Courses

This course lays a foundation for postgraduate studies at SATS and exposes the student to the following aspect: The history of SATS, Theological research and writing skills, e-learning, research tools, theological sub-disciplines, and research models, levels of postgraduate studies and their implications for life and ministry. By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the history and foundational principles of SATS, as well as of some of the people involved in establishing and growing the institution.
• Access and use SATS’ online services.
• Overcome common obstacles, manage time, master general elements of research, and apply them to your own studies.

The Ministry Practicum is intended to facilitate the integration of theory and practice in the MDiv programme. It integrates learning from other MDiv courses. Students create an ePotfolio on Canvas, with artefacts of all their learning. The portfolios follow a logical structure with categories for each type of artefact.   By the end of this course you should be able to demonstrate:

• lifelong learning through a regular habit of reading current books related to your ministry and reflecting on the application of the author’s ideas.
• commitment to the holy habits of Christian life and ministry, such as prayer, Bible study, fellowship, family life, etc.
• the ability to relate theory to practice.
• the ability to assess how your ministry (i.e. organisation, church, people) has been impacted through your personal growth and learning this year
• the cultivation and engagement of important discussion partners who help you to grow in your ministry (e.g. interviews, etc.).
• a healthy balance between academic, ministerial, and devotional dimensions of your life.

Ministry Practicum 2 is a continuation of work done in your Ministry Practicum 1. You are required to apply knowledge and skills obtained in other MDiv courses, building on a thorough and accurate assessment of the community where this ministry takes place and seeking close cooperation with other Christian ministries in that community. The plan should also provide evidence of thorough reflection on and application of biblical and theological perspectives that are central to the envisaged ministry. The planning process is done under guidance of your course lecturer.   By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• determine and assess the needs of a community for a particular type of ministry.
• iIdentify a Christian community suitably positioned and willing to respond to the identified needs.
• obtain the necessary mandate and support from a Christian community for a new ministry initiative.
• develop a contextual ministry plan in close cooperation with key stake- holders.
• faciltate the implementation and assessment of a ministry plan.

This course will introduce you to the discipline of theological research, setting you on the exciting journey towards writing a theological thesis based on your theological interest. The course will help you choose a research topic, taking it through the various phases of research and producing the final product. You will be equipped with the skills for the academic writing, advanced research, argumentation and the effective use of theological resources.   By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• develop your theological interest into a workable and focused research concept.
• develop your research concept into a full research project.
• demonstrate competence in the various stages of writing, advanced research, argumentation and effective use of theological resources.