Ministerial Formation and Practical Theology in South Africa

Abstract

The time of theological training is crucial for ministers to encourage a mature development of occupational and personal identity and foster a coherent understanding of their role and function in ministry. Ministerial formation must involve training and equipping of pastoral leaders to do theology by involvement on a grassroots level and developing responsiveness to historical, biblical and pastoral dimensions within its context in order to have relevance. The article will map the South African scene in terms of ministerial formation, highlighting recent higher education changes with a discussion on ministerial formation within academic Practical theology in universities and conclude with wider contextual and research needs.