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: 

Higher Certificate in Christian Proclamation 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94840  Higher Certificate in Christian Proclamation 
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 preachers and teachers to practice biblically and ethically sound preaching and teaching. For the purposes of this application, teaching is defined as the sharing of information with a group of people in contexts like Bible study groups, and does not refer to the formal education profession in the sense of schools or tertiary institutions. The qualification is primarily vocational with a specific focus on preaching and teaching for the development of lay preachers/teachers, and clergy who seek post-ordination training. The qualification can serve as a benchmark to facilitate the formal recognition or appointment of preachers and teachers within pastoral and missional contexts. This qualification can articulate into further theological studies.

Rationale:
  • The qualification addresses the acknowledged need within churches for the training and equipping of preachers and teachers to improve the quality of their preaching or teaching. This in turn will qualitatively and quantitatively impact the awareness and response of the recipients to a variety of needs, both personal and social.
  • The development of the laity has often happened sporadically, usually within the local congregation and at the discretion and skill level of the local clergy. The capacity of the preachers and teachers is often a limiting factor in establishing new congregations and the quality of ministry. Therefore to train and equip preachers and teachers is to equip and mobilise Christians in the mission of God.
  • In secular social terms, to have members of a community who are able to formulate and articulate their arguments well is a much needed resource for the constructive and proactive engagement of communities. Often communities resort to public protest action and even vandalism or violence because they lack good communicators who can articulate their concerns.
  • This qualification is aimed at people who are already emerging as preachers within their local church, many of whom will not be in a position to participate in full-time studies.
  • It is envisaged that most learners will complete this qualification in order to preach or teach with greater competence and to greater effect. This qualification is offered at NQF Level 5 to allow preachers and teachers with no prior formal theological education to engage a range of subject matter specific to their role as proclaimers of the Christian Gospel at an introductory level, without having to first complete other theology studies. For clergy pursuing post-ordination training who have already graduated with a theology qualification, this qualification will offer an accessible focus on proclamation, albeit at an introductory level.
  • For learners who wish to pursue further theological education, this qualification will provide access and an introduction to theological disciplines albeit with a ministry focus, and therefore provide a foundation for a cognate Diploma or Degree. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners may apply for RPL in order to gain access to this qualification. Learners applying for RPL do so by completing an integrated assessment.

    This Recognition of Prior Learning will be utilised to allow:

    Access to the Qualification:
  • National Senior Certificate.
  • National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, totalling 120 Credits:
  • 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.

    Total: 120 Credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply foundational biblical and Christian theological knowledge and skills in a responsible manner pertaining to the proclamation of the Christian faith.
    2. Apply foundational ethical knowledge and values pertaining to Christian proclamation within the scope of preaching and teaching.
    3. Make use of Communication skills to enhance preaching and teaching.
    4. Prepare sermons by utilising the foundational knowledge, skills and values learnt.
    5. Develop material for on-going teaching encounters, such as sermons series, short courses, workshops or small groups by making use of the foundational knowledge of Christian education.
    6. Enhance preaching and teaching through contextual awareness knowledge of generation theory and cultural worldviews.
    7. Possess knowledge, values and self-awareness as a person who proclaims the Christian faith. 

    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 proclamation are outlined showing how it is relevant for today.
  • Theological and biblical knowledge is applied within the practice of Christian proclamation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The moral characteristics and the moral formation for Christian preachers and teachers are outlined.
  • Models for moral and character formation are applied.
  • Models of Christian ethical decision making is applied to case studies germane to Christian proclamation.
  • The relationship between pastoral care and organisational order and discipline within Christian organisations is discussed.
  • The morally responsible use of influence, power and authority is outlined.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Principles and elements of communication are explained.
  • Communication models and technologies are applied to Christian proclamation.
  • Hindrances to effective communication is identified and work-around strategies developed to improve communication.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The constituent elements of a sermon are outlined and explained.
  • Models for the construction of a sermon are outlined and explained.
  • Practical requirements for the delivery of a sermon are identified and planned.
  • Development of sermons specifically suited to a variety of contexts such as funerals, weddings etc. are applied.
  • Ability to critique preaching and teaching of others and self through observation or case studies is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Theories of teaching and learning are discussed.
  • Participant-centred outcomes based teaching material is developed.
  • The sermon series, short course, workshop or small group curriculum shows sequence and continuity of ideas or theme are conducted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Theories of generation differentiation are explained and applied to case studies.
  • Similarities and differences between traditional, modern and postmodern worldviews are discussed and used to analyse the philosophical and cultural context in which preaching or teaching will take place.
  • Social analysis of a congregation or small community is completed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Biblical and moral characteristics of Christian preachers and teachers are identified.
  • Models of ethical decision-making relevant to a person who seeks to influence others through preaching and teaching are outlined and applied.
  • A model of self-care to process the psycho-social stresses of preaching and teaching are outlined.
  • The role of mentors and spiritual directors are outlined.
  • A strategy for personal growth is outlined and applied.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessments consist of both formative and summative assessments.

    Formative Assessment:
    A number of formative tasks are included within the course material for learners to develop and assess their own understanding of the section just completed. These tasks are not submitted for marking.

    In the qualification a set of self -assessment questions covering the breadth of the course material are included for the learner to answer. Learners then evaluate their own understanding by comparing their answers to the answers provided at the back of the assignment booklet. Learners may contact their markers if they are uncertain at this point.

    The first assignment for all qualifications serves as a formative assessment in as much as learners who fail to demonstrate sufficient overall competence for the assignment are requested to resubmit failed tasks. Markers provide feedback within the script and on a detailed feedback sheet for every assignment.

    Summative Assessment:
    When a learner passes the first assignment, that result will be recorded as summative.
    Even though the structural form of all assignments is clearly to assist the learner in forming their knowledge, all assessments after the first assignment are deemed to be summative. Numeric marks are entered on the learner's academic record for every subsequent assessment.

    Due to the nature of some qualifications, learners may be required to conduct workshops, or to preach a sermon or lead a worship service, and provide a portfolio of evidence of having done so. Learners may be required to carry out a practice for a set period of time, and then submit their records of having done so.

    Examinations are used in a minority of qualifications, but are used in order to provide checks on assignment marks in a few selected courses. In the case of examinations also, feedback sheets are provided where learners fall short of competence, so as to enable them to improve their performance subsequently. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification can be compared to a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry Leadership, with specific emphasis on pastoral ministry, offered at Lee University, Cleveland in Ohio. The Bachelor of Arts consists of 120 Credits.

    The modules offered in the Bachelor of Arts in Ministry Leadership include:
  • Introduction to Christian ethics.
  • Introduction to Christian Leadership.
  • Conflict management and problem solving.
  • Communications.
  • Social Sciences, understanding human behavior and contemporary society.
  • Understanding economic and financial issues.

    The Higher Certificate in Christian Proclamation compares favourably to the above mentioned qualification as it offers similar modules. The purpose of both qualifications is to develop teachers, preachers and leaders of churches, although the qualification differs in title, the purpose of both qualifications is to develop a learner to become a preacher, teacher or leader of a congregation. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification articulates into:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Christian Ministry.
  • Higher Certificate in Christian leadership and management.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Christian Leadership.
  • Diploma Christian Service. 

  • 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.