Higher Certificate in Christian Worship

Purpose

This is an entry level with the purpose of capacitating people who currently, or in the future, plan to participate in designing or leading worship in the context of a church or other predominantly Christian organisation. This qualification will develop the theological, spiritual and ministerial knowledge and skills of learners. The qualification is primarily vocational and will benefit lay people involved in the worship ministry, as well as clergy who wish to complete post-ordination studies with a special focus on Christian worship. The qualification can serve as a standard for churches to facilitate the formal recognition or appointment of worship leaders. 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 lay worship leaders to improve the quality of the corporate worship life of Christian communities. This qualification will assist those who are ordained and hold pastoral oversight, particularly if they train or oversee lay worship leaders. This in turn will positively impact the quality of the corporate worship life and work of Christian communities.
• Lay worship leaders often receive minimal or inadequate training, often with the limited scope of supplementing or supporting work of professional clergy. The capacity of the worship leaders within Christian congregations is often a significant factor for the quantity of ministry undertaken by a congregation and the quality of worship services and corporate life. Therefore to train and equip worship leaders to function alongside professional clergy benefits Christian congregations and increases their effectiveness in ministering to the wider community.
• This qualification is aimed at people who are considering or are already participating in the worship ministry of a Christian congregation.
• It is envisaged that most learners will complete this qualification in order to fulfil their involvement in the worship ministry with greater competence. This qualification is offered at NQF Level 5 to allow people with no prior formal theological education to engage a range of subject matter specific to the worship ministry at an introductory level, without having to first complete other theology studies.
• For clergy pursuing post-ordination training who have already graduated with a theology, this qualification will offer a far greater emphasis on the worship ministry, albeit at an introductory level. Education on the worship ministry is usually either by means of short courses offered by worship leaders themselves, or as post-graduate qualifications which are highly academic.
• For many learners this may be the sum total of their theological studies. For learners who wish to pursue further theological education, this qualification will provide access and an introduction to theological disciplines albeit with a ministry focus, and therefore provide articulation opportunities.

Recognition Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners may apply for RPL in order to gain access to this qualification. Learners applying for RPL do so by completing an Integrated Assessment. This Recognition of Prior Learning will be utilised to allow access to this qualification.

Entry Requirements

• National Senior Certificate.
• National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4.
• Recognition of Prior Learning.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 with credits totalling 120 Credits

• 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 worship, 12 Credits.
• Understanding the framework of worship, 12 Credits.
• Spirituality for worship, 12 Credits.
• Leading in worship, 12 Credits.
• Contexts of worship, 12 Credits.
• Technology for worship, 12 Credits.

Total: 120 Credits.

1. Explain biblical and theological knowledge with reference to Christian worship.
2. Elaborate on leading worship, taking into consideration ethical knowledge and values.
3. Facilitate worship in a range of contexts, based on theological knowledge, skills and values.
4. Form and manage a worship team to demonstrate leadership and managerial knowledge and skills for worship.
5. Make use of technological equipment for worship.
6. Apply foundational knowledge and skills of Christian spirituality to personal life as well as to planning and facilitation of worship.
7. Possess knowledge, values and self-awareness as a Christian worship leader.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

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

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The moral characteristics and models for the moral formation of leaders of Christian worship can be outlined and applied.
• Models of Christian ethical decision making can be outlined and applied to case studies germane to leading worship.
• The planning of worship demonstrates sensitivity to the context of participants and does not suppress cultural diversity.
• The planning and facilitation of worship is sensitive to people who are marginalised.
• The relationship between pastoral care and organisational order and discipline within Christian organisations can be outlined.
• The morally responsible use of power and authority can be outlined.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Occasions for worship can be planned which reflect theological consideration and deliberateness.
• Cultural and theological diversity can be analysed, identified and accommodated in worship.
• Both liturgical and non-liturgical worship can be planned and facilitated.
• The elements of worship can be discussed and arranged to meet desired outcomes of a specific context.
• Worship services can be planned and facilitated for contexts such as funerals, weddings, sacraments etc.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• A model for developing vision and mission statements for a worship team can be outlined.
• A model / process for the selection, training, integration and releasing of members of a worship team can be outlined and applied.
• The group dynamics of worship teams can be analysed and strategies for harmony and cohesion can be outlined.
• Theory of personality types and team roles can be explained and applied to case studies germane to a worship group.
• The management of conflict within a worship group or with other ministerial team members can be outlined.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• The components of a multimedia presentation can be identified and their purpose described.
• Foundational knowledge regarding the design and installation of a sound system can be outlined and applied.
• The impact of the arrangement of furnishings within a worship setting can be outlined.
• The aural and visual effects of sound, light, movement etc. can be utilised appropriately to enhance worship events.
• Various types of microphones can be discussed including the proper microphone techniques.
• Basic sound engineering, including the set up and balancing of a sound desk, can be outlined and applied.
• Basic troubleshooting of a sound system can be carried out.
• Design a sound system for vocal and instrumental amplification. Use of audio-visual media. Use of space and furnishings to contribute to worship. Design and use of various worship media, auditory, visual, movement etc.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Classic and contemporary models of Christian spirituality can be described and applied personally.
• The spiritual disciplines of prayer and discernment can be discussed and demonstrated.
• The spiritual formation of a person involved with worship can be discussed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Biblical and moral characteristics of Christian worship leaders can be identified.
• A model of self-care to process the psycho-social stresses of leading and working with others can be outlined.
• The role of mentors and spiritual directors can be defined.
• A strategy for personal growth can be developed.

Integrated Assessment

The assessments consist of both formative and summative assessments.

Formative Assessment

A number of formative tasks are included within the course material for learners to develop and assess their own understanding of the section just completed. These tasks are not submitted for marking.

In the qualification a set of self -assessment questions covering the breadth of the course material are included for the learner to answer. Learners then evaluate their own understanding by comparing their answers to the answers provided at the back of the assignment booklet. Learners may contact their markers if they are uncertain at this point.

The first assignment for all courses serves as a formative assessment in as much as learners who fail to demonstrate sufficient overall competence for the assignment are requested to resubmit failed tasks. Markers provide feedback within the script and on a detailed feedback sheet for every assignment.

Summative Assessment

When a learner passes the first assignment, that result will be recorded as summative

Even though the structural form of all assignments is clearly to assist the learner in forming their knowledge, all assessments after the first assignment are deemed to be summative. Numeric marks are entered on the learner's academic record for every subsequent assessment.

Due to the nature of some qualifications, learners may be required to conduct workshops, or to preach a sermon or lead a worship service, and provide a portfolio of evidence of having done so. Learners may be required to carry out a practice for a set period of time, and then submit their records of having done so.

Examinations are used in a minority of qualification, but are used in order to provide checks on assignment marks in a few selected courses. In the case of examinations also, feedback sheets are provided where learners fall short of competence, so as to enable them to improve their performance subsequently.