SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Theology and Ministry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
48891  National Certificate: Theology and Ministry 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Christian Theology and Ministry 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
HW SETA - Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  Religious and Ethical Foundations of Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
101997  Occupational Certificate: Religious Associate Professional (Christian Religious Practitioner)  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  156  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of this Qualification is to recognise those who have the required competence to serve as lay and ordained leaders in Christian communities or community organisations and society through enabling them to obtain a nationally registered and recognised Qualification.

A further purpose of this Qualification is to produce life-long theological learners who are equipped to raise and debate current issues in an African context. This purpose seeks to transform persons, churches and society dealing with power issues such as gender, social economic disparity, disability and the environment from a Christian perspective.

People who achieve this Qualification can:
  • Apply Christian sources in context
  • Apply Christian Theology and Ethics personally and in community
  • Practise ministries in the church
  • Practise Christian ministry in the wider community

    In addition, people who have achieved this Qualification can perform in all the exit level outcomes.

    Rationale for the Qualification:

    The majority of candidates for this Qualification are likely to be working in churches and other Christian Ministry ventures. The Qualification will give them the opportunity to integrate knowledge of the Christian faith with essential skills to minister and lead Christian communities, as well as develop the values of such leadership.

    Learners who wish to gain an understanding of the Christian faith and those who wish to develop their own faith will also benefit from this Qualification. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in communication at NQF Level 1.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This Qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning.

    Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including previous local or international Qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

    Assessment of prior learning will be done in terms of the assessment and moderation principles used for the Exit Level Outcomes and the Unit Standards. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The National Certificate Level 2: Theology and Ministry carries a total of 120 credits at NQF level 2.

    The programme leading to this Qualification contains a combination of fundamental, core and elective credits. It comprises 36 credits in the fundamental category, 42 credits in the core category and 42 in the elective categories.

    All core unit standards (42 credits) are compulsory. A total of 42 elective credits must be gained.

    There may be a maximum of 24 elective credits from beyond the sub-field "Religious and Ethical Foundations of Society", of which 12 may be from beyond the field Human and Social Studies. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Describe own faith development personally and in a faith community.
    This Exit Level Outcome may be achieved through competence in a combination of the following Core and Elective Unit Standards:
    Core:
  • Communicate personal faith to individuals and groups
  • Match personal lifestyles with Biblical values
  • Outline the historical, political and social background of the Bible
    Elective:
  • Prepare and preach sermons
  • Prepare for and take part in leading Christian worship

    2. Express key Christian doctrines and history of own faith community.
    This Exit Level Outcome may be achieved through competence in a combination of the following Core and Elective Unit Standards:
    Core:
  • Communicate personal faith to individuals and groups
  • Describe the Christian understanding of salvation and discipleship
  • Describe the purpose, sources and key elements of Christian doctrine
    Elective:
  • Describe the development of your congregation and denomination within the broad development of Christianity in Southern Africa
  • Describe the theology and practice of the Eucharist in a faith community
  • Explain how key Christian doctrines can apply to the life of the Church, the Christian and the world
  • Outline the development of Christianity in Southern Africa
  • Prepare and preach sermons
  • Use an outline of the growth of the Early Church to discover principles which could enhance the life and witness of today's Church

    3. Use the Bible as primary source to communicate Christian teachings and morality.
    This Exit Level Outcome may be achieved through competence in a combination of the following Core and Elective Unit Standards:
    Core:
  • Apply Biblical models of reconciliation to estranged people and groups
  • Apply Biblical texts to a variety of contexts
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the background and contents the Bible
  • Explain how the Bible was written and how that affects its 'authority'
  • Explain the relevance of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ for contemporary living
  • Outline the historical, political and social background of the Bible
    Elective:
  • Explain New Testament letters and apply them to the life of the Church and the world today
  • Prepare and preach sermons
  • Prepare for and take part in leading Christian worship
  • Investigate Biblical prophecy

    4. Apply their faith in a transformative way for communities and individuals.
    This Exit Level Outcome may be achieved through competence in a combination of the following Core and Elective Unit Standards:
    Core:
  • Apply Biblical models of reconciliation to estranged people and groups
  • Apply Biblical texts to a variety of contexts
  • Explain the relevance of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ for contemporary living
    Elective:
  • Describe Christian responses to HIV/AIDS
  • Explain how key Christian doctrines can apply to the life of the Church, the Christian and the world
  • Explain New Testament letters and apply them to the life of the Church and the world today
  • Prepare and preach sermons
  • Show Christian pastoral care in a congregation

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    The 12 critical cross-field outcomes prescribed by SAQA were used in designing the specific outcomes of the qualification.

    A learner who obtains the Certificate (NQF Level 2) in Theology and Ministry can:
    1. Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
    2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community.
    3. Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
    4. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
    5. Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
    6. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health/well-being of others
    7. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem- solving contexts do not exist in isolation
    8. Reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively
    9. Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities
    10. Show cultural and aesthetic awareness across a range of social contexts
    11. Explore education and career opportunities.
    12. Develop entrepreneurial opportunities 

  • ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrative Assessment Criteria:

    A learner will be able to:

    1.
  • A personal account of the learner's own faith is given
  • Faith development is shown by written or oral means
  • Participation in the life of a faith community is evidenced

    2.
  • Key doctrines and histories are outlined
  • These Christian doctrines are clearly articulated

    3.
  • Key Biblical texts are explained simply.
  • Central Biblical principles are articulated
  • An overview of biblical contexts and contents is provided
  • An overview of Christian teachings and morality is presented

    4.
  • Needs within the learner's community are described
  • Possible responses to these needs are proposed and applied.
  • Needs of individuals in the learner's context are described
  • Possible responses to those individual needs are proposed and applied.
  • Christian ethical principles are applied to a limited selection of contexts

    Assessment criteria associated with Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    In the form of tasks in study material, written assignments, portfolio tasks, projects, case studies and examinations, learners will be assessed on their ability to:

    1.
  • Demonstrate the ability to do basic bible interpretation in specific contexts
  • Describe theologies in relation to their respective cultural, economic, social and political contexts.
  • Address church and community problems by using creative contextual approaches to ministry.

    2.
  • Show evidence of playing a moral and constructive role in a faith community and the community at large.
  • Demonstrate evidence of the ability to communicate effectively in a community

    3.
  • Demonstrate appropriate study skills and learning strategies.
  • Organise their own study plans.
  • Think independently.

    4.
  • Use library and other resources effectively to complete tasks.
  • Construct academic writings by integrating information from a variety of sources.
  • Describe theological theories, experiences, examples, etc.

    5.
  • Produce persuasive forms of written, oral and other media communication
  • Express theological insights creatively in their first language and in terms of their culture and worldview

    6.
  • Reveal sensitivity and maturity in responding to ethical challenges
  • Formulate concrete and creative responses to community problems

    7.
  • Show respect for personal, cultural, theological and religious diversity
  • Demonstrate the relatedness between problems of a particular faith community and larger communities

    8.
  • Use a range of source materials (books, television, case studies) to gather information
  • Engage with living communities as well as with academic course material

    9.
  • Show commitment to the well-being of society by developing well-informed ethical stances on community issues
  • Play a responsible and constructive role in a faith community

    10.
  • Demonstrate tolerance of diversity and the opinions of others
  • Demonstrate awareness of the role of cultural differences in biblical interpretation
  • Cooperate with people of other churches, theologies and religions

    11.
  • Compare and evaluate various options for further study
  • Become involved accountably in a Christian community with a view to employment as a church or community worker

    12.
  • Develop the skills of social analysis, interpersonal sensitivity, imaginative intelligence, emotional maturity, and community involvement, which will be a great help in finding or creating employment within or outside church circles. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This Qualification and the component unit standards have been compared with similar Qualifications from the following country:
  • New Zealand

    The Qualification that compares most directly is the New Zealand Qualification Authority's National Certificate in Christian Ministries (Level 2). Although this Qualification requires only 60 credits at Level 2, it has a similar Purpose Statement. The Qualification has a similar scope, although the number of credits required is smaller. As with the Certificate (NQF Level 2) in Theology and Ministry, it also allows credits from Humanities and other Fields to be incorporated.
    Examples of Unit Standards show that the approach is similar, with the difference that the South African Unit Standards are generally more contextual.

    There is also a New Zealand National Certificate in Christian Studies (Level 2), which serves the same broad Purpose, although it requires a minimum of only 40 credits at Level 2. This Qualification has quite similar and corresponding elements as the 'biblical and theological' components of the Certificate (NQF Level 2) Th Min, the latter, of course, also having components in the Christian Ministries and Community Ministries areas. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The National Certificate Level 2: Theology and Ministry gives access to the National Certificate Level 3 in Theology and Ministry (Certificate in Theology and Ministry). 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Providers offering learning towards achievement of any of the unit standards that make up this Qualification must be accredited through the appropriate ETQA by SAQA.
  • Internal moderation of assessment must take place at the point of assessment with external moderation provided by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures.
  • Assessors registered with the relevant ETQA must carry out the assessment of candidates for any of the unit standards that make up this Qualification. 

  • CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Notes for assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments:
  • Focus the initial assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcomes expressed in the titles of the unit standards to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. The aim is to declare the person competent in terms of the Qualification purpose. Where assessment is across titles or at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes. Take special note of the need for integrated assessment.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment as defined below:

    Principles of assessment:
  • Appropriate: The method of assessment is suited to the performance being assessed.
  • Fair: The method of assessment does not present any barriers to achievements, which are not related to the evidence.
  • Manageable: The methods used make for easily arranged, cost-effective assessments that do not unduly interfere with learning.
  • Integrated into work or learning: Evidence collection is integrated into the work or learning process where this is appropriate and feasible.
  • Valid: The assessment focuses on the requirements laid down in the Standard; i.e. the assessment is fit for purpose.
  • Direct: The activities in the assessment mirror the conditions of actual performance as closely as possible
  • Authentic: The assessor is satisfied that the work being assessed is attributable to the person being assessed.
  • Sufficient: The evidence collected establishes that all criteria have been met and that performance to the required Standard can be repeated consistently.
  • Systematic: Planning and recording is sufficiently rigorous to ensure that assessment is fair.
  • Open: Learners can contribute to the planning and accumulation of evidence. Assessment candidates understand the assessment process and the criteria that apply.
  • Consistent: The same assessor would make the same judgement again in similar circumstances. The judgement made is similar to the judgement that would be made by other assessors. 

  • REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    Implied competence and range:

    Critical evidence for assessment purposes imply competence at the following:

    1.
  • A testimony or similar expression of faith
  • Church leader's and peer reports
  • Keep a faith journey record

    2.
  • To individuals and in a group context
  • May include art, music, poetry, songs
  • Use of custom, language, idiom and images

    3.
  • Basic interpretation of biblical passages
  • Both Testaments included, wide range of texts
  • The range of methods used to interpret the Bible should include the following: historical, textual and contextual
  • Communicate all the above in a way that is appropriate to the audience

    4.
  • Social, political, ecological, and economic needs
  • Personal visit, proposal to civic leaders
  • May include age range, abuse, loneliness, chronic and terminal illnesses, disabilities
  • Home-based care, pastoral visits
  • Reporting methods may include oral, written forms, portfolios. 

  • UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  115920  Apply Biblical models of reconciliation to estranged people and groups  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  115923  Apply biblical texts to a variety of contexts  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  115925  Communicate personal faith to individuals and groups  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  115930  Demonstrate familiarity with the overall background and contents of the Bible  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  115942  Describe the purpose, sources and key elements of Christian doctrine  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  115954  Explain how the Bible was written and how that affects its 'authority'  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  115936  Explain the Christian understanding of salvation and discipleship  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  115964  Explain the relevance of the life and teaching of Jesus Christ for contemporary living  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  115972  Match personal lifestyles with Biblical values  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  115974  Outline the historical, political and social background of the Bible  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  8963  Access and use information from texts  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  9009  Apply basic knowledge of statistics and probability to influence the use of data and procedures in order to investigate life related problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  7480  Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  9008  Identify, describe, compare, classify, explore shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional shapes in different contexts  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  8962  Maintain and adapt oral communication  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  8967  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  7469  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and community life  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  9007  Work with a range of patterns and functions and solve problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  8964  Write for a defined context  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  115935  Describe Christian responses to HIV/AIDS  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  115938  Describe the development of your denomination within the broad development of Christianity in Southern Africa  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  115947  Describe the theology and practice of the Eucharist in a faith community  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  115950  Explain how key Christian doctrines can apply to the life of the Church, the Christian and the world  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Elective  115962  Explain New Testament letters and apply them to the life of the Church and the world today  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  115966  Investigate Biblical prophecy  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  115973  Outline the development of Christianity in Southern Africa  Level 2  NQF Level 02  14 
    Elective  115977  Prepare and preach sermons  Level 2  NQF Level 02  15 
    Elective  115978  Prepare for and take part in leading Christian worship  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  115980  Show Christian pastoral care in a congregation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  15 
    Elective  115981  Use an outline of the growth of the Early Church to discover principles which could enrich the life and witness of today's Church  Level 2  NQF Level 02 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 



    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.