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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Christian Leadership and Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93927  Higher Certificate in Christian Leadership and Management 
ORIGINATOR
Theological Education by Extension College of Southern Africa 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher 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  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This is an entry level qualification with the purpose of capacitating current and future leaders of predominantly Christian organisations to exercise theologically, ethically and administratively sound leadership and management for the direct benefit of their organisations and for the benefit of society in general. The qualification is primarily vocational and will benefit leaders and managers, as well as clergy who wish to complete post-ordination studies with a special focus on leadership and management. The qualification can serve as the prerequisite for churches and Christian organisations to facilitate the formal recognition or appointment of leaders and managers. This qualification can articulate into further theological studies.

Rationale:
The qualification addresses the acknowledged need within churches and other Christian organisations for training and equipping of non-ordained leaders to improve the quality of their participation in the leadership and management of their organisations. It also responds to the expressed need for ongoing post-ordination training for clergy. This in turn will qualitatively and quantitatively impact the service of these organisations to their constituencies and their wider communities.

The church throughout history has drawn on the services of both professional and leadership, but in most eras has primarily focused on the academic development of the professional clergy. The development of the laity has taken place on an ad-hoc basis, usually at the level of the local congregation and at the discretion and skill level of the local clergy. The leadership and management capacity of the leaders and managers within Christian organisations is often the controlling factor for the quantity of ministry undertaken by organisations and the quality of that work. Therefore to train clergy to lead and manage more efficiently, and to equip leaders to function alongside professional clergy, will benefit Christian organisations and the greater communities in which they exist.

This qualification is aimed at people who are already leaders or potential leaders within Christian organisations, many of whom will not be in a position to access full-time studies. It is envisaged that most learners will complete this qualification in order to fulfil their leadership and managerial roles with greater competence and effectiveness. This qualification is offered at NQF Level 5 to allow leaders and managers with no prior formal theological education to engage a range of subject matter specific to their leadership and management ministry roles at an introductory level, without having to first complete other theology studies. For clergy pursuing post-ordination training who have possibly graduated with a theology qualification, this qualification will offer a far greater focalisation on this specific area of ministry, albeit at an introductory level. Many post-ordination learners do not have the time or energy to commit to the demands of such studies.

For many learners this may be the sum total of their theological studies. For learners who wish to pursue ordination, this qualification will provide access and an introduction to theological disciplines albeit with a specific ministry focus, and therefore provide a foundation for a cognate Diploma or Degree.

As many of these leaders and managers are volunteers in the church who simultaneously hold secular employment, the development of their leadership and management skills will have a secondary impact on their secular employment as well as their roles in community organisations. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning:
Learners who do not meet the entry requirements may gain admission to this qualification through the recognition of formal and non-formal prior learning (incorporating experiential learning).

Entry Requirements:
Admission to this qualification is based on the minimum entry requirement for a Higher Certificate, namely:
  • National Senior Certificate at NQF Level 4.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5:
  • A person called by God, 12 Credits.
  • Called to share good news, 12 Credits.
  • Serving in and through the Church, 12 Credits.
  • The world in which we serve, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Christian Leadership, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Christian Management, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Administration, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Financial Leadership and Management, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Team Ministry and Conflict Management, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Transformational Leadership and Project Management, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply foundational Christian theological knowledge in a responsible manner pertaining to Christian leadership and management within the scope of leadership and management of Christian organisation(s).
    2. Apply foundational ethical knowledge and values pertaining to Christian leadership and management within the scope of leadership and management of Christian organisation(s).
    3. Apply foundational leadership knowledge, skills and values within the scope of leadership of Christian organisation(s).
    4. Apply foundational management knowledge, skills and values within the scope of leadership and management of Christian organisation(s).
    5. Apply administrative knowledge and skills relevant to Christian leadership and management.
    6. Possess knowledge, values and self-awareness as a Christian leader and/or manager. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Key biblical themes and the importance of biblical interpretation are outlined.
  • Basic exegesis and application of biblical texts are performed, demonstrating sensitivity to social diversity, divergent opinions and differing styles of expressing faith.
  • Theological themes central to Christianity are outlined and applied in familiar contexts.
  • A theological understanding of Christian leadership and management is outlined showing how it is relevant for today.
  • Theological and biblical knowledge is applied within the practice of Christian leadership and management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The moral characteristics and the moral formation for Christian leaders and managers are outlined.
  • Models for moral and character formation are outlined and applied.
  • Models of Christian ethical decision making are outlined and applied to case studies relevant to leadership and management within Christian organisations.
  • The relationship between pastoral care and organisational order and discipline within Christian organisations is outlined.
  • The morally responsible use of power and authority is outlined.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Christian principles of leadership and management are explained.
  • Leadership models are outlined and applied to appropriate contexts.
  • Transformational leadership is outlined and applied to case studies relevant to Christian leadership.
  • Models for the development of vision and mission statements and goal oriented leadership are outlined and applied.
  • Social analysis of a congregation or small community is completed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • A model of conflict resolution is outlined.
  • Knowledge of emotional intelligence is outlined and strengths and growth areas in personal emotional intelligence identified.
  • Leadership and management styles are outlined and ones' own preferred style identified.
  • A model of project management is explained and applied.
  • The ability to critique leadership and management is demonstrated through observation or case studies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Appropriate administrative skills are outlined and applied.
  • A system for administering church finances is outlined.
  • The administrative skills required for participating in the decision making bodies of churches or Christian organisations are demonstrated (Including reading financial reports and church documents).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Biblical and moral characteristics of Christian leaders and managers are identified.
  • Models of ethical decision making to a leadership and management context are outlined and applied.
  • A model of self-care to process the psycho-social stresses of leadership and management is outlined.
  • The role of mentors and spiritual directors is outlined.
  • A strategy for personal growth is outlined.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Regular assessments of holistic skills of learners will be performed. The essence of the assessment approach will be that of formative and summative assessments, which will incorporate written assignments, class tests and examinations. Written assignments are directly linked to theory and will incorporate the theory and skills related to the Exit Level Outcomes. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Africa Theological Seminary (ATS) is a non-denominational post-secondary institution that trains Christian Leaders in Theology and Counselling programs at Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor levels. ATS is registered as a post-secondary institution of learning by Kenya government's Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology. The Objective of the Certificate level is to introduce learners into Christian leadership roles and become agents of positive change and development in their churches, ministries, and communities. The qualification also equips learners with management skills that help them manage activities.

    Destiny College in Glasgow offers a Certificate in Chastain Leadership. The qualification covers biblical principles. The qualification is designed to contribute to a comprehensive training for aspiring, as well as seasoned, Christian leaders.

    Conclusion:
    The qualifications equips learners to learn the principles of biblical leadership, including, servant leadership, Spirit-anointed leadership, and how to manage others. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontally, this qualification articulates with:
  • Higher Certificate in Christian Ministry at NQF Level 5.

    Vertically, this qualification articulates with:
  • An Advanced Certificate in Christian Service at NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in Pastoral Theology at NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Theology and Ministry at NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    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.
     
    1. Theological Education by Extension College of Southern Africa 


    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.