What is the Occupational Certificate: Christian Religious Professional?

SAQA ID 101571 NQF Level 5 237 credits 

QCTO Curriculum Code: 263601005

This program helps students and church leaders from all denominations to develop sound Bible based ministry on a practical level. The program was developed to assist pastors and church leaders with no formal training. It serves as a bridging course between matric and a B.Th. degree.

  • Makes ministry training available: Any person who has completed matric can apply for this course. This study makes ministry training available to persons who could not get any formal training before and did only what they see other preachers do and is designed to meet the needs felt by African leaders. Those who do not have matric must prove to NBI that they can handle the course at this level. Through the Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) system, NBI will be able to assess candidates who do not have matric to see if they are competent enough to do this course. 
  • Different options: This program gives students the opportunity to do self-study from home, or to join a learning centre in their area. 
  • 7 Modules: The program consists of 7 modules which one can complete within eighteen months to two years or, depending on one’s own situation, may take longer. 
  • Workbook and practice: Every module has a workbook which tests what one has learned and how it is done in practice in ministry. 
  • SAQA certificate in ministry: When one has finished the whole program there is a national examination which will give one a SAQA certificate in ministry.

What is the accreditation of the program?

This learning program has been accredited with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). This council falls under the South African Quality Council (SAQA), which controls all the national education.

  • The program complies with the national standard set by SAQA. The program is not based on the teachings or practices of a particular church or tradition.
  • By completing this learning program, one receives a national certificate as Christian Religious Professional with the stamp of SAQA.
  • This program is accredited at level 5 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
  • This level is specially intended for persons who already have Matric. By doing this program one can continue higher levels of ministry training on next NQF levels.

What are the objectives of the program?

There is a growing need to fill the lack of pastor skills which is acceptable to people of any Christian denomination. The course is designed to the needs felt by the church leaders in Africa. NBI NQF Level 5 is a bridging course between matric and B.Th. It seeks to develop the knowledge and skills needed to be effective and respected leaders.

  • To increase knowledge of the word of God
  • To increase further study opportunities for our students
  • To build up the spiritual life and character of students
  • To develop leadership and ministry skills
  • To learn how to preach the truth of God’s word

This course allows church leaders to come together to study basic theology together. Topics covered in this course include improving preaching, enhancing church worship, pastor leadership, the role of women in church, spiritual growth, children’s ministry, cultural studies and stewardship.

  • The program helps leaders to get a wider and deeper knowledge of the Bible and to learn to interpret the Bible in a responsible way. 
  • It covers topics such as preaching, enhancing church worship, pastoral leadership, the role of women in church, spiritual growth, children’s ministry, cultural studies and stewardship. 
  • The program gives learners an understanding of what each aspect is about and to know how to do each aspect in a proper and effective way. 
  • It guides learners to develop practical skills so that they can implement what they have learned through doing practical exercises and gaining knowledge, by conducting functions in their faith communities. 

How is the program structured?

This Christian Religious Practitioner course has SEVEN (7) modules, (13) books 

The program consists of seven modules. 

  • The course covers basic Christian concepts, biblical interpretation, building a relationship with God, developing leadership skills and reaching the world with the good news of the gospel. 
  • It explains what the important things are that one need to know and be able to do to implement that in the faith community. 
  • It also gives exercises that will give learners the opportunity to implement that particular aspect in ministry. 

The following aspects of ministry are covered:

Module 1: Basic Christian concepts 

  • The purpose of ministry 
  • Embrace the Christian faith 

Module 2: Bible and bible interpretation 

  • Learn to interpret the bible 
  • Study the bible – OT 
  • Study the bible – NT 

Module 3: Build the relationship with God 

  • Grow through prayer and preaching 
  • Lead meaningful worship services 

Module 4: Nurture fellowship in the church 

  • Build up the body of Christ 
  • Organise effective ministries 

Module 5: Develop pro-active and reactive skills 

  • Develop a Christian lifestyle 
  • Practise pastoral care and counselling

Module 6: Develop leadership skills 

  • Develop leadership and management skills

Module 7: Reach out to the world 

  • Bring good news to the world

How is the program assessed? 

  1. The work experience and skills development assignments will be assessed. In some cases we will require written reports about the assignments or will have to be done in person by the mentors. The workbook provided will have to be signed off by the mentor or facilitator.  
  2. There will also be ongoing assessment as every chapter has practical work to be done. This is also called formative assessment, because it is part of the learning process. Mentors will regularly check whether students have understood the material and have mastered the skills.  
  3. Students are assessed on the following 4 criteria: Knowledge skills, practical assignments, module assessments and EISA. There will also be an “external integrated summative assessment,” (EISA). Since the certificate to be awarded by the QCTO, this will be a national occupational certificate. This final assessment will take place on a national level at venues to be arranged. NBI will inform learners closer to the time and will give permission to learners once they have completed all the other assessments and the results have been registered properly. EISA is an external exam that is set by QCTO, for once the student has passed all the modules. 

After successfully completing this assessment, the learner is awarded the national Christian Religious Professional certificate.

What do students say about the program?

This program was developed due to the growing need of the NBI students that required an accredited course. The course is tailored to some students enjoying self-study and other being part of a learner group.

Many happy learners say:

“I love the course because it is bible based and written in a manner that is easy to understand.”

“The practical skills I am learning from the course, I can implement in my church.”

“I have grown so much spiritually and as a person. Praise the Lord.”

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