Higher Certificate in Theology

To equip members of the Church with sufficient relevant knowledge and skills to enable them to

• Teach effectively in Sunday School classes.
• Defend their faith and share it with others.
• Assist and support those who are planning to marry, or suffering from minor marital problems.

Rationale for the qualification

There is a need in the Church for members with a broad knowledge of the Bible and a good understanding of basic Christian principles and teachings, who will be effective in the Sunday school teaching programme and in personal work as evangelists and first line counsellors.

This programme assumes that the learner is reasonably competent in the language of instruction of the provider (English) and that regular church attendance has produced some familiarity with the Bible and basic doctrines.

Recognition of prior learning and articulation possibilities

A learner without a NQF level 4 qualification may be admitted to this programme on the basis of evidence of a minimum of one year active involvement in the educational programme of a congregation of the Church. Credits may be given for relevant studies undertaken at another institution of Higher Education. This qualification leads directly to, and forms the entrance requirement for, the second year of the Diploma in Theology programme.

N/A

1. Fundamental Component

Demonstrate a familiarity with the overall theme and content of the Bible and how each book contributes to this.

Competence is acknowledged when the learner can

• Discuss the purpose and theme of each Old Testament book.
• Outline the sequence of major events presented in the Old Testament.
• Discuss the purpose and theme of each New Testament book.
• Outline the Life of Christ.

2. Core Components

2.1. Demonstrate an ability to understand and defend the major Christian doctrines.

Competence is acknowledged when the learner can

• Discuss and evaluate various arguments for and against the existence of God.
• Discuss and evaluate various arguments for and against the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible.
• Discuss and evaluate various arguments for and against the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• Discuss creationism in contrast to evolution.
• Discuss the influence of selected prominent philosophers on Christian Apologetics.
• Give an account of the origin and growth of the Church in the book of Acts.
• Describe the nature of the church in terms of membership requirements, the characteristics of members, the relationship of the individual to the Church, Christ and God, and the relationship of the Church as a whole to Christ and God.

2.2. Demonstrate a more in-depth knowledge of parts of the New Testament Competence is acknowledged when the learner can:

• Present or discuss the introductions to the General and Prison Epistles.
• Discuss major themes in each of the General and Prison Epistles.
• Interpret difficult or obscure passages in these epistles.
• Apply the teachings of these epistles to the Church and Christianity today.

2.3. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the historical backgrounds of the Bible Competence is acknowledged when the learner can:

• Identify the major historical events from the time of the Exodus to the birth of Christ.
• Discuss the significance of these events in the development of Judaism and the fulfilling of God`s plan for a Messiah.
• Identify the major historical events from the conquest of Palestine by Pompey to the death of Domitian.
• Discuss the influence of the following historical figures on Judaism and the early Church: Gallio, Herod the Great, Herod Antipas, Claudius, Nero, Vespasian, Titus, Domitian.
• Outline the social, political and religious background of the church from its inception to the death of Domitian.
• Name and discuss archaeological discoveries of major significance in understanding the background, supporting the veracity and interpreting the Bible.

2.4. Demonstrate knowledge of the teachings of the major denominations and cults.

Competence is acknowledged when the learner can

• Discuss the origin and background of each major denomination.
• Compare the main tenets of each denomination with the teachings of the Bible.
• Discuss the origin and background of each major cult.
• Compare the main tenets of each cult with the teachings of the Bible.
• Survey the beliefs and practices of occultism.

2.5 Demonstrate an ability to share the Gospel with others.

Competence is acknowledged when the learner can

• Discuss the theology of salvation.
• Use various scripture claims to teach the Gospel.
• Show, using examples from the book of Acts, how the Gospel message is implemented in practice.
• Use various techniques in practical outreach.
• Teach someone the Gospel.

2.6. Demonstrate knowledge of the elementary grammar of New Testament Greek. Competence is acknowledged when the learner can:

• Accurately reproduce various grammatical paradigms illustrating knowledge of the forms of first, second and third declension nouns and of the various tenses, voices and moods of the verb.
• Explain the grammatical force of the various tenses, voices and moods of the Greek verb.
• Discuss the formation and basic uses of the participles.
• Use a Greek-English Lexicon (analytical) and grammar text as aids in translating from Greek to English.
• Translate simple sentences from Greek to English or English to Greek without aids.

2.7. Demonstrate an ability to assist those who have emotional needs.

Competence is acknowledged when the learner can

• Differentiate between Pastoral Counselling and Psychology or Psychiatry.
• Identify scriptures related to various counselling situations or needs.
• Provide scripture-based support and guidance to those planning to marry, or experiencing minor marital problems. This may be demonstrated by participating in role-playing or in supervised counselling situations.

3. Elective Components

Demonstrate knowledge of the contents and applicability of the selected book.

Competence is acknowledged when the learner can

• Discuss the introduction to Acts OR to John.
• Discuss the major themes in Acts OR in John.
• Apply the teachings of Acts OR John to the Church and Christians today.
• Present an outline of the contents of Acts OR John.

4. Additional Credits for Extra-curricular Practical Work

These credits apply to extra-curricular work performed during the semesters in which Public Speaking is not time-tabled for the candidate. When Public Speaking is time-tabled, this work will form part of the grade for that offering. A maximum of 12 credits may be obtained for this. Credits will be offered as follows:

• Full Sermon,0.5 credits.
• Adult Bible study/ Sunday School class taught, 0.5 credits.
• Present Communion, 0.1 credits
• Campaign/ Missionary trip, 0.5 credits/day.
• Lead singing at assembly, 0.1 credits.

Integrated Assessment

Various assessment options are employed, such as: problem-solving assignments, research assignments, class tests, written examinations, role-playing, practical application.

The assessment criteria are that the learner will

• Research specified topics, arrange the findings in a logical manner, defend any conclusion drawn and present the results in the standard format.
• Apply the knowledge gained in the various components in an integrated way in practical and/or role-playing situations.
• Achieve a minimum of 40% for the continuous assessment portion of each component in order to be admitted to the final examination.
• Achieve a minimum of 40% for the final examination and an overall mark of 50% or more in order to receive credit for any component.
• Achieve a minimum of 120 credits for the programme.