Human and Social Studies Religious and Ethical Foundations of Society

Baptism Eucharist Ministry Theology Church Role Society Training

SAQA US 115959 | NQF 5 | Credits 12 | Duration 9 Days
From $1,798 per delegate

Description

This course equips participants with a comprehensive understanding of the theological foundations of baptism and Eucharist, and explores the role of the church in contemporary society. It prepares learners to apply these sacramental principles within ministry contexts, fostering ethical leadership and community engagement.

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze the theological significance of baptism and Eucharist within Christian tradition.
  • Evaluate the role of the church in addressing social issues such as poverty, justice, and reconciliation.
  • Apply sacramental theology to design inclusive and transformative ministry practices.
  • Demonstrate effective leadership in facilitating baptism and Eucharist celebrations.
  • Integrate theological insights with practical strategies for church engagement in society.

Target Audience

This course is designed for clergy, lay ministers, theology students, and church leaders seeking to deepen their sacramental theology and enhance their ministry effectiveness in diverse societal settings.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment.

Course Outline

Day 1: Foundations of Christian Theology and Sacraments

Objectives:
• Define key theological concepts related to baptism, eucharist, and ministry.
• Explain the historical development of sacramental theology in the Christian tradition.
• Identify the role of the church in shaping individual and community faith.
• Understand the South African context for theological training.
• Outline the structure and outcomes of the course.

Topics:
• Introduction to the course and unit standard 115959.
• Overview of Christian theology: God, Christ, Holy Spirit.
• Historical development of sacramental theology.
• Definitions and significance of baptism and eucharist.
• The church as a community of faith.
• Ministry: biblical foundations and contemporary relevance.
• The role of theology in South African society.
• Course expectations and assessment criteria.

Day 2: Theology of Baptism: Sacrament of Initiation

Objectives:
• Analyze the biblical foundations of baptism in the Old and New Testaments.
• Compare different theological perspectives on baptism (e.g., infant vs. believer's baptism).
• Explain the liturgical elements and symbols of baptism.
• Discuss the ecumenical significance of baptism.
• Reflect on the practical implications of baptism for Christian discipleship.

Topics:
• Baptism in the Bible: Jesus' baptism, Great Commission.
• Theological meanings: cleansing, new birth, incorporation into Christ.
• Modes of baptism: immersion, pouring, sprinkling.
• Infant baptism vs. believer's baptism: arguments and practices.
• Baptismal liturgy: water, oil, white garment, candle.
• Baptism and church membership.
• Ecumenical agreements on baptism.
• Case studies: baptism in South African churches.

Day 3: Theology of the Eucharist: Sacrament of Communion

Objectives:
• Examine the biblical accounts of the Last Supper and early Christian practice.
• Articulate various theological interpretations of the Eucharist (e.g., transubstantiation, consubstantiation, memorial).
• Describe the liturgical structure of the Eucharist.
• Discuss the Eucharist as a means of grace and community building.
• Analyze the role of the Eucharist in social justice and reconciliation.

Topics:
• The Last Supper in the Synoptic Gospels and 1 Corinthians.
• Early Christian Eucharistic practices.
• Theological views: Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant.
• Liturgical elements: bread, wine, prayers, communion.
• Eucharist as sacrifice, meal, and presence of Christ.
• Eucharist and Christian unity.
• The Eucharist and social justice: feeding the hungry.
• Contemporary debates: open vs. closed communion.

Day 4: Ministry: Calling, Gifts, and Service

Objectives:
• Define Christian ministry and its biblical foundations.
• Identify spiritual gifts and their role in ministry.
• Distinguish between ordained and lay ministry.
• Explore models of ministry in the South African context.
• Discuss the ethical dimensions of Christian leadership.

Topics:
• Biblical basis for ministry: Old Testament prophets, priests; New Testament apostles, pastors.
• Spiritual gifts: Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4.
• Ordained ministry: deacons, elders, bishops.
• Lay ministry: roles in church and community.
• Leadership styles: servant leadership, transformational leadership.
• Ethical issues in ministry: integrity, accountability.
• Ministry in a multicultural South Africa.
• Case studies: successful ministries.

Day 5: Theology of the Church: Nature and Mission

Objectives:
• Describe the biblical images of the church (e.g., body of Christ, people of God).
• Explain the marks of the church: one, holy, catholic, apostolic.
• Analyze the mission of the church in the world (missio Dei).
• Discuss church governance structures and their theological basis.
• Evaluate the role of the church in promoting unity and diversity.

Topics:
• Biblical images: vine, flock, temple, bride.
• The four marks: unity, holiness, catholicity, apostolicity.
• Church governance: episcopal, presbyterian, congregational.
• The mission of the church: evangelism, service, justice.
• The church as a sign and instrument of God's kingdom.
• Ecumenism and interchurch relations.
• The church in South Africa: history and challenges.
• The church and culture: contextual theology.

Day 6: The Church in Society: Public Theology and Social Engagement

Objectives:
• Understand the concept of public theology and its relevance.
• Analyze the church's role in addressing social issues (poverty, inequality, racism).
• Discuss the relationship between church and state.
• Explore the church's contribution to reconciliation and nation-building.
• Evaluate examples of church social action in South Africa.

Topics:
• Public theology: definition and key thinkers.
• Church and state: historical models (e.g., Constantinian, prophetic).
• Social issues: poverty, unemployment, HIV/AIDS.
• The church and racial reconciliation: South African context.
• The church and gender justice.
• The church and environmental stewardship.
• Case studies: church-led development projects.
• Advocacy and prophetic witness.

Day 7: Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry in Context: South African Perspectives

Objectives:
• Apply sacramental theology to South African church life.
• Analyze how baptism and eucharist are practiced in diverse denominations.
• Discuss the role of ministry in addressing local challenges.
• Evaluate the impact of colonialism and apartheid on church practices.
• Develop contextual approaches to theology and ministry.

Topics:
• Denominational diversity in South Africa.
• Baptism practices: Zionist, Methodist, Catholic, etc.
• Eucharist practices: frequency, liturgy, meaning.
• Ministry challenges: leadership training, resources.
• Colonial legacy and African traditional religion.
• Apartheid and the church: resistance and complicity.
• Contextual theology: Black theology, African theology.
• Case studies: local congregations.

Day 8: Practical Ministry Skills: Planning, Leading, and Evaluating

Objectives:
• Develop skills for planning worship services including baptism and eucharist.
• Learn to lead Bible studies and small groups.
• Understand principles of pastoral care and counselling.
• Evaluate ministry effectiveness using theological criteria.
• Create a ministry action plan for a local context.

Topics:
• Worship planning: liturgy, music, preaching.
• Leading baptism and eucharist services.
• Bible study and small group facilitation.
• Pastoral care: listening, visiting, crisis intervention.
• Counselling skills: basic techniques, referral.
• Evaluating ministry: qualitative and quantitative measures.
• Developing a ministry action plan.
• Role-playing and feedback sessions.

Day 9: Integration and Application: The Church's Role in Transforming Society

Objectives:
• Synthesize theological knowledge and practical skills.
• Articulate a personal vision for ministry and church engagement.
• Discuss the church's role in social transformation.
• Develop strategies for sustainable community impact.
• Reflect on personal growth and future learning pathways.

Topics:
• Review of key themes: baptism, eucharist, ministry, church, society.
• The church as agent of transformation.
• Sustainable development goals and the church.
• Building partnerships: ecumenical, interfaith, civil society.
• Personal ministry vision statement.
• Action planning for local church or community.
• Final assessment and feedback.
• Certificate of completion and next steps.

Practicals

No practicals for this training.

This course is made up of exercises and case studies delivered alongside the theory — no separate practical sessions are required to complete it.

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course and a final summative test at the end.

Daily Exercises — 30%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 30% to the final total.

Final Test — 70%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 70% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 30%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 70%
Final Total 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Daily Average 30% + Final Test 70%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

Upcoming Training Sessions
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Training Discounts
Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% off per 5 delegates, up to 40% for 100+

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