REPORT OF GENERAL SYNOD MFTT TO GENERAL SYNOD IN OCTOBER 2012
Dear sisters and brothers
We report as follows on our activities for the period November 2008 to July 2012.
1.
COMPOSITION OF MFTT
The task team consisted of the following members:
Prof. JNJ Kritzinger (Northern, Chairperson);
Rev HH Olwage, succeeded by Rev. LL Husselman (Namibia, Secretary);
Rev. PJ van Schalkwyk (Free State/Phororo);
Dr. NC Philander (Cape);
Rev. MF Sibeko (KZN).
2.
MEETINGS
The task team held the following meetings:
11-12 November 2009
7-8 August 2011
There was no money to hold a meeting in 2012 to finalise this report, so it was circulated to the members by
email and approved in that way.
3. MATTERS REFERRED TO MFTT BY GENERAL SYNOD OR GSC
3.1
Amended curriculum
In 2008 the GS MFTT presented a proposal to General Synod regarding an amended curriculum for mature
church members. GS 2008 took the following decision: “Synod decides to refer this point back to the CMPW
for report to the first GSC to be implemented as soon as the GSC has approved it” (Acta 2008, p.213/Decision
95). In November 2010 the GS MFTT presented a reworked proposal to the GSC, which was adopted, with the
deletion of an original paragraph 4.2 (see Appendix 1). The GSC decision read: “That GSC approves the
adapted curriculum for mature URCSA members (App 7), effective as from January 2011. Approved”.
RECOMMENDATION
General Synod approves the amended curriculum for mature URCSA members, as endorsed by GSC in
November 2010.
3.2
Mentors
URCSA ministers should play a key role as mentors of students in the ministerial formation process: a mentor
should journey with a student in order to monitor the development of her/his knowledge, ministry skills,
spiritual growth and character formation. A mentor needs to write an annual report to the Assessment
Committee about her/his student. Students also need to submit an annual reflective report (portfolio) on their
own progress. Ideally, students should be mentored by different mentors over the 5 (or more) years of their
studies. A regional MFTT should appoint a mentor for each student on an annual basis in advance to expose
students to different leaders and different areas of ministry. Students should grow in a wide range of ministry
skills and learn to integrate knowledge, skills and character. In the writing of their personal “credo”, they need
to find their own voice and do that in their first language. A mentor should meet her/his student at least once
a month. The areas addressed in the mentoring relationship should include: Skills of pastoral care; Continuing
Ministerial Development [CMD/VBO]; praying and preaching in their first language; spiritual leadership;
apprenticeship learning throughout the year. There is an urgent need for a manual for mentors and students,
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to guide them in this mutual process. The Cape MFTT was requested to produce a draft mentoring manual,
but it has not yet been completed.
RECOMMENDATION
Noted
3.3
The Rule for Ministerial Formation of General Synod
During the recess, the GS MFTT experienced some difficulties in carrying out the stipulations of the Rule for
Ministerial Formation. We therefore propose a number of changes to the Rule (see Appendix 2).
RECOMMENDATION
3.3.1 General Synod approves the amendments to the Rule for Ministerial Formation of General Synod that
are proposed in Appendix 2.
3.3.2 General Synod mandates the GS MFTT, in collaboration with GS SMJM, to edit and finalise this Rule as
soon as possible for publication in an updated Ministerial Formation Manual.
3.4
Integrated formation process
The church-based formation through “in-house courses”, which is overseen by regional MFTTs (including
Reformed polity and distinctives) needs to be formalised so that students will take this aspect of their
formation just as seriously as the academic component. There is the possibility that this could take the form of
a Diploma in Congregational Leadership (or something similar) that is conferred by an MFTT or by a
Seminary/House of Studies operating under its control. Before (or at) licensing a separate sash/hood can be
given to students to signify that they completed this in-house programme of the church. The Cape MFTT is
collaborating with the Cape DRC curatorium to work out the details of such a programme.
RECOMMENDATION
3.4.1 General Synod approves the principle that the dimensions of a) personal and spiritual development;
and b) growth in ministry skills be formalised;
3.4.2 Mandates the GSC to approve the precise shape of such a church-based qualification in the recess, on
the basis of a submission by the GS MFTT.
3.5
Annual joint conference (point 1.2.6)
The proposed annual joint meeting between students, MFTT members and lecturers of the four formation
centres has not yet materialised due to lack of funds. The meeting requested the Cape MFTT and Stellenbosch
University to host a first meeting of this nature in Stellenbosch, even if it starts small, with two students from
each formation centre. The other formation centres will take turns at hosting such an annual conference in the
following years.
RECOMMENDATION
Noted
3.6
Broad training process of URCSA members
In 2008 General Synod approved a broad training process of members to develop the leadership of church
council members (see MF Manual, Addendum 8, points 3 and 4). It was agreed to recommend Veritas College
and Nehemiah Bible Institute for this purpose, since both of these programmes are already being used to
some extent in our regional synods and since both offer training for the presenters of their material. The
Veritas College material consists of the following four modules
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Exposition and exhortation: Paul’s letters
Narrative: Pentateuch and OT historical books
Poetry: Psalms, Wisdom books and prophets
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Module 4
Synoptic Gospels, Gospel of John, Acts & Revelation
The first module has been tested by some regional MFTTs. The Northern MFTT has recommended the wider
use of the Veritas material in the church. On the basis of an examination of the content of the other three
modules, the GS MFTT makes the following proposal:
RECOMMENDATION
3.6.1 General Synod approves the use of Veritas College material for the training of leaders in URCSA
congregations;
3.6.2 General Synod encourages church councils, presbyteries, regional synods and MFTTs to negotiate with
Veritas College to develop joint strategies for training facilitators who can present these courses to
leaders in congregations.
3.7
Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD)
The meeting noted that Cape Synod ministers of URCSA participate more in the Continuing Ministerial
Development [CMD=VBO] programmes of the DRC than other regions. In terms of GS 2008 resolution, regional
MFTTs need to make contact with DRC in their regions to get URCSA ministers to take part in developing,
presenting and attending these programmes. The meeting agreed that a CMD/VBO programme to train
mentors for ministerial formation should be recommended and developed with the DRC.
RECOMMENDATION
3.7.1 General Synod encourages regional MFTTs to collaborate with VBO structures in the DRC to develop
and present CMD programmes to members of the two churches;
3.7.2 General Synod encourages URCSA ministers to attend CMD courses;
3.7.3 General Synod encourages congregations to support their ministers to attend CMD courses.
3.8
Specialised studies in final year of formation programme
The Northern MFTT submitted a request to GS MFTT in August 2011 that ministry students should be allowed
to do a specialised Masters degree in the final (5th) year of study, instead of a broad-based MDiv (or equivalent
degree). The GS MFTT submitted that request to the GSC in November 2011 for discussion, which took the
following decision:
Decision 25: Requirements for Licensing
The GSC decides that when a student continues further studies in a specialized field eg: MTh, that study
cannot substitute for the M Div that needs to be completed for licencing. Proposed: Rev Peter Grove
Seconded: Rev HJ Meintjies
Since there seems to be different interpretations among the regional MFTTs of the final year of the
curriculum, the GS MFTT proposes the following amendments to the URCSA curriculum
NOTE: proposed deletions are in “strikethrough” mode and proposed additions are underlined
5.1.2
The learning process will be 5 academic years for a student who has full matriculation exemption. A student
with a Senior Certificate (or equivalent), who is required by an institution of higher education to complete an
academic “bridging” or “access” programme before gaining access to degree studies, will take (at least one year)
longer to complete the process. The details of the exact qualifications that a student has to obtain may differ from
region to region, but the details need to be approved by the GS MFTT. The following options will be open to
framework will be followed by all regional Curatoria MFTTs:
5.1.2.1 The first four academic years will consist of either:
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* A four-year B Th (or equivalent); or
* A three-year B Th (or equivalent), followed by a broad-based B Th Honours (or equivalent)
5.1.2.2 The fifth year will consist of either:
* A one-year M Div (or an equivalent broad-based qualification at NQF level 9); or
* A combination of modules approved by the Curatorium of General Synod on the recommendation of a
Regional Curatorium.
In this case a Regional Curatorium constructs a one year programme that will enable a student to acquire any
outstanding competencies in terms of the approved OBE profile for a URCSA minister. Since this option does
not necessarily lead to a formal qualification, the Regional Curatorium negotiates for a more permanent
arrangement at an institution of higher education.
*A specialised research MTh, on condition that: a) the student obtained an average of at least 65% in the
Honours degree; b) s/he finds a theological department that will accept him/her into a specialised
Masters programme on the basis of a broad-based Honours degree; c) s/he has complied with all the
other aspects of practical and spiritual formation in the curriculum; d) the regional MFTT has approved
her/his application; e) their final assessment for licensing will be as rigorous and comprehensive as for
the other candidates – in terms of the 2005 ministry profile.
RECOMMENDATION
3.8.1
3.8.2
3.8.3
3.9
General Synod approves these amendments to the curriculum;
General Synod mandates regional MFTTs to comply with the curriculum and authorises the GS MFTT
to monitor compliance.
General Synod condones the licensing of Dawid Mouton on the basis of a specialised MTh in Clinical
Pastoral Care on the following grounds: a) he had discussed his enrolment for the specialized degree
with Dr. HG Platt (as official of the Namibian MFTT) before enrolling; b) it was formally requested by
the Namibia MFTT; c) Dr M-A Plaatjies-van Huffel had recommended his licensing in writing; d) he
submitted all the required practical ministry reports; e) it was recommended by GS MFTT in August
2011; f) it was approved by GSC in Sep 2011, with the clear understanding that this is an exception
that does not change the rule.
Licensing of students with hearing disability (GSC minutes, Sep 2011, 5.4.1)
The GS MFTT met a delegation from DCMA [Deaf Christian Ministry Africa], comprising Revv Jan Oberholzer
and Mia Lintvelt and the 2nd year ministry student, Betty Wanza, who wishes to be licensed as a URCSA
minister to work among deaf people. The GS MFTT reported on this to the GSC in Sep 2011 (see Appendix 3)
and the GSC took the following decision:
Decision 26: Requirements for licensing of people with hearing disability
The GSC instructs the MFTT to clarify the process whereby people with hearing disability can be
equipped for ministry and the requirements for ordination in URCSA with report and recommendation
to the next General Synod (GSC minutes, Sep 2011, p.70).
In response to this decision, the Cape MFTT was requested to draw up a comprehensive motivation for the
recognition of DCMA as higher education partner of the URCSA in deaf ministry. This is contained in Appendix
4.
RECOMMENDATION
General Synod:
3.9.1 notes that the estimated number of people in South Africa using South African Sign Language (SASL) is
between 500,000 and 600,000 (http://deafness.about.com);
3.9.2 approves DCMA as the official higher educational partner for the training of deaf ministry students of
URCSA, on the basis of the information contained in Appendix 4;
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3.9.3
3.9.4
3.9.5
3.10
approves the principle that URCSA students who complete their studies at DCMA will be licensed and
ordained as ministers of the church to build up deaf-community churches;
mandates the Cape MFTT to appoint a URCSA minister as mentor for deaf students;
mandates the Cape MFTT to collaborate with DCMA to develop a final year curriculum for deaf
ministry students of the URCSA;
Theron-Niholonge fund
The GS MFTT unanimously recommended the request of the Namibia MFTT that the Theron-Niholonge fund
be transferred to the Namibia MFTT, which had initiated the fund. This was approved by the GSC in September
2011:
Decision 36: Transferal of Theron-Niholonge fund to Namibia
The GSC decides that the Theron-Niholonge fund will be transferred back to the Regional Synod of
Namibia. Proposed: Rev HJ Meintjies Seconded: Rev P Grove
RECOMMENDATION
General Synod endorses this decision of GSC.
3.11
Ministerial formation manual
General Synod notes:
3.11.1 that the GS MFTT compiled the MF Manual on the instruction of the 2008 General Synod
3.11.2 that the content of the manual was approved by GSC in Sep 2011;
3.11.2 that, after negotiations with SMCP, the Northern Theological Seminary [NTS] printed the manual
printed is distributing it.
General Synod approves:
3.11.3 that all suggestions for improving the MF Manual should be sent to the scribe of GS MFTT before 30
November 2012 so that an updated edition, which incorporates all the amendments made to it by
General Synod 2012, can be printed and distributed early in 2013;
3.11.4 the proposal of GS MFTT to translate the MF Manual into Afrikaans and possibly other African
languages.
3.12 Admission of students from other regions to non-residential NTS programme (GSC minutes
2011, point 5.2.16)
The GS MFTT discussed how best to regulate and coordinate the admission of part-time students from other
regional synods to the non-residential programme at NTS, so that the unity between the students and
formation centres could be enhanced and the mentoring of these students’ practical work and spiritual
formation can be optimized.
RECOMMENDATION
General Synod approves
3.12.1 that all prospective ministry students should apply to the MFTT of their regional synod by means of
the prescribed application form (MF Manual, Addendum 9) and be interviewed by them;
3.12.2 that If an applicant is unable to study full-time in her/his own region, the regional MFTT will
recommend her/him to the Northern MFTT to become part of the NTS distance learning programme;
3.12.3 that an NTS student from another regional synod will participate in the in-house programme of his/her
regional MFTT, to ensure optimum co-operation in the formation of those students for ministry (see
also point 5.2.5 below).
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3.13
Discipline of part-time NTS students in other regions (GSC minutes, Sept 2011, p. 66)
The GS MFTT discussed how oversight over part-time NTS students living in other synodical regions could best
be organised.
RECOMMENDATION
General Synod approves the following principles:
3.13.1 Part-time NTS students living in other regions shall be fully and actively integrated into the community
of ministry students in their own region;
3.13.2 The discipline of a ministry student rests with the local church council and presbytery where s/he is a
member, in consultation with the regional MFTT, and with report to the Northern MFTT;
3.13.3 Supervision of the practical ministry and spiritual formation of part-time NTS students are the
responsibility of their regional MFTT;
3.13.4 Church councils and mentors submit an annual report to the regional MFTT on the ministry students
under their care.
3.14
New licensing oath (GSC minutes, Sep 2011, point 5.2.20)
The GSC in Nov 2009 mandated Prof JNJ Kritzinger to draft a new wording for the licensing oath, for
submission to General Synod in 2012. Some years ago the DRC changed their “Legitimasie-eed” to a “Plegtige
verklaring” with a shorter wording. It is proposed that our new oath should include aspects of the Confession
of Belhar, a focus on missional commitment and a commitment not to abuse our position as ministers. A draft
document is included in Appendix 5.
RECOMMENDATION
3.14.1 For noting
The licensing oath is not part of the URCSA Church Order. It therefore does not require a two thirds majority
vote at General Synod to amend it. However, it is a fundamentally important statement in the life of a church
since it shapes the identity and self-understanding of its ministers. For this reason it would not be wise to
replace the present licensing oath at this meeting of General Synod. It requires a process of consultation and
debate among ministers and in the official meetings of regional synods, presbyteries and congregations.
3.14.2 For approval
a) General Synod approves the draft Ministry Covenant (Appendix 5) in principle for circulation to all ministers,
congregations, presbyteries and synods.
b) Proposed comments and amendments to the document need to be submitted to the GS MFTT at the latest
by October 2014;
c) General Synod mandates the GSC to monitor this process in the recess, so that the new wording may be
finalised by the General Synod of 2016;
d) If widespread agreement on the wording is reached before 2016, the GSC is mandated to exercise its
discretion to approve the new wording during the recess and to announce it officially in URCSA News.
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REPORTS FROM REGIONAL MFTTS
The four-yearly reports of the regional MFTTs are attached, in alphabetical sequence. We submit the full
reports to the Synod for notification, and raise only a few specific issues from these reports for the attention
of General Synod. General policy issues that apply to all formation centres have already been presented in
point 3 above.
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4.1
Cape MFTT (Appendix 6)
RECOMMENDATION
4.1.1 General Synod takes note of the report of the Cape MFTT to Synod with gratitude for all the positive
trends.
4.1.2 General Synod approves the development of a seminary to facilitate the holistic development of
ministry students (Addenda 2-5 attached to Appendix 6)
4.2
Free State and Lesotho + Phororo MFTT (Appendix 7)
RECOMMENDATION
4.2.1 General Synod takes note with gratitude of the report of the Free State and Lesotho + Phororo
MFTT
4.3
Namibia MFTT (Appendix 8)
RECOMMENDATION
4.3.1 General Synod takes note with gratitude of the report of the Namibia MFTT
4.3.2
Regarding theological education at NETS, General Synod urges the Namibia MFTT to investigate the
standard of theological studies at NETS as it relates to requirements by URCSA and to report to the GS
MFTT.
4.4 Northern MFTT (Appendix 9)
RECOMMENDATION
4.4.1 General Synod takes note with gratitude of the report of the Northern MFTT
4.4.2 University exemption (see Appendix 9, point 3.2.1)
The Northern MFTT has reported that most of the new applicants for full-time ministry studies do not have
university exemption and that it adopted the interim strategy of letting such applicants enrol at the TEE
College for the Higher Certificate in Theology (HCT) as a one year bridging course. After passing the HCT they
qualify for exemption from the Matriculation Board for full-time studies at UP.
RECOMMENDATION
Since the TEE College has not been approved by General Synod as a partner institution, the General Synod:
4.4.1.1 Notes that:
a)
The MFTT, on the recommendation of the NTS, found the content of the nine TEE modules that make
up the programme theologically sound;
b)
The Academic Committee ensured that the NTS part-time lecturers tutored the TEE students
intensively in these 9 modules;
c)
The NTS is exploring the possibility of applying to the Dept of Higher Education and Training to
become a registered higher education provider in order to offer a HCT, so that a programme with an African
Reformed focus can be developed, possibly in collaboration with other churches;
d)
The NTS has started a recruitment drive to draw URCSA members with university exemption into the
ministry studies programme.
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4.4.1.2 Approves the interim arrangement of NTS that prospective students without university exemption
enrol for the Higher Certificate in Theology at TEE College, on condition that the students be closely tutored.
4.4.2 URCSA lecturer at UP (Appendix 4, point 3.2.3)
RECOMMENDATION
General Synod takes note, with gratitude, that:
4.4.2.1 The Southern Transvaal and Northern synods have jointly signed an agreement with the University of
Pretoria (UP) in June 2011 to make the URCSA a “church partner” of its Faculty of Theology;
4.4.2.2 A URCSA minister, Rev MS Makulubele, was appointed as a full-time lecturer at UP as from 1 July
2012, in terms of this agreement;
4.4.2.3 The URCSA pays 30% of the lecturer’s salary, and that the Turfloop Seminary Governing Body has
committed itself to contribute that amount.
4.4.3 Amended curriculum (Appendix 4, point 3.5)
RECOMMENDATION
Synod takes note that
4.4.3.1 to date the Northern MFTT has admitted 23 students to the amended curriculum;
4.4.3.2 these students are progressing well academically and are becoming part of the NTS student
community, growing also in the dimensions of ministry skills and spiritual maturity.
4.4.4 KwaZulu-Natal students (Appendix 9, point.4)
RECOMMENDATION
Synod takes note
4.4.4.1 of the agreement between the Northern MFTT and the KZN MFTT (Appendix 9, Addendum 4) to
formalize their collaboration to nurture new URCSA ministers in that region.
4.4.4.2 that the NTS students in KwaZulu-Natal attend two contact sessions per year in Pretoria and that NTS
lecturers travel to KZN twice per year for regional contact sessions (arranged jointly with KZN MFTT) at
Dingaanstat.
4.4.4.3 that there are presently 14 KZN students in NTS.
4.4.6 Licensing of URCSA ministers who had lost their status
RECOMMENDATION
General Synod takes note of Appendix 9, point 5.2.
Yours sincerely
Prof JNJ Kritzinger (chair)
Rev LL Husselmann (secretary)
Rev PJ van Schalwyk (Free State and Lesotho & Phororo)
Dr NC Philander (Cape)
Rev MF Sibeko (KZN)
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APPENDIX 1
A PROPOSED SHORTENED CURRICULUM
FOR MATURE (“2ND PROFESSION”) MINISTRY STUDENTS
At the 2008 General Synod, a shortened curriculum for mature URCSA members wishing to become ministers
was proposed (2008 Agenda, p. 508/5.3.10.13), as part of a broader proposal to address the “ministry crisis” in
the URCSA (2008 Agenda, p.504-510). The shortened curriculum was not accepted. The following decision was
taken instead: “Synod decides to refer this point back to the CMPW for report to the first GSC to be
implemented as soon as the GSC has approved it” (Acta 2008, p.213/Decision 95). Unfortunately Synod did
not indicate what specific problems it had with the wording of the proposal, which made it difficult for CMPW
to present a new version of the proposal.
The CMPW took the following steps:
 The proposal to address the ministry crisis in the URCSA (5.3.10 of 2008 Agenda of General Synod),
especially the proposed new wording of 5.3.10.13 on academic requirements was discussed by the GS
MFTT in November 2009.
 The proposal was sent out to regional curatoria for comment, but unfortunately only the Northern
Curatorium has given feedback.
 The GS MFTT present the following amended proposal to GSC for approval, for implementation by
regional curatoria as from January 2011. The proposal is an amendement of sections 5.3.10.13 and
5.3.10.13 (2008 GS Agenda, p.508; Acta, p.206). It must be read together with the whole of section
5.3.10 (2008 GS Agenda, pp. 504-510).
Adapted curriculum for mature members
Mature URCSA members who are over forty years of age and have proven themselves as leaders in the church
and community over many years may be licensed after following an adapted curriculum. When a URCSA
member applies to a regional curatorium to be considered for this adapted curriculum, the following steps will
be taken:
1.
Application
The applicant shall submit a detailed portfolio of evidence, in which s/he will include all the documents that
are relevant to his/her:
 sense of calling to the ministry,
 academic qualifications,
 professional experience,
 ministry experience,
 prior learning in theology,
 recent testimonials from ministers and church council members with whom they have worked
 recent testimonials from community figures regarding their public profile and contribution to society.
 any other document regarding their life that they regard as relevant to this request
2.
Consideration of application
A regional curatorium, in collaboration with its higher education partner(s) when necessary, will scrutinise the
portfolio and give due recognition to the ministry experience and prior learning of the applicant. Applicants
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will be individually assessed on the basis of the three dimensions of the ministry profile. After scrutinising the
portfolio of evidence and conducting an in-depth interview with the applicant the curatorium will decide
whether to accept him/her into this adapted curriculum. Before an applicant may be accepted into the
adapted curriculum, the regional curatorium will have to obtain the approval of the GS MFTT for such
acceptance.
3.
Formation process
The curatorium will then give specific guidance to the applicant on the personal, ministerial and academic
competences that s/he still need to acquire in order to comply with the ministry profile for licensing. The
following formation and assessment processes will run concurrently:
3.1
Personal maturity and spirituality
In consultation with the applicant, the curatorium will appoint a URCSA minister as a personal mentor to
develop a close relationship and to accompany him/her through a process of spiritual formation. A report of
this mentor will be an important factor that will be taken into consideration in the decision of the curatorium
regarding the readiness of the applicant for licensing.
3.2
Ministry skills and experience
The applicant will be required to demonstrate his/her ministry skills in all the important aspects of ministry
(teaching, preaching, counselling, administration, governance, funerals) and all the categories of membership
(children, youth, elderly, women, men). The means of assessing the applicant’s competences in these areas
will be determined by the curatorium in consultation with the applicant’s mentor and local minister. The
requirement of at least 100 hours practical work per year, stipulated in the general curriculum, will also apply.
The mentor will submit detailed annual reports to the curatorium on the applicant’s competence in these
ministry skills.
3.3
Academic requirements
On the basis of the applicant’s prior academic qualifications, the curatorium will decide at what level s/he may
be admitted into the 5-year academic programme. The following considerations will guide their decision on
the academic requirements:
a) An applicant who has already obtained a Bachelor degree (and perhaps postgraduate qualifications) in
theology from an institution not officially recognised by the URCSA needs to spend a minimum of two
years in the URCSA ministerial formation programme before s/he can be licensed.
b) In those two years s/he will do courses on Reformed theology and church polity as well as DRC family
history, and obtain any academic qualification or other aspects of the curriculum required by the
ministry profile that are missing from her/his prior qualifications.
c) If a regional curatorium wishes to propose a set of academic (or other) requirements for the licensing
of a specific applicant that deviates from the approved set of requirements in the 2005 curriculum
(Agenda 2005, p. 304-307), it will first present this proposal to the MF task team of General Synod for
approval before implementation.
d) An applicant who has obtained at least a Bachelors’ degree (or equivalent) in a discipline other than
theology, and who has been accepted on the basis of her/his portfolio of evidence, will be allowed to
enrol only for the last three years of the 5 year curriculum. This means that they need to complete:
 BTh III or an Advanced Diploma in Theology;
 BTh IV, or a “comprehensive” Hons BTh degree, or a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology;
 MDiv I or equivalent.
e) The curatorium will be allowed to exercise its discretion in determining whether a mature candidate in
this category will be required to obtain the formal qualifications of Greek 1, Hebrew 1 and a first level
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course in an African language (as required in the general curriculum) before being licensed. What will
guide the curatorium in this decision is the ability of the applicant to interpret Scripture faithfully and
creatively in a context, a functional acquaintance with Greek and Hebrew that allows her/him to
consult commentaries based on the original languages; her/his communication and multilingual skills,
and her/his expectations in terms of the field of ministry (see 4.2 below).
4.
Final assessment with a view to licensing
4.1
Means of assessment
To ensure the credibility and fairness of this alternative route to licensing, in relation to the programme
required of the full-time students, the final assessment of all candidates for the ministry needs to be the same
for these two “streams” of students. The only way to ensure parity between the two streams is that all
ministry candidates must demonstrate adequate compliance with consistent assessment criteria that have
been generated out of the ministry profile. This assessment will take place by means of case studies and
interpretation exercises that assess the ability of the candidate to analyse a particular context, interpret
Scripture faithfully in that context, strategise creatively for ministry in response to specific challenges, as well
as demonstrate maturity in leadership and team work.
4.2
Approval by GS MFTT
Before a candidate who completed the adapted curriculum may be licensed, the regional curatorium needs to
obtain the approval of GS MFTT, on the basis of a detailed report to the GS MFTT on the candidate’s progress.
NOTE: The following paragraph in the original proposal was not approved by GSC in Nov 2010:
4.2
Licensing for a limited ministry
With reference to 3.3 (e) above, a curatorium will have the discretion to license a candidate for a limited field
of ministry, e.g. a) only for a specific congregation, presbytery or synod; or b) only a limited category of
membership, like youth or children, if s/he does not comply with all the language requirements of the general
curriculum.
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APPENDIX 2
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE RULE FOR MINISTERIAL FORMATION
NOTE: Only the sections that require amendment are included here. The proposed deletions are in
“strikethrough” mode and the proposed additions are underlined
5.
Article 5
MINISTERIAL FORMATION TASK TEAM OF GENERAL SYNOD
The General Synod appoints a Core Ministry for Proclamation and Worship, which that will appoints a Ministerial
Formation Task Team from its members to be responsible for ministerial formation in terms of Article 6. It meets
at least once a year, at a time and place determined by itself rotating between the formation centres, to:
5.1
5.2
5.7
be the guardians of this vision and policy of ministerial formation;
implement a single ministerial formation process in the URCSA that ensures equality of standards among
all its, while respecting and affirming diversity among the regions;
receive and evaluate applications for the establishment of new ministerial formation centres;
oversee and coordinate the formation processes undertaken by Regional Synods, by receiving annual
reports from them in a prescribed format;
present a single annual budget for ministerial formation in the URCSA as a whole to the General Synodical
Commission for approval, on the basis of the budgets submitted to it by the Regional Curatoria (Regional
Core Ministries for Proclamation and Worship);]
keep abreast of new trends and developments in ministerial formation worldwide, in partnership with the
URCSA’s ecumenical partners, giving guidance to General Synod when policy changes become necessary;
report annually to the General Synod/Synodical Commission.
6.
Article 6
5.3
5.4
[5.5
5.6
COMPOSITION OF MINISTERIAL FORMATION TASK TEAM OF GENERAL SYNOD
[The Ministerial Formation Task Team is part of the Core Ministry for Proclamation and Worship of General Synod
and is composed as follows:
Existing wording
6.1
The chairperson or scribe of each Regional Curatorium (Core Ministry for Proclamation and Worship)
where a ministerial formation centre is based;
6.2
One representative from those Regional Synods that do not have ministerial formation centres;
6.3
The Actuarius of General Synod (as convenor);
6.4
The Administrator of General Synod (in an advisory capacity);
6.5
One representative of the Board of lecturers (see Article 10) of each ministerial formation centre;
6.6
One theological student, with representatives from the various ministerial formation centres attending on
a rotational basis;
6.7
The task team has the right of co-option.
NOTE: Since a structural change is proposed to this article, the new proposal as a whole is given below:
Proposed new wording
The Ministerial Formation Task Team is part of the Core Ministry for Proclamation and Worship of General Synod.
It and is composed as follows:
6.1
Core members
12
6.1.1
6.1.2
6.1.3
6.1.4
6.2
6.2.1
The chairperson or scribe of each regional MFTT where a ministerial formation centre is based; (4
members)
A representative from the Regional Synods that do not have a ministerial formation centre; (1 member)
The Actuarius of General Synod; (1 member)
The task team has the right of co-option.
6.2.2
Rotating members
One representative of the Board of lecturers (see Article 10) attached to the MFTT where the meeting is
held; (1 member)
One theological student attached to the MFTT where the meeting is held; (1 member)
7.
Article 7
SUB-COMMISSIONS OF THE MF TASK TEAM
The Ministerial Formation task team of General Synod appoints the following sub-commissions:
7.1
7.2
7.3
An Executive consisting of the chairperson, the scribe and the Actuarius of General Synod3, with the
responsibility of preparing the agenda of annual task team meetings and of addressing urgent issues (with
report to the task team).
An academic sub-commission consisting of one representative of each Board of lecturers (see Article 6.5)
from the regions, with the responsibility to:
7.2.1 meet annually, before the meeting of the task team, to address matters of common concern
among the formation centres;
7.2.2 serve on the Assessment Committees (see 11.4) of all the formation centres to take part in the
assessment of candidates for licensing (see Article 11.4), finances permitting;
7.2.3 monitor the academic standard as well as the integration of the different required outcomes at
all formation centres;
7.2.4 equitably select candidates for scholarships, particularly for postgraduate study and practical
ministry experience overseas4;
7.2.5 report annually to the task team.
A financial sub-commission of three members, with the responsibility to:
7.3.1 consolidate the annual budgets presented by the Regional Curatoria (Regional MF task teams)
into a single budget, for annual submission to General Synod/Synodical Commission;
7.3.2 cooperate with the Ecumenical Commission of the URCSA to raise funds for formation centres
among ecumenical partner churches, in accordance with the needs identified in the budgets of
Regional Curatoria (Regional MF task teams).
NOTE: Since this process of financial integration between regional MFTTs is very difficult to achieve, the GS
MFTT proposes that 7.3 be deleted.
8.
Article 8
REGIONAL MF TASK TEAM
3 If the Actuarius is elected as chairperson or scribe, another member of the GS MFTT Curatorium is elected onto the Executive.
4 The Curatorium MFTT of General Synod may, in consultation with its academic sub-commission and on the recommendation
of a Regional Curatorium MFTT, allow a senior student to do a period of practical ministry of up to one year in an ecumenical
partner church of the URCSA. The academic sub-commission will develop proper structures for supervision and reporting in this
regard.
13
8.1
A Regional Synod appoints a Curatorium ([or a] Ministerial Formation Task Team (as part of its
Proclamation and Worship Core Ministry) to be responsible for ministerial formation in its region;
8.2
The composition of a Regional Curatorium (Regional MF Task Team is determined by each Regional
Synod. The administrator and representative(s) of the Board of lecturers (see Article 10) attend in advisory
capacity.
8.3
A Regional Curatorium Ministerial Formation Task Team reports annually to its Regional Synod/Synodical
Commission as well as and submits that report also to the Ministerial Formation Task Team of General Synod.
9.
Article 9
MINISTERIAL FORMATION CENTRES
When a Regional Curatorium or Ministerial Formation Task Team wishes to establish a centre for ministerial
formation or to make significant changes to an existing centre, it submits an application to the Ministerial
Formation Task Team of General Synod.
9.1
Application
The application shall contain details on the following:
5
9.1.1 The functioning of the Seminary or Theological School in which theological students will worship, serve
and learn together under the guidance of appointed URCSA ministers and under the supervision of the church
councils of local URCSA congregations;
9.1.2 The details of the teaching staff and management team of the seminary;
9.1.3 The agreement entered into with one or more institutions of higher education to ensure that URCSA
students receive quality academic formation in theology. The agreement(s) shall:
9.1.3.1 stipulate the specific curriculum to be followed by URCSA students, the lecturers who will teach
them, and the significance of the URCSA’s four Confessions,
9.1.3.2 take into consideration the historical educational disadvantages of many URCSA students;
9.1.4 The network of URCSA congregations and ministers who will act as mentors for theological students
during their years of study, and the process for preparing these mentors and congregations;
9.1.5 The financial viability of the formation centre.
9.2
Approval
When such an application has been approved by the Ministerial Formation Task Team of General Synod it is
submitted to General Synod for final approval. Implementation by the Regional Curatorium Ministerial Formation
Task Team follows this approval.
10.
Article 10
BOARD OF LECTURERS
10.1
The ministers and members of the URCSA appointed by a Regional Curatorium Ministerial Formation Task
Team as lecturing/tutoring staff (on a full-time or part-time basis) in a formation centre constitute the Board of
lecturers for that centre;
5 It is the particular responsibility of a Seminary, as a learning and worshipping community of theological ministry
students enrolled at an institute institution of higher education, to foster their integral formation, which includes
academic growth, personal and spiritual development of students as well as their leadership and ministry skills.
14
10.2
The members of the Board of lecturers are all attached to URCSA congregations, thus working under the
supervision and discipline of their respective church councils and presbyteries,
10.3
Members of the Board of lecturers and are publicly set aside for this ministry by the Regional Curatorium
Ministerial Formation Task Team, in consultation with their congregations;
10.3
The function of a Board of lecturers is to:
10.3.1
10.3.2
10.3.3
10.3.4
11.
implement the prescribed formation process (see Addendum 4) in the centre, under supervision
of the Regional Curatorium Ministerial Formation Task Team;
advise the Regional Curatorium Ministerial Formation Task Team on all matters pertaining to the
holistic development of the students under their care;
represent the formation centre on the General Synod Ministerial Formation task team (see Article
6.5);
report annually to the Regional Curatorium Ministerial Formation Task Team.
Article 11
MANAGING THE PROCESS OF MINISTERIAL FORMATION
A Regional Curatorium Ministerial Formation Task Team with its Board of lecturers, working under the supervision
of its Regional Synod and of the Ministerial Formation Task Team of General Synod, ensures that the following five
phases in the formation of a candidate are carried out responsibly and effectively in its centre of ministerial
formation: Admission, Formation, Supervision, Assessment, Licensing (“legitimasie”), and Ongoing Formation.
11.1
Admission
The Regional Curatorium Ministerial Formation Task Team appoints a sub-commission committee responsible for
the admission of new candidates applicants. Its task it is to:
11.1.1 disseminate accurate information about the requirements, duration and costs of ministerial
formation to all URCSA congregations;
11.1.2 ensure that an applicant for ministerial formation submits a detailed application on a prescribed
form (see Addendum 9), accompanied by written testimonials and documentary proof of: a) confessing
membership in the URCSA6; b) matriculation exemption or equivalent7; c) good health; d) good standing
and active participation within the URCSA; e) a living faith in Christ expressed in a stable and consistent
Christian life;
11.1.3 interview each applicant thoroughly to ascertain whether s/he complies with the following
requirements to enter the formation programme has: a) a personal sense of calling; b) the intellectual
capacity; c) the spiritual maturity; d) a good basic Bible knowledge; e) the personality profile; and f)
adequate financial support[, to enter this formation programme].
11.2
Formation
The Regional Curatorium Ministerial Formation Task Team, with its Board of lecturers, monitors the development
of ministry theological students in all the dimensions of formation required.
11.2.1 Personal/spiritual maturity
6 If an applicant did not grow up in the URCSA, s/he needs to submit proof of having been a member of the URCSA for at least
two years.
7 Additional academic requirements may be set by a partner institution of higher education, in consultation with a Regional
Curatorium.
15
The Regional Curatorium Ministerial Formation Task Team oversees the process of growth in personal and
spiritual maturity among students by creating a community within the seminary/theological school that will foster
relationships of trust, honesty, collegiality, friendship and respect for diversity. It further ensures that the
community within the seminary is deepened through regular communal worship, election of student leadership
structures, social and recreational events, and strict but caring discipline. It encourages a spirit of voluntarism and
community involvement among students.
11.2.2 Academic formation
The Regional Curatorium Ministerial Formation Task Team sees to it that students attain the required academic
competence in theology, as required by the curriculum (see Addendum 4). It develops the relationship with the
participating institutions of higher education mentioned in 9.1.3 and sees to it that students grow into mature and
well-rounded contextual theologians.
11.2.3 Ministry skills
The Regional Curatorium Ministerial Formation Task Team sees to it that students acquire enough practical
experience in leading worship, preaching, teaching, pastoral care and counselling, evangelism and diaconal service
in the course of their studies. Attention is also given to acquiring skills of financial and time management, chairing
meetings and writing minutes. It pursues this goal in collaboration with the network of URCSA congregations and
ministers mentioned in [9.2.3] 9.1.4 and sees to it that students develop into competent communicators of the
gospel within an African context.
11.3
Supervision
The Regional Curatorium Ministerial Formation Task Team takes responsibility for supervision over the doctrine
and life of the students, in cooperation with the local URCSA church council(s). It shall may require students to
sign and observe a Code of Conduct approved by the Regional Synod. This supervision includes genuine care and
concern for the students’ welfare.
11.4
Assessment
A Regional Curatorium Ministerial Formation Task Team appoints an Assessment Committee whose task it is to do
quality assurance at regular intervals in the ministerial formation process, by assessing the growth of the students
in terms of the OBE profile stipulated in Addendum 3. Each student will be assessed annually and the focus of this
ongoing assessment process, preferably done by means of case studies, will be on a student’s ability to integrate
values, knowledge and skills. Each student submits an annual report of his/her 100 hours practical work and a
sermon delivered in the seminary during the year.
The Assessment Committee shall be a sub-committee commission of the Regional Curatorium MF Task
Team and reports to it annually regarding the progress of each student. When the Assessment Committee meets
for its final assessment of a group of students to recommend them for licensing, it co-opts a panel of experts to
help it assess the readiness of candidates for licensing. Such a panel should preferably include representatives of
the other formation centres of the URCSA (see Article 7.2.2). The final assessment will require a candidate to
demonstrate a high level of integration between values, knowledge and skills. A report by an assessment panel
the Regional Curatorium (MF task team) on a trial sermon delivered service conducted by a student in a URCSA
congregation will be a key part of the final assessment.
11.5
Licensing
16
A Regional Curatorium MF Task Team, after receiving and approving the report of its Assessment Committee on
each student under its care, requests the Actuarius of its Regional Synod to administer the taking of the licensing
oath by the approved candidates. This ceremony will take place at a public service convened by the Regional
Curatorium MF Task Team and announced to all congregations in the region. Candidates shall use the prescribed
formulary to solemnly declare their loyalty to the URCSA and its doctrine, commit themselves to a quality ministry,
and submit themselves to the disciplinary procedures of the church. When candidates have been licensed, the
scribe of the Regional Curatorium MF Task Team submits their names to the Actuarius of General Synod on a
prescribed form (Addendum 13), who then officially declares them available to be called (‘beroepbaar’) in the
URCSA.
11.6
Ongoing Formation
A Regional Curatorium MF Task Team encourages life-long learning among the URCSA ministers in its region
through establishing a process of continuing ministerial development (CMD) [post-academic training]. This process
requires [theological] ministry candidates (‘proponente’) who have not yet been called and ministers in their first
five years of ministry to attend a compulsory refresher course each year, organised by the Regional Curatorium
MF Task Team in cooperation with its participating university/ies, other relevant commissions of the Regional
Synod and partner churches. General refresher courses for ministers with more than five years of experience will
also be arranged on an annual basis.
12.
Article 12
FINANCE
A Regional Curatorium MF Task Team has the following responsibilities in relation to the finances of its formation
centre:
12.1
12.2
12.3
12.4
12.5
Fund-raising
Budgeting and strategic financial planning
Management of funds
Reporting on the finances of the formation centre, by submitting an independently audited set of books
to the Regional Synod/Synodical Commission each year
Allocation of scholarships/loans, in consultation with the academic sub-commission of the General Synod
Ministerial Formation task team (see 7.2.4)
A Regional Curatorium MF Task Team controls the funds it raises or receives for ministerial formation. It reports
annually to its Synod (or Synodical Commission), submitting an audited set of books and a budget as part of its
report. It also submits that report to the GS MFTT annually [its annual budget to the Ministerial Formation task
team of General Synod (see 7.3.1).]
13.
Article 13
ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIPS
A Regional Curatorium MF Task Team, in consultation with the Ministerial Formation Task Team of General Synod
and other Regional Curatoria MF Task Teams, establishes ecumenical partnerships in ministerial formation. The
purpose of such partnerships is to:
13.1
exchange theological insights
13.2
foster student and lecturer exchanges
13.3
promote joint research projects and publications
13.4
render mutual assistance.
17
14.
Article 14
AMENDMENTS TO THIS RULE
Amendments to this Rule may be effected in one of two ways:
14.1
Article 1 on the theological basis of ministerial formation may only be amended by General Synod, with a
two-thirds majority;
14.2
Other articles may be amended by General Synod by with a simple majority vote.
APPENDIX 3
MINISTRY TO PEOPLE WITH HEARING DISABILITY
The GS MFTT reported as follow to GSC in Sep 2011:
Curriculum
The meeting received information on DCMA and its integrated curriculum. An integrated approach is used,
flowing from the exegesis of Biblical passages, based on the stories. There are no written examinations;
competencies that have been mastered are assessed. Currently DCMA presents a Certificate, Diploma, and
Graduate diploma from Veritas College, which is accredited in Western Australia but not in South Africa with
SAQA. We need to investigate options whether DCMA could link with US to offer a degree in future.
Financial aspects
The Cape MFTT was asked to take up the matter of possible financial support for Betty Wanza, and to mentor
her as a student of URCSA. She has to complete the application form to be formally accepted as a ministry
student of the URCSA. Betty will be welcomed as URCSA ministry student, attend annual licensing, opening of
the Faculty and other student activities, and get all the communication that other students get. Annual written
reports on her practical ministry work will be submitted by DCMA and mentor(s) to Cape MFTT. The bursary
application to the World Communion of Reformed Churches is late, but the meeting endorsed the application
and decided to request Dr Dawid Kuyler to sign the forms and submit it to WCRC as a late application. The
Cape MFTT has agreed to support Betty Wanza‟s study with bursaries.
Final year curriculum
The meeting agreed that DCMA will be the higher education partner for the formation of deaf URCSA
members for ordained ministry. Students will complete the three year DCMA curriculum and the final year
curriculum will be designed jointly by URCSA and DCMA. She will also appear before the assessment
commission before licensing. The Cape MFTT was mandated to develop and approve the content of the final
year curriculum, in consultation with DCMA, and circulate to GS MFTT members, with a full report on that at
the next meeting. They are tasked to base our curriculum on the curricula of the DRC and AFM that are
already in operation and make amendments where needed. They will make sure that the Confession of Belhar
is included in the curriculum.
Further planning of deaf ministry
The meeting agreed that the URCSA should plan ahead for ministry to the deaf. We need to provide work for
students like Betty Wanza when they have been licensed and also explore the possibility of other students in
future. URCSA needs to rethink what church means in relation to people with disabilities (or different
abilities), thinking these issues into our theology. We need to welcome students with disabilities into our
ministerial formation programme, mainstreaming and including them, so that they may help us grow into
wholeness as a church. We need to consider the implications and challenges for the URCSA presented by the
fact of having a deaf ministry student.
18
APPENDIX 4
SUBMISSION RE RECOGNITION OF DEAF CHRISTIAN MINISTRY AFRICA (DCMA) AS
HIGHER EDUCATION PARTNER IN NURTURING DEAF MINISTERS
19
APPENDIX 5
DRAFT NEW “LICENSING OATH”
1.
INTRODUCTION
The GS MFTT discussed their discomfort with the wording of the present licensing oath used by the URCSA. It
was noted that its wording dates back to the Synod of Dordt in 1620 and that many Reformed churches
worldwide had changed the wording to better express the intention of the oath.
Some years ago the DRC changed their “Legitimasie-eed” to a “Plegtige verklaring” with a different
(shorter) wording. The GS MFTT proposed that a new oath should include aspects of the Confession of Belhar,
a focus on missional commitment and a solemn declaration by the candidate minister never to abuse his/her
position as minister. The GSC of Sep 2011 noted that Prof JNJ Kritzinger had been asked to draft a proposed
new licensing oath/statement.
2.
PURPOSE OF A LICENSING OATH/DECLARATION
In order to reflect meaningfully on the wording of a “licensing oath”, it is necessary first of all to get clarity
about the purpose of licensing and its relationship to ordination. Why is it necessary to have two occasions to
introduce new ministers to the church? It has to do with the nature of reformed (presbyterial) church
governance and the way it understands the relationship between a local congregation and the denomination
as a whole. It is the General Synod that makes policy on ministerial formation and that officially declares
ministry candidates (proponente) eligible for call (beroepbaar) in the URCSA, but it is a local church council (on
behalf of a congregation) that extends the call to a candidate so that s/he exercises her/his ministry within
that local congregation. In this way the URCSA (like other reformed churches) wishes to avoid the two
extremes of an episcopal and a congregationalist position. It can be portrayed in a diagram:
Episcopal
Ordination by the church
A priest is ordained by the
church at large
A priest never loses his
ordination; it is an “indelible
mark” on his life. He exercises
his ministry in the church as a
whole and is “placed” in a parish
by a bishop. The parish
“welcomes” the priest but
nothing new “happens” in that
welcoming. Ministerial “status”
or “competence” vests in the
individual priest and is exercised
in the whole church.
Presbyterial
Licensing by the church,
Ordination in congregation
A candidate is admitted to the
ministry of the Word (granted
ministerial “competence”) by the
General Synod. S/he is licensed
for ministry in any congregation
of the church
The church council of a
congregation calls a ministry
candidate (proponent) and when
s/he has accepted the call, s/he
is
ordained
or
inducted
(bevestig) in that congregation
with laying on of hands. If s/he
does not receive a call, s/he is
like a fish out of the water; the
ministry of the Word can only be
exercised in the context of a
local congregation.
20
Congregationalist
Ordination in congregation
The church board of a local
congregation
decides
what
confessional basis it wishes to
adopt. It also appoints its own
minister,
who
need
not
necessarily have an academic
qualification in theology but
must exhibit spiritual maturity,
leadership skills and preaching
ability. The denomination at
large does not prescribe to local
congregations.
By being “licensed” (admitted to the ministry of the Word), a ministry candidate joins the community of
URCSA members who have been set aside or certified as competent to serve as ministers of the Word. This
ministerial “status” or “competence” is not a permanent endowment or indelible mark on a person’s life. It
can be “lost” by the minister or “withdrawn” by the church if s/he acts in a way that is unworthy of this special
ministry in the church.
A licensed candidate (proponent) may not serve the sacraments. If s/he does not receive a call within
a reasonable period of time, her/his position becomes an anomaly, since ministry in a presbyterial system
does not “hang in the air”: it can only be exercised when one has been ordained in the bosom of a local
congregation. To ensure that such a ministry candidate stays “on the same wavelength” as the ordained
ministers of the church, the General Synod expects her/him to apply every second year for retention of her/his
ministerial competence/status.
Through licensing a person is certified as competent to serve the church as a whole and through
ordination that competence becomes a reality in a specific local congregation. In the ordination ceremony the
candidate therefore commits herself to do the work of ministry in a loyal and moral way in that context. In the
licensing ceremony she commits herself to be faithful to general vision of ministry in the Reformed tradition,
which is based on Reformed doctrine and a number of other basic values.
A key question in this regard is the precise role that the Reformed confessions play as “standards of
faith”. In what way (or to what extent) should a ministry candidate declare his loyalty to those documents that
were written in Europe in the 16the and 17th centuries (and the Confession of Belhar from 1986)? Should she
declare that they are in full and total agreement with Scripture? Or should she declare that she agrees with
them “in so far as” they agree with Scripture? Or should she merely say that they provide a frame of reference
for the way she reads and preaches Scripture today? There is a spectrum of views on this question, which are
reflected in the wording of different licensing oaths or (solemn) declarations. After surveying some
declarations of selected Reformed churches, a constructive proposal for a new URCSA declaration will be
made below. At the outset it should be said that most of these churches – which stand in the Dutch Reformed
tradition, rather than the Swiss, French or Scottish Reformed traditions – started by using the licensing oath
approved by the Synod of Dordt in 1618-1620. That is the first document given below, and is the one that we
still use as the URCSA. The other churches adapted or amended their declarations during the course of the
19th or 20th century. The declarations are arranged on a spectrum that ranges from a stricter to a looser
commitment to the Confessions.
3.
EXAMPLES OF THE LICENSING DECLARATIONS OF SOME REFORMED CHURCHES
3.1
Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa
Licensing oath
I, the undersigned, ………..….., admitted to the public ministry of the Word of God in the Uniting Reformed Church in
Southern Africa by the Assessment Committee of the MINISTERIAL FORMATION TASK TEAM of the SOUTHERN AND
NORTHERN SYNODS, duly authorised thereto by the General Synod of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa,
do hereby declare in sincerity before God that I do believe with all my heart that all the articles and standards of doctrine
included in the Articles of Faith and the Formularies of Unity adopted by the Synod of Dordrecht in 1618 and 1619 –
namely the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of Dordt – as well as the Confession of Belhar
(1986) agree with the Word of God in all respects.
I promise to teach this doctrine diligently and to uphold it faithfully in my conduct of life, without teaching or
writing anything against this doctrine, either directly or indirectly. Even as I in good faith accept and fully believe in this
doctrine, I repudiate all fallacies against this doctrine and promise to disprove and contradict them and do everything in
my power to ban them from the church. I promise to apply myself diligently to the expansion of knowledge, Christian
morals, order and unity and to observe the regulations of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa and, should it
21
come to pass at a later stage that I conceive an objection or obtain a different insight into this doctrine, I promise not to
advocate, teach or defend such a doctrine in secret or in public, by preaching or in writing, before having submitted it to
the General Synod for closer investigation.
Should an authorised church body, at its discretion, in order to preserve the unanimity and purity of doctrine, at
any time require a further statement from me regarding one or more of the abovementioned Articles of Faith, I solemnly
pledge my willingness and readiness thereto at all times.
Should an authorised church body ever determine that I acted contrary to any part of this declaration and
promise in that respect, I solemnly pledge to abide by the findings of the said church body.
I solemnly declare before God that
∙
I have not entered into any agreement or given any gratuities in order to obtain a post in the church, and that I
will never enter into such an agreement or give such gratuities;
∙
I am not aware of the fact that such an agreement has been entered into or such gratuities given by anybody on
my part or behalf;
∙
I shall never seek or accept a post in the church of which I may suspect that it is being offered to me in
consideration of any condition, promise or preceding agreement of any kind whatsoever.
I pledge myself to the abovementioned with my signature ......................................................
Signed at …………… on this …………… day of ……………….
................................................................
Actuarius, URCSA Northern Synod
Comments:
3.1.1 “Agree with the Word of God in all respects”
The theological position that the oath takes can be described as a “high view” of the Reformed Confessions:
they agree with the Word of God in all respects. We return to this issue below, but it could help to clarify that
two positions have sometimes been contrasted in this regard, namely the quia and quatenus positions. The
quia position, derived from the Latin word quia (=”because”), which is expressed by this oath, means that you
affirm the content of the Confessions because (Latin: quia) they agree with the Bible in every respect. The
quatenus (= “in sofar as”) means that you believe the Confessions in so far as (or to the extent that) they agree
with the Bible. The latter position takes a “lower” view of the authority of the Confessions, suggesting that
they do not fully express the message of Scripture. This oath expresses the quia position.
3.1.2 Simony
This original licensing oath of the (Dutch) Reformed tradition addresses two issues: faithfulness to Reformed
doctrine and the so-called “anti-Simony” oath. Some background information on Simony is necessary here. In
Acts 8:9-24 we read of Simon (“the magician”) who offered money to the apostles to obtain the spiritual
power to perform miracles. He was strongly rebuked by Peter and called to repent. Throughout Christian
history, Simony has been condemned as a form of bribery, where someone seeks a spiritual favour or power
from a superior through offering money (or another favour in return). This could take the form of a member
trying to bribe a priest to give him/her a special blessing or of a priest trying to bribe a bishop to post him to
another parish. When the Reformation did away with bishops and affirmed the responsibility of a local church
to call a minister, the temptation of Simony became focussed on ministers using some form of “gratuity”
(inducement or enticement) to convince a congregation to call him. Since some ministry candidates wait for a
long time to receive a call, especially at a time when there are few vacancies in a church, this can become
quite a temptation.
3.1.3 Oath
In spite of the explicit instruction of the Lord Jesus in Matthew 5:33-37 that his disciples should not swear an
oath of any kind, it became customary in the church for members to commit themselves to a specific
responsibility by swearing an oath of loyalty and allegiance. We come back to this later, but it is good to signal
that the swearing of an oath of loyalty was an important issue in the confused and unstable religious and
22
political context of Europe during the Reformation. It was essential for the church to know that it could trust
its ministers in a fluid and uncertain situation, and that is why they required an oath of loyalty from them
before making them available to the church to be called by congregations.
3.2
Dutch Reformed Church (South Africa)
Plegtige legitimasie-verklaring van die Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk
Ek, die ondergetekende, ................................................, oortuig van my roeping deur die Here en toegelaat tot
die openbare bediening van die Woord in die Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk, verklaar hiermee voor
die Here
1.
dat ek glo dat die leer soos vervat in die drie algemene belydenisskrifte en die drie Formuliere van
Eenheid - naamlik die Nederlandse Geloofsbelydenis (Confessio Belgica), die Heidelbergse Kategismus
en die Dordtse Leerreëls, ooreenkom met die Woord van God;
2.
dat ek hierdie leer getrou sal verkondig en uitleef;
3.
dat ek alle dwalinge wat met hierdie leer in stryd is, sal weerlê en alles in my vermoë sal doen om dit
uit die Kerk te weer;
4.
dat, indien ek later enige beswaar of ander insig oor die leer ontwikkel, ek dit nie sal leer of bevorder
voordat ek dit aan ’n bevoegde kerkvergadering vir ’n beslissing voorgelê het nie;
5.
dat ek my aan die orde van die NG Kerk sal hou;
6.
dat ek, om beroep te word, volgens die Kerkorde en besluite van die Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk
sal optree;
7.
dat ek my op die uitbreiding van die Koninkryk van God sal toelê deur die bevordering van die kennis
van, vertroue in en gehoorsaamheid aan die Drie-enige God;
8.
dat ek myself verbind tot voortgesette bedieningsontwikkeling.
Ek verbind my deur my handtekening tot al die voormelde.
________________________________
Geteken te _______op hierdie _______________ dag van 20_____________
Geteken in my teenwoordigheid: _____________________________
(Namens die Algemene Taakspan Regte)
Solemn declaration on admission to the ministry of the Dutch Reformed Church
I, the undersigned, .............................................. , convinced of my vocation from the Lord and admitted to the public
ministry of the Word in the Dutch Reformed Church, hereby declare before the Lord
1. That I believe that the doctrine as contained in the three universal creeds and the Doctrinal Standards of
Unity – viz. The Belgic Confession (Confessio Belgica), the Heidelberg Catechism and the Statutes of Dordt
are in agreement with the Word of God;
2. That I will faithfully proclaim and live according to this doctrine;
3. That I will counter all heresies against this doctrine and do all I can to keep them from the Church;
4. That, if at a later date I develop any objection to or acquire a different understanding of the doctrine, I will
not teach or promote it before I have submitted it to a competent church assembly for consideration;
5. That I will adhere to the order of the Dutch Reformed Church;
6. That I, to be called, will act in accordance with the Church Order and resolutions of the Dutch Reformed
Church;
7. That I will devote myself to the expansion of the Kingdom of God by the promotion of the knowledge of,
trust in and obedience to the Triune God;
8. That I commit myself to ongoing development of proficiency in ministry.
I commit myself by my signature to all the above.
Signed at ................ on this ............... day of 20................
23
Comments
3.2.1 Content
The first part of this document is substantially the same as the oath above. It merely summarises it and
formulates it in clearer language, avoiding the clumsy “legalese” that characterises the traditional oath. It does
however, avoid specific reference to Simony and replaces it with a statement that with reference to calling,
one will “act in accordance with the Church Order and resolutions of the Dutch Reformed Church”. This may
be because the Church Order of the DRC makes provision for congregations to advertise a vacancy, short list
the applicants and interview them before making a decision to “call” one of them. Since the logic of such a
procedure represents a different ethos from that of the traditional oath, it refers positively to following the
calling procedures as set out in the DRC Church Order, instead of rejecting Simony
3.2.2 Expansion of the Kingdom of God
One aspect in the solemn declaration that was not present in the oath is a “missional” emphasis on
“expanding the kingdom of God” by promoting knowledge, trust and obedience. This gives the licensing
declaration a different focus, indicating that ministry does not take place only within the four walls of the
church, but that it is a public matter taking place in the community.
3.2.2 Ongoing development
The other new element in the declaration is the final clause, in which the candidate is required to commit
her/himself to continuing ministerial development (CMD). The DRC has made the earning of CMD “points”
compulsory for all their ministers, to ensure ongoing growth and renewal in their lives. This is the kind of
commitment that concerns ministry as such (not particularly ministry in a congregation) and therefore it fits in
better at licensing than at ordination.
3.2.4 Solemn Declaration
The final difference between this document and the licensing oath is the fact that this is called a “solemn
declaration” (plegtige verklaring) rather than an oath.
3.3
Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA)
Covenant for Officebearers in the Christian Reformed Church
We, [the undersigned], believe the Old and New Testaments to be the inspired Word of God, which proclaims the
good news of God’s creation and redemption through Jesus Christ.
Acknowledging the authority of God’s Word, we submit to it in all matters of life and faith. We affirm three creeds—
the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed—as ecumenical expressions of the Christian faith.
In doing so, we confess our faith in unity with followers of Jesus Christ throughout all ages and among all nations.
We also affirm three confessions—the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dort—as
historic Reformed expressions of the Christian faith, whose doctrines fully agree with the Word of God. These
confessions continue to define the way we understand Scripture, direct the way we live in response to the gospel,
and locate us within the larger body of Christ. Grateful for these expressions of faith, we promise to be formed and
governed by them. We heartily believe and will promote and defend their doctrines faithfully, conforming our
preaching, teaching, writing, serving, and living to them. Along with these historic creeds and confessions, we also
recognize the witness of Our World Belongs to God: A Contemporary Testimony as a current Reformed expression of
the Christian faith that forms and guides us in our present context.
We also promise to present or receive confessional difficulties in a spirit of love and fellowship with our brothers and
sisters as together we seek a fuller understanding of the gospel. Should we come to believe that a teaching in the
24
confessional documents is not the teaching of God’s Word, we will communicate our views to the church, according
to the procedures prescribed by the Church Order and its supplements. If the church asks, we will give a full
explanation of our views. Further, we promise to submit to the church’s judgment and authority. We honor this
covenant for the well-being of the church to the glory of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Comments
3.3.1 Oath, Declaration or Covenant?
This document is called a Covenant, a term with rich connotations and implications, especially for a Reformed
church. By signing it, an office bearer of the CRCNA binds him/herself to a specific kind of life and service that
is informed by the gospel and the agreed-upon rules of the church. To “covenant together” is just as strong as
(if not stronger than) the swearing of an oath.
3.3.2 I or we?
What is striking about this covenant is that it is not in the first person singular (“I), but in the plural (“we”). This
has to do with the fact that the CRCNA requires all its office bearers (ministers, missionaries, professors,
elders, deacons) to sign it. Article 5 of the CRCNA church order states:
All officebearers, on occasions stipulated by council, classical, and synodical regulations, shall signify their
agreement with the doctrine of the church by signing the Covenant for Officebearers.
When ministry candidates publicly recite and sign this Covenant, they therefore place themselves among a
large community of leaders who commit themselves to live by these values and this vision for the church of
Jesus Christ. This is a consistently Calvinist view of leadership, in which there is no hierarchy among office
bearers and which therefore prefers to speak of a minister as a “teaching elder”.
3.3.3 Role of Confessions
The CRCNA clearly holds to a high view of the Confessions. The Covenant starts with an affirmation of the
Bible as “inspired Word of God” and follows that with statements about the Confessions. They are called
“historic Reformed expressions of the Christian faith, whose doctrines fully agree with the Word of God”. It
differs from the Oath by avoiding strong legalistic language when it comes to doctrinal differences: “We also
promise to present or receive confessional difficulties in a spirit of love and fellowship with our brothers and
sisters as together we seek a fuller understanding of the gospel.”
3.3.4 Simony?
Another significant feature of the Covenant is that it does not address the issue of Simony or any other aspect
of calling procedures. It limits itself to doctrinal questions.
3.3.5 Doxology
Another attractive feature is that the Covenant ends on a note of doxology, indicating that the Covenant is for
the well-being of the church, which is for the glory of God.
3.4
Protestant Church in the Netherlands (PCN)
Proponentsbelofte (candidate’s vow) (since 2004)
Dutch
English
Aanvaardt u de roeping tot de openbare prediking van
het evangelie, de bediening van de sacramenten en de
Do you accept the calling to the public proclamation of
the Gospel, the administration of the sacraments and
25
herderlijke zorg, en bent u bereid in al het ambtelijk
werk te getuigen van het heil in Jezus Christus?
pastoral care, and are you willing to witness to salvation
in Jesus Christ in all of your ministerial work?
Belooft u daarbij te blijven in de weg van het belijden
van de kerk in gemeenschap met de belijdenis van het
voorgeslacht,
(waaraan, als betrokkene daarom verzoekt, wordt
toegevoegd: daarbij in het bijzonder verbonden
met de belijdenisgeschriften van de gereformeerde
traditie, of: daarbij in het bijzonder verbonden met
de belijdenisgeschriften van de lutherse traditie)?
In all, do you promise to stay on the path of the
confession of the church, in communion with the
confession of our ancestors
(at the request of the candidate these words can
be added: with a special allegiance to the
confessional standards of the Reformed tradition,
or: with a special allegiance to the confessional
standards of the Lutheran tradition)?
Belooft u zich te houden aan de regels, gesteld in de
orde van de kerk?
Do you promise to submit to the regulations as given in
the church order?
Comments
3.4.1 Oath, Declaration, Covenant, Promise?
These terms are closely related, but it is interesting that the word Promise is used here. Also that the
candidates do not recite a statement aloud but respond to a series of questions.
3.4.2 Content
This Promise differs from the other documents in that it does not begin with doctrinal issues but with ministry,
which is described as “witnessing to salvation in Jesus Christ” and differentiated as preaching, serving the
sacraments and pastoral care. There is less of a preoccupation with doctrinal purity and a greater focus on
authentic ministry centred in salvation through Christ.
3.4.3 Bible and Confessions
The promise does not mention the Bible, but clearly assumes it. Reference to the three Reformed Confessions
is only included if the candidate requests it, which is an expression of the doctrinal plurality and inclusiveness
of the PCN that embraces not only different forms of Reformed theology but also Lutherans. When the
Confessions are mentioned, it is in the context of a “special allegiance” to them, but the focus in on confessing
as the way on which the church travels into the future. Confessing is not a baggage or a measuring stick that
ministers are forced to carry, but the way they affirm connectedness and continuity with the church as a
confessing community throughout history.
3.4.4 Simony?
As in a number of the other documents, there is no rejection of Simony, but only a positive promise to abide
by the regulations or stipulations of the church order.
3.5
The Reformed Church in America (RCA)
Declaration for Licensed Candidates
(This Declaration shall be made orally by the candidate in the presence of the classis. The candidate shall then sign a book containing
the declaration.)
I, _________________________, in becoming a licensed candidate for the ministry in the Reformed Church in America sincerely
and gladly declare before God and with you that I believe the gospel of the grace of God in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy
26
Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments and as expressed in the Standards of the Reformed Church in America. I accept the
Scriptures as the only rule of faith and life. I accept the Standards as historic and faithful witnesses to the Word of God.
I promise to walk in the Spirit of Christ, in love and fellowship within the church, seeking the things that make for unity, purity, and
peace. I will submit myself to the counsel and admonition of the classis, always ready, with gentleness and reverence, to give an
account of my understanding of the Christian faith. I will conduct the work of the church in an orderly way and according to the
Liturgy and the Book of Church Order.
Comments
3.5.1 The role of the presbytery (Classis)
In the RCA the presbytery plays a central role in the admission of candidates to the ministry. This declaration is
made by a candidate in the presence of the classis that admits her to “the ministry of Word and sacrament”
(as the RCA expresses it). The names of all the ministry candidates who were admitted to the ministry in that
classis are recorded in a book and the classis keeps contact with them, even when they do not receive a call.
This creates a much more caring environment for candidates.
3.5.2 Bible and Confessions
There is an important change in emphasis here. In this declaration a candidate firstly affirms his faith in the
gospel of grace in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible and expressed in the Confessions. Bible first of all does
not start with the Confessions, declaring them to be in agreement with the Word of God. After affirming that
the Bible is “the only rule of faith and life”, the Confessions are affirmed as “historic and faithful witnesses to the Word of God”. In
the traditional licensing oath it is simply assumed that the Bible is the Word of God; all that needs to be affirmed by the candidate is
that the Confessions agree with it. This declaration has a clearer confessional sound than the oath since it invites candidates to
confess their faith in the gospel and the Confessions in a society that does not necessarily share its view. The oath, in contrast,
assumes a power position for the church and the Bible in society and requires candidates to swear that the Confessions are in full
agreement with it. The oath seems to assume the existence of a Christian state, whereas this declaration acknowledges that
ministers do their ministry within a society where the church has no automatic privileges.
3.5.3 “Give an account of my understanding of the Christian faith”
The second paragraph of the RCA declaration continues the humble confessional tone of the first.
Words like promise, love, fellowship, unity, purity, peace, gentleness and reverence create a rather
different atmosphere than the heavy legal tone of the licensing oath. There is also no rejection of
Simony but rather a positive affirmation of the Liturgy and Book of Order of the RCA.
4.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION
Having surveyed five statements used by Reformed churches (in the Dutch tradition of the
Reformation) during their “rite of passage” that marks the transition from theological student to
ministry candidate (proponent), it is now time to propose a new licensing statement for the URCSA.
That will be followed by an explanation, which gives a justification (point by point) of the choices
made in the new statement, in dialogue with the documents and comments in section 3 above.
27
Ministry Covenant – Verbintenis tot bediening (draft)
We have heard the call of God to proclaim the gospel and have prepared ourselves
intellectually, spiritually and practically for this joyous task; We look back with gratitude to
all the people who made it possible for us to stand here today;
We believe the gospel of the grace of God in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures
of the Old and the New Testaments, and we treasure the Scriptures as our only rule for
faith and conduct;
We affirm three Creeds as ecumenical expressions of the Christian faith, receiving the
gospel in unity with believers of all ages, churches and cultures;
We affirm four Confessions – the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, The Canons
of Dordt and the Confession of Belhar – as faithful witnesses to the Word of God and
historic Reformed expressions of the Christian faith. These Confessions define the way we
interpret Scripture, direct the way we live in response to the gospel, and locate us within
the larger body of Christ;
We covenant together as ministers of the Word:
to live in the light of Christ, as we engage together with members in the church’s ministry of
worship, teaching, care, witness and service;
to serve God’s people in bold humility, seeking the well-being of each man, woman and
child, observing confidentiality in all our pastoral engagements;
to practise strict self-control, avoiding greed and power abuse in every relationship;
to deal with personal, cultural and confessional differences in a spirit of love and respect;
to work for the coming of God’s reign of justice, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit;
to conduct our work in the church in an orderly way, according to the Church Order and
synodical stipulations;
to submit to the caring authority and supervision of the church’s governance structures;
to celebrate the riches of our African cultures, mobilising them in the cause of unity,
reconciliation and justice, and purifying them from elements unworthy of the
gospel;
to deepen our faith, hope and love through the daily exercise of spiritual discipline;
to continue studying the Scriptures and equipping ourselves for ministry, as together we
seek a fuller understanding of the gospel and better ways of embodying it in our
communities;
to persevere in this calling, even in situations of conflict and adversity, since we believe that
the One who called us is faithful;
For from God and through God and to God are all things.
To God be the glory forever.
Amen.
28
Comments
It will be reasonably clear how this draft document combines insights and phrase from all the foregoing
documents, focusing them on the unique character, context and needs of the URCSA. A few remarks are
nevertheless necessary to justify some of the choices made.
4.1
Covenant
This term from the CRCNA seems most appropriate to capture the nature of the statement made at licensing.
The term Oath reminds one too much of a law court, a Declaration (even a Solemn one) is too weak for the
occasion, and a Promise does not cover the whole range of commitments made in the statement.
4.2
We
The use of the first person plural (“we”) throughout the document, also borrowed from the CRCNA, seems
most appropriate. A covenant in Scripture is never an individualist relationship; it is always communal. Like the
Lord’s Prayer – which we pray as “Our Father...”, even when we pray alone – this Covenant joins us with the
community (or guild) of fellow ministers of the Word. Each candidate signs it personally, so the individual
commitment is not absent, but the communal dimension enfolds it. This is both authentically African and
authentically Christian.
4.3
Structure
The Draft Covenant is structured by the verbs that are used: heard; believe; affirm; covenant. The Covenant
moves from a sense of personal calling, an affirmation of the authority of the Bible and the (derived) authority
of the ecumenical Creeds and the Reformed Confessions. It then proceeds to a series of commitments to a
quality ministry, and it ends in praise. The bulk of the document is in the “We covenant” section, which
justifies the title.
4.4
Simony
Like most of the documents above, the Draft Covenant leaves out the anti-Simony clause, since it is no longer
relevant. The stipulations of the regional synods clearly spell out how the calling of a minister is to take place,
and the candidates commit themselves to abide by those stipulations. It is much more constructive to make a
positive commitment than to condemn possible abuses. The original Oath seems to breathe an air of suspicion
and distrust. The prohibitive legal tone of the Oath seems to say between the lines: “We know that you are
going to try and break these rules, so we cover every possible loophole through which you may want to slip”.
In addition, the supernaturalist view of how the Holy Sprit guides believers (which is expressed by the antiSimony section of the Oath) is not widely shared any more in the URCSA. A congregation that advertises a
vacancy and interviews shortlisted candidates trusts that the Spirit guides them in and through that whole
rational process, while their eyes are open, and that the Spirit not only guides believers when their eyes are
closed in prayer.
4.5
Authority of the Confessions
The Draft Covenant borrows the language of the RCA and the CRCNA to affirm that the Confessions are
“faithful witnesses to the Word of God” that define, direct and locate the URCSA as a Reformed church. This
expresses the idea that the Reformed tradition is a living and dynamic movement and that the URCSA is a
church that “confesses the truth”, rather than a church that “has Confessions”.
4.6
Tone
The “tone” of the Draft Covenant is no less serious or compelling than the Oath, but it breathes a different
kind of air. As stated in 4.4, it does not speak “legalese” (as the Oath does). Instead it speaks the language of
29
grace, covenant, love, respect, perseverance and praise. It creates a harmony from this variety of biblical
themes which together shape an ethos of quality witness, service and fellowship.
Prof JNJ Kritzinger, August 2012
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I gratefully acknowledge the help and advice that the following colleagues rendered to me in locating and
reflecting on the licensing statements included in this report:
Prof Leo Koffeman (PThU)
Rev John van Schepen (CRCNA)
Dr PR du Toit (DRC)
Dr George Brown (Western Theological Seminary)
30
APPENDIX 6
REPORT OF THE CURATORIUM OF THE CAPE SYNOD TO URCSA GENERAL SYNOD,1-7
OCTOBER 2012, NAMIBIA
Honourable Chairperson and Members
It is our great pleasure to present to you this report of our activities
1. CURATORIUM STAFF
1.1
Composition (Reg. 20.3.1)
1.1.1.
Rev.Dr. C. Flaendorp (Chair)
Rev L.L. Plaatjie
Rev.Dr. N.C. Philander (Scribe)
Rev P.J Grove
Rev.Dr. L.L.M. MacMaster
Rev Dr. J.G. Botha
Rev M.X. Stuurman
Rev P.J. Adams
Rev.Drs. B. Ngqozela
Rev. P. De Wet
1.1.2.
Representative of the Lecturers’ Council:
Rev. Dr. D.X. Simon (Prim)
Rev.Dr. M.A. Plaatjies-Van Huffel (Sec)
1.1.3.
Student representative: Mr. Bonga Mbenenge (BThIII-student)
1.1.4.
In an advisory capacity
1.1.4.1. All URC Lecturers of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Stellenbosch.
1.1.4.2. Dean of the Faculty: Rev. Prof N.N. Koopman
1.1.4.3. Observer: Rev M. Sahd (DRC Western and Southern Cape Synod)
Recommendation: The General Synod acknowledges the Curatorium staff.
2.
EXECUTIVE AND OFFICIALS
Rev.Dr. C. Flaendorp (Chair)
Rev. Dr. L.L.M. MacMaster
Rev. Dr. D.X. Simon
Rev P.J Grove
Rev. Dr. N.C. Philander (Student-chaplain/Scribe)
Rev.Dr. M.A. Plaatjies-Van Huffel (Advisory capacity)
3.
3.1
REPRESENTATIVES
ELCUS
Rev. Dr. C. Flaendorp
Rev P.J. Grove
Rev. Dr. N.C. Philander
Secundii
Rev.Dr. L.L.M. MacMaster
Rev L.L. Plaatjie
VBO
Rev P.J. Adams
Rev P. J.Grove
Supplementary Ecclesiastical Training programme
3.2
3.3
31
Rev P. de Wet
Dr. N.C. Philander
Recommendation: Noted
3. SUBCOMMISSIONS
3.1 Admission commission
3.1.1. Rev. Drs B. Ngqozela (Chair)
Rev. Dr. N.C. Philander (Scribe)
Rev P.J. Adams
Rev L.L. Platjie
Rev P. de Wet
3.1.2. This commission has an annual meeting in February.
3.1.3. The commission functions according to Regl. 20 and ensures that the students comply with the
Ecclesiastical requirements as well as those of the University of Stellenbosch.
3.1.4. The students submit the following forms:
The committee conducts individual interviews with the students in reference to the following forms:
 Application for Admission to
 Report from the Presbytery
Ministerial Formation
 Medical certificate
 Report from the church council
Recommendation: Noted
3.2
EXAMINATION COMMISSION
3.2.1. Rev.Dr. C. Flaendorp : Church History
Rev P. J.Adams
: Church Polity
Rev MX. Stuurman
: Systematic
Theology
Rev.Drs B. Ngqozela : Old Testament
Rev.Dr. L.L.M. MacMaste : Practical
Theology
Rev E.E. Beukes
: Missiology
Rev. Drs. P.J. Grove
: New Testament
Rev. Dr. N.C. Philander : Ex Officio
32
3.2.2. The commission meets annually in November according to Regl. 20.
3.2.3. The Theological candidates are tested thoroughly to ensure that they have been prepared
academically and spiritually for the ministry.
3.2.4. The Commission provides the Curatorium with a report for use when approving Theological
candidates for legitimisation.
Recommendation: The General Synod gratefully and with great appreciation acknowledges the
thorough and strict manner in which Theological candidates are tested by the abovementioned
Examiners in order to ensure that the Theological training is in line with the expectations of the church,
and in ensuring that these candidates are ready to face the challenges found in the practice.
4.
LECTURERS
4.1. Rev.Prof N.N. Koopman (Systematic Theology, Dean), Rev.Prof D.J. Smit (Systematic Theology),
Rev.Prof J. Punt (New Testament), Rev.Prof H.R. Botman (Missiology), Rev.Dr. D.X. Simon
(Missiology); Rev.Dr. M.A. Plaatjies-Van Huffel (Church History/Church Polity), Dr. A. Cloete (Youth
work) and Rev.Dr. L.L.M. MacMaster (Practical Theology)
Recommendation: Noted
5. STUDY BURSARIES AND LOANS
5.1 First-year student get a loan of pa R4000
5.2 A loan of R1000 and a bursary of R 5000 p.a. is paid out to second-years.
5.3 Third-year students: a loan of R1000 and a bursary of R5500 pa
5.4 Fourth-years: a loan of R1000 and a bursary of R6000 pa
5.5 M.Div. students: a loan of R1000 and a bursary of R6500 pa
5.6 Licentiate students: a loan of R1000 and a bursary of R7000 pa
Recommendation: Noted
6.
BURSARY COMMITTEE
Rev.Dr. D.X. Simon (Chair), Dr. N.C. Philander (Scribe), Rev. P de Wet and Rev L. Hoffman (Faculty
manager)
The following guidelines apply to the following three bursary fund: Rand-Durand bursary fund, Students
with Financial Need bursary, and Bursary fund of UWC:
6.1.1 All applications will be treated on the basis of merit.
6.1.2 Postgraduate and undergraduate URC students, including ministers, may apply.
6.1.3 The application form must be submitted by the end of the second week in June.
6.1.4 The bursary amount is determined by personal details (including academic achievement) as
well as the funds available.
6.1.5 A minimum of R2000 and a maximum of R5000 is granted for class fees.
6.1.6 Postgraduate students must submit their proof of registration plus a progress report from the
supervisor to the bursary committee for consideration.
6.1.7 The bursary is paid out in a single payment, by the middle of the third term.
Recommendation: Noted
7. STUDENTS
See addendum 1 for the comprehensive list of undergraduate and as well as individuals who were
legitimated or have taken the colloquium doctum during the recess.
Recommendation
7.1 The General Synod expresses its genuine thanks and appreciation for the good theological training
our students receive at the Faculty of Theology, University of Stellenbosch.
33
7.2 The General Synod ensures those individuals who are struggling academically due to
circumstances beyond their control of its continuous prayer and support.
7.3 The General Synod congratulates those who have been legitimated with the Calls they received
during the recess and we pray unto them the blessings of the Lord in their ministry.
7.4 The General Synod also extends its deepest sympathy to those students and lecturers who have
lost family members during the recess.
8. TRIAL SERMON DATES OF THEOLOGICAL CANDIDATES FOR 2012
1. Mr Victor Nthabalala
Promoter
:
Rev.Dr. DX Simon
Trial sermon
:
06 May 2012 at 10:00, URC –Ezibeleni, Oueenstown.
Examiner
:
Rev. Drs B. Ngqozela
2. Mr Hanzline Davids
Promoter
:
Rev.Prof JL Cilliers
Trial sermon
:
02 September 2012 at 14:00, URCSA- Stellenbosch
Examiner
:
Rev. Dr. CD Flaendorp
Recommendation: Noted
9.
100 HOUR MINISTERIAL FORMATION PROGRAMME
See addendum 2 of the 100 hour programme.
Recommendation : Noted
10. REPORT OF THE URC/ DRC SEMINARY
See addenda 3- 5
11. STILL WAITING ON A CALL
11.1 Prop Sipho Mhokoto
11.2 Prop Luvoyo May
11.3 Prop Quentin Minnaar
11.4 Prop Jacques Beukes
11.5 Prop Eugene Baron
11.6. Rev. Malcolm Frolicks
11.7. Rev. Jacobus Karolus
11.8. Rev. John Links
11.9. Rev. Jucather Arendse
11.10 Rev. Kobus Frantz
Recommendation: Noted
12. POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN THEOLOGY (PGDIP)
12.1 Mrs. Louise Bruiners: URC-Kraaifontein
12.2 Mr. David Scheepers: URC-Zuurbraak
12.3 Mr. Dawid Eyssen: URC-Robertson
12.4 Mr. Randall Wessels: URC-Immanuel, Paarl
12.5 Mr. Franklin Jacobs: URC-Piketberg
12.6 Mr. George Kleinhans: URC-Boesmansrivier
12.7 Mr. Vivian Jansen: URC-Welgelegen
Recommendation
1. The meeting take note of the 7 PGDip-students
2. The students already obtained a Bachelor degree in Theology from Unisa or UWC and need to
spend minimum of two years in the ministerial formation programme before they can be licensed
34
3. In those two years she/he will do courses on Reformed theology and Church polity as well DRCfamily history, and obtain any academic qualification or other aspects of the curriculum required
by the ministry profile that are missing from her/his prior qualifications.
4. Before a candidate who completed the adapted curriculum may licenced, the regional curatorium
needs to obtain the approval of GS MFTT,on the basis of a detailed report to the GS MFTT on
the candidate’s progress.
13. General Remarks
1. Rev. Dr. Mary-Ann Plaatjies-van Huffel has been appointed as a Senior Lecturer in Ecclesiology And
Church Polity at the Faculty of Theology, University of Stellenbosch.
2. Dr Anita Cloete has been appointed as a Lecturer in Youth work at the Faculty of Theology,
University of Stellenbosch.
3. Prof (Rev) Jeremy Punt was promoted from Associate professor to a full professor at Faculty of
Theology of the University of Stellenbosch.
4. Rev. George Cloete, minister of the URCSA-Saron received his MTh at the March 2012 graduation
at the University of Stellenbosch. The theme of his MTh-thesis is: “Die VGK-Saron: Sy identiteit en
Leierskap uitdagings waarvoor dit staan The chairperson of the Curatorium, Rev. Dr Charles Flaendorp
published his first book. The title of his book is: “Suurbraak – Paradys Stories”
5. The Curatorium expresses their thanks and appreciation towards Rev.Dr. Mary-Ann Plaatjies-van
Huffel for the 100-hour Ministerial-formation programme.
6. The meeting expresses encouragement towards Rev. Drs Pieter Grove with the final phase in the
completion of his dissertation.
7. The dean, Prof (Rev) Nico Koopman received the Rectors Award for Overall performance as Dean
8. Mr. Dawid Mouton received the Rectors Award for Academic Excellence
9. Congratulations to the following students Deon Sharneck, Peter September with their election to the
TSC respectively as chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. Mr Bonganjalo Mbenenge was elected as the
URCSA-student representative.
10. Mr. Dawid Mouton receives the Rectors Award for Academic Excellence
11. Congratulations to the following students Deon Sharneck, Peter September with their election to
the TSC respectively as chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. Mr Bonganjalo Mbenenge was elected as
the URCSA-student representative.
12. Dr Leslie van Rooi received his DTh at the March 2010 Graduation at the University of
Stellenbosch. The theme of his dissertation are : “ In Search of Ecclesial Autonomy. A Church Historical
and Church Juridical Study of Developments in Church Polity in the Dutch Reformed Mission Church in
South Africa (DRMC) and the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa (DRCA) from 1881-1994.” Dr Leslie van
Rooi studied under the supervision of Dr. Robert Vosloo.
13. Dr Llewellyn MacMaster received his DTh at the March 2010 Graduation at the University of
Stellenbosch. The theme of his dissertation are: “ In search of a family: the challenge of gangsterism to
faith communities on the Cape Flats". Dr Llewellyn MacMaster studied under the supervision of Prof.
Danie Louw
14. Rev Desmond Meyer minister of URCSA-Koelenhof received his MTh at the December 2009
Graduation at the University of Stellenbosch. The theme of his dissertation are:” Die Verenigende
Gereformeerde Gemeente Koelenhof op reis van instandhouding na gestuur wees. Die ontwikkeling
van volhoubare plaasgemeenskappe” Rev. Desmond Meyer studied under the supervision van Prof
Jurgens Hendricks.
15. Two former members of the Curatorium, Reverends Johnny Hartney (Chairperson), Simon Konzapi
and Rev. Fezie Mbenenge retired recently from active duty in the URCSA.
16. Dr. Llewellyn Macmaster has been appointed as the new Dean of Students at the University of
Stellenbosch. He will coordinate the non-academic life of students on campus. He heads the Division
35
for Students Affairs and liaises with the Student Representative Council and other student
organisations.
With this report the Curatorium trust that she has completed her task to the satisfaction of the General
Synod
The blessing of the Lord is invoked on the meeting on behalf of the Curatorium.
MEMBERS OF THE CURATORIUM
Rev.Dr. C. Flaendorp (Chair)
Rev.Dr. N.C. Philander (Scribe)
Rev.Dr. L.L.M. MacMaster
Rev M.X. Stuurman
Rev.Drs B. Ngqozela
Rev. P de Wet
Rev L.L. Plaatjie
Rev Drs. P.J. Grove
Rev.Dr. J.G. Botha
Rev P.J.Adams
ADDENDUM 1
1. Theology Students
1.1 Undergraduate students
 BDiv I
Mr. Zukile Bloro
Mr. Gabriel Conradie
Mr. Bryton Du Plessis
Mr. Mbulelo Gcaza
Mr. Andre Hendricks
Mr. Grant Levendall
Mrs. Karien Muller
Mr. Granville Saaiman
Mr. Cornelius Spanneberg
 B Th II
Mr. Tumelo Madikwa
Mr. Siyabulela Potwana
Mr. Conroy Terblance
Mr. Gerhardus Visagie
 BThIII
Mr. Bonganjalo Mbeneng
Mr. Joseph Scharneck
Mr. Willem Stout
 BThIV
Mr. Enrico Beyers
Mrs Regina Bessick
Mr Roger Groenewald
Mr Malcolm James
Mr Donovan Koordom
Mr Fabian Kotze
Mr. Lionel Nell
Mr André Pekeur
Mr Amos Petersen
36
MDiv
Mr. Eddie Leeuw
Mr. Peter September
2 . Post Graduate Students
 Licentiate Students
Mr Hanzline Davids
Mr Julian Coetzee
Mr Victor Ntshabalala
 MTh
Rev. David Carelse
Rev. Franco du Toit
Rev Andrew Esterhuizen
Rev Donald Gantana
Rev Samuel Haai
Rev Steven Jonas
Mr Dawid Mouton
Mrs. Elize Julius
Rev Francis Samson
Rev Lee-Ann Simon
 DTh
Prop.Jacques Beukes
Rev. Shaun Burrows
Rev.Simon Cezula
Rev Andries Daniels
Prop. Sipho Mahokoto
Prop . Marlene Mahokoto
Prop. Anlene Taljaard

3. Ministerial Candidates
The following Ministerial Candidates were legitimised from 2008-2011
 November 2008
Mr. Jacobson Strauss
Miss. Babalwa Sifibu
Mr. Vuyani Minya
Mr. Benjamin Roelfse
Mr. Charlton Crowley
Mr. Boyce Masele
Mrs. Marlene Mahokoto
 November 2009
Mr. Eugene André Fortein
Mr. Trevor Nolan Links
Mr Jacob Antonie Cornelius September
Mr. Jaques Walter Beukes
 Collocquium Doctum
Rev. Malville Jeff Frolicks
Rev. Jacobus Karolus
Rev. Manini John Wele
 November 2010
Mr. Emile De Wet
37
Mr.Morne Margo Deelman
Mr Clive Jacobs
Mr Sheldon Julies
Mr Xholani Chrisjune Mhobo
Ms Lulama Platjie
Mr Clive Rademeyer
Mr Bulelani Vete
Mrs. Janine Merle Williams
 Collocquium Doctum
Rev. Francios Patrick Mathee
Rev.Christiaan Francios Verhoog
 November 2011
Mr. Luxolo Titimani
Mr. Hendry Hesting Tromp
Mr. Quentin Shaun Minnaar
 Collocquium Doctum
Re. Luvoyo Louis May
ADDENDUM 2
THEOLOGICAL FORMATION PROGRAMME, URCSA
at the
UNIVERSITEIT VAN STELLENBOSCH
Values/attitudes
The student must indicate annually the following ;
1.1
Genuine faith : if he/she is doing Bible study and prayer regulary;
1.2
A sense of calling; his/her willingness to serve; discipleship; of commitment; loyalty to URCSA,
Africa,
1.3
Self-respect
1.4
Character traits e.g.
Endurance; patience; tolerance; punctuality; willingness to learn and grow; confidentiality; openness;
emotional balance and integration; good reputation; sober habits; a just and fair disposition; inquisitiveness;
wisdom; ability to say ‘yes’ and ‘no’; a sense of humour; creativity; not greedy to enrich him/herself;
innovative; adaptable; peace-making; transparency and accountability; firm, principled and consistent
personality; not abuse her/his position of power;
1.5
Reflexivity (self-knowledge and awareness of his/her limitations; not threatened by criticism of
others; a healthy self-critical attitude, constantly striving to grow and improve;
38
1.6
Respect for others
Compassionate; caring; empathetic; stable working relationships; accessible; available; impartial;
dependable; acceptance of different views without turning those who differ into enemies; respect for
authority, in the church and community; sensitivity to the suffering; non-judgmental;
(Acta General Synod 2005)
THEOLOGIGAL FORMATION URCSA
Practical ministry experience
5.1.5 Practical ministry experience
5.1.5.1 From the first year of study, all students are expected to be involved in various forms of ministry in
congregations of the URCSA who have been orientated in the programme, at a level of responsibility in
keeping with their level of studies. This experience of ministry, under the supervision of a URCSA minister
as mentor, should include exposure to a variety of urban and rural ministry contexts, ecumenical service
agencies or NGOs, and congregations of other language or cultural groups.
5.1.5.2 A Regional Curatorium shall ensure that the students under their care gain at least 100 hours of
ministry experience (i.e. an average of 2 hours per week) during each year of study, under the guidance of
an approved URCSA mentor. ( Acta General synod 2005)
1st year
Student hand in
Program of Theological
written profile
formation centre (US faculty of undersigned by
Theology) Bdiv, MTh, Post
minister/consulent of
Graduate Diploma
the following
2 year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
3rd year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
4th year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
Mylpaal 1:
Roepingsontwikkelingsplan
Geestelike vorming
enroepingsbewussy
n: Daar is elke jaar ‘n
program van 100dae
van geestelike
vorming wat afsluit
met Pase. Elke
jaargroep neem
hieraan deel. In
hierdie program word
die basiese
geloofsvormende
gewoontes ingeoefen en bemeester.
Roepingsontwikkeli
ngsplan Die student
ontwikkel ’n roepings
ontwikkelingsplan en
lê dit aan die
Ondersteunings
komitee voor vir
goedkeuring. aan die
einde van die tweede
studiejaar. 10 punte
Geestelike vorming
enroepingsbewuss
yn:. Daar is elke jaar
‘n program van
100dae van
geestelike vorming
wat afsluit met Pase.
Elke jaargroep neem
hieraan deel. In
hierdie program
word die basiese
geloofsvormende
gewoontes ingeoefen en bemeester.
Geestelike vorming
en
roepingsbewussyn
:. Daar is elke jaar ‘n
program van 100dae
van geestelike
vorming wat afsluit
met Pase. Elke
jaargroep neem
hieraan deel. In
hierdie program
word die basiese
geloofsvormende
gewoontes ingeoefen en bemeester.
Persoonsvolwassehd
en emosionele
intelegensie: Studente
ondergaan in hulle
eerste jaar ‘n reeks
psigosimetriese toetse
om hulle insig in hulle
persons-samestelling te
ontwikkel, insluitende
die area’s wat ontwikkel
kan word
Geestelike vorming en
roepingsbewussyn:
Die studente neem deel
aan ‘n Roepingsreteat
om hulle te help om ‘n
Roepingsfokus te
ontwikkel. Daar is elke
jaar ‘n program van
100dae van geestelike
vorming wat afsluit met
Pase. Elke jaargroep
neem hieraan deel. In
hierdie program word
die basiese
geloofsvormende
gewoontes inge-oefen
en bemeester. 10 punte
39
0Totale punte
Mylpaal 2: CREDO
Identifikasie met
gereformeerde teologie en
tradisie
Die kerklike opleiding beoog
om studente te begelei tot ‘n
persoonlike idenitifikasie met
die gereformeerde toelogie
en ‘n tuiskoms binne die
gereformeerde kerklike
tradisie. Dit sluit oa kennis
van die 4 Belydenis-skrifte
en hulle geskiedenisse in.
Theological ethics:
(Systematic Theology)
1. Basic approaches to
“dogmatics” and
“systematic theology”; the
four confessions of the
URCSA, especially
Belhar; the dynamics of
10 punte
10 punte
10 punte
10 punte
Credo: Vir die
ontwikkeling hiervan
skryf die student ‘n
CREDO waarin die
vakkundige kennis
geintegreer word in ‘n
eie verantwoording. Die
CREDO moet aan die
einde van die 4de jaar
goedgekeur en
ingehandig word. Die
ontwikkeling van die
CREDO is nie ‘n
werkstuk wat met
behulp van akademiese
bronne geskryf word
nie, maar is die
ontwikkeling van ‘n eie
teologiese taal wat die
student alleen kan doen
vanuit sy/haar ervaring
in die
gemeentebediening,
deur self te preek,
gelofsgesprekke te voer
ens.
Credo: Vir die
ontwikkeling hiervan
skryf die student ‘n
CREDO waarin die
vakkundige kennis
geintegreer word in ‘n
eie verantwoording.
Die CREDO moet
aan die einde van die
4de jaar goedgekeur
en ingehandig word.
Die ontwikkeling van
die CREDO is nie ‘n
werkstuk wat met
behulp van
akademiese bronne
geskryf word nie,
maar is die
ontwikkeling van ‘n
eie teologiese taal
wat die student alleen
kan doen vanuit
sy/haar ervaring in
die
gemeentebediening,
deur self te preek,
gelofsgesprekke te
voer ens.
Credo: Vir die
ontwikkeling hiervan
skryf die student ‘n
CREDO waarin die
vakkundige kennis
geintegreer word in
‘n eie
verantwoording. Die
CREDO moet aan
die einde van die
4de jaar goedgekeur
en ingehandig word.
Die ontwikkeling van
die CREDO is nie ‘n
werkstuk wat met
behulp van
akademiese bronne
geskryf word nie,
maar is die
ontwikkeling van ‘n
eie teologiese taal
wat die student
alleen kan doen
vanuit sy/haar
ervaring in die
gemeentebediening,
deur self te preek,
gelofsgesprekke te
voer ens.
Credo: Vir die
ontwikkeling hiervan
skryf die student ‘n
CREDO waarin die
vakkundige kennis
geintegreer word in
‘n eie
verantwoording. Die
CREDO moet aan
die einde van die
4de jaar goedgekeur
en ingehandig word.
Die ontwikkeling van
die CREDO is nie ‘n
werkstuk wat met
behulp van
akademiese bronne
geskryf word nie,
maar is die
ontwikkeling van ‘n
eie teologiese taal
wat die student
alleen kan doen
vanuit sy/haar
ervaring in die
gemeentebediening,
deur self te preek,
gelofsgesprekke te
voer ens.
Credo: 5 punte
Credo: 10 punte
Credo: 10 punte
Credo: 5 punte
1 Bible study on the
Belhar confession
conducted in one of the
ministries of the
congregation (1x 2
hours)
Attend 4 meetings of
any ministry
1 Bible study on a
Belhar confession
conducted in one of
the ministries of the
congregation (1x 2
hours)
1 x Bible study in
any ministry on any
contextual issue (1x 2
1 Bible study on a
Belhar confession
conducted in one of
the ministries of the
congregation (1x 2
hours)
2 x Bible study in
any ministry on any
contextual issue
3 Bible study on a
Belhar confession
conducted in one of
the ministries of the
congregation (3x 2
hours)
2 x Bible study in
any ministry on any
contextual issue (2x
40
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Reformed theology;
contextual and liberation
theologies; African-andReformed theology;
Different approaches to
ethics; ethical decisionmaking; virtue ethics;
liberation theology;
feminist theology, black
theology
The nurturing of a
Reformed African
identity, by integrating the
realities of Southern
Africa with a
Reformational theology
The fostering of a
ecumenical openness
Belhar Confession
Church history:
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2000 years of church
history; key turning
points and defining
moments;
Development and
growth of Christianity in
South Africa and other
African countries;
History of DRC “family”,
especially the URCSA;
Key turning points in the
history of URCSA
(Courtcases);
hours)
Attend 3 meetings of
any ministry
Attend 2 meetings
of any ministry
2 hours)
5 x 2 = 10
5 x 2 = 10
5 x 2 = 10
5 x 2 = 10
1st year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent of
the following
5 house visits to
members of any
ministry in local
congregation (CYM,
Brigade, CMM, CWM ,
church choir in order to
understand the
contexts/identity of the
congregation
(5x 2 hours)
2 year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
5 house visit of
members of any
ministry in local
congregation (CYM,
Brigade, CMM, CWM
, church choir x 2
hours in order to
understand the
context/identity of the
congregation
(5x 2 hours)
3rd year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
5 house visits to
members of any
ministry in local
congregation (CYM,
Brigade, CMM,
CWM , church choir)
in order to
understand the
context and identity
of the congregation
(5 x 1 hour)
4th year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
5 house visits to
members of any
ministry in local
congregation (CYM,
Brigade, CWM CWM
, church choir) in
order to understand
the context and
identity of the
congregation (5 x 1
hour)
5 x 2 = 10
5 x 2 = 10
5 x 2 = 10
5 x 1= 5
1 Bible study on a
church historical
event e.g.
Reformation
Sunday, Celebration
of the acceptance of
the Belhar
Confession (26 Sept
2x Bible study on a
church historical
event e.g.
Reformation
Sunday, Celebration
of the acceptance of
the Belhar
Confession (26 Sept
Congregational history
and archiving
41
1986) (1 x 1 hour)
3 x Interview
minister, church
council members on
the local
congregation’s
history 3x 1hour = 3
1986) (1 x 1 hour)
3 x Interview
minister, church
council members on
the local
congregation’s
history
3 x 1hour = 3
0
0
5x1=5
5x1=5
Church polity (“kerkreg”).
1st year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent of
the following
2 year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
3rd year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
4th year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/ consulent
of the following
1.
Attend 5 meetings of
ministries in local
congregation (CYM,
Brigade, CMM, CWM ,
church choir
Communicate on paper
– prepare reports,
agendas, minutes,
correspondence; draw
up a newsletter;
(5x 2 hours)
Attend 5 meetings of
ministries in local
congregation (CYM,
Brigade, CMM, CWM
, church choir
Communicate on
paper – prepare
reports, agendas,
minutes,
correspondence; draw
up a newsletter;
(5x 2 hours)
Attend 5 meetings of
ministries in local
congregation (CYM,
Brigade, CMM,
CWM , church choir
(4x 2 hours)
Understand and use
the Church Order of
the URCSA in
ministries of URCSA;
Communicate on
paper – prepare
reports, agendas,
minutes,
correspondence;
draw up a newsletter;
5 x 2 = 10
Attend 5 meetings
of ministries in local
congregation (CYM,
Brigade, CMM,
CWM , church choir
(3x 2 hours)
Organising and
leading meetings;
Communicate on
paper – prepare
reports, agendas,
minutes,
correspondence;dra
w up a newsletter 5 x
2 = 10
2.
3.
4.
5.
Theological insights
underlying a presbyterial
system of church
governance;
Types of church
governance (episcopal,
independentist,
presbyterial) and the
history of each type;
How to understand and
use the Church Order of
the URCSA;
Meeting procedure;
Organising and leading
meetings;
Church unification and
the church order
42
5 x 2 = 10
Daar word deurlopend
aandag gege aan die
in-oefening en
bemeestering van
basiese bedienings
vaardighede.
5 x 2 = 10
Daar word
deurlopend aandag
gege aan die inoefening en
bemeestering van
basiese bedienings
vaardighede.
5 x 2 = 10
1st year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent of
the following
2 year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
3rd year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
4th year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
1. Christian
education/catechism;
youth ministry;
4 visit to Sunday school
or catechism
(4visit x1 hours)
4 visit to Sunday
school or catechism
(4visit x1 hours)
At least two (2)
contact sessions
with adolescents for
example on
catechesis and
youth gatherings one observation of a
presentation and
two presentations by
the student.
At least two (2)
contact contact
sessions with
adolescents for
example on
catechesis and
youth gatherings one observation of a
presentation and
two presentations by
the student.
2. Funerals and
bereavement;
4x1=4
Attend 2 Funeral;
(1x 2 hours)
4 x 1= 4
Attend 2 Funerals;
(2x 1 hours= 2
4x 1= 4
Attend 2 Funerals;
(2x 1 hours)
4x 1 = 4
Attend 2 Funerals;
(2x 1 hours)
2x 1 hours= 2
2x 1 hours= 2
2x 1 hours= 2
2x 1 hours= 2
Mylpaal 3: Persoonlike
Bemeestering (personal
mastery) van
bedieningsvaardighede.
Practical theology:
43
Daar word
deurlopend aandag
gege aan die inoefening en
bemeestering van
basiese bedienings
vaardighede.
5 x 2 = 10
. Daar word
deurlopend aandag
gege aan die inoefening en
bemeestering van
basiese bedienings
vaardighede.
3. Pastoral care and
counselling;/Pastoral
care-giving:
Bereavement and
trauma counselling;
Counselling people
who are ill and in
hospital;
Marriage & family
counselling;
4. Church organisation
or management;
Old Testament
6
1x session to
familiarize the student
with the administration
of a congregation
6
1x session to
familiarize the student
with the
administration of a
congregation
Write assignment on
community
development
5x 2 = 10
1x session to
familiarize the
student with the
administration of a
congregation
5x 2 = 10
1x session to
familiarize the
student with the
administration of a
congregation
Write an
assignment on the
Administration and
financial
management of
any ministry
1x5 = 5
1st year
1x 5= 5
2 year
1x 5= 5
3rd year
1x 5= 5
4th year
44
1.
Basic competence
in Hebrew; good
Bible knowledge;
method of contextual
interpretation;
different approaches
to hermeneutics;
2. Exegesis,
hermeneutical tools
3. Homolies ( how to
make a sermon with
taking the exegesis
as well as the
current sos, pol
economic situation
into account
New Testament
1.
Basic competence
in Greek; good Bible
knowledge; method
of contextual
interpretation;
2. Different approaches
to hermeneutics;
Critical reading and
understanding of the
Bible in context;
3. Exegesis,
4. Homolies (how to
make a sermon with
taking the exegesis
as well as the
current sos, pol
economic situation
into account
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent of
the following
1 x Bible study on OT
Applying the Bible
contextually;
(1x 2 hours)
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
1 Bible study on OT
Applying the Bible
contextually;
(1x 2 hours)
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
1 Bible study on OT
Applying the Bible
contextually;
(1x 2 hours)
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
2 sermons on OT
Applying the Bible
contextually;
(2x 2 hours = 4)
1x 2 = 2
1st year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent of
the following
1x 2 = 2
2 year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
1x 2 = 2
3rd year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
2x2 =4
4th year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
1 x Bible study on NT
Applying the Bible
contextually;
(1x 2 hours)
1 Bible study on NT
Proclaiming: Applying
the Bible contextually;
(1x 2 hours)
1 Bible study/ on
NT
Applying the Bible
contextually;
(1x 2 hours)
2 sermons on NT
Applying the Bible
contextually;
(2x 2 hours = 4)
1x 2 = 2
1x 2 = 2
1x 2 = 2
2x2 =4
45
Mylpaal 4: Ontwikkeling
van ‘n nuwe missionale
bediening
Missiology
1st year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent of
the following
Conducting 1 Bible
study/ prayer meetings
on mission
Attend 2 x meetings of
the Ministry for Service
and Witness
(3x 2 hours)
2 year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
Conducting 1 Bible
study / prayer
meetings on mission
Attend 2 x meetings
of the Ministry for
Service and Witness
(3x 2 hours)
3rd year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
Conducting 1 Bible
study/ prayer
meetings on
Contextual Christian
witness;
(1x 2 hours)
Write a critical
evaluation of the
theory and practice
of mission in the
local congregation
(2x2 hours)
4th year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
Conducting 1
sermons/ prayer
meetings on racism
and reconciliation,
1x 2 hours)
3x 2 hour = 6
3x 2 hour = 6
3x 2 hours = 6
1x2=2
1. Intercultural theology,
2. Ecumenism:
3. Contextual Christian
witness;
4. Theology of holistic
mission;
5. Theology of
interreligious
(1x 2 hours)
encounter;
6. Theology of
intercultural
communication;
7. Racism and
reconciliation
8. Ecumenical
cooperation and
networking.
Kontekstuele en
missionale
bedieningskapasiteit
In die 4de en 5de
jaar identifiseer die
student ‘n
“koninkrykgeleenthei
d” in die konteks, en
ontwikkel die
student ‘n bediening
oor 2 jaar met die
doel dat die
bediening na die
twee jaar selfstandig
kan voorgaan. Die
verslag hiervan word
aan die einde van
die 6de jaar
ingedien en
goedgekeur.
10
46
Attendance to the
following:
Trail sermon
Cross cultural exposure
Vorming binne ‘n
gemeenskap van
verhoudinge
1st year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent of
the following
10 x Sunday services,
prayer meetings
2 year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
10 x Sunday services,
prayer meetings ,
5
3rd year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
10 x Sunday
services, prayer
meetings
5
4th year
Student hand in
written profile
undersigned by
minister/consulent
of the following
10 x Sunday
services, prayer
meetings ,
5
10
The student is obliged
to attend kweek camp
1 conference of ministry
of URCSA
1 conference
/workshop. camp
arranged by the
curatoruim
The student is
obliged to attend
kweek camp
1 conference of
ministry of URCSA
1 conference
/workshop. camp
arranged by the
curatoruim
The student is
obliged to attend
kweek camp
1 conference of
ministry of URCSA
1 conference
/workshop. camp
arranged by the
curatoruim
The student is
obliged to attend
kweek camp
1 conference of
ministry of URCSA
1 conference
/workshop. camp
arranged by the
curatoruim
14
Mentor: Elke student
het ‘n predikant of
gemeensteleier-mentor
met wie daar ‘n
gereelde (hopelik
weeksliks) gesprek
gevoer word.
Ondersteuningskomit
ee: Daar is vir elke
student ‘n
ondersteuningskomitee
wat elke kwartaal
bymekaar kom om die
student se vordering
met die mylpale te
bespreek . Die
ondersteuningskomitee
bestaan uit die mentor,
‘n dosent van die
Fakulteit, ‘n
medestudent en ‘n
bestuurslid van die
Kweekskool.
14
Mentor: Elke student
het ‘n predikant of
gemeensteleiermentor met wie daar
‘n gereelde (hopelik
weeksliks) gesprek
gevoer word.
Ondersteuningskom
itee: Daar is vir elke
student ‘n
ondersteuningskomite
e wat elke kwartaal
bymekaar kom om
die student se
vordering met die
mylpale te bespreek .
Die
ondersteuningskomite
e bestaan uit die
mentor, ‘n dosent van
die Fakulteit, ‘n
medestudent en ‘n
bestuurslid van die
Kweekskool.
10
Mentor: Elke
student het ‘n
predikant of
gemeensteleiermentor met wie daar
‘n gereelde (hopelik
weeksliks) gesprek
gevoer word.
Ondersteuningsko
mitee: Daar is vir
elke student ‘n
ondersteuningskomit
ee wat elke kwartaal
bymekaar kom om
die student se
vordering met die
mylpale te bespreek
. Die
ondersteuningskomit
ee bestaan uit die
mentor, ‘n dosent
van die Fakulteit, ‘n
medestudent en ‘n
bestuurslid van die
Kweekskool.
10
Mentor: Elke
student het ‘n
predikant of
gemeensteleiermentor met wie daar
‘n gereelde (hopelik
weeksliks) gesprek
gevoer word.
Ondersteuningsko
mitee: Daar is vir
elke student ‘n
ondersteuningskomit
ee wat elke kwartaal
bymekaar kom om
die student se
vordering met die
mylpale te bespreek
. Die
ondersteuningskomit
ee bestaan uit die
mentor, ‘n dosent
van die Fakulteit, ‘n
medestudent en ‘n
bestuurslid van die
Kweekskool.
47
Totaal
Mentor: 10
100
Mentor: 10
100
Mentor: 10
100
Mentor: 10
100
Total hours
Assessment student
Assessment
Supervisor/minister
Assessment
1. Assessment Committee assesses annually the growth of each the student in terms of the OBE
profile stipulated in Addendum 4 .
2. Each student submits an annual a written report of his/her 100 hours practical work and a sermon
delivered in the seminary during the year.
3. The Assessment Committee reports to the Curatorium annually regarding the progress of each
student.
4. When the Assessment Committee assess the readiness of candidates for licensing. Such a panel
should preferably include representatives of the other formation centres of the URCSA (see Article
7.2.2).
5. The final assessment will require a candidate to demonstrate a high level of integration between
values, knowledge and skills.
6. A report by the Regional Curatorium (MF task team) on a trial sermon delivered by a student in a
URCSA congregation will be a key part of the final assessment
Licensing
48
1.
A Regional Curatorium (MF task team), after receiving and approving the report of its Assessment
Committee on each student under its care, requests the Actuarius of its Regional Synod to administer
the taking of the licensing oath by the approved candidates.
2. This ceremony will take place at a public service convened by the Regional Curatorium (MF task team)
and announced to all congregations in the region.
3. Candidates shall use the prescribed formulary to solemnly declare their loyalty to the URCSA and its
doctrine, commit themselves to a quality ministry, and submit themselves to the disciplinary procedures
of the church.
4. When candidates have been licensed, the scribe of the Regional Curatorium (MF task team) submits
their names to the Actuarius of General Synod on a prescribed form (Addendum 5), who then officially
declares them available (‘beroepbaar’) in the URCSA.
(Acta General Synod 2005)
ADDENDUM 3
THE FORMATION OF SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP FOR
CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRY IN THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN
CONTEXT
MEMORANDUM FOR DENOMINATIONAL TRAINING OF STUDENTS
1. Background
This is an attempt to develop a vision for the denominational training of students. The purpose is to
further develop and integrate the current programme of supplementary training. The concepts were
discussed with colleagues who have been involved with the guidance of students during the past 3 to 5
years.
The following were taken into consideration:
 The URCSA paper on Ministerial Formation
 The current DRC and URCSA programme for supplementary denominational training at
Stellenbosch
 The suggestions were discussed with Prof Klippies Kritzinger with reference to the practises
and experiences of the Northern Theological Seminary of the URCSA in Pretoria. He is of the
opinion that the suggested programme embodies the policy documents of URCSA
 The programme of the Western Theological Seminary, Formation for Ministry, which was
developed by Jaco Hamman, an alumnus of the Faculty.
 The formation programme for ministers we developed at Communitas over the past number of
years.
2. Need for a focus on the formation of spiritual leadership for congregational ministry in the
SA context
In die discourse about theological training the importance of a focus on the formation of the
character of the student with a view to congregational ministry is increasing. In 1999 Robert
Banks said: “While most seminary teachers recognize that moral and spiritual formation begins at
home and congregations, and continues in other contexts alongside seminaries, and develops
afterwards in various ministry settings, there is a growing concern that it must be an intentional part
of seminary training, both inside and outside the classroom.” (1999, 25) Western Seminary’s
programme is therefore named Formation for Ministry. The URCSA in its 1997 policy document
about theological training states that the purpose of theological training “…(is) to shape and equip
candidates spiritually, intellectually and practically for their service in the church of Jesus Christ”.
49
(Acta 1997:718ff) In 2008 ministry formation is mentioned explicitly: “Ministerial formation, under
the guidance of the Holy Spirit and for the glory of God, shapes leaders within URCSA by equipping
them spiritually, intellectually and practically to serve the coming of the Kingdom of God in Southern
Africa”. (P 513 of Agenda) In the comprehensive work about theological training Educating Clergy
by Charles Foster ea he refers to “The Pedagogy of Formation” (2006, pp100-127).
The urgency of this matter for denominations whose students are trained at universities, is
emphasised in a recent study by Marilyn Naidoo about the spiritual formation of students. She
comes to the following conclusion: On the other end of the spectrum, the institutions with the
highest scores (showing lower agreement with the spiritual formation) for all five factors were the
Presbyterian and Reformed. Both denominations train in a university faculty and this formational
mandate may clash with the focus of critical scholarship offered at universities. This finding
highlights that a university setting presents more challenges in implementing a spiritual formational
mandate. It would be difficult to seek to instil a specific habitus among theology students in a
university classroom where similar ecclesial backgrounds or at least shared vocational trajectories
cannot be assumed. The intention of spiritual formation may also be obscured by university
accreditation demands, the compartmentalization of theological disciplines and the marginalization
of spirituality in the life of the university.( An empirical study on spiritual formation at Protestant
theological training institutions in South Africa) There is little doubt that the formation aspect should
be at the heart of a vision for denominational training. This is the ongoing theme and goal in the
recommendations in this memorandum.
3. The distinction between academic and denominational training
The memorandum pleads that we retain both academic training and spiritual formation in creative
tension with one another.
 The denominational training of students mainly focuses on the formation of spiritual
leadership with a view to congregational ministry. (This focus is executed by a seminary or a
school of reformed theology in URCSA and DRC Churches.)
 The academic training of the Faculty of Theology follows an encyclopaedic approach which
offers students professional training in the various subjects (Faculty of Theology).These two
modes of training should be seen as complimentary. The academic training of the Faculty
provides the “building blocks” for the formation of congregational ministers in the SA context
and should be developed in synergy with the denominational training. On the other hand the
formation processes of the Seminary will contribute to enabling students to optimalise their
academic training. Ideally a student should simultaneously be enrolled at the Seminary for a
“Diploma in Denominational Training” and at the Faculty of Theology for academic
qualifications (BTh and MDiv).
4. Denominational training
a. Milestones in denominational training:
Denominational training is the formation of spiritual leadership with a view to congregational
ministry. In this formation programme the student undertakes a “journey” with four milestones.
These milestones or areas are interdependent. The journey is undertaken in a community of
supportive relationships as described below. The programme will have to be measured according
to the requirements of the various churches for Supplementary theological training, including for
example the 100 hour directive of the URCSA:
 Milestone 1: Vocational development plan
1. Personal maturity and emotional intelligence: In the first year students complete a series of
psychometric tests to improve their insight into their personal composition, including areas which
can be developed.
2. Spiritual formation and calling awareness: Students participate in a Calling retreat to help them
develop a focus on calling. All year groups annually participate in a programme of 100 days of
50
spiritual formation, concluding with Easter. In this programme the basic faith formation habits are
practised and mastered. These first two areas give the student the information and the skills to
develop a Personal vocational development plan and submit it to the Support Committee for
approval. The Personal vocational development plan must be submitted and approved at the end of
the second year.
 Milestone 2: CREDO
 Identifying with reformed theology and tradition: The denominational training aims to guide
students to personally identify with the reformed theology and come home to the reformed
church tradition. This includes knowledge of the four articles of faith and their histories.
 Bibles/theological integration and the formation of an own theological language suitable to
the context: The Faculty is responsible for the academic professional training. Denominational
training is focussed on the integration of this knowledge with an own “language”. Spiritual
leaders must be able deliver and embody a message using their own faith and theological
language .They therefore need to grasp the “plot” of the gospel” and assimilate it into a
communicatable language and lifestyle. For this development every student writes a CREDO
in which the professional knowledge is integrated with personal accountability. Die CREDO
must be handed in and approved at the end of the fourth year. The development o f the
CREDO is not an assignment written with reference to academic sources, but the development
of an own theological language born from the student’s experience of congregational ministry
by personally preaching, conducting faith conversations etc.
Milestone 3: Personal mastery of ministry skills
Attention is continuously paid to the practise and mastery of basic ministry skills. The
congregation to which the student is linked, reports on the student’s development and mastery
of basic ministry skills. The current programme of denominational training and students’ own
vocational development plan will inform the focus of the skills. It will however extend the current
programme of certain “weeks” for denominational training to a more continuous practise of
ministry skills.
Milestone 4: Development of a new missional ministry
a. Contextual and missional ministry capacity: The formation of spiritual leadership also demands
that students develop the ability to read the context with faith discernment and identify kingdom
opportunities. This means that they will need thorough exposure to the SA context and develop the
ability to analyse it with understanding. In the fifth and sixth years students identify a “kingdom
opportunity” in the context of and according to this analysis. During the two years they develop this
ministry in such a manner that the project can continue independently thereafter. This ministry
development may not be the maintenance of an existing ministry of the congregation, but must
entail the founding of a new ministry. In the MBA environment students are encouraged to make a
“new start”. The report must be handed in and approved at the end of the sixth year. “Capstone”
project is a closing project which concludes and integrates as at Northern Theological Seminary
(Integrated theological praxis).
b. Formation in a community of relationships: Formation primarily takes place in relationships of
trust. In the formation of spiritual leadership the student develops the following relationships:
 Congregations: Every student is linked to a congregation. Faculty service learning
assignments can also be done in these congregations. The congregations provide the basic
context within which the formation of spiritual leadership takes place. The Seminary contracts
with congregations to act as training congregations, much like there are teaching hospitals in
medical training.
 Mentors: Every student has a minister or church leader who acts as mentor and with whom
he/she meets regularly, preferably weekly.
 Boards of Lecturers: Lecturers serving on the Boards of Lecturers of the URCSA and the
DRC are linked to students.
51

Fellow students: Students support one another in support groups. These groups will also
function during the 100 days of faith formation.
 Support Committees: Every student has a support committee consisting of his or her mentor,
a Faculty lecturer, a fellow student and an executive member of the Seminary. The committee
meets once a term to discuss the student’s progress in terms of the milestones.
c. Accountability of the student
Students are responsible for their own development in terms of attaining these milestones
– with the support of the abovementioned people.
5. The Seminary
Denominational training should be institutionally housed in a “seminary” representing the
churches’ traditions, rhythms and outcomes. The suggestion is that the Kweekskool be “re”founded according to the example of the Northern Theological Seminary of the URCSA in
Pretoria. This Seminary would be a church institution functioning under the supervision of the
Curatoria and academically accredited with the Faculty of Theology as a school of reformed
theology (for which the Faculty regulations make provision). The formation this concept
envisages cannot take place in an administrative relationship with students. The students have
to feel at home and safe for this formation to take place.
 The Curatoria contract with ministers in synodical service and congregation ministers
regarding serving in the Seminary
 Training congregations are identified and contracted to serve as contexts for training
 Mentors are trained and contracted for a medium term
 Administrative personnel of the Curatoria render certain services to the Seminary
 The Curatoria serve as governing body of the Seminary
6.
Possible further steps
 The Curatoria approve the memorandum as a framework for the implementation of the programme
for supplementary denominational training
 A task team is appointed to implement the proposals
 The Seminary is founded at the end of 2011
 First students to enrol at the Seminary: January 2012
Example of how the milestones can be divided into the years of study
(5 years for the URCSA and 6 years for the DRC)
Year
Personal maturity
Spiritual formation
Theological/biblical integration
Contextual/missional capacity
Ministry skills
1
X
X
X
2
X
X
X
3
4
5
6
X
X
X
X
X
X
X(PRP)
X(CREDO)
X
X
X(Project)
X
X
Bibliography:
Banks, Robert, Reenvisioning Theological Training, Eerdmans 1999
Foster, Charles R (ed), Educating Clergy, Jossey-Bass 2006
Naidoo, Marilyn, An empirical study on spiritual formation at Protestant theological training institutions in
South Africa (approved article for publication in Religion and Theology)
Western Theological Seminary, Formation for Ministry
52
ADDENDUM 4
Second Report
Joint Task Team for Denominational Formation
October 19th 2011
1. In our First report The formation of Spiritual Leadership for Congregational Ministry in the
Southern African context (Addendum 1), we established a conceptual framework to develop a
clear shared understanding of ministerial formation. In this report the aim is to develop and approve
a framework for the establishment of a Seminary and the implementation of the Programme for
Ministerial Formation.
2. The memorandum concluded with the suggestion of the next possible steps:
a. The Curatoria consider, improve and approve the memorandum as a framework for the
implementation of the programme for Supplementary Denominational Training.
b. The Curatoria appoint a task team to implement the proposals, reporting to the Executives of
the Curatoria.
c. The Seminary is founded in November 2011 at a joint meeting of the Curatoria
d. First students enrol at the Seminary: January 2012
3. Task team: Both Curatoria appointed Task teams to work on the implementation of the Memo and
in particular the subsequent steps. The task team met almost weekly and had several consultations
with different role players.
a. Consultation with Prof. Klippies Kritzinger (URCSA Northern Theological Seminary NTS). He
shared the experience of the NTD with us and advised on the practical possibilities in the
implementation of URCSA’s 100 hours requirement.
4. Name of the “Seminary”: The Stellenbosch Seminary of URCSA & DRC.
The task team decided that the best name for the institution to implement our programme for
Ministerial Formation is Seminary or Kweekskool (Seminarium = seed bed). Note: Prof Koopman
is apprehensive about the name “Kweekskool”, because it might be viewed as a DRC assimilation.
SEMINARY
STELLENBOSCH
URCSA & DRC
A Community on a Journey of Formation
5. One Unified Programme of ministerial formation: The task teams took both Churches
prescriptions for Denominational training or “Aanvullende Teologiese Opleiding” into account and
developed a unified programme for students of both churches. The programme for ministerial
formation is a journey with 4 milestones:
a. Programme for Ministerial Formation 2012
i.
First Year programme
1. Orientation camp - orientation, group work skills and spiritual direction under
mentorship of senior students
2. 60 days of spiritual formation
53
ii.
3. Mentor and congregational connection- group work skills throughout the year
4. Outreach during winter holiday
5. Vocational retreat
6. MMPI and follow-up consultation
7. Bible orientation
8. Group work in congregation
Second year programme
1. Orientation camp
2. 60 days of spiritual direction
3. On-going work in congregation
4. Ministerial skill assesment
5. Congregational work: Youth work ministerial skill development (Group work, Youth
ministry management, Family ministry, Intergenerational leadership skills, Youth
preaching etc.)
6. Complete the Vocational development plan
54
iii.
iv.
v.
Third year programme - current programme plus 100 hours of congregational work
Fourth year programme - current programme plus 100 hours of congregational work
Fifth year programme - current programme plus 100 hours of congregational work
6. Co-operation with the Faculty of Theology
The Memorandum distinguished between the academic and the denominational formation.
The memorandum pleads that we retain both academic training and spiritual formation in an
interdependent but creative tension with each another.To understand this tension we need to clarify
the difference in focus of academic training and denominational ministerial formation.
 The denominational ministerial formation of students focuses mainly on the formation of
spiritual leadership within the context of congregational ministry. (The proposal is that this focus is
executed by a URCSA and DRC Seminary or a School of Reformed Theology.)
 The academic training of the Faculty of Theology follows an encyclopaedic approach which offers
students professional training in the various theological subjects (Faculty of Theology).
These two modes of training should be seen as complimentary. The academic training of the
Faculty provides the “building blocks” for the formation of congregational ministers in the SA
context and should be developed in synergy with denominational formation. On the other hand the
formation processes of the Seminary will contribute to enabling students to optimise their academic
training. Ideally a student should be enrolled simultaneously at the Seminary for a “Diploma in
Denominational Leadership Formation” and at the Faculty of Theology for academic qualifications
(BTh and MDiv).
a. The Seminary will be responsible for the placement of students with accredited Seminary
Training Congregations and Mentors. These congregations will provide the context for the
Service learning of the FT. Both Faculty and Seminary are committed to work on the best
possible synergy between the two programmes.
b. The Program for Ministerial formation of the Seminary is not an accredit course of the Faculty
of Theology (US), but a program in ministerial formation of the different Churches that leads to
the official licensing or a “License to Serve”. Students will enroll on the program for Ministerial
Formation of the Seminary, at the seminary. The seminary will assess the students
throughout their 5 or 6 years of training and by the successful completion advice the
Kuratorium on their readiness for official ordaination by the churches. This will have
implications for the current process of the “proponents eksamen”.
c. The Seminary and the Faculty will make a joint public announcement on a “New era for
Theological Training at Stellenbosch” where we will announce the new programme of the
faculty and the Seminary.
7. Seminary Staff:
a. 50% Curatorium MSS (Ministers in Synod Service) or “PSD’s” (URCSA & DRC)
b. 25% post for Managers of the Seminary (DRC); 30% post for Manager of the Seminary
(URCSA)
c. 2 student organizers (DRC and URCSA)
d. 50% Secretary of the DRC Curatorium will provide administrative support for the
seminary.
e. The Task Teams and MSS’s (PSD’s) of Communitas Network will act as Milestone coordinators or supervisors for the programme.
8. Management of the Seminary:
The Joint Task Team for Ministerial Formation, will acts as a management structure for the
Seminary in the founding phase until the end of 2013. The task team will report to the
Curatoria.
9. Offices:
The proposals are
55
a.
that the offices of the Curatorium wing are re-developed in order to host the
Seminary's staff and activities. (Addendum 3)
b. that the concept plans of the architect are tabled for discussion, and that a committee
is appointed to implement the approved proposals.
c. that the current staff of the DRC Curatorium be informed of the possibility of new
developments regarding the use of the offices and other spaces in the Curatorium
Wing.
10. Budget: The Budget is divided between a Development component and an Operational
component. (Addendum 3)
11. Logo: The proposals worked on the assumption that we will use the Seminary or Kweekskool and
therefore use the image of the “acorn”.
ADDENDUM 5
The Formation of Spiritual Leadership for Congregational
Ministry in the Southern African context
Memorandum for Denominational Formation of students URCSA and DRC at Stellenbosch
1.
Background
This memorandum is an attempt to develop a vision for the denominational training of students. The
purpose is to develop and integrate the current programme of supplementary training further. The
memorandum presents an attempt to clarify our conceptual paradigm for denominational training of
students. The concepts were discussed with colleagues who have been involved with the guidance of
students during the past three to five years.
The following were taken into consideration:
 The URCSA policy documents on Ministerial Formation
 The current DRC and URCSA programme for supplementary denominational training at
Stellenbosch
 The programme of the Northern Theological Seminary of URCSA. The memorandum was
discussed with Prof. Klippies Kritzinger with reference to the practices and experiences of the
Northern Theological Seminary. He made valuable suggestions and is of the opinion that the
suggested programme embodies the policy documents of URCSA. It is recommended to
involve Prof. Kritzinger in future developments.
 The programme of the Western Theological Seminary, Formation for Ministry, was
developed by Prof. Jaco Hamman, an alumnus of the Faculty of Theology of Stellenbosch. He
suggested practical ideas on how ministerial formation can work alongside and complimentary
to the academic programmes of the Faculty.
 The formation programmes for ministers were developed at Communitas over the past number
of years.
2.
The need for a focus on the formation of spiritual leadership for congregational ministry
in the SA context
In the discourse about theological training, the importance of a focus on the formation of the
character of the student with a focus no congregational ministry is increasing. In 1999 Robert
Banks wrote: “While most seminary teachers recognize that moral and spiritual formation begins at
home and congregations, and continues in other contexts alongside seminaries, and develops
afterwards in various ministry settings, there is a growing concern that it must be an
intentional part of seminary training, both inside and outside the classroom.” (1999, 25)
56
The urgency of this matter for denominations whose students are trained at universities, is
emphasised in a recent study by Marilyn Naidoo about the spiritual formation of students. She
comes to the following conclusion:
On the other end of the spectrum, the institutions with the highest scores (showing lower
agreement with the spiritual formation) for all five factors were the Presbyterian and Reformed.
Both denominations train in a university faculty and this formational mandate may clash with the
focus of critical scholarship offered at universities. This finding highlights that a university setting
presents more challenges in implementing a spiritual formational mandate. It would be difficult to
seek to instil a specific habitus among theology students in a university classroom where similar
ecclesial backgrounds or at least shared vocational trajectories cannot be assumed. The intention
of spiritual formation may also be obscured by university accreditation demands, the
compartmentalization of theological disciplines and the marginalization of spirituality in the life of
the university.
(An empirical study on spiritual formation at Protestant theological training institutions in South
Africa, to be published in Theology and Religion)
Western Seminary in Michigan, USA responded to this need with a programme called Formation for
Ministry. URCSA’s own policy document of 1997 about theological training, states that the purpose of
theological training “…(is) to shape and equip candidates spiritually, intellectually and practically for
their service in the church of Jesus Christ” (Acta 1997:718ff). In 2008 ministry formation is mentioned
explicitly: “Ministerial formation, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and for the glory of God, shapes
leaders within URCSA by equipping them spiritually, intellectually and practically to serve the coming of
the Kingdom of God in Southern Africa” (Agenda, p. 513). In the comprehensive work about theological
training by Charles Foster et al., one of the distinctive challenges of clergy education is viewed as “The
Pedagogy of Formation” (2006:100-127).There is little doubt that the formation aspects of theological
training should be at the heart of a vision for denominational ministerial formation. This will be the
ongoing theme and goal in the recommendations in this memorandum.
3.
The distinction between academic and denominational formation
The memorandum pleads that we retain both academic training and spiritual formation in an
interdependent but creative tension with each another.
To understand this tension we need to clarify the difference in focus of academic training and
denominational ministerial formation.
 The denominational ministerial formation of students focuses mainly on the formation of
spiritual leadership within the context of congregational ministry. (The proposal is that this focus is
executed by a URCSA and DRC Seminary or a School of Reformed Theology.)
 The academic training of the Faculty of Theology follows an encyclopaedic approach which offers
students professional training in the various theological subjects (Faculty of Theology).
These two modes of training should be seen as complimentary. The academic training of the
Faculty provides the “building blocks” for the formation of congregational ministers in the SA
context and should be developed in synergy with the denominational formation. On the other hand,
the formation processes of the Seminary will contribute to enabling students to optimise their
academic training. Ideally a student should be enrolled simultaneously at the Seminary for a
“Diploma in Denominational Leadership Formation” and at the Faculty of Theology for academic
qualifications (BTh and MDiv).
4.
i)
Denominational formation as a Journey
A formational journey with milestones:
57
Denominational training is the formation of spiritual leadership with a focus on congregational
ministry. In this formation programme the student undertakes a “journey” with various
milestones which are interdependent. The journey is undertaken within a community of
supportive relationships as described below. The programme will have to be measured
according to the requirements of the various churches for Supplementary Theological Training,
including for example the 100 hours directive of the URCSA:
Milestone 1: Vocational development plan
5. Personal maturity and emotional intelligence: In the first year students complete a series of
psychometric tests to improve their insight into their personal composition and to identify areas
which can be developed. These insights will then be taken into formational, and if needed,
therapeutic processes to build the students' capacity for personal growth and enhanced emotional
intelligence.
6. Vocational formation: In their first year students participate in a Vocational Retreat with the aim
of helping them in developing a sense of vocational identity. The retreat will serve as a starting
point for an ongoing journey of vocational development throughout the entire programme.
7. Spiritual formation: All year groups participate annually in a focused programme of spiritual
formation in which spiritual disciplines are practised in groups under the guidance of a spiritual
mentor. These seasons of 100 days' spiritual formation, conclude every year with Easter. In this
programme the basic faith formation habits are practised and mastered. The possibility of a weekly
Seminary Eucharist where students and lecturers take communion together in a shared community
in the Seminary Chapel, bears consideration. The personal, spiritual and vocational formation
programmes of the first two years give the student the information and skills to develop a Personal
Vocational Development Plan. The development and submission of such a plan is done under
the guidance of the Support Committee of each student. The Personal Vocational Development
Plan must be submitted and approved at the end of the second year.
Milestone 2: CREDO
1.
Identifying with reformed theology and tradition: The denominational training aims to guide
students to identification with the reformed theology and a homecoming in the reformed church
tradition. This includes knowledge of the content and history of the four Confessions.
2.
Bible/theological integration and the formation of an own theological language suitable to the
context: The Faculty is responsible for the professional academic training of students.
Denominational training is focused on the integration of this knowledge with an own “language”.
Spiritual leaders must be able to articulate a message from their own conviction and in their own
theological language. They therefore need to grasp the “plot” of the Gospel and assimilate it into
a language and lifestyle.
For this developmental aim every student writes a CREDO reflecting their academic knowledge in their
own personal theological language. The Credo must be submitted and approved at the end of the
fourth year. The development of the Credo is not a written assignment with references to academic
sources, bit rather an expression of students' experiences in ministry in their own personal theological
language.
Milestone 3: Personal mastery of ministry skills
Attention is paid continuously to the practise and mastery of basic ministry skills. The congregation and
mentor to whom a student is assigned, report on the student’s development and mastery of basic
ministry skills. The current programme of denominational training and the students’ own vocational
development plan will inform the scope of these skills. It will transform the current programme of certain
58
“weeks” for denominational training into a more continuous practice of ministry skills and into a
programme of personal mastery.
Milestone 4: Development of a new missional ministry
Contextual and missional ministry capacity: The formation of spiritual leadership also demands that
students develop the ability to read their contexts with discernment and learn to identify kingdom
opportunities. They will need thorough exposure to the SA context in order to develop the ability to
analyse it with understanding. In the fifth and sixth year students identify a “kingdom opportunity” in the
context of, and according to, this analysis. During the two years they develop a ministry in such a
manner that the project can continue independently afterwards. This ministry development may not be
the maintenance of an existing congregation project, but must entail the founding of a new ministry. (In
the MBA environment for example, students are encouraged to develop a “new start-up”.) The report
must be submitted and approved at the end of the sixth year for DRC students and at the end of the
fifth year for URSA students. This should be viewed as the “capstone” or final project which concludes
and integrates the formation programme as at Northern Theological Seminary.
ii)





The Journey of Ministerial Formation takes place in a community of supportive
relationships
Formation primarily takes place in relationships of trust. In the formation of spiritual leadership the
student develops the following relationships:
Congregations: Every student is “linked” to a congregation, where they can also do Faculty Service
Learning assignments. The congregations provide the basic context within which the formation of
spiritual leadership takes place. The Seminary negotiates to co-opt training congregations, much like
there are teaching hospitals in medical training.
Mentors: Every student has a minister or church leader who acts as mentor and with whom he/she
meets regularly, preferably weekly.
Boards of Lecturers: Lecturers serving on the Boards of Lecturers of URCSA/ DRC are linked to
students.
Fellow students: Students support one another in support groups, which will also function during the
100 days of faith formation.
Support Committees: Every student has a support committee consisting of his or her mentor, a
Faculty lecturer, a fellow student and an executive member of the Seminary. The committee meets
once a term to discuss the student’s progress in terms of the milestones.
iii) Accountability of the student
Students are responsible for their own development in terms of attaining these milestones – with
the support of the above-mentioned relationships.
5. A Seminary for Ministerial Formation
Denominational formation should be institutionally housed in a “seminary” representing the
churches’ traditions, rhythms and outcomes. The suggestion is that the “Kweekskool” be “re”founded according to the example of the Northern Theological Seminary of the URCSA in
Pretoria. This Seminary would be a church institution functioning under the supervision of the
Curatoria of URCSA and the DRC and accredited academically with the Faculty of Theology as a
School of Reformed Theology (for which the Faculty regulations make provision). The Seminary
should be more than an administrative link between the denomination and the students, expanding
to be a space of formation. The ministerial formation that this memorandum envisages cannot
occur in an administrative relationship with students. The students have to feel at home and safe
for this formation to take place.
The Curatoria serve as the governing body of the Seminary and appoint “staff” for the Seminary:
59
The “staff” of the Seminary can consist of the following role-players
 The Curatoria contract ministers in synodical service and/or congregation ministers
regarding serving in the Seminary in a part-time capacity.
 “Training congregations” are identified and contracted to serve as contexts for ministerial
formation
 Mentors are trained and contracted
 Administrative personnel of the Curatoria render managerial and administrative services to
the Seminary.




6.
Suggested next steps
The Curatoria consider, improve and approve the memorandum as a framework for the implementation
of the programme for Supplementary Denominational Training.
The Curatoria appoint a task team to implement the proposals, reporting to the Executives of the
Curatoria.
The Seminary is founded in November 2011 at a joint meeting of the Curatoria
First students enrol at the Seminary: January 2012
Bibliography:
Banks, Robert, Re-envisioning Theological Training, Eerdmans 1999.
Foster, Charles R (Ed.), Educating Clergy, Jossey-Bass 2006.
Naidoo, Marilyn, An empirical study on spiritual formation at Protestant theological training institutions in
South Africa (approved article for publication in Religion and Theology).
Western Theological Seminary, Formation for Ministry.
ADDENDUM 6
REPORT OF THE FACULTY OF THEOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH :
PROF. NN KOOPMAN
See addendum
Dear Chairperson and members of the curatorium
I hereby gladly report on the most important recent aspects of the activities of the Faculty of Theology.
1. Student matters
1.1 We now have more than 500 students of whom 70 per cent are postgraduate students. The
numbers of undergraduate and postgraduate students increase very year.
1.2 This year saw the biggest group of first years in a long time – 57. It is also a particularly diverse
group with almost half of the group from the BCI group. 18 first year students (9%) are from the
URCSA. The Faculty of Theology now has the lowest admission requirements on campus. This means
that we are being flooded with students who cannot gain admission to the faculties of their choice. The
Faculty of Theology’s new admission requirement – that all students with a matric result of between 50
and 55 % must follow the Extended Degree Programme (EDP), which implies that the students actually
add a year to the duration of the course – has tellingly resulted in 25 of the 57 students enrolling for the
EDP. The higher number of academically under-prepared students pose immense challenges to all
universities, and particularly also to the Faculty of Theology with its lower admission requirements.
1.3 With the phasing in of the new curriculum this group is also the first to follow the new programme.
The 57 enrolled as follows:
BDiv I:
17 (30%)
BDiv I EDP:
4 (7%)
BTh I:
9 (16%)
BTh I EDP:
12 (21%)
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BTh I Youth Work:
6 (11%)
BTh I Youth Work EDP:
9 (16%)
The youth work students continue to grow significantly as the interest in social development increases.
1.4 Support systems for students have been upgraded and now include coordinated academic
mentoring in small groups, and even one-on-one where necessary, and independent counseling
sessions for those in need. Financial need continues to be an enormous challenge.
1.5
2. Teaching, research and community interaction
2.1 The Faculty of Theology has a competent, committed and hardworking staff corps. Increasing
demands in terms of teaching and supervision, research, and involvement in numerous forums and
communities, and also in terms of academic administration, requires constant strategic evaluation and
repositioning. We are grateful for the addition of Dr Henry Mbaya in Missiology and Dr Marius Nel in
New Testament who have brought great relief in terms of capacity in these disciplines.
2.2 Research outputs, student success and other strategic achievement indicators remain consistently
high at the faculty. In addition the public profile of the faculty has increased dramatically during the past
few years, with conferences, public lectures etc. becoming regular events. The most recent event, an
ecumenical winter school, was deemed extremely useful, to the extent that the request was
immediately made that this becomes a regular event.
3. Physical infrastructure
3.1 Work continues on improving the physical infrastructure and also making it safer. Risk management
is currently receiving much attention. Towards the end of the year the next phase in the upgrading of
the Attie van Wijk Auditorium will commence, including installing air conditioning and furnishing the
mezzanine level.
3.2 The new improved Weidenhof House has proved to be a valuable asset, with a surprisingly high
and diversified occupation rate. Africa students and international visitors and scholars express great
appreciation for this facility.
3.3 Work has commenced in the DRC Curatorium offices to accommodate the needs of the new
URC/DRC Seminary.
4. Seminary for denominational ministry formation and denominational programmes
4.1 The recently established DRC/URC Seminary which focuses on ministry formation aspects like
spiritual and moral formation, personal formation, skills formation and leadership formation has already
taken ministry students of URCSA and the DRC under its wing.
4.2 The Anglican Church of Southern Africa signed an agreement with Stellenbosch University on the
2nd of March this year, and is now the fourth official church partner of the Faculty of Theology. The new
curriculum provides for two Anglican modules that will be compulsory for Anglican ministry students,
and will be taught by lecturers nominated and salaried by the Anglican Church and accredited by the
university. We appreciate the positive attitude and the enthusiasm that characterizes ACSA’s involved
in the faculty.
5. Some priorities
5.1 According to the central goals of the SU, this faculty is committed to the cultivation of suitable
expertise, comprehensive student success, an ethos and epistemology of diversity, and social,
economic and ecological sustainability.
5.2 We continue to work hard to ensure the success of our new curriculum – with specific focus on
teaching and student success. Included in this is the challenge of being accessible to students and
nurturing the previously disadvantaged along the way to academic success, yet maintaining academic
excellence and high levels of student success. The implementation of the Extended Degree
Programme and continued improvement of the support systems, will contribute to student success. We
61
also continue to strive for better networking between the students, staff and churches to help our
students as best we can.
5.3 The Faculty is excited about the establishment of the Seminarium by URCSA and the DRC, and
also about the official partnership with the ACSA. These developments enhance a more comprehensive
education and equipping of and care for our students. It also enhances the quest for ecumenicity
through particularity.
5.4 We continue to actively build expertise, investing much time and energy in developing younger
generations of academics against the background of a significant number of experienced staff
members who will be retiring during the next few years.
5.5 The Faculty and partner churches need to collaborate more strongly about identifying academically
strong students from disadvantaged contexts, with the purpose of jointly financing them and making it
possible for them to undertake fulltime postgraduate studies. This envisaged practice may in future
increase the number of lecturers from disadvantaged contexts.
5.6 Equipping future ministers in such a way that they have sound theological education, but that they
also have knowledge and skills to function in socio-economic challenging contexts, is a major challenge
for faculties and churches.
5.7 The marketing, promotion and further advancing of the faculty in cooperation with church role
players, with a view to recruiting and financing students, to building relations with alumni (including
alumni of the theological seminaries of the previous DRMC and previous DRCA), and to address a
variety of perceptions of the Faculty and University, enjoys much attention. We are also targeting
specific church events like trial sermons and youth conferences, with very good results.
6. Thanks
We express thanks to the Curatorium for excellent cooperation, especially to the chairperson, dr
Flaendorp, the secretary, dr Philander, and the executive of the Curatorium. Thank you also to URCSA
and other lecturers and staff for their commitment, loyalty and caring.
In verbondenheid.
Prof.Nico Koopman, Dean
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APPENDIX 7
REPORT OF THE CURATORIUM OF FREE STATE & LESOTHO AND PHORORO
TO THE GENERAL SYNOD (2008-2012)
The chairperson and members of the synod
We wish to report as follows on the work of the joint curatorium of Free State and
Lesotho and Phororo.
1. Historical overview
The synod of the Free State and Lesotho made an application to the General Synod
that theology training may start at Bloemfontein. A complete application was
submitted and the General Synod approved it. The synod of Phororo was invited to
be part of a joint curatorium and accepted it. It was agreed that each synod should
have three members on the curatorium and may also co-opt members.
Free State and Lesotho: Rev.Lekoala, Rev. Nhlapo, Rev.Hlalele. Rev. S Motsiri, Coopted members: Dr DA Kuyler and Rev.LP Fokase.
Phororo: Rev. P van Schalkwyk, Rev. C Petersen , Rev.DS Willemse. Co-opted
member: Rev. MG Betha.
2. Meetings
The following meetings were held:
2.1 19 January 2008 in Bloemfontein.
2.2 30 January 2009 in Bloemfontein.
2.3 23 January 2010 in Bloemfontein.
2.4 29 May 2010 in Kimberley.
2.5 27 November 2010 in Bloemfontein.
2.6 16 March 2011 teleconference.
2.7 11 February 2012 in Bloemfontein.
2.8 12 May 2012 in Kimberley.
3. Office Bearers:
Chairperson: Rev. P van Schalkwyk
Vice -chair: Rev. S Motsiri
Scribe:
Rev.D.S.Willemse
Assist scribe: Dr. D.A.Kuyler
4. Commissions of the Curatorium:
Assessment commission: Scribe of Curatorium, Actuarius of Free State, Student
Representative Severius Majiedt.
Board of Lecturers: Dr.DA Kuyler.
Examination Commission: Rev.Fokase, Dr. Kuyler,Rev.Lebakeng, Rev.P. Makoko
5. Finances and Budget:
At this stage we only are aware of about R6000-00 promised by the DRC Free State,
63
contribution by Theron-Niholongwe Fund. A possible contribution by URCSA
Western Cape is also awaited. Money received from the Synod of Oberhausen is
also available. SMFA of the Free State and Lesotho has made available R40 000.00
to cover the present needs. The executive was tasked to draw up a budget together
with the administrators of each regional synod.
6. Current students
At the moment 3 students are registered as theology students and the curatorium
made contact with them all. Concerning the students we have two major issues:
Financial support and accommodation.
Congregations and ministries of the church were asked again for donations for
theology students. The cost per year is about R20 000-00 per student.
The curatorium also take notice that two ministers enrolled as doctoral students at
UFS.
7. Colloquium Doctum requests
7.1 Mr LM Maliede (minister) and Mr.Phantsi (evangelist) and Tefelo Johannes
Ntsasa made applications to the General Synodical Commission for reinstatement. It
was approved and referred to the Curatorium. The examination commission met with
them.
The scope of the examination covered:
 Confessions and Belhar Confession especially
 Church order
 Integrated ministries model
 Six theological articles
 Two written sermons: Old- and New Testament
 Written Assignment
The curatorium decided to reinstate them.
7.2 Dr.G Dames – Application for Colloquium Doctum . Dr. Dames is teaching
Practical Theology at UFS. The Curatorium did the colloquium Doctum and decided
that his status be instated.
8. LICENCING OF STUDENTS:
On 28 November 2010 we were able to license four students after completing their
licentiate in Theology. This was a historic occasion. This event took place in
Botchabela congregation - the oldest church in Bloemfontein.
9. Way forward:
We hope that in the future more theology students in our region will register at UFS.
May God’s richest blessings accompany the Synod throughout the meeting.
Rev.PJ van Schalkwyk (chairperson), DS Willemse ( scribe)
64
APPENDIX 8
Verenigende Gereformeerde Kerk in Suider Afrika
Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa
Streek Sinode
NAMIBIA Regional Synod
Scriba Synodi: Rev. L.L. Husselmann
P.O Box 300; KARASBURG, Namibia; E-mail: leon.husselmann@yahoo.com
Tel/Fax: +264-63-270552
Cell: +264 -816742141
REPORT OF THE URCSA REGIONAL SYNOD: NAMIBIA CURATORIUM
TO THE MINISTERIAL FORMATION TASK TEAM [MTFF] OF THE GENERAL SYNOD
FOR REPORTING TO THE GENERAL SYNOD TO BE HELD ON 1- 7 OCTOBER 2012
1) Introduction
It is our privilege to report on the activities of the Curatorium during the past recess
since 2008. The report reflects both local matters as well as matters in line with the
General Synod requirements.
2) Members of the Namibian Curatorium
At the URCSA Regional Synodical Meeting held on 16-20 September 2009, the
Namibian Curatorium was appointed according to Article 8.1 as follows:
a) The Moderamen: Dr Henry G Platt (moderator), Rev. BRE Tjingaete (Assessor),
Rev HJ Meintjies (Actuary) and Rev. LL Husselmann (Scribe);
b) Other members are: Rev. WJ Daniels (Presbytery of Mariental), Rev. MK
Hamukuaja (Presbytery of Windhoek) and Rev. M Mombela (Presbytery of
Ngweze).
3) Frequency of meetings held
The following meetings were held to execute the task of guiding the Theological
Formation of students in Namibia:
a) 14 January 2010: Meeting with all the Theological students at Windhoek. Each
student was interviewed by the Curatorium on their conviction to the calling as
Ministers of the Word. The meeting also discussed ways how the Presbytery of
Ngweze could benefit from ZAMBIA’s Theological Seminaries in Lusaka, Justo
Mwale Theological College.
b) 19 June 2010: Meeting in Windhoek to discuss among others: placement of
students for practical work [100 hours] in congregations, special requests from
students to change study course [DS Majiedt], recommendations formulated on the
document received from the General MFTT, Reformed Distinctive lectures and
schedules, finances.
c) 1st In-House Theological Training Session: 20-22 September 2010 at Windhoek
where 8 students attended the sessions.
d) Visit to Katima Mulilo to license one Theological student, Austin Kwala
Mutakalilumo on 25-26 September 2010.
e) 2nd Reformed Distinctive In-house Training Session: 28 November till 3
December 2010 at Rehoboth
i) A number of 15 theological students agreed to start a Theological Representative
Student
Body:
NGATUKUMBE
REFORMED
THEOLOGICAL
REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL [NRTRC],
ii) Lecturers who presented the course content were: Rev. LL Husselmann, Rev.
WJ Daniels and Rev. GH Olwage.
(1) The following topics were covered:
65
(a) The Three Forms of Unity: The Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic
Confession, and the Canons of Dort;
(b) Church Law and Discipline;
(c) Reformed Church History [Luther and Calvin] & [Namibia church history];
(d) Mission Policy of the Dutch Reformed Church;
(e) Reformed Liturgy.
f) Joint meeting by the Moderature and the Curatorium on 26 February 2011, at
Windhoek:
i) Rev. GH Olwage was appointed as the secretary to the Namibian Curatorium.
ii) The Namibian Theological students will sit for the first series of Biblical
Knowledge examination on 19 March 2011. (This date was postponed until 2
April 2011, due to the national Independence celebrations.)
iii) Full-time students will be supported by bursaries as far funds allow. Application
forms will be compiled for this purpose.
g) Meeting of 2 April 2011, Windhoek:
i) Personal interviews with students were done.
ii) Licensing of student in Katima Mulilo: Cognisance is taken that Austin Kwala
Mutakalilumo, a student from URCSA Ngweze (Katima Mulilo) was licensed 26
September 2010. He was the last student who was granted amnesty by the
General Synod of 14-20 APRIL 1997, at MOOIGENOEG, BLOEMFONTEIN.
Notice was given to the General Actuary for notification and to declare him
eligible for calling.
iii) Concern of Namibian Curatorium was raised to investigate the standard of
theological studies at NETS as it relates to requirements by URCSA.
iv) Biblical knowledge examination: The first examination for theological students
took place on 2 April 2011, under supervision of Rev. Stefanie Kocksiek. The
multiple choice question paper was set up by Rev. LL Husselmann. Students
fared well with an average of 70%. The focus was on the following Biblical
books:
(1) Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
(2) New Testament: The four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The next
examination is scheduled for 2012.
h) On 2 April 2012 a meeting was held with the moderamen of the DRCN Church
in Windhoek.
The curriculum of DEGNOS will be suitable for training of church council
members and catechetic teachers only. It was agreed that it not be seen as a
course that will lead to theological studies.
4) Theological students
a) Students in training:
i) Dawid Severius Majiedt (from URCSA Rehoboth congregation) did not
complete his studies at UNAM. However, he was admitted as Theological
Student at University of the Free State since 2011.
ii) Frans Freeman (from URCSA Windhoek congregation): Is admitted at NETS
and is currently in his 2nd year B.Th.
iii) Christo Böck (from URCSA Rehoboth congregation): He is a 2nd year student
at NETS.
iv) Ernitha Shihungu (from Takwasa presbytery): Admitted for her first year at
NETS.
v) Lionel Nel (from Mariental) resumed his studies at the University of
Stellenboch this year (2012).
b) The following students are still in a program at UNAM to qualify themselves for
other tent-making careers:
i) Edward Haikombo
66
ii) Immanuel Chiveya
iii) Calicius Simone Calicius
c) Other students who discontinued further studies in theology:
i) Russ-lyn Strauss: He did not follow up his studies. He is currently working as
an insurance consultant. He does not seem to be committed.
ii) Virgil Gertze [will not continue with further studies or with URCSA. She moved
to Gospel Mission Gobabis].
iii) Johan Eiman: He is not committed to this course of further studying.
iv) Elton-John Hipundjua: Takes note that he is currently working as lay preacher
in Opuwo.
5) Theological Education at NETS
a) Theological studies in Namibia are still conducted through NETS (The Namibian
Evangelical Theological Seminary) as approved Theological formation and
training institution. Dr. H.G. Platt is still lecturing on a part-time basis at NETS in
the fields of: Ancient Languages, Old Testament and Research Methodologies
and Research. He also guides the students on a regular basis.
b) Funding for lecturers from our church teaching at NETS is mainly received from
Kerk-in-Actie. Other smaller amounts for students are received from the DRCNamibia and the Mustard Seed Foundation.
6) NQA (Namibian Qualifications Authority) Accreditation of NETS Theological
Training
In June 2010 NETS received formal approval from the NQA on the following courses
presented:
a) Certificate in Christian Ministry (NQF Level 4)
b) Diploma in Ministry (NQF Level 5)
c) Diploma in Theology (NQF Level 6)
d) Bachelor in Theology (NQF Level 7)
e) The website of NETS could be found at www.nets.edu.na .
7) Ordination of Minister of the Word
Only one minister was ordained since October 2009. After Colloqium Doctum,
Rev. WJ Julius was licensed and was then called to the URCSA Walvis Bay,
Narraville congregation. He was ordained on 19 December 2009 as full-time
minister of the Word.
8) Licensing of Theological candidate Austin Mutakalilumo
A request from the Presbytery of Ngweze to the Regional Synod meeting in
September 2009 was granted to license theological candidate Austin Kwala
Mutakalilumo. He is one of the fortunate students who were granted amnesty in
1997 when EGKA joined URCS, to be licensed. He embarked upon the teaching
profession. The only requirement was to deliver his trial sermon which was
conducted on 25 September 2010 in URCSA Ngweze congregation in Katima
Molilu. The Curatorium granted the license to the said candidate on 26
September 2010. He was called and ordained during 2011 in Ngweze.
9) Bursaries for Students
a) The MFTT Namibia took note of the transfer of the Theron-Niholongo fund to the
Namibian Regional Synod early 2012. This fund will be invested and the annual
interest will be availed for bursaries.
67
b) Up till now the main financial resource to support the studies of theological
students came from KerkinActie (Netherlands). The funding is very helpful, but
will come to an end which implies that other sources are needed in order to
supply in the needs of our students. We note with gratitude the support from
KerkinActie, as it enabled students to pursue their theological studies.
c) The Regional Synod of Namibia also embarked upon a self-sustainable project,
The Cattle of Hope Project, in order to provide for the future when donor support
might vanish.
10) Some important information to be considered
a) African Heritage: We are still struggling to implement the requirement from General
Synod that Regional Synods to present courses in African Languages. Although
students come from a diverse background, our ministry students do not do one year
of study in an African language other than their mother tongue (GS 2005 Agenda,
p.305).
11) In Conclusion
The Curatorium of Namibia Regional Synod extends her gratitude to God for granting
us the strength and resources to conducting this task of guiding students towards
fulfilling their divine calling to the ministry. Words of thanks also go to stakeholders,
ministers, students, congregations and members of the Church of Christ here on
earth.
May God richly bless you.
Yours in service of the Master,
SIGNATURE:
MODERATOR: REGIONAL SYNOD NAMIBIA
SIGNATURE:
SCRIBA SYNODI: REGIONAL SYNOD NAMIBIA
MEMBERS OF THE NAMIBIAN CURATORIUM:
Dr. HG Platt
Rev. BRE Tjingaete
Rev. HJ Meintjies
Rev. LL Husselmann
Rev. WJ Daniels
Rev. MK Hamukuaja
Rev. M Mombela
68
APPENDIX 9
REPORT OF THE NORTHERN MINISTERIAL FORMATION TASK TEAM TO THE
GENERAL SYNOD MINISTERIAL FORMATION TASK TEAM ON WORK DONE
FROM NOVEMBER 2008 TO JULY 2012
Dear sisters and brothers
We wish to report as follows on out work over the past four years:
1. COMPOSITION OF THE NORTHERN MINISTERIAL FORMATION TASK TEAM (MFTT)
The Northern MFTT is a joint commission of the Southern Transvaal and Northern URCSA Synods
consisting of 19 members. It operates in terms of a Rule (Reglement) approved by both Synods (see
Appendix 1). Its composition is as follows:
1.1 Synodical delegates
1.1.1
Northern Synod
2006 - 2010
Primarii
Secundi
Prof JNJ Kritzinger
Rev MH Moima*
Rev OE Ditshwene
Rev TM Banda
Rev TA Bhengu
Rev MV Sehoole
Rev A Pretorius
Rev JB Maluleke
Primarii
Rev PM Maruping
Rev MS Maponya
Rev RJ Mabusela
Rev PP Mosima
Southern Transvaal Synod
2007 - 2011
Primarii
Secundi
Rev ZE Mokgoebo
Rev S Cupido
Rev BB Senokoane
Dr MT Masuku
Rev SP Mosia
2010 - 2014
Secundi
Rev JB Maluleka
Mrs. JM Makgoloane
Mr. I Serame
Rev MRC Mokhele
1.1.2
Primarii
Rev ZE Mokgoebo
Rev BB Senokoane
Rev T Lephakga
Rev T Kodibona
2011 - 2015
Secundi
1.2
2009
2010
2011
2012
Ministry students (delegated annually by the Seminary Student Body)
TA Pudumo, LSS Peterson-Hlatshwayo
C Barnard, TA Pudumo
TM Musa, B Pitikoe
MC Mphahlele, B Pitikoe
1.3
Ministries
CWM South:
CWM North
CYM South
CYM North
CWL (North)
CWL (South):
MBB (South)
CMM (South)
CMM (North)
2006-2010
Mrs CM Tšiu
Mrs MA Phatudi
Ms B Makgale
Mr. JK Moyo
Ms SS Sebati
Mr ST Mwale
Mr. C Chokwe
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2010-2012
Mrs. B Setoto,
Mrs. BS Molawa
Mr. S Mdlayetwa
Mr. JK Moyo
Ms B Mojapelo
Ms. D Makwele
Ms. B Kiti
Mr. T Nonzima
Mr. C. Chokwe
1.4 MEETINGS
Three meetings of the Ministerial Formation Task Team were held annually:
2008 14 November
2009 13 February, 19 June, 20 November
2010 12 February, 4 June, 12 November
2011 18 February, 1 July, 28 October
2012 10 February, 29 June,
2
STUDENT DETAILS
2.1
Admission of new students
The Assessment Committee interviewed new applicants in October and January of each year.
Applicants submit the prescribed application form and supporting documentation, which has to be
endorsed by both the church council and presbytery where the student comes from (see Manual for
Ministerial Formation 2011, Addendum 9).
2.2
Readmission of existing students
Existing students were interviewed by the Assessment Committee every year in January at the
opening of the seminary. The interviews dealt with each student’s: a) academic progress; b) practical
work reports; c) financial obligations for the year; d) personal situation.
2.3
Student numbers
The number of students in NTS (as at 2012) are 97:
M = Male
76 ( = 78%)
F = Female 21 ( = 22%)
Northern Synod (N):
Southern Synod (ST):
Free State (FS):
KwaZulu-Natal (KZ):
Phororo (PH):
Cape ( C):
3
R = Residential
NR = Non-residential
19 ( = 20%)
78 ( = 80%)
40 (41%)
25 (26%)
11 (11%)
14 (15%)
4 (4%)
2 (3%)
MINISTERIAL FORMATION PROCESS
3.1
Contact sessions
Each year the NTS arranges three contact sessions of 4 days each (in January, March/April and
August) to get the part-time students to meet one another as well as the full-time students,
lecturers, and the management committee. At contact sessions students are given tutorial support
for their Unisa modules and also in-house courses to prepare them specifically for ministry within
the URCSA. The contact sessions for the past four years were held on:
2009
2010
2011
2012
8-12 January, 27-29 May, 15-18 August
8-11 January, 25-28 March, 12-15 August
7-10 January, 7-10 April, 25-28 August
12-16 January, 19-22 April, 23-26 August
3.2
Academic formation
Since the inception of NTS in 2003, part-time NTS students have enrolled at Unisa for the BTh and
BTh Hons degrees and for an MA (Theol) at the University of Pretoria (UP). Full-time students did the
70
Unisa BTh and then BA Hons and MA (Theol) at UP. After lengthy internal discussions among MFTT
members and negotiations with UP, the Northern Synod and the Synodical Commission of the
Southern Transvaal Synod in September 2010 approved the signing of an agreement between the
URCSA and the University of Pretoria. It was signed by the moderators of the two regional synods,
Prof ST Kgatla and Rev D Malete, on 8 June 2011 at UP. Prof Cheryl de la Rey (principal) signed on
behalf of UP (see copy of agreement in Appendix 2). This will imply that from now on all new fulltime MTS students will enrol at UP for their theological studies. There are three specific challenges
and opportunities facing the URCSA in the move of full-time students to UP:
3.2.1. Admission to UP (university exemption)
Most of the present URCSA applicants for ministry studies do not have university exemption. This
happens at a time when UP has raised its entrance qualifications, to limit its student numbers in the
light of a huge flood of applications. The MFTT adopted the interim strategy of letting such
applicants enrol at the Theological Education by Extension College (TEE College), which is a distance
teaching institution operating from Johannesburg, for the Higher Certificate in Theology as a one
year bridging course. After passing the HCT they will qualify for full exemption from the
Matriculation Board and be accepted into full-time studies at UP.
Since the TEE College has not been approved by General Synod as a partner institution, the
NTS took the following precautions: a) The Academic Committee has examined the content of the
nine TEE modules that make up the programme and has found the theology basically sound, The
nine modules are:
45130 Investigating our Christian World Fundamental 24
45111 Introduction to the Old Testament Compulsory 12
45121 Introduction to the New Testament Compulsory 12
45251 Introduction to Spirituality Compulsory 12
45241 Introduction to Theology Compulsory 12
45261 Introduction to Christian Ethics Compulsory 12
45269 Call to Discipleship Compulsory 12
45378 Christian Proclamation: Preaching Elective 12
45384 Pastoral Response to HIV & Aids Elective 12
b) The Academic Committee ensured that the NTS part-time lecturers tutored the students
intensively in these 9 modules; c) The Academic Committee has decided to explore the possibility of
applying to the Dept of Higher Education and Training as a registered higher education provider in
order to offer the HCT, so that a programme with an African Reformed focus can be developed,
possibly in collaboration with other churches; d) The NTS has started a concerted recruitment drive
to draw URCSA members with university exemption into the ministry studies programme.
3.2.2 Financial issues
The tuition fees at UP are considerably higher than at Unisa. Full-time students therefore face an
uphill battle to pay their tuition fees. UP does offer scholarships for its students, which helps but
which does not cover all the tuition costs. NTS does its best to help students find sponsorships,
recommending them for bursaries offered by URCSA and DRC congregations as well as other
institutions. URCSA congregations are also encouraged to “adopt” NTS students, especially full-time
students, for the duration of their studies.
3.2.3 Appointment of URCSA lecturer at UP
In terms of the agreement signed between URCSA and UP, one post has been created in the Faculty
of Theology at UP for a theologian of the URCSA to be appointed as a junior lecturer or lecturer. The
post was advertised and Rev MS Makulubele was appointed by UP from 1 July 2012 as a lecturer in
71
their Department of Practical Theology. In terms of clause 4.1 of the agreement (see Appendix 2),
the URCSA must pay 30% of the lecturer’s salary. The Turfloop Seminary Governing Body has
indicated that they are able to contribute that amount, for which the MFTT is deeply grateful.
3.3
Practical ministry skills
The URCSA General Synod in 2005 adopted a threefold “profile” for a URCSA minister, which focuses
on academic insight, practical ministry skills, and spiritual formation. Each student is expected to do
100 hours of practical ministry each year, under the supervision of a URCSA minister. This is not easy
to organize (for both full-time and part-time students), since it implies close cooperation with a large
number of URCSA “mentor” ministers in numerous congregations.
The focus of the NTS in this regard is to move away from practical work over university
holidays and rather to get students involved on a Sunday-to-Sunday basis in local congregations. The
reason for this is that many congregational activities are closed during holidays so that students are
not exposed to the full range of ministry fields. It also happens that “vacant” congregations employ
theological students over holidays, which means that they operate without the supervision of a
URCSA minister, as required by General Synod.
3.4
Spiritual formation
This (third) dimension of holistic ministerial formation is the most difficult to work on. Good
Christian leaders are born and nurtured in the bosom of worshipping and serving congregations,
following the (good and bad) examples of the ministers they hear on pulpits and see in communities
from childhood. The NTS attempts to get URCSA ministers to mentor NTS students and church
councils to take responsibility for NTS students (part-time and full-time), in whatever context or
capacity they encounter them. In that way they become partners of NTS in the ministerial formation
process in our synodical regions. Full-time students take part in morning devotions every day and in
evening prayer meetings in a chapel at UP on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
3.5
Amended curriculum
In November 2010 the General Synodical Commission (GSC) adopted an amended curriculum for
mature URCSA members. This applies only to members who are over 40 years of age, have already
obtained (at least) a Bachelor’s degree, and have a good track record of leadership and service in the
URCSA. To demonstrate the latter they need to present an acceptable portfolio of evidence. The full
details of this curriculum are contained in Addendum 8 of the Ministry Formation Manual 2011.
3.5.1 Admission of students
The following groups of students were admitted into the amended curriculum:
2011: Makgopa, PL; Moabi, MJ; Mngomezulu, JJ; Selepe, TJ; Van der Merwe, SW; Lerumo,
MA; Makgobya, MR; Moime, WM; Motshegwa, P; Nkosi, ME; Nxumalo, M; Nyapisi,
MJ; Sekanka, MS; Serekego, DMM; Xulu, VM; Kgang, AL; Moffatt, Y;
2012: Gotyana, MP; Magwaza, F; Masemola, T; Tshibalo, EA; Monhla, ME; Sebego, ZT.
3.5.2 Progress
These students are progressing well with their studies. They are also becoming part of the NTS
student community and growing in the other dimensions of ministry skills and spiritual growth.
4
KWAZULU-NATAL STUDENTS
An important new development was the collaboration that came about between the Northern FTT
and the MFTT of the KZN Synod. An agreement (see Appendix 3) was signed by the two MFTTs to
formalize this collaboration. The NTS students in KwaZulu-Natal attend two contact sessions per year
72
in Pretoria and NTS lecturers travel to KZN twice per year for regional contact sessions at
Dingaanstat. At the moment 14 KZN students are part of NTS.
5
LICENSING OF THEOLOGICAL CANDIDATES
The following theological candidates of NTS were licensed to the ministry of the Word by the MFTT
in the past four years:
5.1 NTS alumni
November 2008
SC Kodibona, RJ Mabusela, MV Makhetha, TI Monyatsi, SD Olivier, MD Shai
Jan 2009
ME Mahlatsi, PM Maruping, PM
Jan 2010
HE Nengwenani
June 2010
MAS Fisher, PP Mosima
November 2010
T Lephakga, MH Motlou, MRI Motloutsi, SM Msimango, MG Mohoje, PP Molehe,
January 2011
MA Mhango
July 2011
PL Makgopa, JJ Mngomezulu, NW Mukhari, TJ Selepe, SW van der Merwe
November 2011
E Baron, SW Moagi
January 2012
SJ Mokoena, DMM Serekego, XV Swelindawo
5.2
Requests for licensing of URCSA ministers who had lost their status
In the past four years, the following candidates were licensed (re-instated as ministers of the Word),
after the MFTT was satisfied that all the proper processes had been followed and had conducted a
colloquium doctum with each candidate:
Nov 2008: Rakgomo, IR
July 2011: Botman, DA; Mabuza, VD
It subsequently appeared that the approval of the GSC had not been obtained by the relevant
SMJMs of the two participating synods (Northern Synod in the case of Rev Rakgomo and Southern
Transvaal Synod in the case of Rev Botman). The 2011 GSC adopted the following resolution:
Decision 62: Mr Deon Botman (South Synod)
1. The GSC condones the reinstatement of Mr D Botman on the grounds that his documents
were received and went for Colloquium Doctum.
73
2. The GSC laments the actions of the Curatorium of the Northern Theological Seminary and
requests the latter to adhere to the Church Order regulations.
3. The GSC requests the Curatorium of the Northern Theological Seminary to have the
Actuarius as part of the Curatorium.
In response to this resolution, the MFTT:
5.2.1 points out that in both cases the MFTT was under the impression that the actuarii of the two
regional synods at the time (Rev HM Mathebula and Dr LJ Modise respectively) had followed
the Rules for Status of Ministers of the Word.
5.2.2 thanks the GSC for condoning the actions of the MFTT, since these steps were taken in good
faith;
5.2.3 points out that the Curatorium is not the “Curatorium of the Northern Theological
Seminary” but the Curatorium (MFTT) of the Southern Transvaal and Northern Synods;
5.2.4 points out that Clause 6 of the Rule for the status of ministers of the Word does not mention
the approval of the GSC as a necessary step in the reinstatement of a minister. It states:
REINSTATEMENT OF STATUS
Persons who according to clause 3, have forfeited their status, can be reinstated in the
following way:
6.1
on the recommendation of the relevant synod or synodical commission that he/she
be reinstated;
6.2
pass a Colloquium Doctum by an Examination Commission of one of the regional
synods;
6.3
an announcement through the official communication channels of the Church by the
permanent Support Ministry for Judicial Matters of General Synod that such a person
has been reinstated.
If the General Synod or GSC at some stage passed a resolution to the effect that GSC
approval is essential as part of the reinstatement process, then the MFTT finds it strange that
the GS Rule for the status of ministers of the Word was not amended to state that clearly.
5.2.5
points out that the GS Rule for Ministerial Formation does not require that the actuarius of a
regional synod must be a member of the MFTT. Article 8 of that Rule reads:
8.
Article 8
REGIONAL CURATORIUM (MF TASK TEAM)
8.1
A Regional Synod appoints a Curatorium (or a Ministerial Formation task team as part
of its Proclamation and Worship Core Ministry) to be responsible for ministerial formation in its
region;
8.2
The composition of a Regional Curatorium (Regional MF task team) is determined by
each Regional Synod. The administrator and representative(s) of the Board of lecturers (see
Article 10) attend in advisory capacity.
5.2.6
has agreed to invite the actuarii of the Southern Transvaal and Northern Synods to serve on
the MFTT in an advisory capacity.
5.3
Request for licensing of a candidate on the basis of “singular gifts”
The Southern Transvaal Synodical Commission submitted an application to the MFTT in 2010 for the
licensing of Br E Makue on the basis of the “Rules for the licensing of candidates who did not
complete the formal programme of ministerial formation” (MF Manual, Addendum 7). The MFTT
was not satisfied that the Southern Transvaal Synod had followed the relevant Rules and returned
74
the application. Eventually the full session of the Southern Transvaal Synod (in October 2011) did not
approve this recommendation, so the matter lapsed.
6
NORTHERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY (NTS)
Since there seems to be confusion about the relationship between the two participating synods, the
MFTT and NTS (see 5.2.4 above), we include this organogram:
Southern Transvaal Synod
SMFA, Southern
Transvaal Synod
Northern Synod
Ministerial Formation Task Team
(MFTT)
Assessment Committee
(AC)
Seminary Management Committee
(SMC)
Working
committee
6.1
SMFA, Northern
Synod
Working
committee
Working
committee
Working
committee
Seminary Management Committee
Composition:
a) Seven delegates of Southern Transvaal Synod:
Prof RC Bodibe, Rev V Latchman, Rev T Lephakga, Rev MS Makgale, Dr MT Masuku, Rev RW Nel,
Dr MW Tšiu,
b) Seven delegates of Northern Synod:
Rev JC Goeiman, Prof C Landman, Mr T Nkosi, Mr ML Molepo, Rev DLS Ramokgadi, Prof JNJ
Kritzinger, Rev PM Maruping
75
c) Student delegates
Mr MC Mphahlele, Ms MAD Tsepetsi, Mr M Moshoadiba
6.2
Working committees
The SMC meets three times per year to draw up reports to the MFTT and between SMC meetings
there are six working committees commissions that do the work. These are the Academic, Financial,
Marketing, Caring ministry, Student Affairs, and Property sub-committees. There are student
representatives on each of these sub-committees, to ensure maximum cooperation between
management and students.
6.3
NTS staff
6.3.1 Part-time administrator
Ms MP Morobi has been the part-time administrator (20 hours per week) since 1 August 2010. She is
functioning well and making an important contribution to the life of the seminary.
6.3.2 Part-time lecturers
NTS has appointed Rev Tshepo Lephakga and Ms L Moetsi as part-time lecturers (7.5 hours per week
each). The purpose of these posts is to: a) help NTS students achieve computer literacy; b) tutor
them in their Unisa or UP modules; c) develop and present NTS in-house courses; d) arrange NTS
contact sessions.
6.4
NTS property
In July 2011 NTS was able to purchase a property in Sunnyside, Pretoria to accommodate the NTS
office and the full-time residential students. Having paid rent to PEN, a DRC agency in the Pretoria
inner city for 8 years, it was a great relief to have a property at last. The two regional Synods had
already approved the purchase of a property for NTS in principle in 2006, but the conditions were
not favourable to put that decision into practice. Four factors have made it possible:
6.4.1 Turfloop Seminary properties
The Turfloop Seminary Governing Body in Polokwane won the court case for the transfer of the
properties at the Seminary and in Mankweng to the URCSA. The money that had been set aside for
ongoing legal battles became available for ministerial formation and could pay the deposit of
R360,000.00 on the property.
6.4.2 Agreement with UP
The agreement signed with UP has the implication that full-time students will in future enrol at UP.
There is therefore an urgent need to move the seminary closer to that university.
6.4.3 House found
A house at 611 Reitz Street, Sunnyside, which is ideally situated between UP and Unisa and has
sufficient space for further building, came to our attention. The owner accepted the offer of R1,4
million (he initially wanted R1,5million) made by the Northern Synod.
6.4.4 Financial and legal situation
The following legal and financial arrangements were agreed upon:
a) A Synod will be the legal owner of the property. The reason for this is that the URCSA Church
76
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
7.
Order (Art 11:11) states that only General Synod, Regional Synods, Presbyteries and Church
councils are legal entities, with the authority to buy or own property. The MFTT or NTS are not
legal entities and cannot buy property.
The Northern Synod will be the legal owner, even though the two Synods are partners in the
ministerial formation venture. This decision was taken for practical reasons.
What slowed down (and almost capsized) the bond application was the problem that the
Northern Synod SMFA, who were the legal applicants for the bond had not budgeted to pay the
instalments, whereas NTS (which does have the cash flow to pay off the bond) is not a legal
entity and can therefore not purchase the property or sign a legal “surety” for the bond
application. ABSA agreed, however, to grant a bond if NTS signs a “limited suretyship” to pay the
instalments on the bond.
The signing of the bond application by the Administrator of the Northern Synod, Mr TLJ Phatudi,
was in terms of Stipulation 56 of the Northern Synod.
The final details are as follows: Selling price: R1,4 million; Bond: R1,040,000.00 (80% of R1,3
million); repayment period: 20 years; Interest rate: 8.65%; Monthly instalment: R9,511.33;
Annual insurance premium: R3660.81.
An agreement has been drawn up to state that the property is under the joint ownership,
control and management of the two participating Synods, exercised by its joint MFTT and its
jointly constituted NTS management committee (See Appendix 4).
NTS CONSTITUTION
Since its inception, NTS has been operating a cheque account at ABSA, which was in the name of the
Curatorium when the Turfloop Theological Seminary existed. In terms of FICA legislation no entity is
allowed to have a bank account unless it has legal status, which the URCSA Church Order grants only
to congregations, presbyteries and synods. As a result the NTS drafted a constitution, with
professional legal advice, and submitted it to the MFTT for approval. There was disagreement,
however, as to whether it is proper, in terms of the URCSA Church Order, for an entity like NTS to: a)
register as a legal entity; b) operate a bank account; c) apply to the Dept of Social Development for
NPO status; d) apply to SARS for tax exemption; e) and apply for the right to issue tax deduction
certificates to donors, as an Art 18(b) Public Benefit Organisation (PBO).
8.
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
8.1
Protestant Theological University (PThU)
Two NTS alumni received scholarships from PThU in the past four years and have completed MTh
degrees there. They are:
No candidate
No candidate
Ms L Moetsi
Ms MPL Joubert
(2008/09)
(2009/10)
(2010/11)
(2011/12)
Rev RJ Mabusela (URCSA Letaba) has received a scholarship for 2012/13.
8.2
Western Theological Seminary (WTS)
Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, USA offers a one year MTh programme and has
limited scholarships available for international students. It is a seminary of the Reformed Church in
America (RCA), which has adopted the Confession of Belhar. Rev MS Maponya (URCSA
Lebowakgomo) has been given an MTh scholarship for 2012/13 at WTS and will be starting his
studies in September 2012.
77
8.3
Calvin Theological Seminary (CTS)
Contacts have been established with Calvin Theological Seminary, who also offers a one-year MTh
programme. CTS has a January as well as a September intake of new students. URCSA students and
ministers in our regions are being invited to apply for this opportunity to further their studies.
9.
THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCES
Two theological conferences are organised annually by NTS: a) In January at the opening of the
seminary; b) in August as part of the final contact session with students. At the August conference
yhere was always an academic of the PThU who was delegated by the PThU to deliver a paper and to
present some lectures to NTS students before or after the conference. The following themes were
addressed in the past four years:
January
2009: The challenge of prosperity theology
(Prof MW Bodibe, Prop MV Makhetha, Rev
PM Maruping)
2010: The role of URCSA congregations in
society today (Prof C Landman)
2011: Nku ha e feta terateng, e siya boya
(Dr MW Tšiu, Rev TT Robinson)
2012: Discovering Belhar together (Dr JC
Gerber, Prof DJ Smit)
10.
August (PThU speaker in brackets)
2009: Becoming church in the present world
economy (Prof Herman Noordegraaf)
2010: Intercultural competence (Prof Evert Jonker)
2011: Church unification (Dr L Koffeman)
2012: “Congregational (oral) histories and the
importance of archives” (Dr G van Klinken)
CONTINUING MINISTERIAL DEVELOPMENT (CMD)
NTS has set in motion a process of ongoing formation (CMD: Continuing Ministerial Development).
The approach will include academic refresher courses as well as a “pastor pastorum” process. Prof
CR Bodibe and Dr GE Dames have been made jointly responsible for this.
They will also make contact with the DRC’s “VBO” process and get URCSA ministers to help
design, present and attend VBO courses (as approved by URCSA General Synod in 2005 and 2008).
Dr André Bartlett was recently appointed in a full-time capacity at Excelsus (DRC) to take
responsibility for CMD (VBO) in the four northern synods of the Dutch Reformed Church and we
have made contact with him to collaborate in this regard.
11. MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION
10.1 Newsletters and website
The NTS is aware of the need to communicate regularly and clearly with the congregations of the
two participating synods and with donors. For this reason it used to publish a newsletter at least
once per year. Due to the change of format of the Northern Synod’s newsletter, the decision has
been taken to place regular NTS information in the synodical newsletter, rather than to send out
separate NTS newsletters. The same information is sent to the Southern Transvaal Synod for
distribution.
NTS has a website (http://nts-urcsa.co.za) and has recently started revamping it to become
more effective and informative.
10.2 NTS logo
A new NTS logo (with explanation of its meaning) was approved by the two participating regional
Synods in 2010 and 2011 and endorsed by the General Synodical Commission in November 2011 to
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confirm that the copyright problem of the former logo no longer existed. This logo will be used
together with the official URCSA logo on the NTS letterhead (see Appendix 5).
11.
FINANCES
A comparative Income and Expenditure report for 2009-2011, with explanatory notes, is attached as
Appendix 6.
12.
BROAD TRAINING PROCESS
The GS MFTT requested feedback from regional MFTTs on the suitability of Veritas College material
for the broad training process for leaders in congregations that was envisaged in the decisions of
General Synod in 2008. A group of 8 ministers attached to the Northern MFTT underwent a threeday training programme as facilitators of the first module of the Veritas College material. They
subsequently presented the module to various groups of URCSA members in Gauteng. On the basis
of the experience gained, the participating ministers recommended the wider use of the Veritas
material in URCSA congregations.
13.
CONCLUSION
This report is submitted by the MFTT Executive, on behalf of the MFTT.
May God bless the deliberations of General Synod!
Rev BB Senokoane (Chair)
Rev PM Maruping (Deputy-chair)
Rev MS Maponya (Secretary)
Rev CS Kodibona (Additional member)
Prof JNJ Kritzinger (advisory capacity)
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APP. 1
RULE (‘REGLEMENT’) FOR THE JOINT CURATORIUM OF THE SOUTHERN TRANSVAAL AND
NORTHERN SYNODS OF THE UNITING REFORMED CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
1.
THEOLOGICAL BASIS
The formation of ministers of the Word (teaching elders) is a specialised function and an integral
part of the responsibility of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) to equip its
members for carrying out the ministry of the Body of Christ. It is based on the Bible as the full and
trustworthy witness of God’s revelation in Jesus Christ, interpreted in the light of the ecumenical
creeds (Apostles’ Creed, Nicene Creed, Athanasian Creed) and four Reformed Confessions (Belgic
Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, Canons of Dordt, Confession of Belhar).
2.
VISION
The URCSA wishes to flourish as a Christian community and serve South African society under the
leadership of competent and credible ministers who empower the church’s members to exercise
their ministries in harmony. Ministry formation produces such leaders by equipping URCSA members
– spiritually, intellectually and practically – to serve the coming of the kingdom of God by building up
the church of Jesus Christ and working for justice and development in society. The Curatorium of
General Synod translated this vision into a policy framework and a curriculum for ministry formation
in the URCSA as a whole.
3.
MISSION
To achieve this vision in their region, the regional Synods of Southern and Northern Transvaal jointly
appoint a Curatorium. The Curatorium oversees and nurtures the Northern Theological Seminary
(NTS) in Pretoria. The NTS is a learning and worshipping community that cooperates with the
University of Pretoria and the University of South Africa to produce ministers who are mature
Christian believers, academically qualified contextual thinkers, trained community workers,
competent counsellors, preachers and teachers, who embody ecumenical openness and a gender
sensitive ethos.
4.
OBJECTIVES
The Curatorium strives to fulfil its mission by:
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
Exercising oversight, debating policy, and giving strategic direction to the ministerial
formation process in the two synodical regions;
Overseeing the process of ministry formation, which includes a) selection of suitable
candidates; b) their growth in academic studies, c) their practical skills development, and d)
their growth in personal and spiritual maturity;
Supporting and advising the SMC to find and manage the necessary facilities and resources,
so that the NTS can play its indispensable role in this process of ministry formation;
Requesting the actuarius of a regional synod to license the ministerial candidates who
completed the ministerial formation process successfully, after receiving and approving a
report on each student from the Assessment Committee.
5.
TASKS
5.1
The Curatorium holds three ordinary meetings per year:
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5.1.1
At the end of each year, to admit new students, on the recommendation of the AC,
and to authorize the licensing of ministerial candidates who have completed the
formation process, on the recommendation of the AC;
5.1.2 At the beginning of each year, to approve the recommendations of AC regarding the
readmission of existing students; and to approve a detailed operational plan for the
year submitted by the SMC;
5.1.3 In June, to compile an annual report to the two supervising Synods, on the basis of
AC and SMC reports.
5.2
Extraordinary meetings are called only in exceptional circumstances. The scribe convenes an
extraordinary meeting on the instruction of the executive committee or when at least four
Curatorium members request it in writing, stating clear reasons.
5.3 Responsibility to proponente
6.
COMPOSITION
Please note: The composition of the curatorium may change if the synod accepts the Integrated
Ministries structure adopted by General Synod.
The Curatorium consists of the following members:
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
6.10
7.
Eight Synodical delegates (and eight secundi), four from each Regional Synod;
Two student representatives, delegated by the SRC of the Northern Theological Seminary;
Two CWM representatives: one from each Synodical region, appointed by the regional
executive committees of the CWM;
Two CYM representatives: one from each Synodical region, appointed by the regional
executive committees of the CYM;
Four additional members, two from each Synodical region, representing other ministries:
From Northern Transvaal: CWL and CMM; From Southern Transvaal: MBB and the Brigades;
One member of the board of lecturers, in an advisory capacity;
A representative of the curatorium of the other churches in NGK family in the region, invited
in an advisory capacity;
This gives a total of 18 members, with a quorum of 10;
Vacancies that arise among Synodical delegates between meetings of Synod are filled by the
particular Synodical Commission. Vacancies among other delegates are filled by the
executive committee of the body that appointed them;
All ministries will delegate primarius and secundus members, and their participation and
involvement will be monitored annually. A written letter of apology will be tendered by a
ministry if neither its primarius nor its secundus is able to attend.
CURATORIUM SUB-COMMITTEES
The Curatorium appoints the following sub-committees:
7.1
Executive Committee
7.1.1
7.1.3
The Executive consists of the chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary and one additional
member.
The Executive deals with urgent issues that arise between Curatorium meetings and any
other responsibilities that are given to it by the Curatorium
The Executive submits a written report of its activities to each Curatorium meeting.
7.2
Seminary Management Committee (SMC)
7.1.2
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7.2.1
7.2.2
7.2.3
7.2.4
7.2.5
7.2.6
7.2.7
7.2.8
7.2.9
7.2.10
7.2.11
7.2.12
7.2.13
7.2.14
7.2.15
The Curatorium appoints the SMC for a term of four years; and it helps the SMC to develop
an induction process for new members;
The SMC consists of four representatives from each Synodical region (taking skills and
talents into consideration) and two student representatives, with the right of further cooption by the SMC. There shall be not more than one Curatorium member from each
Synodical region on the SMC;
The SMC’s term of office will overlap for two years with that of the Curatorium. A new SMC
is therefore appointed by the Curatorium in the middle of its own term of office;
A newly constituted SMC elects new office-bearers at its first meeting: chairperson, vicechairperson, secretary, treasurer;
The SMC is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Northern Theological Seminary and
for the personal welfare of its students and staff;
The SMC oversees the election of a Student Representative Council (SRC) by the student
body and cooperates with the SRC to create a healthy worshipping and learning
environment in the Seminary;
The SMC is responsible for maintaining discipline in the Seminary. The policy for this is
contained in the NTS Code of Conduct;
The SMC involves ministers and church councils of the URCSA to act as mentors and guides
to the students during their ministerial formation period;
The SMC raises funds to sustain the NTS and to provide financial subsidies for its students;
The SMC appoints sub-committees to focus on the different fields of activity that are
required by an effective seminary;
The SMC appoints an administrator to run the SMC office, as well as part-time or full-time
lecturer(s) to tutor the students, if funds permit;
The SMC reports on its activities at each meeting of the Curatorium.
The performance of SMC members is assessed annually, and those who are not contributing
constructively are asked to reconsider their membership of the committee;
The SMC implements mandates given to it by the curatorium;
The SMC has an annual joint planning session with the curatorium and the AC, to ensure
healthy collaboration.
7.3
Assessment Committee (AC)
7.3.1
7.3.2
The Curatorium appoints the AC for a term of four years;
The AC consists of six representatives, three from each synodical region, with the right of cooption, and one member of the board of lecturers; as well as one student in an advisory
capacity for purpose of transparency;
A newly constituted AC elects two office-bearers at its first meeting: chairperson and
secretary.
The AC is responsible for accompanying each student for the duration of her/his ministerial
formation process through: a) interviews during the admission process, to recommend
admission to the curatorium; b) annual interviews with existing students to ascertain their
progress in holistic formation for ministry, in order to recommend readmission for the new
academic year; c) ongoing integrated assessment of practical work reports, class sermons,
trial sermons, etc.; d) the final interview to assess whether a ministerial candidate is ready to
be licensed, and to make a recommendation in that regard to the curatorium;
An outgoing AC arranges a workshop with the incoming AC to transfer the required skills and
to ensure continuity of care and supervision of the students;
New members of AC are inducted into their task and assessed annually; only half of the
members retire after 4 years;
7.3.3
7.3.4
7.3.5
7.3.6
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7.3.7
7.3.5
7.3.6
The AC develops a system of points to assess students in terms of the holistic URCSA
ministry profile;
The AC reports to each meeting of Curatorium on its activities as spelt out in 6.3.4.
The AC ensures that only candidates who are mature believers, loyal URCSA members, are
committed to their calling, have a sound Bible knowledge, and have good people skills are
selected as NTS students.
8.
GOVERNANCE
8.1
The Northern Synod and Southern Transvaal Synod each appoints four representatives (and
four secundi) on the Curatorium until the next meeting of synod;
The SMC and AC operate on the mandates given to them by the Curatorium, and they are
accountable to the curatorium for all their actions; [Or: The decisions of the curatorium are
final with regard to the ministerial formation process in this region];
For the sake of continuity each Synod appoints its Curatorium members in such a way that
two of its four delegates stay on for another term;
The Curatorium reports annually to the Synodical Commissions of the two participating
Synods. In the year that its term ends, it reports to the two Synods in session;
The Curatorium constitutes as soon as possible after the meetings of the two Regional
Synods to elect its executive committee (6.1).
A member of the moderamen of one of the participating Synods convenes the constituting
meeting and acts as electoral officer for the election of the chairperson. The nomination and
election of the executive committee is done by secret ballot. The convenor or chairperson
does not have a deciding vote; if the votes are tied, the lot decides.
The curatorium convenes an annual planning meeting with the SMC and AC, to ensure the
coordination of their activities and fruitful collaboration.
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
Curatorium
Assessment
Committee (AC)
Seminary
Management
Committee (SMC)
SMC Subcommittees
9.
FINANCES
9.1
Fund-raising and bookkeeping
9.1.1
The SMC is responsible to raise funds for ministerial formation in the regions of the Southern
Transvaal and Northern Synods, with the support and advice of the Curatorium;
The SMC takes responsibility for the finances of the ministerial formation process on behalf
of the curatorium, and submits a budget and audited financial statements annually to the
curatorium. The curatorium includes these statements in its annual report to the supervising
Synods.
9.1.2
9.2
Travel and administrative costs
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9.2.1
9.2.2
9.2.3
9.2.4
Travel costs of synodical delegates to attend curatorium, SMC and AC meetings are paid by
the SMC, as authorized by the curatorium;
Travel costs of the delegates of ministries are paid by the particular ministry or body that
delegates them to the curatorium;
The Curatorium, the AC and SMC sub-committees submit budget requests annually to the
SMC;
Administrative costs incurred by the scribe of curatorium, such as postage, photocopying
and telephone costs, will be paid by the SMC.
10.
DISCIPLINE AND PERFORMANCE
10.1
The curatorium draws up a Code of Conduct for students, tutors, lecturers and
administrators of the NTS and that Code is attached to this set of rules as an addendum.
Curatorium is responsible to ensure the effective functioning of the SMC and AC, and
exercises discipline over SMC and AC members;
The Management Committee of the NTS is in the first place responsible for maintaining
discipline in the seminary by enforcing the Code of Conduct.
The Code of Conduct spells out the respective responsibilities of the Student Representative
Council, the Seminary Management Committee, the Curatorium and the church council of
Melodi ya Tshwane in the exercise of discipline in the Seminary.
10.2
10.2
10.3
APP. 2
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
ENTERED INTO BETWEEN
THE UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA
herein represented by
PROF CM DE LA REY
in her capacity as Vice-Chancellor and Principal
(hereafter referred to
a.................................................................................................................................................
....s "the University")
and
THE UNITING REFORMED CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
herein represented by
REV D MALETE
In his capacity as Moderator of the Southern Synod
of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa
and
PROF S T KGATLA
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In his capacity as Moderator of the Northern Synod
of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa
(hereafter collectively referred to as “the Church”)
WHEREAS theological training at the University is traditionally maintained by the University
and its church partners;
AND WHEREAS it is in the interest of the University and church partners that the Faculty of
Theology will continue to exist at the University;
AND WHEREAS the well-being of the Faculty of Theology depends on the harmonious
collaboration between the University and church partners;
AND WHEREAS the commitment of church partners to theological training has to be
determined by an agreement;
NOW THEREFORE the parties hereto agree as follows:
1.
WORD DEFINITIONS
1.1
1.2
1.3
“the parties”:
“the Faculty”:
“the Church”:
1.4
“church specific”:
1.5
“church own”:
1.6
“church partners”:
1.7
“the Curatorium”:
1.8
“the General Board of Lecturers”:
1.9
“the Church Board of Lecturers”:
1.10
“the Northern and Southern Synods”
The University and the Church
The Faculty of Theology at the University of Pretoria.
The Southern (formerly “Southern Transvaal”) and
Northern (formerly “Northern Transvaal”) Synods of
the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa.
The section of the formal academic programmes of
the Faculty which is not presented conjointly, but is
aimed at equipping students for the ministry of a
particular church partner.
Programmes, or sections of programmes, which are
not part of the formal academic programmes at the
Faculty and are directed at the specific needs of one
church partner and are determined and dealt with by
each church partner in consultation with its own board
of lecturers.
Churches that have concluded agreements with the
University for the training of students within the formal
academic programmes of the University and that
contribute towards the remuneration of lecturers
appointed by the University.
The Church committee that supervises the theological
training of its students and the ongoing training of
ministers on behalf of the Church.
An advisory and consultative body in the Faculty that
consists of all the fulltime-permanent lecturers of the
Faculty that were appointed in terms of agreements
with church partners, as well as church
representatives as agreed upon by the church
partners, with the Dean acting as chairperson.
Members of the General Board of Lecturers appointed
by the University in terms of clause 4 of this
agreement, as well as church representatives coopted to the Board. This Board selects its own
chairperson.
The institutional body of the Church responsible for
the church own programmes of the ministry students
85
1.11
“The University”
1.12
“the Faculty Board”
of the Church, research on the ministry needs of the
Church’s congregations, and the ongoing ministerial
formation of its ministers.
The University of Pretoria a higher education
institution and juristic person established in terms of
the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, as amended.
The Faculty Board of the Faculty of Theology, a
committee of Senate of the University, constituted in
accordance with the relevant regulations of the
University.
2.
AGREEMENT
2.1
2.2
This agreement constitutes the whole agreement between the Church and the University with
respect to the Faculty of Theology at the University. No amendment or addition to, or
omission from or cancellation of this agreement is valid, unless put into writing and properly
signed by the duly authorised representatives of both parties.
The parties acknowledge that no other promises, undertakings, guarantees or presentations were
made other than that which is contained in this agreement.
3.
THE FACULTY OF THEOLOGY
3.1 The core task of the Faculty is the scientific practice of Theology
3.2 The Faculty executes its core task within the context of the strategic plan of the University and the
collaboration framework created by this agreement as well as the agreements with other church
partners.
3.3
The Faculty has a multi-denominational character.
3.4
The Faculty presently consists of the following Departments:
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
3.4.1 Department of Old Testament Studies;
3.4.2 Department of New Testament Studies;
3.4.3 Department of Dogmatics and Christian Ethics;
3.4.4 Department of Practical Theology;
3.4.5 Department of Church History and Church Polity; and
3.4.6 Department of Science of Religion and Missiology.
The Faculty currently presents an interdisciplinary programme in Religion Studies (Bible and
Religion Studies).
The following Centres and Institutes are currently housed in the Faculty:
3.6.1 the Centre for Public Theology.
3.6.2 the Institute for Missiological and Ecumenical Research (IMER).
3.6.3 the Centre of Contextual Ministry (CCM)
Education and training within the Faculty complies with the National Qualification Framework
of the Department of Higher Education and Training.
The University may, after consultation with the church partners, modify the structure of the
Faculty of Theology as well as the composition of the academic programmes offered by the
Faculty, in accordance with the University’s rules, regulations, policies and procedures in this
regard.
Formal academic programmes of the Faculty contain both shared and church specific
components, provided that church specific components have to be approved by the Faculty
Board and the Senate, and provided further that the parties will endeavour to compile the
programmes mostly from shared components. Church specific components are developed
and presented in consultation with the particular church board of lecturers.
Church own programmes form part of the non-formal academic programme of the Faculty.
Each church partner negotiates an agreement with the University to establish an institutional
86
structure at the University, which takes care of its church own programme, at its own cost.
This can also serve to support and to complement the programmes of the Faculty.
3.11
The Curatorium takes care of the interests of the Church in the Faculty.
3.12
The Church Board of Lecturers may, after consultation with the General Board of Lecturers,
make recommendations to the Faculty Board regarding theological training and student
affairs.
3.13
The Dean and the Deputy Dean(s) of the Faculty are appointed in accordance with the
relevant rules and procedures of the University, provided that membership of and licensing as
a minister of a church partner are not conditions for appointment, and provided further that
these officials shall be from different church affiliations.
3.14
All church partners are represented on the Ecumenical Advisory Board. The conduct and the
functioning of the Board are determined by the Board itself. The role of the Board is to:
3.14.1 Give church partners an opportunity to participate in both the compilation and content of the
formal academic programmes of the Faculty. This is done with the different perspectives and
expectations of the Churches in mind.
3.14.2 Facilitate ecumenical discussions between the church partners and with other role players, thus
giving concrete expression to the multi-denominational character of the Faculty and making it
accessible.
3.14.3 Carry out any task assigned to it by the General Board of Lecturers
3.15 Either the chairperson of the management committee of the Southern Synod or the chairperson of
the management committee of the Southern Synod, or her/his representative, may serve on teh
General Board of Lecturers in an advisory capacity.
4.
STAFF
4.1
4.2.
4.3
4.4
4.5
In terms of this agreement, one (1) post is earmarked to the Church for the offering of the
formal academic programme of the Faculty. The allocation of posts reflects the present
percentages of enrolled students from the church partners at the Faculty. A substantial
change in these percentages will result in the renegotiation of the number of allocated posts
by the Parties. The aforementioned position will be filled by the Church before 1 January
2012.
New appointments in posts assigned to the Church are employed according to the
corresponding appointment regulations and will be subject to the policy and procedures of the
University in this regard, as well as the stipulations of relevant labour legislation.
Appointment procedures are set out in Appendix A (attached hereto) and form an integral part
of this agreement.
Permanent full-time academic appointments in posts which are not assigned to church
partners take place after the Dean has consulted with the representatives of the different
church partners and in accordance with the relevant regulations and criteria for appointment
of staff.
With regards to the discipline of staff, the provisions of the University will apply. The
University will take note of disciplinary measures that a church partner exercises within a
religious denomination, and where such measures influence the staff member’s activities at
the University, the University will negotiate appropriate agreements with the church partner.
5.
FINANCIAL MATTERS
With regard to the posts in paragraph 4.1 and for the duration of this agreement, the parties agree
that the University will finance 70% (SEVENTY PERCENT) and the Church 30% (THIRTY PERCENT)
of the costs involved, subject to this agreement being ratified by the Southern and Northern Synods of
the URCSA or their Executive Commissions.
6.
COMMENCEMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE AGREEMENT
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6.1
This agreement shall, notwithstanding the date of signature thereof, come into effect on 1
January 2012 and may be terminated by either party with three years written notice to the
other, taking into account the service agreements of existing lecturers at the University.
6.2
Should either party (“the guilty party”) breach any material term of this agreement, the other
party (“the innocent party”) may give the guilty party written notice to rectify such breach
within the period of 90 (NINETY) days of receipt of the notice, or such longer period as
agreed by the parties (“the period”). Should such rectification not be effected within the
period, the innocent party may, without prejudice and with retention of any other legal remedy
it may have, cancel this agreement within 30 days of the expiry of the period by giving the
guilty party at least twelve months written notice to this effect, provided that termination will
only become effective at the end of an academic year.
7.
NEGOTIATIONS REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT
For the duration of this agreement any party may at any time give notice to the other party to
negotiate one or more aspects of the agreement anew. A written notice of 3 (THREE) months to the
other party in which the amendments and the full reasons therefore are set out, must be presented.
8.
MEDIATION AND ARBITRATION
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
If a dispute arises from this agreement, and this dispute cannot be settled by means of
negotiation between the parties, either party may, within 21 (TWENTY ONE) days after a
deadlock has been reached within the negotiations, give notice to the other party in writing
that the matter has been referred for mediation.
Within 7 (SEVEN) days after receipt of the written notice mentioned in clause 6, the parties
will meet to decide about a mediator. If the parties cannot agree with regards to a mediator,
the Arbitration Foundation of South Africa (AFSA) will request an appointed representative to
indicate a suitable mediator, and both parties will be obliged to accept this decision.
The parties will contribute equally to the mediator’s fees.
If a dispute is not referred for mediation, or if the dispute is not settled within 30 (THIRTY)
days after the appointment of a mediator, or within the prolonged period agreed upon by the
parties, any party may initiate further appropriate legal proceedings.
9.
WAIVER AND INDULGENCES
9.1
9.2
No waiver of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement will be binding for any
purpose unless expressed in writing and signed by the Party giving the same and such waiver
will be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose given.
No indulgence granted by a Party shall constitute a waiver or abandonment of any of the
Party’s rights under this Agreement; accordingly, that Party shall not be precluded, as a
consequence of having granted that indulgence, from exercising any rights against the other
Party, which may have arisen in the past or which may arise in the future.
10.
SEVERABILITY
In the event that any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable,
such provision shall be severable from the remaining terms, which are constituted to be valid, lawful
and enforceable.
11.
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GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
This Agreement shall be governed and construed in all respects by the laws of South Africa.
12.
NOTICES AND DOMICILIA
12.1
The parties choose as their domicilia citandi et executandi the respective addresses as
indicated in this clause for all purposes of and which arise from this agreement, by which
addresses all pleadings and notices that arise from this agreement or its non-obligation or
termination may be denoted or return to them in a monetary way.
12.2
The University – The Registrar, University of Pretoria, PRETORIA, 0002.
12.3
The Church –
12.3.1 Southern Synod, Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa, ... Drive, Kagiso, Mogale City.
12.3.2 Northern Synod, Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa, Stormvoël Drive, Mamelodi,
Tshwane.
or any such other address of which the relevant party may inform the other party in writing,
which will be accepted and be in force 14 (FOURTEEN) days after written notice has been
given: provided that no street address mentioned in this clause will be changed to a post box
or poste restante.
12.4
Any notice pursuant upon this agreement has to be in writing and is 12.4.1 if delivered by hand and confirmed by the signature of the addressee, respected properly by
the addressee on the date of delivery as accepted;
if by means of pre-paid registered post, received by the addressee on the 8 th
(eighth) day after the day on which it was posted, except if the opposite is proved.
Despite anything to the contrary included or implied in this agreement, any written notice or
communication which is in fact received by any one of the parties from the other, any
facsimile document, followed by a written notice, is regarded as a proper written notice or
communication to such a party.
12.4.2
12.5
SIGNED at Pretoria on 8th June 2011.
For: The Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa, Southern Synod
Name and capacity of the undersigned as guarantee of his/her proper authorisation:
......................................................................................................................................
AS WITNESSES:
1.
........................
2.
........................
For: The Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa, Northern Synod
Name and capacity of the undersigned as guarantee of his/her proper authorisation:
......................................................................................................................................
AS WITNESSES:
1.
........................
2.
........................
89
SIGNED at .................................... on ................................................. 20 ...
For: THE UNIVERSITY
Name and capacity of the undersigned as guarantee of his/her proper authorisation:
......................................................................................................................................
AS WITNESSES:
1.
...............................................................
2.
...............................................................
APPENDIX A
APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES: PERSONNEL
In the case of a vacancy (for whatever reason) the Dean of the Faculty initiates the following process:
1.
After consultation with the Curatorium, the Dean identifies the academic department in which
the appointment needs to be made.
2.
The post description and profile of the candidate required to fill the vacancy is drafted by the
Faculty Selection Committee (see point 5 below), after consultation with the Curatorium.
3.
The Dean uses the post description and profile to prepare an advertisement, in consultation
with the University’s Director of Human Resources and the Curatorium. The advertisement is placed
in church-based and other relevant media, as agreed upon. Unless the Church expressly decides
otherwise, the advertisement will state that the vacancy is reserved for licensed ministers of the
Church.
4.
5.
6.
7.
The Faculty Selection Committee receives the applications via the University’s Department of
Human Resources.
For the purpose of an appointment according to paragraph 4.1 of the agreement, a Faculty
Selection Committee is composed as follows:
 The Senior Vice-Principal or a Vice-Principal
 The Dean (Chairperson)*
 The Deputy Dean
 Two Faculty Board members belonging to the Church

Two members of the Curatorium

The head of the academic department in which there is a vacancy
 A subject expert from outside the University
 A student of the Faculty

A representative from one of the recognised trade unions at the University is invited
to the meetings of the Faculty Selection Committee in order to monitor the
appointment process. Such a trade union representative is not a member of the
Committee and therefore does not have a vote.
The Faculty Selection Committee submits a name either to the Dean or to the Senior
Appointment Committee of the University, depending on the level of the post.
The Dean or Senior Appointment Committee of the University, depending on the level, apply
their mind to the recommendation and make a relevant decision. If they find the
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8.
recommendation unacceptable, they refer the matter back to the Faculty Selection
Committee.
If the appointed candidate does not accept the post, the procedure is repeated.
* In the absence of the Dean, the Deputy Dean acts as Chairperson. If both the Dean and Deputy
Dean are absent, the Vice-Principal acts as Chairperson.
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APP. 3
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN
NORTHERN CURATORIUM (NC) AND
KWAZULU-NATAL CURATORIUM (KZNC)
The two parties agree as follows:
1.
Since the KZN curatorium does not have an official formation centre approved by General
Synod, the ministry students in the KZN region will be students of NTS.
2.
This implies that they (like all other NTS students spread across South Africa) need to attend
the three compulsory contact sessions of NTS in Pretoria. A concession can be made that
KZN students may miss the second contact session (March or April), on condition that they
attend all the regional contacts sessions at Dingaanstat in that period, but the opening and
closing contact sessions for the year (January and August) are compulsory.
3.
The regional contact sessions at Dingaanstat are NTS sessions, and therefore the programme
will be negotiated jointly and approved by the NTS Academic committee.
4.
NTS will send representatives to all the contact sessions in Dingaanstat.
5.
The Assessment Committee of the Northern Curatorium will assess all candidates from the
KZN region for the ministry, and recommend them for licensing to the KZN Curatorium, if
they find them acceptable.
6.
The study material for all NTS in-house courses will be developed together, whether these
are offered in KZN or Pretoria. The Academic committee will approve all study manuals
before they are used in NTS contact sessions.
7.
The NTS will pay the travel costs of its members who attend contact sessions in Dingaanstat,
and KNC will provide accommodation and meals.
8.
The KZN students, supported by the KZNC, will pay their travel costs to contact sessions in
Pretoria, and NTS will provide accommodation and meals.
9.
NTS subsidises 20% of the tuition fees of all postgraduate NTS students (Honours and MA);
this includes KZN students.
10.
KZNC will do its own fund-raising among URCSA congregations in KZN, requesting them to
donate R1,000 per year, as is done in the Northern and Southern synods.
11.
Dr Pieter Kriel and Rev MF Sibeko will be co-opted as members of the NTS Academic
Committee to facilitate the negotiations and collaboration in developing and presenting NTS
study material.
This agreement can be amended or terminated after consultation and mutual agreement by both
parties.
92
APP. 4
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO AND BETWEEN THE
NORTHERN SYNOD OF THE UNITING REFORMED CHURCH IN SOUTHERN
AFRICA
(HEREIN REPRESENTED BY..................................................................................................................,
DULY AUTHORISED IN TERMS OF A RESOLUTION PASSED ON .................................................. 2011
AND HEREIN AFTER REFERRED TO AS NS)
AND
THE SOUTHERN SYNOD OF THE UNITING REFORMED CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
(HEREIN REPRESENTED BY .................................................................................................................,
DULY AUTHORISED IN TERMS OF A RESOLUTION PASSED 0N ....................................................2011
AND HEREIN AFTER REFERRED TO AS SS)
WHEREAS THE PARTIES ARE DESIROUS TO PURCHASE A PROPERTY TO SUPPLY HOUSING TO THE
MINISTRY STUDENTS OF THE NORTHERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY (HERINAFTER REFERRED TO AS
NTS),
NOW, THEREFORE THE PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
1. THE PARTIES AGREE TO PURCHASE THE PROPERTY KNOWN AS ERF 673 SUNNYSIDE AT 611
REITZ STREET IN PRETORIA AND BOTH PARTIES WILL BE JOINT OWNERS IN EQUAL SHARES.
2. THIS DWELLING WILL BE UTILISED AS OFFICE SPACE FOR NTS AND ACCOMMODATION FOR
NTS STUDENTS WHO ARE FURTHERING THEIR STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA OR
UNISA.
3. THE HOUSE WILL BE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE NS.
4. NS AND SS WILL ACCEPT JOINT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BOND.
5. IT IS RECORDED THAT THE NTS, UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE JOINT MINISTERIAL
FORMATION TASK TEAM (MFTT) OR CURATORIUM OF THE TWO PARTIES, WILL SEE TO THE
PAYMENT OF THE BOND.
6. THE HOUSE MAY ONLY BE SOLD AFTER BOTH PARTIES HAVE AGREED TO THIS, ON THE
RECOMMENDATION OF THE NTS AND THE JOINT MFTT OF THE PARTIES.
7. IF, FOR WHATSOEVER REASON, THE PARTIES DECIDE THAT THE HOUSE MUST BE SOLD, THEN
THE PROCEEDS, IF ANY, WILL BE USED FOR THE ONGOING JOINT PROJECT OF MINISTERIAL
FORMATION OF THE PARTIES.
8. IF THE PARTIES SHOULD AGREE TO DISBAND THEIR JOINT MINISTERIAL FORMATION
PROJECT, THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF THE PROPERTY WILL BE DIVIDED EQUALLY
BETWEEN THE PARTIES.
9. THE PROPERTY WILL BE MANAGED BY THE NTS, WHO WILL REPORT ON THIS REGULARLY TO
THE JOINT MFTT. THE MFTT WILL REPORT ANNUALLY TO THE TWO PARTIES.
SIGNED ON THIS .......................DAY OF......................................................................201.. AT ….
WITNESS
1
2
SIGNED ON THIS .......................DAY OF......................................................................201.. AT ….
WITNESS
1
2
93
APP. 5
nts
611 Reitz Street, Sunnyside 0002
PO Box 29626, Sunnyside 0132
nts.seminary@telkomsa.net
http://nts-urcsa.co.za
office: 012 343 4114
EXPLANATION OF LOGO
This logo expresses the seminary’s key values and objectives, in line with the ministerial formation
policy of General Synod. These are:
8.2.1 One ring
As with the logo of the URCSA, the incomplete ring on the outside of the logo indicates a
commitment to unity: the unfinished business of (re)unification in South and Southern Africa.
8.2.2 Two phrases
The name and the motto of the seminary take up the most prominent space: at the top and bottom
of the logo respectively. “African Reformed praxis” indicates that NTS wishes to produce ministers
who are deeply rooted in the context of Africa as well as in the Reformed tradition.
8.2.3 Three lines
The three converging lines at the centre express God's gracious and unifying action in history. By
faith and discipleship, we become part of God's plan and purpose in society. The three lines
converge to indicate that NTS has a unifying purpose: deeper unity within the URCSA and broader
unity within the DRC family and with other churches. Since the NTS wishes to generate hope, the
logo creates a dynamic movement into the future. The movement is not upwards (to heaven) but
forwards to the new earth. The three lines also represent the Trinity:
•
•
•
Green for God as creator and life-giver:
God below us and around us: the dimension of nature and human dignity;
Red for Christ as saviour and Lord:
God with us and for us: the dimension of grace and salvation;
Gold for the Holy Spirit as transformer and sender:
God working in us and through us: the dimension of sanctification and mission.
8.2.4 Four colours
The four colours used in the logo (black, green, red, gold) are the colours of Ethiopia, and symbolise
“proudly African”.
94
APP. 6
NORTHERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY: INCOME AND EXPENDITURE 2009-2011
INCOME
1 Contributions for individual students (1)
2 Donations National
2.1 Congregations and presbyteries (2)
2.2Ministries
2.3 Individuals
2.4 Turfloop Seminary (3)
2.5 Theron Niholonge Fund (4)
2.6 WR Hartmann Trust (5)
2.7 Gala dinner (6)
2.8 Other fund-raising projects (7)
2.9 Student contributions (meals)
3 Donations International
3.1 Kerkinactie (8)
3.2 Lerato Foundation (9)
3.3 Other (e.g. Germany)
4 Sales and conference fees
5 Sundries (e.g. property refund)
EXPENDITURE
1 Tuition
1.1 Tuition fees subsidies
1.1.1 UP and Unisa
1.1.2 TEE College
1.2 Contact sessions
1.3 Payments to students
1.4 Honorarium
2 Property
2.1 Rent subsidy, Foundation
2.2 Classroom rentals
Sunnyside property (611 Reitz Street)
2.3 Deposit and bond repayments (10)
2.4 Municipal rates and taxes
2.5 Meals
2.6 Pool maintenance
2.7 Wooden cabin and furniture
2.8 Maintenance (e.g. painting of roof)
2.9 Alarm system
3 Salaries & wages
3.1 Administrator (part-time)
3.2 Lecturer (part-time)
3.3 UP lecturer contribution (30%)
4 Administration
4.1 Telephone and internet
4.2 Computer hardware & software
4.3 Stationery
4.4 Office furniture
4.5 Marketing
5 Events
5.1 Travel (meetings and marketing)
5.2 SMC planning workshops
5.3 Licensing
5.4 Year end function
5.5 Students events and functions
5.6 Gala dinner expenses
6 Sundries
6.1 Debt repayment
6.2 Bank charges
6.3 Auditor's fees
6.4 Publications
Surplus/(Deficit)
2009
2010
2011
504,200.93
100,010.00
709,323.00
76,775.00
780,320.03
38,580.33
43,386.21
41,170.00
75,000.00
1034.72
-
48,757.00
98,965.00
42,690.00
70,000.00
39,586.00
50,000.00
-
35,804.60
116,688.20
86,799.90
200,000.00
50,000.00
46,450.00
-
227,600.00
16,000.00
-
160,377.00
120,000.00
-
532,220.86
2,173.00
593,020.00
153,176.00
40,120.00
3,200.00
1,000.00
8,501.00
790,386.06
49,600.00
97,864.00
52,093.00
100,743.50
-
78,040.00
73,230.00
3,000.00
44,109.55
126,693.50
43,670.33
-
156,530.00
38,280.00
-
146,360.00
42,108.00
114,790.00
30,880.00
-
220,402.70
12,596.90
5,395.00
22,850.00
-
45,907.00
-
47,342.00
-
41,730.00
30,000.00
-
9,746.50
9,501.86
1,511.00
1,924.00
5,584.00
10,033.00
500.00
9063.00
3,028.00
10,966.94
15,466.95
2,640.56
2,065.33
32,503.30
5,500.00
3,000.00
-
56,320.00
4,425.00
13,209.00
-
26,150.40
2,050.00
22,455.27
13,085.74
3,049.07
1,000.00
2,161.89
(28,019.93)
8,000.00
3,274.00
2,000.00
3,224.00
116,303.00
8,000.00
5,273.33
2,200.00
(10.066.03)
95
-
NOTES TO INCOME AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENTS (2009-2011)
(1) This amount varies from year to year. It represents money paid into the NTS account that is
earmarked for specific students. Such amounts are paid over directly to the students, so this
amount should balance out with point 1.3 under Expenditure. The trend in the past years has
been that donors increasingly pay their contributions directly to academic institutions on behalf
of students, rather than via the NTS account. That explains the decline in this amount between
2009 and 2011.
(2) The income from congregations has varied from year to year and was far below our budgeted
amounts. We have adopted three strategies to gather larger amounts from congregations: a) We
negotiated with the executive leadership of the two synods to place ministerial formation on
their annual synodical budgets; b) We are arranging to visit a number of presbyteries to help
them follow the example of the Saulspoort and Meadowlands presbyteries to coordinate and
monitor congregational contributions; c) We are continuing with our “FastForward” fund-raising
campaign in congregations this year, sending teams to visit congregations in the two synods to
build relationships while giving them a method to make annual contribution to NTS.
(3) The increase in contribution by the Turfloop Seminary Governing Body (TSGB) was due to the
gact that they paid the deposit of the new NTS property.
(4) The Theron-Niholonge Fund was administered by General Synod in the past, but it has now been
handed back to the Namibian Synod, where it originated. Other regional synods will no longer
receive any contributions from this fund.
(5) The WR Hartmann Trust was established in terms of the will of the late Mr WR Hartmann, a DRC
member who contributed to URCSA projects during his life. The exact amount that the Trust
contributes to NTS will vary from year to year. It was R50,000.00 in the past two years.
(6) The first NTS gala dinner was held at short notice on 5 November 2011 and raised R46,450.00
thus far (with some pledges still outstanding). That will yield a final total of close to R100,000.00.
(7) The other fund-raising projects under consideration include the production and sale of pulpit
cloths (with wording in four South African languages – primarily Zulu, Sotho, English, Afrikaans)
for the seasons of the church year to URCSA and DRC congregations, and perhaps even to
congregations of ecumenical partner churches in the Netherlands, Germany and the USA.
(8) Kerkinactie, the Global Ministries department of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands
(PCN), contributed an amount of €16,000 p.a. in the past three years. A new three-year grant
(2012-2014) for the same amount was recently approved by Kerkinactie. From 2015 we will
embark on a sliding scale to increase our level of self-reliance.
(9) The contribution from the Lerato Foundation differs from year to year. The Foundation does not
want NTS to become dependent on its contributions, and therefore contributes for a different
earmarked item each year. In 2011 they earmarked their contribution for the purchase of Logos
Bible software for students and in 2012 for building maintenance and student tuition subsidies.
(10)The repayment of the bond on the house (to ABSA Bank) amounts to R9511.34 per month. That
amounts to R114,132.00 per year. The larger amount paid in 2011 (R220,402.70) included the
deposit.
96