Integrative Ministerial Training: A Case-Study in the Baptist Tradition of South Africa

Marilyn Naidoo

doi:10.18820/23099089/actat.v40i2.14

Abstract

Relevant theological education for our context is key, and the sharing of best pedagogical practice can make theological education more sustainable in Africa. Many in theological education use the word “holistic” to describe integration in their curricula, yet with no clear consensus about what it exactly involves. This article reports on an action research on integrative curriculum development. It explores how the Baptist Theological College of Southern Africa intentionally brings together the major learning dimensions of academic excellence, vocational training, and spiritual formation in a holistic way. The article provides key findings and reflects on the institutional, denominational, and contextual challenges that shape curriculum design. This article positions integration as a key approach to curriculum design, as learning dimensions are intentionally linked for meaningful learning, rather than simply the mastery of fragmented information.

Highlights

This article reports on a research project on integrative theological education at the Baptist Theological College of Southern Africa
The selection criteria employed in the overall study were established institutions from different parts of Africa focused on residential ministerial formation, with an accredited undergraduate programme, as well as research leaders with the necessary research skills to explore the curriculum design journey
The curriculum focused on academic work with a teacher-centred model of lectures in the classroom, consisting of a heavy workload, followed by assessment and examination, as another faculty member stated: At Baptist Theological College of Southern Africa (BTC) we provide a theory which is essential which we trust leads to their belief system and this is what they digest which becomes part of the practices, so theory, beliefs and practices all have to move hand in glove and I think for some time the practical aspect side of it has been lacking, we’ve been concentrated on the theoretical aspect and again we expect that the student would take this and implement it practically in their local church

Summary

Introduction

This article reports on a research project on integrative theological education at the Baptist Theological College of Southern Africa. The College participated in and hosted an Africa-wide research project from 2018 to 2020 in Protestant theological training This was a three-way study, the other two training institutions being Justo Mwale University, Zambia (Banda et al 2020) and Pentecost Theological Seminary, Ghana (Quampah & Naidoo 2020). The Baptist Theological College of Southern Africa (BTC) was established in Central Johannesburg in 1951. It is owned by the Baptist Union of South Africa. It welcomes applicants from various evangelical churches, the focus of the courses offered reflects the needs for ministry within the context of local Baptist churches

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