significant in the historical expansion of Christianity and the implications of these for Southern Africa.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate an understanding of people's biases and how these contribute to discrimination and oppression.

>Range of biases includes but is not limited to: race, ethnicity, culture, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, social and economic status, political ideology and disability.

• Explore and explain own personal values, beliefs and behaviours that may limit ability to practise effective social work with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrate tolerance, empathy, and respect for people of other cultures.
• Apply strategies to advocate for social, political, legal and economic justice for oppressed communities and individuals.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Analyse the socio-economic and political context of the community in the light of Christian reflection.
• Understand and apply principles, methodologies and practical programmes that promote well-being of individuals and communities.
• Apply the principles of empowerment through Christian faith.
• Plan and lead children and youth programmes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Present and communicate relevant information reliably and coherently.
• Speak, write, listen and read clearly in all communication with individuals and communities.
• Use a variety of teaching methods appropriate to the context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Understand and apply the methodologies of growth and change in spiritual development.
• Explore and explain God's movement in the life of the individual.
• Establish helpful habits using spiritual disciplines.
• Understand and apply the discipline of spiritual direction and the balance it can bring to individuals and communities.
• Develop a philosophy of ministry which includes training others.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Explain and apply principles of planning, leading, organising, and controlling.
• Apply principles of effective time management.
• Apply principles of financial management.
• Apply principles of conflict management.
• Counsel in an appropriate and ethical manner.

Integrated Assessment

All assessment is integrated. Learners are assessed on their knowledge of the basic content and theory as well as their ability to apply each to relevant contexts. Assessment takes the form of tasks in study material, written assignments, projects, case studies, group projects, fieldwork, and examinations.

In addition to course work, learners are required to participate in Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is an integral practical part of the Diploma Course. The practical training may include the following:

• Placement in church based programmes, projects, or initiatives.
• Rotations in hospital/prison/hospice/school/community projects (e.g. HIV/AIDS projects, Poverty eradication projects, Community development projects).
• Other opportunities within NGO's/NPO's/other agencies.