Higher Certificate in Christian Ministry
Apply NowThe Higher Certificate in Christian Ministry (NQF Level 5) provides training in Christian ministry in the local church congregation and its community. This includes the administrative and spiritual leadership of the local congregation and its various departments. Leadership of the church entails not only the teaching and preaching ministry but also planning programmes, recruiting, organising and supervising volunteers during the execution of the programmes that constitute the mission of the church.
Programme Purpose
- To equip students with leadership skills to enable them to be effective servant-leaders within the church and its community.
- To help the students to understand and use basic principles of biblical hermeneutics (biblical interpretation) so that they can prepare sermons and presentations that are Bible-based and faithful to the meaning of the Scriptures.
- To enable students to not only understand but also articulate the fundamental Bible teachings as taught by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Qualification Outcomes
- Understand biblical literature and possess an awareness of the basic principles of its interpretation.
- Articulate clearly the teachings the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the organisational structure of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and its system of governance.
- Possess leadership skills which are demonstrated by the ability to facilitate design and execute relevant programmes for the church congregation and for the community.
- Demonstrate an awareness of parliamentary procedures so as to facilitate meetings successfully.
- Lead out in the worship services of the church and to preach and teach as needed.
- Possess the interpersonal skills to interact appropriately multi-culturally and intergenerationally.
Graduation Requirements
- The student should pass all modules as outlined in the prospectus with a minimum grade of 50%. This includes the satisfactory completion of the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) as stipulated in the Christian Ministry Field Work module.
- Comply with the requirements as contained in the Helderberg College of Higher Education Student Code of Conduct.
qualification Details
2 Years Part-time
Distance Learning
NQF Level 5
SAQA Qualification ID Number: 123610
Who can apply?
Current and aspiring/prospective:
- Church Elders
- Deacons
- Worship Leaders
- Youth Leaders
- Personal Ministries Leaders
- Welfare Leaders & Community Relief Volunteers
- Bible-study Group Leaders
- Volunteer & Auxiliary positions in the local church and community
Admission Requirements
APPLICANTS WITH NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE (FROM 2009)
The following institutional requirements apply:
1. Programme-specific APS scores:
APPLICANTS WITH SENIOR CERTIFICATE (BEFORE 2009) OR FOREIGN HIGH SCHOOL QUALIFICATION
Applicants need to present a Senior Certificate or equivalent. Since all modules are taught from basic principles, it is not necessary for the student to have had any theological training.
Career Opportunities
This programme targets individuals who wish to participate in vocational service on a voluntary basis. Graduates from this programme will function alongside professional pastors to enhance the functions and services of the local congregation and to spearhead community engagement for the betterment of the community and for the growth of the church.
FURTHER STUDY
Persons who do not have the academic requirements to be able to pursue a bachelor’s degree may be given admission into the HCHE BA (Theology) upon successful completion of the Higher Certificate in Christian Ministry.
Persons who have completed the higher certificate could articulate into an advanced certificate and, subsequently, into a diploma in a similar field of study at another institution in South Africa as per their admissions policies.
CURRICULUM CORE MODULES
YEAR 1 – September 2025 to August 2026
YEAR 2 – September 2026 to August 2027
Faculty of Theology
Prof. Simbarashe Musvosvi, Associate Professor
Dean
Edward Appollis
Professor
Leander Chalice
Associate Professor
Adrian Platts
Associate Professor
S'duduzo Blose
Lecturer
Contract Lecturers
Dr. Passmore Hachalinga
Contract Lecturer
Pr. Ben McKenzie
Contract Lecturer
Dr. Tankiso Letseli
Contract Lecturer
Colin Lawrence
Contract Lecturer
Pr. Penny Brink
Contract Lecturer
Higher Certificate in Christian Ministry
BJS 111 Introduction to Research & Academic Writing (9 credits) NQF 5
This module provides an introduction to the theory and application of the principles of academic writing and rudimentary research methodology and principles, specifically in theology. In this module, students will learn to write clear, concise and well-developed assignment papers where critical thinking and editing skills are introduced. There will also be a brief overview of Library Research and Harvard referencing styles. This module will attempt to provide an adequate foundation for students to write assignments and rudimentary research papers for their module-work.
BIB 111 Biblical Interpretation (9 credits) NQF 5
The module introduces a learner to methods of Bible Study or Adventist Hermeneutics, and provides skills and ability to interpret biblical passages. A student will be introduced to different types of books of the Bible, such as, prophesy, apocalypse, parables, proverbs, historical, and letters. A few biblical passages will be explored wherein a student will apply his/her acquired skills through interpreting specific biblical passages.
REB 111 Biblical Studies (9 credits) NQF 5
An Introduction to the Old Testament. It will focus on the Pentateuch and selected books from the Writings, including the Psalms and Wisdom books. In the study of the biblical literature attention will be given to the authorship, structure, theological themes, historical setting and the significance of this literature in Christian interpretation. The module includes the practical application of Old Testament themes relevant to social responsibility in acts of community service in a South African context.
REM 111 Multi-Cultural Ministry (9 credits) NQF 5
Multi-cultural Ministry provides a theoretical framework for church leaders in a multi-cultural setting. This online module is designed to expose students to multi-cultural settings, communication, lifestyle and culture. This material is designed to prepare church leaders to effectively minister and serve in a multi-cultural setting by focusing on Multi-cultural worship as a sumptuous banquet model.
REB 112 The Gospels (9 credits) NQF 5
This module is about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ based on the four Gospels; Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The module begins with a brief study of the historical and geographical setting in which Jesus lived. Key role players, such as Roman authorities and Jewish religious sects and religious leaders will be discussed. Introductory matters of each Gospel (authorship, audience and key themes and characteristics) will be highlighted to help the student to understand the unique focus of each Gospel. The module will also cover key events in the life of Jesus (including the nativity, baptism, temptations and passion) and key aspects of His teachings (forgiveness, prayer, etc. as well as His use of parables). In this module Jesus will be presented as both the Saviour as well as the model in humility, service, accepting the marginalised, etc.
REP 112 Biblical Preaching (9 credits) NQF 5
This module serves as an introductory course in preaching for lay and auxiliary leaders in the local church setting. It introduces the student to the basic principles and methods of sermon construction and sermon delivery. The student will focus on expository preaching, while being given a broad overview of other kinds of sermons. It will include practical, writing and reading assignments.
RET 121 Church Governance (9 credits) NQF 5
Local congregations are operated under and governed by boards and departmental committees. Church-operated schools as well as other institutions and organizations operating under the auspices of the church also serve under the direction of a governing board. These committees are basic tools for planning and coordinating tasks to accomplish a mission or a purpose. This course will examine principles and processes involved in being a member of such groups, and the skills needed for leading or chairing them. It will explore avenues for ensuring that church meetings are effective and productive.
REM 121 Intergenerational Ministry (9 credits) NQF 5
This module introduces the student to a good knowledge base in ministering to the different generations in the local church. A further emphasis is placed on understanding and relating to Generation Z youth in the local church.
REP 121 Church Growth (9 credits) NQF 5
This module introduces the student to church growth. It discusses the roles of both God and the believers in the growth of the church. The module will also discuss principles which have been identified to foster church growth. It will highlight the importance of meeting felt needs using Christ’s method as a template for reaching people. In addition, selected types of evangelism will be discussed. The module will also highlight some practical matters pertaining to the worship service as well as the church premises.
REH 121 SDA Church History (9 credits) NQF 5
This module is an introductory survey of the history of the Christian Church. It emphasises the different eras so as to give the student an overall understanding of the rise of Christianity and the major influences in its development. The module briefly outlines the rise of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and its claim as a Prophetic Movement, with an introduction of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Southern Africa.
REP 122 Church Worship & Liturgy (9 credits) NQF 5
This module, firstly, defines and explains the nature of spirituality and worship in the context of Christianity and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Secondly, spirituality and worship is placed in the context of the liturgical practices of the church. Through this theoretical content as well as in the observation of the actual liturgical practices of the church, the relationship between worship and liturgy is explicated.
RET 122 Teachings of the Church (9 credits) NQF 5
This module outlines the fundamentals of Seventh-day Adventist Church theology and includes the following aspects: A basic explanation and definition of theology and its task; an examination of the origins of the Bible as the basis of theology; an introduction to Christology as the unifying element in church theology; a definition of biblical hermeneutics and its impact on exegesis.
REP 123 Christian Ministry Field Work (12 credits) NQF 5
Christian Ministry Field Work is a practical module which provides HCCM students a structured opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in the various modules of the programme. The module will run concurrently with, or subsequent to the completion of relevant modules. This will give the student an opportunity to implement the knowledge that is acquired in the relevant modules of the programme. Because this module is primarily an application of the various other modules, it is broad in its scope. However, the portfolio of evidence, which will be the primary assessment tool, will be expected to have sections that pertain to the relevant modules.