This program provides basic theological and pastoral training for first-level church workers in various ministries, pastoral skills for community workers, and biblical and general grounding for further higher education studies.

Graduates of the program should be able to explain the basic teachings of Christianity and the overall meaning of the Bible, and give talks based on Old and New Testament passages and on simple biblical themes. They should have an understanding of how healthy churches function, and skills in teaching, counselling and small group leadership.

To obtain the certificate the students must attain 128 credit points from the following selection of compulsory (fundamental and core) and elective subjects.

Compulsory

• Learning skills (8)
• Computer and information skills (8)
• Communication 1 (8)
• Evangelism (4)
• Christian Doctrine 1 (16)
• Christian Ethics 1 (8)
• Church History 1 (8)
• Old Testament Introduction (8)
• Old Testament Interpretation 1A (8)
• New Testament Introduction (8)
• New Testament Interpretation (8)
• Biblical Theology (8)
• Religions and World Views (12)

Electives - One of the following:

• Pastoral ministry 1 (16)
• Children’s ministry 1 (16)
• Women’s ministry 1 (16)
• Youth Ministry 1 (16)
• Mission 1 (16)

Additional electives - One or two language modules may be chosen, but not Greek and Hebrew together.

• New Testament Greek 1A (12)
• New Testament Greek 1B (12)
• Biblical Hebrew 1A (12)
• Biblical Hebrew 1B (12)
• English 1A (12)
• English 1B (12)

Two tracks are currently available:

First Year

• Biblical Theology (8 credits)
• Church History 1 (8)
• Computer & Information Skills (8)
• Introduction to Christian Doctrine (16)
• Introduction to the New Testament (8)
• Introduction to Christian Ethics (8)
• Introduction to the Old Testament (8)
• Learning Development (8)
• Mission 1 (12)
• New Testament Exegesis 1 (16)
• New Testament Greek 1A (16)
• New Testament Greek 1B (16)
• Old Testament Exegesis 1 (16)
• Pastoral Ministry 1 (8)
• Public Speaking/Communication (8)

• Biblical Hebrew 1A (16)                     
• Biblical Hebrew 1B (16)
• Christian Doctrine 2A (8)
• Christian Doctrine 2B (16)
• Mission 2 (8)
• Church History 2 (16)
• Homiletics Theory (8)
• Interpretation of Acts (16 credits)
• New Testament Exegesis 2 (16)
• New Testament Greek 2 (16)
• Old Testament 2 (16)
• Pastoral Ministry 2 (16)

• Christian Doctrine 3A (16)
• Christian Doctrine 3B (8 credits)
• Church History 3 (16)
• Church Planting & Development (8)
• Jesus and the Gospels (16)
• Major Prophets (16)
• NT Exegesis 3 (16)
• Old Testament Exegesis 3 (16)
• Pastoral Ministry 3 (16)
• Philosophy (8)

• Biblical Theology (8 credits)
• Children’s Ministry 1 (8)
• Church History 1 (8)
• Computer & Information Skills (8)
• Introduction to Christian Doctrine (16)
• Introduction to Christian Ethics (8)
• Introduction to the New Testament (8)
• Introduction to the Old Testament (8)
• Learning Development (8)
• Mission 1 (12)
• New Testament Exegesis 1 (16)
• New Testament Greek 1A (16)
• Old Testament Exegesis 1 (16)
• Pastoral Ministry 1 (8)
• Public Speaking/Communication (8)

• Understanding Acts (16 credits)
• Biblical Hebrew 1A (16)
• Children’s Ministry 2A (16)
• Children’s Ministry 2B (8)
• Christian Doctrine 2A (8)
• Christian Doctrine 2B (16)
• Church History 2 (16)
• Homiletics Theory (8)
• New Testament Exegesis 2 (16)
• Old Testament 2 (16)
• Pastoral Ministry 2 (8)

• Children’s Ministry 3A (16 credits)
• Children’s Ministry 3B (8)
• Children’s Ministry 3C (8)
• Christian Doctrine 3A (16)
• Christian Doctrine 3B (8)
• Jesus and the Gospels (16)
• Major Prophets (16)
• New Testament Exegesis 3 (16)
• Old Testament Exegesis 3 (16)
• Philosophy (8)

This programme comprises 4 structured courses and a mini-dissertation. Not all courses are available every year. The subject of the dissertation is dependent on the availability of a suitable research supervisor. The courses are selected from:  

• Christian Doctrine
• Christian Ethics
• Christian Mission
• Church History
• Homiletics
• New Testament
• Old Testament
• Pastoral Studies

• Christian Doctrine
• Christian Ethics
• Christian Mission
• Church History
• Homiletics
• New Testament
• Old Testament
• Pastoral Studies

This option comprises specialised reading of 32 credits and a dissertation of 96 credits. This option is only available under certain conditions. The college will try to help the student select an appropriate topic; however this is subject to the availability of a supervisor.

SUBJECTS

• understand basic Hebrew Grammar
• parse basic Hebrew words with the aid of a lexicon
• recognise fifty Hebrew words
• grasp basic sentence structure

• translate simple Bible texts by utilising a lexicon.
• have some competence in utilising a technical commentary
• show some proficiency with Hebrew computer tools

• translate simple Bible texts on your own
• translate more complex texts with lexical aid.
• integrate the translation work with exegesis and theology.
• show rudimentary ability to work with the apparatus of the BHS. 

• define Biblical Theology and explain its importance and use, as well as its relationship to the other branches of theology.
• identify the major themes of the Old Testament and explain how they are progressively developed through the canon.
• produce a schematic diagram of the main stages of Old Testament revelation as “revelation of the Kingdom of God”.
• explain how the key theological themes within the Old Testament find their fulfilment in the Person and Work of Jesus Christ.
• use the method of Biblical Theology to show the significance of key Old Testament texts to the Christian reader.

• How does God view children?
• How do children become children of God?
• What methods are appropriate / inappropriate in leading children to God?
• How do children grow in faith?
• What conditions optimize or retard spiritual growth in children?

• explain how the function of the brain impacts on learning
• apply the principles of brain-based teaching in lesson design and presentation
• use cooperative learning as an effective teaching and learning method.
• create a responsive learning environment
• use empowering language and behaviour while developing relationships.
• provide opportunities for imagery, fantasy, visualisation and creativity.
• include complex and challenging learning activities and movement in lesson design

• discuss the values and difficulties of taking children camping.
• compile a comprehensive camping manual.
• plan a camp.

• explain and demonstrate practically the different concepts of drama
• communicate ideas with concepts by means of drama
• work purposefully and confidently with children in a drama group
• select and shape material for dramatic performance and other drama activities.

• nominate and appreciate the value of a range of creative communication strategies.
• demonstrate developing skills in creative communication.
• facilitate interesting, enjoyable and memorable learning experiences for children

• describe methods of building confidence in children.
• recognize children’s special strengths and weaknesses.
• employ strategies for cooperative learning.
• describe ways you would manage conflict in a classroom.
• prepare a lesson.

• prepare and teach a Sunday school lesson from the Bible, appropriate for different ages.
• recruit and train a Sunday School Team and run an effective Sunday School
• set up a curriculum for a Sunday School

• state the distinctives of children’s evangelism and articulate what children need to understand about the Gospel.
• outline the Theological basis of children’s Evangelism.
• guide a child’s response to God.
• explore the Bible with children and follow up with a child.

• give a theologically justified explanation of the place and importance of music as a part of Christians (including children) meeting together.
• lead a group of children singing spiritual songs with confidence and skill.
• have taken at least your first steps in learning to use a guitar in order to assist with leading children’s music.

• describe the major movements and developments within Christian children’s work
• discuss and critically evaluate the major trends within secular education and their impact on the Church
• implement ideas for more effective children’s work

• describe your own socio-cultural background and identify points at which it may negatively influence your work with children.
• describe different socio-cultural norms and their effect on children’s behaviour.
• evaluate the “rights of children” and compare them with biblical standards
• minister to children cross-culturally.

• understand the development of the child regarding their physical, cognitive, emotional, social and moral development in order to communicate with the child most effectively and draw out his potential most effectively.
• understand the milieu of the child as well as the systems with which the child interacts.
• understand the skills required to equip the child to interact optimally in his environment.
• counsel children appropriately at a basic level.
• acquire skills that result in personal growth in order to be more effective in Children’s ministry.

• describe the various structures of non-profit organisations and a close-corporation.
• do effective planning within an organisation.
• know and follow the steps of basic accounting.
• draw up a budget for an organisation.
• implement effective office systems.

• use music, scripture and prayer in a worship experience within the church.
• involve adults and parents in the congregation, to help with the children’s Worship programme.
• know why children should be excluded/included in worship.
• understand the family focus and church connection in fostering faith amongst children.

• give a religious lesson to a school class.
• keep control in the class.
• identify the important issues for an outsider coming to minister in a government or private school.
• identify opportunities for fruitful Christian ministry in government and private schools.
• describe how he would approach a school in order to initiate some form of ministry to children.

• make an informed choice about a children’s programme appropriate to your church’s overall strategy.
• state the principles and objectives of clubs, outings and children’s missions..
• involve parents and families in various children’s ministries.
• identify, recruit and train teams to help in children’s ministry.
• design programmes for clubs, outings and children’s missions.
• plan, lead, organise and control these various ministries.

• state in you own words answers to commonly asked questions about the nature of Christian Faith.
• point to the scriptural passages relevant to the answering of those questions and explain the meaning of the passages.
• give other reasons for why you believe these things to be true.

• describe what systematic theology is and its place in the theological curriculum.
• state why God needs to reveal himself to us, and the various terms, concepts and distinctions connected with the doctrine of revelation.
• know and understand what the Bible teaches about its origin, inspiration, authority and nature, including Jesus' view of the OT and provision for the NT.
• say why evangelicals claim the Bible is true and trustworthy, and what they mean by inerrancy and its significance for the church.
• locate, exegete and explain to an interlocutor the main biblical passages teaching the divine authorship and trustworthiness of Scripture.
• refute, at a basic level, the main attacks launched against the Bible.

• describe the Bible’s teaching (doctrina) on God, creation and providence.
• participate in the church-historical conversation on topics such as the knowledge, existence, nature, and attributes of God, the proofs for his existence, and the doctrine of the Trinity, as well as creation, Scripture and science, providence and divine governance, miracles, angels, Satan and demons.
• think through and faithfully articulate the Bible’s teaching on these topics, argue their theological merits and present each case in a systematic and coherent manner.

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Doctrine of Humanity

• expound the biblical doctrine of man, as created and fallen.
• assess the various views of the image of God.
• articulate your understanding of the effects of the fall.
• apply, in preaching and pastorally, the significance of these truths.

• explain the Bible’s teaching on the Person of Jesus Christ and be able to present the related doctrines clearly on the basis of the New Testament.
• articulate and defend the Biblical doctrine of the Incarnation (the nature of Christ).
• articulate the theological differences underlying the disputes concerning these doctrines in the history of Christian thought.

• show how the Old Testament really does foreshadow Christ
• explain the New Testament’s teaching about the work of Christ, especially its understanding of the atonement
• explain how the teaching was received by Christians down the ages
• give a biblically-based evaluation of modern ideas about the atonement

• describe the complex of theological issues related to applied soteriology, and demonstrate adequate knowledge of its different components.
• explain the intensely practical and devotional nature of the subject matter, and apply the theological truths to the Christian life.

• discuss the biblical conception of the church.
• elaborate what it means for the church to be a family and a body.
• state the church’s mission.
• define the qualifications and role of church leadership as well as the role of women in the church.
• describe the shepherding work of the pastor.
• defend the need for church discipline and outline the process of church discipline.
• explain what eschatology is.
• articulate and defend the thesis that Christ is the centre of eschatology.
• define the relation of eschatology to history and be able to discuss the progress of the gospel, the strengths and weaknesses of the various millennial views and the return of Christ.
• outline what the Bible teaches concerning death, the intermediate state, the resurrection and new creation.
• defend the biblical doctrine of judgment.

• describe the history of the Early Church
• relate the development of the Christian life, thought and organization during the first five centuries of the Christian Era.
• show competence in identifying and handling primary sources of Early Church history.
• show and apply the contemporary significance of the study of the Early Church.

• use electronic media and methodology in your research.

• articulate the contours and development of theology and the Christian church in this period
• engage in rudimentary historiography particularly in regard to the way in which history is reported and transmitted;
• understand the integration between theology, philosophy and science as an outgrowth of worldview e.g.  Occams Razor as an Aristotelian device
• apply the historical knowledge to issues of practical concern today

• describe the context and events of the Reformation.
• explain the dynamics of the Reformation era, its effects on Europe and the wider world.
• apply the lessons of the Reformation to today’s church and society.

• grasp the progress of Christianity in Africa, with particular reference to South Africa.
• master the interaction of Christianity with socio-political developments in South Africa.

• explain in basic terms the history of the church in all major sections of the world from the Post-Reformation period to the present, in order to appreciate God’s sovereign hand in human history.
• demonstrate familiarity with the major philosophical and theological thinkers prominent in this period, as well as their key ideas and subsequent influence.
• explain the development of Christian thought and the formulation of doctrine during this period in relation to the Reformation and the origins of Christianity.
• describe how the events of the last four centuries have contributed to the present shape of the church, and be enabled to apply church history to the contemporary situation.

• articulate key issues that concern church planting
• organise the collection of data and present an analysis
• understand the dynamics and demands of a new church
• explain the value of entrepreneurial thinking
• articulate the dynamics of teamwork & project management
• formulate a business plan
• understand the dynamics of fundraising & know how to make a grant application

• have a basic understanding of computer hardware, software and peripherals.
• utilise various programmes efficiently.

• show a basic knowledge of biblical ethics
• know and understand the meaning of each of the ten commandments in their original context and in the light of the NT, the basic moral principles informing them, their scope and how they relate to the modern world.
• articulate how Paul dealt with ethical issues in 1 Corinthians knowledgeably and biblically discuss several contemporary moral issues, one in depth

Ethics 2

This course introduces the idea of natural ethics and some non-Christian systems of ethical thinking which still influence people today. It then compares the ethical teaching of Jesus.

At the end of the course you should be able to:

• Discourse on the general quest for a “natural” or “rational” basis for ethics.
• Identify and describe some of the influential ethical systems of the past 2500 year and point out their strengths and weaknesses.
• Describe Jesus’ ethical stance in relation to his preaching of the kingdom of God, and in relation to the aspirations of natural ethics.
• Mount a convincing defence of the ethics of Jesus.

Ethics 3

In the lectures the course focuses on method – how we do evangelical ethics. In the presentation component the student researches a complex contemporary ethical issue and presents his/her findings to the class. At the end of the course you should be able to:

• Describe how the gospel relates to ethics and state how this is worked out by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians.
• Define the normative, situational and existential ethical perspectives.
• Outline a method of doing evangelical ethics.
• Apply this method to contemporary ethical issues.
• Evaluate and critique ethical discourse.

• describe the basic principles of preaching.
• recognise congregational needs.
• display basic hermeneutical skills.
• prepare and deliver a sermon.

• design a realistic study timetable for yourself.
• read and take notes from books and journal articles.
• present usable lecture notes from college lectures.
• find and extract information from books and other resources in the library.
• analyse the contents and themes of books.
• write a clearly developed essay, avoiding logical errors.
• correctly use the Harvard Reference System.

Mission 2

There are three modules to this course: The Cultural Context of Mission, Evangelism and Study of a Major World Religion (see under Religions and Worldviews.)

• describe your own culture and inherent ethnocentrism
• recognise how societies are structured, how they function and how social institutions are inter-dependant on each other.
• acquire some skills and attitudes to live in another culture.
• overcome cultural biases and understand and appreciate diversities of behaviour and thought.

     Evangelism

This course looks at fundamental issues in evangelism and culminates in a practical presentation of the gospel.

At the end of the course you should be able to:

• describe briefly what the gospel is.
• discuss the question of how God’s sovereignty and human responsibility work together in evangelism.
• state the necessity and incentive for evangelism.
• learn a method for presenting the gospel to unbelievers.
• go out in pairs to present the gospel to people in the local area.

• explain the concept ‘worldview’, and be able to discern one’s own from that of others, and in particular to know what it is that comprises a ‘Christian Worldview’.
• describe critically the progression of worldviews following the wake of the Enlightenment, and to become familiar with their basic tenets.
• explain how the Christian faith can hold its own in the world of ideas and satisfactorily deal with the intellectual problems that confront it.
• analyse the ‘worlds’ which surround us, and use the necessary tools to speak the Gospel effectively into these worlds. 

Introduction to World Religions

• state and defend a biblical understanding of the origin of religion  as opposed to a liberal understanding thereof.
• describe briefly the origins and history of the religions covered in this course.
• show a basic understanding of the ideas & practices and worldviews of the religions covered in this course.
• begin to critically analyse these religions in the light of the claims of Christianity. 
• begin to formulate ideas to equip yourself to evangelise people of other faiths.

• describe the origins and history of the religions covered.
• show a basic understanding of the ideas & practices and world views of the religions covered.
• critically analyse the religions covered in the light of the claims of Christianity. 
• formulate ideas to equip yourself to evangelise people of the faith covered.

• demonstrate a general familiarity with the historical, geographical and cultural background of the New Testament.
• demonstrate a more detailed knowledge of New Testament literature, including the setting, theme, purpose and content of the individual parts.
• demonstrate a growing familiarity with the theology of the principal New Testament writers, and with its relevance for life and ministry today.

• give an overview of the structure and content of the Gospel of Mark.
• explain the content and meaning of selected verses from Mark.
• discuss and explain key Markan themes using the text as a basis for discussion.
• think through and explain the significance of selected Markan texts to contemporary Christian thought and conduct.

• apply an appropriate method of exegesis to a given passage of Ephesians.
• state the teaching of the passage.
• identify the theological and ethical teaching of the passage and describe its importance.

• give an outline of the history of the apostolic period (AD30-100) and say where each book studied fits into the New Testament history.
• identify the main theological value of each book and give this its place in the spectrum of New Testament theology.
• identify areas of controversy relating to the background and theology of the various books and give a biblical defence of the integrity and authenticity of the NT literature.
• say which NT books you would use to teach on various theological issues.
• preach acceptably from the Epistles.

Understanding Acts

This course focuses on the exegesis of the text of the Acts of the Apostles with a view to understanding both its contribution to the history of early Christianity and its particular theology. We also seek to grasp the relevance of Acts for today’s church.

At the end of the course you should be able to:

• Take any passage of Acts and discuss its meaning, its place in the broad scheme of Acts, its historical and theological value, and its significance for a contemporary understanding of Christianity.
• Present a reasoned case for Acts’ place in the canon of Holy Scripture, with reference to authorship and date.
• Present a reasoned case for using Acts as a historical source for the beginnings of Christianity.
• Identify the theological contribution of Acts.
• Construct a talk or sermon or magazine article from Acts.

• articulate the main themes and characteristics of the 4^th Gospel
• understand the relationship of John’s material to the Old Testament
• understand the message of the book as a whole, and how this relates to any given pericope
• provide exegesis of selected passages
• provide homiletic outlines of selected passages

• locate and use the relevant socio-economic, cultural and historical background information in your exegesis of 1 Corinthians.
• demonstrate a basic knowledge of Greco-Roman rhetoric and be able to apply this in your exegesis of 1 Corinthians 1-2.
• delineate the argument of 1 Corinthians 1-4.
• exegete 1 Corinthians 5-7 from the English Bible utilizing the relevant cultural and historical knowledge.
• discuss Paul’s teaching on singleness, marriage and divorce.
• outline Paul’s argument in 1 Corinthians 12-14 and give a brief account of prophecy and tongues.
• relate and apply 1 Corinthians to typical church situations in South Africa (or your home country).

Preaching the Epistles

This course gives you the opportunity to learn to preach or give Bible talks from the Epistles by presenting sermons/talks to the class and receiving constructive feedback. Feedback will encompass all aspects of the talk, including exegesis, structure, engaging the audience, delivery and application. Selected readings will focus on the practical side of preaching.

At the end of this course you should be able to preach a sermon from an Epistle which is faithful to the text, interesting and well applied.

• identify the different perspectives of the 4 evangelists
• distinguish between fact and supposition regarding the life of Jesus.
• relate Gospel episodes to their life-context in the ministry of Jesus.
• relate as much of the gospel tradition as is possible to a coherent account of Jesus’ ministry.
• mount a defence of the historical faithfulness of the Gospel portraits, as well as point out the areas of problem in the Gospel accounts.

• describe in broad outline the structure and contents of the Epistle to the Romans.
• exegete and interpret selected texts from Romans, using available tools (lexicons, grammars, dictionaries and commentaries).
• describe and briefly discuss the critical issues within current Pauline scholarship with special reference to the interpretation of Romans.
• discuss key theological and ethical themes from Romans.
• reflect on the implications of the letter for Christian life and ministry today.

• demonstrate familiarity with and sound judgement on the principal critical and contextual issues affecting the interpretation of the Pastorals.
• demonstrate detailed familiarity with the structure and content of the Pastorals, and a competent understanding of the principal themes of the letters.
• provide considered opinion on the meaning and theological significance of core texts.
• interact meaningfully on the implications of the Pastorals for Christian life and ministry today.

Preaching the Gospels

This course aims to develop skills in preparing sermons from the gospels and preaching them effectively.

At the end of this course you will:

• Have prepared and delivered a full sermon from the gospels and should be able to do so again.
• Be sensitive to the gospel genre and be able to prepare appropriate sermons from it.
• Be sensitive to the different dinds of material in the gospels – history, story, parable, saying, apocalyptic – and know how to preach them.
• Have made measurable progress in your own ability as a communicator

• provide English equivalents for the NT Vocabulary in Wenham chapters 1-15
• recall and apply the tables (paradigms) of Wenham chapters 1-15
• identify the significance of mood, tense, case, gender, etc for translation
• recognise and provide idiomatic translation of Greek syntactical constructions
• make effective use of tools for research (concordances, lexicons, grammars, dictionaries, etc)

• provide English equivalents for the NT Vocabulary in Wenham.
• recall and apply the tables (paradigms) of Wenham.
• identify the significance of mood, tense, case, gender, etc for translation
• recognise and provide idiomatic translation of Greek syntactical constructions
• make effective use of tools for research (concordances, lexicons, grammars, dictionaries, etc)
• read selected parts of 1 John in Greek

• translate selected passages from John’s gospel with minimal use of a lexicon
• discuss various aspects of Greek grammar in the context of that translation
• draw exegetical conclusions on the basis of the translation, grammar and syntax of the text.

• describe in broad outline the structure of the Old Testament Canon.
• name and briefly describe the literary genre and forms found within the OT.
• describe some key OT themes and concepts.
• outline the overall history covered in the OT period and the historical setting of its individual books.

• demonstrate a general familiarity with the post-exilic period as a whole, and with the historical and cultural background of the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.
• describe in broad outline the structure, contents and purpose of the aforementioned books.
• exegete the English texts of Haggai and Malachi showing the meaning of each within its own context as well as in the light of the New Testament and the redemptive-historical framework of the Bible.

• describe in broad outline the structure and contents of the book of Deuteronomy, as well as its major themes.
• explain the purpose of Deuteronomy within its Hebraic Canonical context, and more significantly, its purpose as Christian Scripture.
• exegete the English text of Deuteronomy showing the meaning of the text in its own context as well as in the light of the New Testament.

• recognise the different literary genres in the book of Psalms.
• identify the literary devices employed in the Psalms.
• define Hebrew parallelism and recognise the main types of parallelism in Psalms.
• read the Psalms Christianly.
• use the various Psalm genres pastorally.
• demonstrate a basic understanding of the imprecatory Psalms.

• describe in some detail the structure and content of the Torah.
• show how certain major themes are developed and explored through the narrative form of the text.
• exegete key texts from the Torah.
• interpret texts from the Torah within their historical, literary and theological context
• describe and briefly evaluate the major interpretive methods employed with relation to the Torah in modern Old Testament scholarship. 

• describe in some detail the structure and content of the Former Prophets.
• show how certain major themes are developed and explored through the narrative form of the text.
• exegete key texts within the Former Prophets
• interpret texts from the Former Prophets within their historical, literary and theological context
• describe and briefly evaluate the major interpretive methods employed with relation to the Former Prophets in modern Old Testament scholarship

• describe and discuss the main features of Old Testament Wisdom and Apocalyptic as literary genres.
• define wisdom and briefly describe the origin and development of Hebrew wisdom and Apocalyptic.
• identify the major theological themes of Old Testament wisdom and discuss the relationship of wisdom to creation and covenant themes.
• exegete key texts within the Old Testament Wisdom literature
• exegete key texts within Old Testament Apocalyptic

• define Expository Preaching and explain its relationship to the other methods of preaching.
• prepare and preach expository sermons from Old Testament narrative, poetic, prophetic and wisdom texts.
• prepare and preach an evangelistic and a topical sermon from the Old Testament by applying the principles involved in expository preaching

• describe and discuss the main features of Old Testament prophecy as a literary genre.
• describe in some detail the structure and content of the Book of Isaiah.
• identify the major theological themes of Isaiah and show how these major themes are developed and explored progressively through the book.
• exegete key texts within the Book of Isaiah
• describe and critically assess the most significant recent attempts to explain the structure and theology of the Book of Isaiah.

This course consists of two taught modules, Church Life and Small Groups and an actual supervised and assessed ministry placement.

• describe in schematic form the essential components of church life, as well as give real examples of these functions.
• describe the activities of your church and identify areas of need.
• make helpful suggestions as to strategies for stimulating growth in areas of need.

• demonstrate a practical understanding of small group dynamics by being a constructive participant in at least five small group meetings of your peers.
• lead a small group.
• prepare and lead an inductive Bible study for a small group

• describe the nature of the pastoral ministry and what it entails.
• do pastoral visitation.
• lead baptismal counselling and conduct a baptismal service.
• lead pre-marital counselling and conduct a wedding service.
• counsel the bereaved and conduct a funeral service.

• discuss and analyse some of the immense difficulties from a biblical perspective.
• describe what God has done in the past in Africa, and apply that to the practical problems of Africa today.
• describe what God expects from his church.

• counsel people appropriately at a basic level.
• acquire skills that result in personal growth in order to be more effective in counselling in ministry.

• articulate the main contours of Western philosophy and show ability to recognise the ideas of key philosophers.
• articulate something of what philosophy actually entails and its practical helpfulness to the Christian preacher especially in pastoralia
• employ philosophical questioning in regard to various theories e.g. the theory of evolution
• demonstrate some understanding of the use of philosophy within theology e.g. in the creeds,  in the doctrine of the Trinity etc.

• read and speak clearly, intelligibly and commandingly in public.
• give a short talk with and without notes
• deliver your own testimony effectively
• prepare and deliver an evangelistic talk
• explain a Bible passage publicly
• prepare simple expository sermons