BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY First Year: 120 credits The standard first-year curriculum for the Bachelor of Theology is below. 1. Essential Bible Study Principles Dr. Kevin G. Smith [BIB1121] 1.1 It provides an introduction to the New Testament, the only overview of the New Testament in the curriculum. If you complete the BTh, you will take specialised courses on each major division of the New Testament and do several in-depth studies of specific New Testament books. This, however, is your only chance to get a bird s-eye of the New Testament. 1.2 It also provides a vital introduction to Biblical interpretation. Knowing how to interpret the Bible soundly is crucial, not only for your ability to complete the rest of your programme successfully, but also to your Christian life and ministry. If you continue beyond Certificate level, you may take more advanced courses in hermeneutics (the field of study that deals with Bible study principles and methods), but this course lays a foundation by introducing you to the fundamental principles in a practical manner. 1.3 Course Outcomes By the end of this course, you will be able to: Discuss cogently the main divisions, the text and the world of the New Testament. Define the synoptic problem and describe the most popular current solution. Demonstrate basic knowledge of each book of the New Testament. Use the four-step method of devotional Bible study described in the textbook. Conduct an expository Bible study, applying sound principles of interpretation. 2. The Words and Works of Jesus Dr. Kevin G. Smith [BIB1123] 2.1 This course fits into the group of courses dealing with biblical studies. Biblical Studies is the branch of theology that studies the Bible itself. If you complete a Bachelor of Theology at the South African Theological Seminary, you will have taken courses covering the entire scope of the Old and New Testaments. 2.2 Course outcomes By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Reconstruct the life of Christ, harmonising the four gospel accounts and placing events in approximate chronological order. Demonstrate good general knowledge of the content of the four gospels. Correctly interpret specific teachings and events in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Explain the differences between similar passages in different gospels. 3. Old Testament Survey Dr Franklin Jabini [BIB1121] 3.1 This course will give you a general introduction to all the books of the Old Testament. Besides this general survey, SATS offers other courses in the Old Testament that cover the books in more depth. This preliminary study is aimed at guiding the diligent student and provoking interest in the Old Testament. 3.2 Course outcomes By the end of this course, you will be able to: Describe the formation of the Old Testament canon. Summarise the message of the Old Testament. List the main parts of the Old Testament. Explain the theological contribution of each book of the Old Testament. Discuss some major themes of each division of the Old Testament. 4. Connecting with Children Johan Müller & Carine Steyn [CYM1126] 4.1 This course will help you connect with children. You will be able to build positive relationships with children. You will discover why positive relationships are so important. You will also be guided to master basic skills needed for building such relationships with children. 4.2 Course outcomes: By the end of this course, you will be able to: Demonstrate appreciation for positive relationships as the basis of all interaction with children Listen and talk to children Build positive relationships with children through play Share stories with children Use boundaries in working with children
5. Theological Research and Writing Type [GEN 1121] 5.1 This course on academic literacy. It may be that you have already done some studies in academic writing. We ask all our students to go through this course. It will help you to understand something of the academic culture here at SATS. The following will illustrate well what we have in mind. Maybe you have been a worship leader in a Baptist church for many years, and now you attend a charismatic church. You may still be a good worship leader, but the traditions in these two churches differ from each other. It will be important for you to learn more about the way in which charismatics worship. This course serves as an introduction to your studies at SATS. We pray that you will enjoy the course. 5.2 Course Outcomes: By the end of this course, you will be able to: Demonstrate understanding of theological studies at SATS Demonstrate understanding of the process of writing assignments Format an academic paper properly Apply academic writing skill to selected assignments 6. Practical Ministry 1 [MIN 1121] 6.1 This course is designed to allow students to gain a practical, working knowledge of Christian ministry. The course requires students to perform at least 100 hours of practical ministry and write a report reflecting what they have learned in the process. 6.2 Course Outcomes: By the end of this course, you will be able to: Demonstrate the successful undertaking of at least 100 hours of practical Christian ministry. 7. Christian Relationships [PRA 1121] 7.1 This course examines the two most important relationships in your life, namely, a) your relationship with God and b) your relationship with your family. 7.2 Course Outcomes: By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Apply biblical principles of worship and prayer in your relationship with God, both privately and corporately. Implement biblical principles of family life in your relationships with your own family. Use biblical principles of family life in your ministry to others experiencing family problems. 8. Intro to Youth and Children Ministry [PRA 1122] 8.1 This course has two parts, one on children s ministry (ages 0-12) and one for youth ministry (ages 13-18) 8.1.1 In Part One, you will be introduced to children's ministry and this will hopefully open your eyes to the richness and value of children in the Bible and Christian community. You will also gain an understanding of the implications of Christian ministry to children what, where, and how it happens. 8.1.2 In Part Two, the course will give an overview of how to take the gospel and effectively relate it to different youth cultures. The aim of this training will be to implement a programme in youth ministry that will encourage youth to live a lifestyle of initiating new relationships with people, with the goal of leading them to Christ. 8.2 Course Outcomes: The outcomes of this course are as follows: Understand the biblical basis of children's ministry Understand basic contexts and processes in children s ministry Evaluate the ministry needs and opportunities of children in a specific situation Accurately define the life-stage youth. Demonstrate understanding of current youth culture. Define the youth cultures/sub-cultures in their area. Relate youth culture to ministry of youth. Influence the integration of youth into the local church. Understand western influence on African youth. 9. Leading with Purpose J-life Ministries [PRA 1123] 9.1 In this module we will firstly deal with some introductory issues relating to leadership before presenting a practical model that you can use to assist you in leading with purpose. The topic of leadership however is very wide. Therefore, in presenting this module we certainly do not imply that it encompasses all of
leadership. It is however a starting point for life-long learning and development as a more effective leader. 9.2 Course Outcomes: By the end of this course, you will be able to: Manage oneself for effective leadership to take place. Lead through spirituality plays. Manage a ministry with clear direction. Lead by goal setting and evaluation. Lead through a team; understand key people skills needed to lead a team effectively. Lead through change. 10. Christian Foundations Dr Kevin G. Smith [THE 1121] 10.1 This is a foundational course in the Certificate in Christian Life and the Bachelor of Theology at the South African Theological Seminary. Here is an outline of the course. What should one include in a course about Christian Foundations? This is not an easy question to answer. It seems obvious that we should begin with a clear explanation of the gospel message, that is, how to be saved (born again). We also judged that living the Christian life, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, prayer, Bible study, making disciples, and principles of Christian stewardship are essential foundations. It was difficult to leave out some other foundational teachings. For example, should such a course not include a discussion of the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ? What about the doctrine of the trinity? Should we not make space for the two ordinances of church life, namely, water baptism and the Lord s Supper? Each of these would be worthy inclusions in this course. However, we have chosen to cover these topics in other courses in our curriculum. In particular, the course THE1122 Biblical Worldview should be treated as a sister course to THE1121 Christian Foundations, since it also tackles a number of foundational issues. 10.2 Course Outcomes: By the end of this course, you will be able to: Explain the plan of salvation from Ephesians 2:8-10. Evaluate and embrace the biblical description of God s purpose for you. Demonstrate basic knowledge of the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Recognise the importance of regular Bible reading and private prayer.
Apply helpful guidelines to enrich your private times with God. Appreciate the importance of belonging to a good church. Prioritise building influential relationships with Spirit-filled believers. Embrace the importance of witnessing in word and deed. Share your testimony in the before how since method. Share the message of salvation with unsaved people. Worship God by giving generously to his kingdom. Manage your finances in a way that is both responsible and godly. 11. Biblical Worldview Dr. Kevin G. Smith [THE 1122] 11.1 This course is part of the collection of courses that make up the Seminary s systematic theology offerings. It presents an introduction to key Biblical doctrines and their practical implications for Christian living. 11.2 Course Outcomes: By the end of this course, you will be able to: Demonstrate understanding of how a Biblical Christian answers the key questions of life. On selected issues, compare and contrast a Biblical worldview with other selected worldviews. Appreciate the relationship between Biblical thinking and godly living. 12. The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit Dr. Christopher L. Peppler [THE 1123] 12.1 This course has six units. a). You will start by studying the Holy Spirit discovering who He is and how He works, and that if you don t know the Holy Spirit, you cannot minister in His power. b). Then, in the SATS tradition, you will look at what Jesus said and did in relation to the Holy Spirit. This second unit provides this Christocentric background to the person and work of the Holy Spirit. c). The third unit answers the question Is the Holy Spirit still active today? There is obviously no point in seeking manifestations, gifts, etc if the Holy Spirit no longer does any of these things. (In fact, that would be a grave error.)
d). Unit four explains some of the terminology that is used, and which can be a bit confusing. Much of the confusion about gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit exists because the terminology is confusing. In the many books written on the subject, the authors don t always use the word gifts in the same way. e) In unit five, we change the subject a little and consider the ministry opportunities which can be found in the church. This is where the theory and the real world begin to meet. At the end of this unit you should be able to list the ministry opportunities of the church and know who does what in your local church, so that you can become f) The last unit concentrates on how to go about ministering in the power of the Holy Spirit. This unit is the most important of all. I will be happy if you receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit and become involved in effective ministry in your local church as a result of your studying this material. 12.2 Course Outcomes: The outcomes for this course are as follows: Explain who the Holy Spirit is. Give examples of evidence to show that the Holy Spirit is still active on the earth today. Analyse the difference between gifts, ministries, and manifestations. Minister effectively in the power of the Holy Spirit both in the local church and beyond. 13. Introduction to Sports Ministry Tim Tucker/Mike Butler [CYM 1125] 13.1 Sports Ministry is growing at a rapid rate, and the opportunities to develop Sports Ministry are endless. However, as with any ministry, unless we have a strong theological and Biblical basis from which we are ministering, our best efforts may well be in vain (see 1 Corinthians 3:10-15Sports Ministry is growing at a rapid rate, and the opportunities to develop Sports Ministry are endless. However, as with any ministry, unless we have a strong theological and Biblical basis from which we are ministering, our best efforts may well be in vain (see 1 Corinthians 3:10-15) 13.2 Course Outcomes: By the end of this course, you will be able to: Define Sports Ministry and explain the Biblical mandate the church has to impact sports culture (covered in Unit 1). Describe the historical development of Sports Ministry from New Testament times to the present day (including South Africa) (covered in Units 2 and 3). Explain the McCown Sport in Ministry map and how it contributes to a better understanding of Sports Ministry at large (covered in Unit 4).
Examine your own sporting experience and evaluate your calling to Sports Ministry (covered in Unit 4). Identify and effectively use Sports Ministry resources to enhance your ministry (covered in Unit 5).