Another seminary?

It is widely recognized that one of the greatest needs of the church in Africa is for leaders who are adequately trained. We rejoice in what many churches and seminaries are doing to address this need, yet we are aware that its enormity demands that much more be done. Thus we are thankful that the Lord, in his goodness, has brought the Sovereign Grace Theological Seminary (SGTS) into being. SGTS is a seminary with distinctives which, we believe, will contribute significantly to meaningful theological training in Africa.

God willing, SGTS will accept applications from May 2007 and the first students will begin their studies in September 2007. The academic year will run from September to June.

A ministry of local churches

The work of training leaders is primarily the responsibility of the local church. Yet there are very few local churches which are able to undertake this enormous task on their own: effectiveness in the task requires them to co-operate and pool their resources. Because of this, a number of churches throughout southern Africa, who are formally bound together in an association called Sola 5, have agreed to establish SGTS as a joint ministry. SGTS therefore arises out of the needs of local churches and falls under the oversight of local churches. Our aim, however, is to serve the entire body of Christ, and students will by no means be required to be members of one of the Sola 5 churches.

The theological faculty of the University of Africa

The University of Africa is a new university which aims to provide education in a variety of disciplines that is specifically relevant to the needs of Africa. The university has invited SGTS to form its theological faculty while remaining under the spiritual and theological oversight of the churches of Sola 5. This arrangement allows SGTS to benefit from the academic infrastructure of the university without relinquishing control over the content of the curriculum to a secular body.

Aims of the seminary

The church of Jesus Christ must, according to Ephesians 4:11-16, be built up in her most holy faith through the regular teaching of God-centred, Christ-focussed and Scripture-based truth. Consequently, pastor-teachers must receive the best possible training. SGTS therefore desires to achieve the following:

• First and foremost, we wish to train men for preaching and pastoral ministry. There is a tremendous need in our day for pastor-teachers who will, like John the Baptist, be “burning and shining lights” (Jn 5:35, KJV) - and if we can be instrumental in forming such men we will be eternally grateful to the Lord.

• We are also aware that many believers desire a knowledge of God and his word which is deeper and more comprehensive than what is available from the regular teaching ministry of the local church. We therefore believe that we can further serve the church of Jesus Christ by providing for the needs of such brothers and sisters. Not only will they be personally enriched, but they will also be better equipped to serve God and his church.

Our convictions

We believe that God has revealed himself and his gospel to man in the person of his Son, Jesus Christ, and that this revelation is preserved for us in the Spirit-inspired Scripture. Accordingly, the teaching ministry of SGTS will be based comprehensively and solely on Scripture. Above all we will seek to equip students to “correctly handle the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15, NIV). We believe that the great confessions of the Reformation are excellent summaries of biblical truth, and the teaching ministry of SGTS will be conducted within the framework of these confessions. (All lecturers and board members subscribe to the Sola 5 Confession, which is in agreement with the historically-respected and internationally-recognized 1689 Baptist Confession.)

We also believe that men who will be shepherds of God’s people must be thoroughly equipped. They must have a deep knowledge and understanding of God’s truth; they must be skilled in the practice of ministry; and above all they must be mature in Christian character and the personal knowledge of God (cf. 1 Tim 3:1-7; Tit 1:6-9). Therefore the programmes of SGTS will focus on Christian character and ministry ability, as well as on intellectual understanding. Wherever possible, students will be linked up with local churches and pastors who will be able to give practical and personal guidance.

Accreditation

Formal academic training is anything but essential for the gospel ministry and for fruitful work in the kingdom of God; we are persuaded that an insistence on university training should not stand in the way of those whom the Lord has called to work for him. Neither does an academic qualification in itself ensure that a person will be equipped for gospel ministry. Nevertheless, academic training and accreditation may have real value – in developing a minister’s mind and thinking ability; in helping to keep up with today's sophisticated world; and in opening the door to further studies.

For these and other reasons, SGTS, as a faculty of the University of Africa, will offer programmes characterized by academic excellence and leading to accredited qualifications (e.g. Bachelor of Theology, Diploma in Theology). Programmes will be accredited initially by the Zambian Department of Education.

Our approach: distance learning with a difference

Being a full time, resident student at a university or theological seminary has many attractions. However, it is also a costly exercise for the student: it requires relocation (sometimes with a family), the payment of board and lodging, and loss of income as a result of not being able to continue in a full time job. For these reasons the world of education has moved increasingly towards a distance learning model. Although distance learning does have its drawbacks, SGTS aims to exploit its obvious benefits while seeking to overcome the drawbacks in innovative ways:

• Tuition each academic year will include two weeks of lectures (usually November and April), which will be presented in different centres. Students will be required to attend these lectures, except in the most exceptional circumstances.

• SGTS will partner with local churches so that, wherever possible, students can benefit from the spiritual and theological guidance of experienced pastors.

• SGTS will make use of modern technology, including computers, video conferences, internet and email to facilitate communication between lecturers and students, as well as amongst students.

Geographical scope

The University of Africa is not bound to any one country but offers its programmes in a number of African countries. Likewise, Sola 5 is an association of churches throughout southern Africa. Accordingly, SGTS will accept students from any country provided that they are in reasonable postal contact with one of the administrative centres (at the moment Pretoria, Lusaka, Windhoek and Harare) and are able to attend the two weeks of lectures in one of the centres where they are being presented. To begin with, SGTS will present lectures in Harare, Lusaka, Pretoria and Windhoek.

Curriculum

Careful thought has been given to both the scope and the order of the courses. During the earlier part of the curriculum students will be equipped with basic tools such as language skills, Bible knowledge and basic skills of interpretation. Students will then move on to more complex issues of interpretation, systematic theology and the application of Scripture to pastoral ministry. The core of the curriculum will be made up of the following subjects:

• Bible knowledge.
• Biblical languages (Semitic languages and Greek).
• Old and New Testament studies.
• Church history and history of doctrine.
• Systematic theology.
• Practical theology, with a strong emphasis on preaching and shepherding in the local church.

Cost

Serious efforts will be made to keep the tuition costs as low as possible, and it is envisaged that the cost of studies through SGTS will be lower than that of many academic programmes. However, there will be costs involved. Students are urged to approach this issue in faith, taking responsibility for their own study costs and trusting that the Lord will provide the necessary funds.

The churches of Sola 5 will also provide some financial assistance, focussing on students who have a clear call to the work of ministry. This assistance will be provided through a direct relationship between specific local churches and individual students. SGTS will facilitate contact between churches and students in order to initiate such relationships.

Admission requirements

The normal requirement for admission to a Bachelor's degree programme at  SGTS is Grade 12 (or equivalent) with matriculation exemption. Admission for a certificate or diploma programme is Grade 12.  However, students who do not fulfil these requirements may still be admitted if they can give evidence of their ability to complete the course. Entrance examinations may be required.

Further information

For a complete SGTS prospectus or further information, please contact

Post:

Sovereign Grace Theological Seminary
PO Box 31442
Waverley, 0135
South Africa

Email: seminary@sola5.org

Tel: +27(12) 331-7072 or +27(12) 332-4649