Perspectives on theological training in times of crisis

Abstract

When crises arise, like in the case of the #FeesMustFall-movement (FMF) during 2015–2017, we often tend to be reactive in our actions and immediate plans are made to address the crisis. In this contribution, however, I want to look at a longer-term solution by making use of Stellenbosch University’s five core values. The values of excellence, respect, responsibility, equity, and compassion will be examined in this contribution to empower lecturers who prepare students for church ministry. The basic research question that will be investigated is: How can the five core values of Stellenbosch University help the lecturers with the preparation of students for ecclesiastical training in times of crisis? In response to this, each of the values will first be explained, after which their meaning and impact on theological training will be examined. Afterwards, some crises in the theological training will be investigated where some of the values conflict with each other. At the end, we will turn to the re-scripting of the narrative of higher education by looking at the extended curriculum program (ECP) at the Faculty of Theology at Stellenbosch University.