Theological
study in South Africa is mostly by denomination or theological tradition. This is true of several of the seminaries
listed below, but they all accept students from various theological backgrounds
that are Evangelical, that is, orthodox. A few are intentional about having a broader
Evangelical ethos.
The tendency of
theological colleges to offer online education is a factor throughout the world
for various reasons. Most, I believe,
would rather have campus institutions.
Finances often force students and institutions toward online
opportunities. Some of the colleges or
universities, below, are entirely online, while some others, even though
offering online education, hold on to the goal of in-person education.
I have attempted
to provide a list of Evangelical institutions from various theological
traditions that provide students in South Africa interested opportunities to
study. With the exception of Global
University and Biblical Training, all are located in South Africa, whether they
offer campus or online education, or both.
Global University is the present and expanded version of the Assemblies
of God denomination’s International Correspondence Institute. Campus-based colleges around the world use
its courses as well. Biblical Training
offers excellent academic, Evangelical theological training without
accreditation of its own.
While I might
have listed other ministry training programmes and institutions for orthodox,
Evangelical students, I can recommend these as ones worth exploring for a fit
for a student’s intended Christian ministry.
Sometimes a student will need to study at an institution that is not
quite a perfect fit for his or her denomination, but an Evangelical ethos is
essential for ministerial training. The
only time to consider a non-Evangelical institution would be if one is pursuing
a highly academic, non-ministerial degree.
Note: I have directly copied wording from websites into the following table.
|
Institution |
Values |
Degrees |
Delivery |
|
The Evangelical Theological
Seminary The
Evangelical Seminary of Southern Africa Pietermaritzburg, Natal,
South Africa |
·
Evangelical
– The Holy Scriptures, as originally given by God, are divinely inspired,
entirely trustworthy and the supreme authority in all matters of faith and
conduct. ·
Holistic
– “Evangelization requires the whole church to take the whole gospel to the
whole world.” – John Stott ·
Contextual
– Demonstrating the whole Gospel to be relevant in the ministry setting by
word and deed – considering regional, racial, historical, economic, or any
other context of ministry. Mission Statement: To train
dedicated Christian leaders in an urban African context for Church-in-Mission Vision Statement: To provide
relevant and accessible theological education that transforms lives and
communities The history of this seminary
is Methodist. |
BTh. (NQF level 7), 384
credits |
Block method. Five blocks
per year, each 9 weeks. On campus 3rd
and 7th blocks. Can take
two courses per block. Access to computer required. Moodle. English language |
|
Union Bible Institute Hilton, Natal, South Africa
(outside Pietermaritzburg) |
Interdenominational.
Primarily a Zulu institution. UBI
remains committed to the unchanging message of the Bible and the preaching of
the gospel. At the same time, we realise that the application of the message
and methods we use must meet the needs of the times in which we live. Union Bible Institute’s
purpose is to develop Christlike servant-leaders who are committed to Christ
and His Great Commission |
Higher Certificate in
Theology Diploma in Theology Bachelor of Theology |
Campus based with distance
education courses via flashdrive. Also
WhatsApp is used. Instruction in isiZulu and
English |
|
Bible Institute of South
Africa Kalk Bay, Cape Town, Cape,
South Africa |
We are a
non-denominational, international, theological college committed to the
evangelical faith of our confessing protestant reformational heritage. We serve the Church of
the Lord Jesus Christ in equipping Christian men and women in Biblical truth
and ministry in order to fulfil the Great Commission in Africa and throughout
the world. Our Vision is for the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to be proclaimed
by our students past and present in every Church, market place and society. To train students to be relevant witnesses for Christ and to serve Him
in the urban and rural church, the marketplace and all of society. Purpose: We exist to
serve Christ and His Church by training students in biblical truth and
ministry expertise. We hold to the inspiration,
inerrant and full authority of the Bible. We emphasise the importance
of having a passion for the Kingdom of God, and exemplary Christian
character. We are committed to the
development of personal spirituality and practical skills for faithful
effective ministry. We seek to pursue excellence
in all aspects of life, in the college and in the community to the glory of
God. [Historically, this has been a Reformed theological institution.] |
BTh. Our
academically rigorous programs of study are accredited internationally by
ACTEA as well as the RSA Department of Higher Education. Each program is
constructed to offer you a comprehensive biblical foundation for your
ministry and work. |
Contact mode. Also BISA Distance Learning
Programme We offer training for
christian men and women that is: Academically and practically
integrated. Accessible to existing and
potential Christian leaders. Appropriate for the students
we serve. Accredited by the RSA
Council on Higher Education and ACTEA and recognised by the Church. |
|
George Whitefield College George Whitefield College - Theological
Training In Africa, for Africa Muizenberg, Cape Town, South
Africa |
t is the conviction of GWC
that the Word of God is the primary agent of transformation in the world. We believe that all
Scripture is God-breathed and, when rightly put into action, has the power to
change men and women into the image of Christ and bring them into the Kingdom
of God. The church in Africa is
growing, and a growing church needs trained leaders who can lead people to
better understand God’s Word and disciple their congregations to Christian
maturity. The rate of church growth in Africa is exceeding the number of
theologically trained church leaders available to disciple these churches. GWC therefore seeks to play
a role in equipping the current and future leaders of the church in Africa to
correctly handle the Word of God. Vision: That Africa be
filled with preachers and teachers who deeply love the Lord Jesus and who
have a profound understanding of Scripture, in order that Africa may increase
its share in the Kingdom of God. Mission: To shape minds via
a classical theological education, nurture hearts devoted to Christian
service and train voices to effectively communicate the word of Christ. |
Higher Certificate in
Theology (campus) Bachelor of Theology
(Campus) Bachelor of Theology, Hons.
(Campus and Online) Postgraduate Diploma in
Higher Theological Education (Online only) Master of Theology (Campus
and online) Evangelical Research
Fellowship (Campus and online) Theological Education Development
Services (in person and online) Explore Programme
(Correspondence) Postgraduate modules (Campus
and online) Began work towards
accredited PhD programme in 2025 Short Courses (online) |
|
|
Baptist Theological College Randburg, Gauteng, South
Africa |
Baptist Union of South
Africa Accepts other students than
Baptists who accept statement of faith (basic orthodoxy) BTC exists to equip
believers for global service by providing holistic, contextually
relevant, evangelical education resulting in servant
leaders of integrity who correctly handle the word of truth |
Higher Certificate in
Theology (Online video lectures) Higher Certificate in
Ministry (Distance) Bachelor of Biblical Studies
(Contact and Distance) Bachelor of Theology
(Honours) (Contact and Distance) Master of Theology
(Distance) Short Courses (Online) |
|
|
South Africa Theological
Seminary (SATS) |
Evangelical |
Higher Certificate in
Christian Counselling Higher Certificate in
Christian Life Bachelor of Theology Bachelor of Theology
(Honours) Master of Divinity Master of Theology Doctor of Philosophy in
Theology |
All online All our programmes are
accredited by the Council on Higher Education, the Education and Training
Quality Assurer of the South African Qualifications Authority, and are
registered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. |
|
Mukhanyo Theological College Homepage
- Mukhanyo Theological College Locations: Capte Town,
Johannesburg, Durban, KwaMlanga, Potchefstroom, Pretoria, Rustenburg |
Mukhanyo Theological College
is a decentralised training network with multiple sites of delivery in Africa
that provides biblical education for church and community. Mukhanyo serves
pastors and other Christians by offering theological education at various
levels and within several fields. The multi-ethnic body of students at
Mukhanyo receives biblical in-service training for ministry in the African
context. Mukhanyo serves churches by equipping their pastors and other
Christians to promote the growth of Christ’s kingdom. Objectives: Providing
relevant, high-quality, holistic, and affordable in-service, semi-residential
and/or locally facilitated training. Providing biblically based
training opportunities and facilities to church leaders and communities, to
develop church leadership and administrative skills in order to inspire a
kingdom vision and to support the growth and development of churches. Equipping leaders, office
bearers, and members of churches to correctly understand and apply the Bible
in their own environment. Empowering church leaders in
their local ministries to promote development aid projects. |
Registered with the
Department of Higher Education as a private higher education institution
under the Higher Education Act, 1997, (Act No. 101 of 1997), Registration
Certificate No. 2009/HE08/002. Non-accredited: Focus
Certificate (also in isiZulu) Our accredited
qualifications are: Higher Certificate in Bible
Teaching Higher Certificate in Church
Ministry Bachelor of Theology Bachelor of Theology Honours |
|
|
Ebenezer Theological
Seminary |
Vision: To see the Church
restored and established on the foundation of Christ, we must guide pastors,
church leaders and church members to spiritual maturity through the message
of the Cross and the Grace of God and equipping them for their ministry in
the local Church to magnify the Name of Jesus Christ. Mission: Boldly and without
hindrance, we will preach and teach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in
South Africa and the surrounding areas and to the ends of the earth as our
Lord Jesus Christ has commanded us to do. (Acts 28:31 – Modified) [Has an Evangelical Dutch
Reformed history] |
NQF 2 and 5 Developing NQF 4 and 7
(Bachelors) |
Offers in-person sessions at
various learning centers, online courses, and blended learning programs. Virtual classes are
conducted using Zoom. Associated with the
Association of Christian Religious Practitioners QTCO (workplace development) qualifications |
|
Global University |
[Assemblies of God
(Pentecostal)] Mission: Global University, a Christian university in the
Pentecostal tradition, integrates education and service through a worldwide
network providing ministerial training, undergraduate and graduate education,
curricular materials, and services to the Christian community through
evangelism, discipleship, and leadership training through nonresidential
distributed learning methods. Institutional
Objectives: ·
To provide general and theological education and training from a
biblical worldview. ·
To provide educational programs at the undergraduate and graduate
levels leading to various diplomas and degrees. ·
To provide non-degree service programs, including evangelism,
discipleship, and leadership training. ·
To work cooperatively with schools, churches, district councils,
education offices, state and federal educational agencies, the sponsoring
church, and fraternal denominations and fellowships, to fulfill common
purposes. ·
To develop and provide educational curricula and technologies
culturally sensitive in a cross-cultural context in cooperation with the
Assemblies of God World Missions and autonomous national churches. ·
To develop and provide educational curricula and technologies
culturally sensitive in a cross-cultural context in cooperation with the
General Council of the Assemblies of God in the United States. ·
To research, adapt, and utilize appropriate methods of educational
delivery employing available technologies. ·
To serve as a specialized educational delivery resource for other
educational institutions. ·
To cooperate in the educational delivery efforts of the General
Council of the Assemblies of God schools to increase efficiency, avoid
duplication, and better utilize resources. |
School for Evangelism &
Discipleship Berean School of the Bible School for Ministry
Development Undergraduate School of
Bible & Theology Graduate School of Theology |
Global
University has a combined history of more than 80 years of service, yet is on
the cutting edge of technology with online courses. However, print courses
remain a mainstay for those who prefer to study in print or do not have
internet access. The goal is to make evangelism, discipleship, and training
accessible to everyone—everywhere! Global University is
accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an independent
corporation accrediting degree-granting post-secondary educational
institutions in the USA. We participate in the
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), a
regional approach to state oversight on postsecondary distance education.
Global also holds applicant status with the Association for Biblical Higher
Education Commission on Accreditation (ABHE) |
|
Biblical Training |
Evangelical professors from
various American seminaries offering online courses |
Offers courses in: Basics Foundations Academy Institute |
All online, free. Seminary level courses Some courses may be used
toward a degree through Okanagan
Bible College, Canada. |
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