Module descriptions for the Certificate in Christian Ministry 2009

Christian Studies

Introduction to Philosophy and Worldviews

This module provides an introduction to worldviews in general with particular

focus on western philosophy and how philosophy has interacted with theology

and shaped our world.

History of Western and African Christianity

This module reviews the origins and growth of Christianity from the early church

through to the 20th century, focusing on the history of theology, the Church and

missions in the West and in Africa. The module will emphasise the dynamic

process of God’s providence sustaining Christian faith in diverse historical

contexts and will bring students to an awareness of how Christianity today has

been shaped by history.

Doctrine Survey

This module is designed to introduce the student to the major topics, vocabulary

and issues of systematic theology through an historical survey of the development

of Christian doctrine. The doctrines of the Christian faith will be clarified as they

apply to the broader spectrum of human life and thought.

Theology of Mission

The biblical and theological foundations of mission are studied from creation to

Israel and then from Christ to the visions of the eschaton. An understanding of the

task of world evangelisation is developed. The influence of key movements and

mission paradigms will be explored, focusing in particular on current debates on

the nature of missions and evangelism.

Biblical Studies

Biblical Text and Context

The nature, purpose and interpretation of the Bible are examined, with special

attention to issues of Scripture and canon. Students are presented with a general

introduction to the geography and cultural history of the biblical world.

Old Testament Foundations

This module is designed to introduce the learner to the scope of the Old

Testament, as a shared testimony, concerning its central character, Yahweh. The

module follows the ordering of the Hebrew Bible and is split over two terms.

Attention is given to historical background, interpretive issues related to literary

genre, and to the theology and integrity of the Old Testament. This module is an

important backdrop for New Testament Foundations.

New Testament Foundations

This module is designed to introduce the learner to the scope of the New

Testament, as the testimony of the early Church, concerning the crucified and

resurrected Jesus. The module follows the canonical order of the New Testament

and is split over two terms. Attention is given to historical background,

interpretive issues related to literary genre, and to the theology and integrity of

the New Testament.

This module provides an overview of the New Testament documents, with special

attention given to their historical and religious background.

Practical Theology

Reconciliation and Peacemaking

The purpose of Reconciliation and Peace Making is to lay the foundation for a

biblical and theological approach to conflict management that will guide the

church and community leader in responding to interpersonal conflict both in the

church and in the community.

Christian Spirituality

This module provides an introduction to Christian Spirituality as it has unfolded

through time and explores different facets of contemporary spiritual life and

practice.

Character of a Christian Leader

A particular emphasis is given to developing spiritual leadership through

understanding the “being” of leadership, the development of character which can

lead to more effective “doing”, and the skills in the practice of being a leader.

Interpersonal and Cross-Cultural Communication

This is a foundational communications course introducing the study of human

communication processes within a variety of contexts. These include

interpersonal, cross-cultural, group and mass communication. Particular attention

will be paid to culture, gender and conflict management.

Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counselling

The nature of practical theology, pastoral care and the relation between theology

and psychology are explored. Models and techniques of the pastoral conversation

are learnt and practiced and a sense of pastoral identity is developed.

Children, Youth and Society

This module studies the current cultures, problems and issues facing children and

youth in society, along with strategies for ministry. Consideration will be given to

a number of issues which young people face in South Africa such as peer

pressure, substance abuse, depression and suicide, sexual abuse, child abuse and

violence.

Christian Worship

This module explores Christian Worship through the scriptures and the different

traditions of the church and examines the theory and practice of worship in

contemporary churches and life.

Discipleship of Youth and Children

Special consideration is given to approaches of discipleship, which lead to

personal growth and development as applied to children and youth. (This includes

raising the student’s own awareness.)

Ministry Practical

A practical extension of the academic programme in the Certificate in Christian

Ministry programme. It is designed to be a multidisciplinary application of what

has been learnt theoretically and measures the practical capabilities of the student

within a field or sphere of learning.

Information Skills

The module focuses on the ability to define an information need, and thereafter

being able to find, evaluate, use, and communicate information. The latter skills

are supported by basic computer literacy in the Microsoft Office Suite, the World