Higher Certificate in Christian Leadership and Management

Purpose

This is an entry level qualification with the purpose of capacitating current and future leaders of predominantly Christian organisations to exercise theologically, ethically and administratively sound leadership and management for the direct benefit of their organisations and for the benefit of society in general. The qualification is primarily vocational and will benefit leaders and managers, as well as clergy who wish to complete post-ordination studies with a special focus on leadership and management. The qualification can serve as the prerequisite for churches and Christian organisations to facilitate the formal recognition or appointment of leaders and managers. This qualification can articulate into further theological studies.

Rationale

The qualification addresses the acknowledged need within churches and other Christian organisations for training and equipping of non-ordained leaders to improve the quality of their participation in the leadership and management of their organisations. It also responds to the expressed need for ongoing post-ordination training for clergy. This in turn will qualitatively and quantitatively impact the service of these organisations to their constituencies and their wider communities.

The church throughout history has drawn on the services of both professional and leadership, but in most eras has primarily focused on the academic development of the professional clergy. The development of the laity has taken place on an ad-hoc basis, usually at the level of the local congregation and at the discretion and skill level of the local clergy. The leadership and management capacity of the leaders and managers within Christian organisations is often the controlling factor for the quantity of ministry undertaken by organisations and the quality of that work. Therefore to train clergy to lead and manage more efficiently, and to equip leaders to function alongside professional clergy, will benefit Christian organisations and the greater communities in which they exist.

This qualification is aimed at people who are already leaders or potential leaders within Christian organisations, many of whom will not be in a position to access full-time studies. It is envisaged that most learners will complete this qualification in order to fulfil their leadership and managerial roles with greater competence and effectiveness. This qualification is offered at NQF Level 5 to allow leaders and managers with no prior formal theological education to engage a range of subject matter specific to their leadership and management ministry roles at an introductory level, without having to first complete other theology studies. For clergy pursuing post-ordination training who have possibly graduated with a theology qualification, this qualification will offer a far greater focalisation on this specific area of ministry, albeit at an introductory level. Many post-ordination learners do not have the time or energy to commit to the demands of such studies.

For many learners this may be the sum total of their theological studies. For learners who wish to pursue ordination, this qualification will provide access and an introduction to theological disciplines albeit with a specific ministry focus, and therefore provide a foundation for a cognate Diploma or Degree.

As many of these leaders and managers are volunteers in the church who simultaneously hold secular employment, the development of their leadership and management skills will have a secondary impact on their secular employment as well as their roles in community organisations.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Learners who do not meet the entry requirements may gain admission to this qualification through the recognition of formal and non-formal prior learning (incorporating experiential learning).

Entry Requirements

Admission to this qualification is based on the minimum entry requirement for a Higher Certificate, namely

• National Senior Certificate at NQF Level 4.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4.

The qualification comprises the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5

• A person called by God, 12 Credits.
• Called to share good news, 12 Credits.
• Serving in and through the Church, 12 Credits.
• The world in which we serve, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Christian Leadership, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Christian Management, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Administration, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Financial Leadership and Management, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Team Ministry and Conflict Management, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Transformational Leadership and Project Management, 12 Credits.

1. Apply foundational Christian theological knowledge in a responsible manner pertaining to Christian leadership and management within the scope of leadership and management of Christian organisation(s).
2. Apply foundational ethical knowledge and values pertaining to Christian leadership and management within the scope of leadership and management of Christian organisation(s).
3. Apply foundational leadership knowledge, skills and values within the scope of leadership of Christian organisation(s).
4. Apply foundational management knowledge, skills and values within the scope of leadership and management of Christian organisation(s).
5. Apply administrative knowledge and skills relevant to Christian leadership and management.
6. Possess knowledge, values and self-awareness as a Christian leader and/or manager.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Key biblical themes and the importance of biblical interpretation are outlined.
• Basic exegesis and application of biblical texts are performed, demonstrating sensitivity to social diversity, divergent opinions and differing styles of expressing faith.
• Theological themes central to Christianity are outlined and applied in familiar contexts.
• A theological understanding of Christian leadership and management is outlined showing how it is relevant for today.
• Theological and biblical knowledge is applied within the practice of Christian leadership and management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The moral characteristics and the moral formation for Christian leaders and managers are outlined.
• Models for moral and character formation are outlined and applied.
• Models of Christian ethical decision making are outlined and applied to case studies relevant to leadership and management within Christian organisations.
• The relationship between pastoral care and organisational order and discipline within Christian organisations is outlined.
• The morally responsible use of power and authority is outlined.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Christian principles of leadership and management are explained.
• Leadership models are outlined and applied to appropriate contexts.
• Transformational leadership is outlined and applied to case studies relevant to Christian leadership.
• Models for the development of vision and mission statements and goal oriented leadership are outlined and applied.
• Social analysis of a congregation or small community is completed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• A model of conflict resolution is outlined.
• Knowledge of emotional intelligence is outlined and strengths and growth areas in personal emotional intelligence identified.
• Leadership and management styles are outlined and ones' own preferred style identified.
• A model of project management is explained and applied.
• The ability to critique leadership and management is demonstrated through observation or case studies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Appropriate administrative skills are outlined and applied.
• A system for administering church finances is outlined.
• The administrative skills required for participating in the decision making bodies of churches or Christian organisations are demonstrated (Including reading financial reports and church documents).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Biblical and moral characteristics of Christian leaders and managers are identified.
• Models of ethical decision making to a leadership and management context are outlined and applied.
• A model of self-care to process the psycho-social stresses of leadership and management is outlined.
• The role of mentors and spiritual directors is outlined.
• A strategy for personal growth is outlined.

Integrated Assessment

Regular assessments of holistic skills of learners will be performed. The essence of the assessment approach will be that of formative and summative assessments, which will incorporate written assignments, class tests and examinations. Written assignments are directly linked to theory and will incorporate the theory and skills related to the Exit Level Outcomes.