School of Christian Ministry and Leadership

Theology on Reformational foundation

Although, the School for Christian Ministry and Leadership of the Faculty of Theology of the North-West University previously practiced the science of Theology from a Reformational foundation, we acknowledge the diversity of theological and religious views and convictions in South Africa and the rest of the world. We support the vision of the North-West University (To discover new frontiers and opportunities that benefit society, advancing our relevance and impact) and therefore, the faculty’s vision is to be a faculty of theology in Africa that impacts community needs through our expertise in diverse theological traditions and ancient languages and cultures expressed in our teaching and learning, research and innovation, higher degree supervision, and community engagement. 

We believe that the Word of God, the Bible, originated through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and that the Bible is therefore inspired and authoritative. This is the basis on which all paradigms are subjected to constant critical and transformative study, through an inclusive approach. 

In the teaching of our Theological programmes, we recognise and respect a Reformed, Pentecostal and Evangelical view of God. We believe that God reveal Himself through the written Word of God, the living Word and creation. The Bible constitutes the object of scientific study. Our teaching and learning are conducted on the particular and special revelation and through the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. The kingship of God, owing to its primary position and significance in the Bible, is regarded as the orientational foundation on which Theology is practiced.

We further subscribe to the values of the North-West University, which are an attitude of caring and inclusiveness, to embrace diversity, to act in a transparent way, to strive for excellence and ethics in all our endeavour, and to be responsible and accountable in academic freedom and freedom of research. 
 

Application of the foundation

In its teaching and learning practice, the aim of the School for Christian Ministry and Leadership is to serve the church and community, both nationally and internationally, through the enhancement of the Christian faith, the reformation of the church, and the moral renewal of society. Therefore, we present theological training and equipment of high academic standard. According to the policy of the NWU, we commit ourselves to further enhance the university’s move towards technology-driven teaching and learning in contact and distance modalities. We develop curricula and programmes that cater for the diversity of students that form part of the faculty’s identity, that speak to the changing profile of students and their contexts, aimed at their holistic development, and address the needs of current and future stakeholders within the framework of higher education in South Africa that provide students with multiple articulation options in terms of next qualifications and career paths. We engage in the transformation of the curriculum in terms of knowledge, hard skills, and soft skills incorporating the diverse contexts of our student body, develop continued education programmes to further lifelong learning and develop micro-credentials to enable flexible learning, while we pursue collaboration in the teaching and learning with other faculties of Theology nationally and internationally.

The Faculty’s national and international relations and its special links and cooperation agreements with other theological institutions testify to its scientific openness, inclusiveness and critical approach. The School puts a premium on regular national, international and professional assessment and evaluation of the academic standard and relevance of the Theology practiced and embodied in its qualification programmes.

The practice of teaching-learning and research in the Faculty are adaptable and open to criticism and pursue effective and positive changes and developments. This adaptability and receptiveness apply not only to methodological and epistemological aspects but also to the application of scientific methods and technology.

17 April 2024

Programmes

Please click on one of the programmes below for more information on what Minister Training we present.