Higher Certificate in Bible and Ministry
Online
The Higher Certificate in Bible and Ministry (HCert Bible and Ministry) is an online qualification designed to provide a theoretical foundation in biblical studies, theology, and Christian ministry for those interested in serving in their local church.
Full-time: Minimum 1 year ׀ Part-time: 6 years | NQF Level 5
The qualification can be completed in one year (full-time). It is designed to be flexible, however, with students able to take as many or as few modules as they are able to until they have earned 120 credits. The qualification has to be completed within 6 years.
The programme is:
- Asynchronous: There are no live lectures, which means that there is no need to block off time to attend lectures. This allows flexibility, provided that the student completes the required number of hours of study specified for each course.
- Text-based: The course materials will predominantly consist of readings of assigned course notes, books, and articles.
- Interactive: A facilitator will communicate with students via the learning management system (LMS). Required class discussions will also be handled via the LMS. Class participation and interaction are built into each course.
Overview
Upon completion of the qualification, a student will be able to:
- Articulate the original meaning of selected biblical texts by applying an academically and ecclesiologically responsible method of interpretation to those passages.
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of some key doctrines with reference to their classical and contextual expression.
- Apply their understanding of a biblical-theological hermeneutic to reading the Bible, doing theology, and engaging in ministry.
- Describe the significance of key events, texts, and figures in the history of the church.
- Articulate biblical principles of ministry as these would be applied within their local context.
- Demonstrate a growing awareness of who they are in relation to God and those to whom they would minister
Who Should Apply?
This qualification will be of interest to Christians who want to further their understanding of the basis of their faith and consider how to serve others in their local contexts. Second, successful completion of this certificate would offer access in South Africa to the Bachelor of Theology degree to those who might otherwise not qualify for entry into a degree-level programme. Upon successful completion of the qualification, the learner will be able to serve within a local church with a growing confidence in their ability to interpret the Bible and apply its teaching within their own life and the life of the congregation. The learner will also be able to situate themselves and their congregation within the church’s history.
Admission Requirements
National Senior Certificate, or the equivalent thereof, with a minimum of 30% in English Language (Per Government Gazette No. 751, 11 July 2008). Admission through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is permitted for a maximum of 10% of the enrolment for any year.
See the RPL policy or Student Handbook for details of RPL rules and application procedures.
*GWC reserves the right to withdraw a module where there is insufficient student enrolment.
Course Structure
The Higher Certificate in Bible and Ministry consists of 3 core modules (36 credits) plus a selection of elective modules totalling a minimum of 84 credits. Biblical Theology must be taken first or among the first courses a student registers for. This is because Biblical Theology is central to GWC's theological education and provides an overview of how the bible fits together. Guidance will be given to prospective students on appropriate elective module choices. GWC reserves the right not to offer electives for which there is insufficient demand.
The modules in the qualification are classified into three categories: Bible and Exegesis (BE), Dogmatics (DS) which includes Church History (CH), and Pastoral Studies (PS) which includes Missiology (MS). The following courses are found in each category: • BE: Biblical Theology, Reading the Old Testament, Reading a New Testament Letter, Reading a Gospel. • DS: Doctrine Survey, Topics in African Theology, Church History Survey, African Church History, African Anglicanism. • PS: Teaching God’s People, Understanding Your Church, Introduction to Preaching, Missions in Africa. The weight of each module is 12 credits. To qualify for the Higher Certificate, a student must complete 10 modules of which at least 2 (24 credits) must be taken from each of the three categories.
