Baptism Eucharist Ministry Theology Church Role Society Training

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.