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: 

Diploma in Ministry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96454  Diploma in Ministry 
ORIGINATOR
SkillsPro (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  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  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  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   2033-06-30  

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:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide a qualification in Christian Ministry, based on sound doctrinal, academic and theoretical foundations with experiential learning as integral part of the training. The study of Biblical truths, doctrine and practical experience will enable learners to prepare themselves for a vocation in the ministry. The very high standard of academic achievement is expected of each learner with dedication demonstrated in the experiential learning in a local church or outreach where they will do practical work. Embedded in the qualification is end user computing, office administration, basic financial accounting, as part of the learning process about day-to-day church operations. Educational methodology and facilitation techniques also forms part of the embedded knowledge built into the qualification. This compliments the core training in ministry, the biblical knowledge and doctrinal questions and ethics.

The qualification is designed to:
  • Prepare qualified learners for initial employment into the ministry within the renewal church groups.
  • Have a solid understanding of ministry concepts and be able to work in a Church environment where they can apply the values learnt into ministry.
  • Professionalise the Christian church community with specific focus on the renewal church groups.
  • Communicate effectively with fellow ministry staff, understand the role of ministry in a pastoral context and be able to address pastoral problems with appropriate pastoral solutions.

    Rationale:
    The increase in demand for ministers to incorporate technologies into the church environment requires knowledge and skills of how to integrate technology and study at an advanced level. New and existing ministry systems need to be modernized to be able to engage with technologies in a suitable way. This is embedded into the curriculum of the Diploma in Ministry.
    Learners who qualify are most likely to engage in ministry in congregations, para-church and community organisations. The qualification will enable them to play a leadership role in the church environment and society. The Biblical values developed and established during the training will enable them to play an important role in the upliftment of the community. The qualification aims to equip qualifying learners with the academic knowledge base and practical skills required to perform effectively in a ministerial role as well as to prepare them for further learning. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through RPL. 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.

    Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate granting access to diploma studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate without endorsement.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV).
    Or
  • Higher Certificate at NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • Advanced Certificate at NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF levels 5 and 6 totalling 379 Credits.

    NQF Level 5 modules (total of 144 credits):
  • Computer Literacy Windows 7, 3 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy MS Word 2010, 6 Credits.
  • Introduction to Old Testament Theology 101, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to New Testament Theology 101, 10 Credits.
  • Pastoral Guidance 101, 5 Credits.
  • Introduction to Systematic Theology 101, 20 Credits.
  • Communication in Ministry 101, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Research Methodology 101, 5 Credits.
  • Introduction to Old Testament Theology 102, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to New Testament Theology 102, 10 Credits.
  • Understand Ministry to HIV/Aids individuals and relatives, 5 Credits.
  • Internship 1 (Practical Work Integrated Learning), 20 Credits.
  • Introduction to Pastoral Ministry, 20 Credits.
  • Introduction to Practical Ministry, 10 Credits.

    NQF Level 6 modules (total of 235 credits):
  • Introduction to Ministry Finance and Management 201, 5 Credits.
  • Leadership in Ministry 201, 10 Credits.
  • Communication in Ministry 201, 5 Credits.
  • Pastoral Ministry 201, 5 Credits.
  • Systematic Theology 201, 20 Credits.
  • Pastoral Ministry 202, 5 Credits.
  • Old Testament Theology 201, 10 Credits.
  • New Testament Theology 201, 10 Credits.
  • Practical Ministry Principles of Discipleship 201, 5 Credits.
  • Practical Ministry Leadership in Ministry 203, 10 Credits.
  • Practical Ministry Facilitation Principles 201, 10 Credits.
  • Internship 2 (Practical Work Integrated Learning), 30 Credits.
  • Pastoral Ministry 301 and 2, 20 Credits.
  • Practical Ministry Children's Ministry 301, 20 Credits.
  • Old Testament Theology 301 and 2, 20 Credits.
  • Practical Ministry 301, 20 Credits.
  • Internship 3 (Practical Work Integrated Learning), 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to perform practical ministry tasks and pastoral care.
    2. Demonstrate critical thinking in analysing and interpreting theological, doctrinal, ethical, Biblical values and principles.
    3. Show an understanding of the discipline of theology, its lenses and sources. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The Bible is taught and ministered in a church environment.
  • The leadership role in the church environment is understood.
  • The leadership in a faith community is promoted, developed and evaluated.
  • The Christian faith is contextually communicated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The different theological theories and concepts are critically identified, analysed, compared and evaluated.
  • The practical ministry and pastoral care responsibilities are identified.
  • Theological concepts and disciplines are applied.
  • Explore faith questions and proclaim Christian faith in context.
  • Personal faith in context is identified, evaluated and developed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Questions of faith and human existence are examined.
  • Investigation of Christian tradition answering fundamental questions of faith is understood.
  • How to read biblical literature in its own and in present-day contexts is learnt and how the Bible has contributed to the shaping our world is understood.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Each module will make use of at least three different assessment instruments. In most cases the summative will be either an oral questioning or a written knowledge questionnaire. The formative assessments will make use of a variety of instruments and tools as describes below.
    Formative and summative assessment:
    Formative assessments will count 40% of the final mark, with the summative assessment counting 60% of the final mark.
    The assessment methods that will be used: Observation, Evaluation and Questioning. A variety of assessment instruments and tools are used, instruments are: Knowledge Questionnaires, Oral questions, observations of practical assignments and projects, Assignments, Logbooks, Case Studies, Journals, Personal Interviews, Practical exercises/demonstrations, Portfolios and Questionnaires and tools are memos, mark sheets, Observation sheets, rubrics, and rating scales. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    In Australia the Harvest Bible College offers the Diploma of Ministry. This qualification prepares people for leadership in a church or in a Christian organisation by providing them with an in-depth training in Bible, Theology and with a broad range of ministry skills.

    This qualification provides Career opportunities such as Pastors, Church leaders, Chaplains, Church workers, Youth Children's leaders, pastoral care staff, community support workers, Missionaries and Mission support workers depending on the requirements of the organisation.

    The London School of Theology offers the Diploma in Applied Theology. This qualification enables learners to integrate theology with practical experience to give them the opportunity for personal growth and spiritual development. They will engage with biblical concepts of discipleship, spirituality, and leadership, explore different traditions of Christian spirituality, and look at pastoral aspects of lifestyle, values and relationships.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with Diploma in Ministry. The content of the qualifications focuses on the leadership role in the church environment and society. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal:
  • Diploma in Practical Ministry, at NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Theology, at NQF Level 6.

    Vertical:
  • Bachelor of Arts Theology in Christian Ministry at NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor in Ministry at NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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. SkillsPro (Pty) Ltd 


    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.