Higher Certificate in Theology

Purpose

The qualification aims to provide basic theological and pastoral training for church workers who wish to improve their knowledge and skills to better serve their churches and/or communities. Successful learners will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills in Biblical interpretation and communication; show a good understanding of the doctrine and functioning of a church; and reflect on the character of church work within a community. Graduates will be able to apply acquired knowledge and skills in various church ministries or a general church leadership role. As the medium of instruction is in English, two 12 Credit electives in English language are provided for applicants who need to improve their English proficiency. Successful candidates will also have a basis for continuation of studies, if so desired.

Rationale

Churches need better trained pastoral workers for both lay and full-time. There is a strong desire amongst many lay persons for a formal qualification (which can be attained on a full-time or part-time basis) to enable them to better serve as assistants within various church ministries. In addition, there are many full-time Pastors who have little or no theological training; the majority of whom do not meet the entrance requirements for Degree studies. The qualification provides for basic theological and pastoral training and provides a pathway for further Diploma or Degree studies. Pastors and assistants who are better trained and more knowledgeable will have greater confidence and ability which will greatly enhance their service to their church members and the wider communities in which they operate.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

A maximum of 10% of applicants in any year may be admitted through RPL in accordance with the regulations as set out in George Whitefield College (GWC's) Policy 20: Recognition of Prior Learning.

Entry Requirements

• Senior Certificate (SC).

Or

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4.

The qualification consists of compulsory modules totalling 80 Credits and a minimum of 40 Credits must be selected from available electives. The total Credits for the qualification is 120.

Compulsory modules: 80 Credits

• Learning Development, 16 Credits.
• Communication Skills, 8 Credits.
• Old Testament Introduction, 8 Credits.
• New Testament Introduction, 8 Credits.
• Biblical Theology, 8 Credits.
• Old Testament Exegesis, 8 Credits.
• New Testament Exegesis, 8 Credits.
• Church History Survey, 8 Credits.
• Introduction to Christian Thought, 8 Credits.

Electives modules: 40 Credits

• English for Theological Students 1, 12 Credits.
• English for Theological Students 2, 12 Credits.
• Evangelism, 8 Credits.
• Small Group Management, 8 Credits.
• Introduction to Pastoral Ministry, 8 Credits.
• Church Administration, 8 Credits.
• Youth Ministry, 8 Credits.
• Women's Ministry, 8 Credits.
• Religions and Worldviews, 8 Credits.
• Ministry to the Disadvantaged, 8 Credits.
• Children's Ministry 1, 8 Credits.
• Children's Ministry 2, 8 Credits.
• Children's Ministry 3, 8 Credits.
• Children's Ministry 4, 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an ability to manage his/her study programme, to read and research efficiently for academic study, use computer software to create and organise typed documents, and analyse and make sound arguments.
2. Prepare a sermon or a lesson on a passage and communicate it reliably, accurately and coherently.
3. Interpret and teach Biblical passages being sensitive to form, content and context.
4. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the nature of Theology and apply a Christian understanding of the doctrines of the Bible in his/her ministry.
5. Apply the lessons of Church History to his/her proclamation of the Bible and pastoral ministry.
6. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of one or more specialist areas of ministry.
7. Articulate the main ideas of the doctrine of the church and the character of a church community.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Summaries and diagrams showing effective organisation and processing of study information are produced.
• Effective researching, referencing and use of computer software are demonstrated.
• Ability to analyse arguments and to reason coherently is shown.
• Good examination planning and writing strategy is practised.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Hermeneutical principles for the exegesis of various genres of Scripture are applied.
• A methodology for preparing an expository talk is explained and applied.
• At least two competent sermons or talks are presented with attention to introduction, aim and structure, interpretation of passage, application, delivery and presentation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• A schematic diagram of the major stages of revelation in both Old Testament (OT) and New Testament (NT) is produced.
• Biblical Theology, its importance, and relationship to other branches of Christian theology is explained.
• Relevant aspects of the historical, geographical and socio-political backgrounds of the Bible are discussed and their relevance explained.
• Important primary and secondary sources for the study of the Bible are identified.
• The structure, contents and main themes of selected Biblical books are described in broad outline.
• The English text of selected passages are exegeted with reference to meaning, context and significance.
• Application of selected passages to the current context, in particular the African and South Africa context, is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The nature of Christian Theology and its place in the theological curriculum is explained.
• The use of the Bible in applying and erecting theological doctrines is explained.
• Faith and reason, and their respective roles in erecting theological models of truth are compared and contrasted.
• Christian thought is compared and contrasted with non-Christian thought in an apologetic model.
• The relationship between Christian Wisdom and Theology is explored.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• The principles and practices of the study of history in general and church history in particular are described.
• The advances and regressions of the Christian Church in history are explained.
• The significance and impact of key individuals is outlined.
• An awareness of how past events can influence and impact current practice is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• The purpose and value of specialist ministries (pastoral, youth, children's, etc.) is articulated.
• The key components of specialised ministries are determined biblically and outlined.
• Different approaches to specialist ministries are compared, contrasted and evaluated.
• Challenges and difficulties in ministry, particularly in African context, are identified, evaluated, and solutions proposed.
• Ability to minister in one or more specialised fields is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• A basic biblical-theological doctrine of the Church is articulated and applied.
• The significance of the marks and attributes of the Church are explained.
• The purpose and functioning of a church community is explained.
• The responsibilities and requirements of various specialised ministries in the Church are articulated and demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment

Applied competence is determined through

• Informal Formative Assessment, including self-and peer-assessment and diagnostic assessment.
• Formal Formative Assessment, including group and individual presentations, assignments and practical tasks, e.g. presentation of lessons. At least one formal formative assessment is required per 8 Credits of each module.
• Summative assessment: Required for every semester of a module, generally by written examination.
• The presentation of sermons and talks, as well as practical work undertaken through ministry electives provides opportunity for integrated assessment of knowledge and skills acquired through the core modules.