Duration
Minimum one year, maximum three years. Study at your own pace.
NQF 5 · 120 Credits · Higher Certificate
Higher Certificate in Christian Ministry
Foundational and practical training to equip and empower Christians to build God's Kingdom in their sphere of influence. Ideal for youth workers, church group leaders, pastoral caregivers, mentors, and emerging congregational leaders.
- Accredited by the CHE
- Registered with DHET
- Ref: H/PRO96/K001CAN
Aim of the Programme
Foundational training. Practical ministry.
The purpose of the Higher Certificate in Christian Ministry, designed at NQF Level 5, is to provide Christians with foundational and practical training to equip and empower them to build God's Kingdom in their sphere of influence.
The certificate enhances critical academic skills through several subjects in our Core Curriculum that allow a student to continue with further tertiary education in several programmes upon successful completion.
- Deepen their relationship with the Triune God and their trust in Jesus Christ as saviour and friend
- Develop into creative and critical thinkers who are catalysts for growth and renewal
- Develop basic skills in reading the Bible and showing its relevance to pastoral needs in African churches and communities
- Understand how people's worldview influences their concept of God and practice of spirituality
- Gain a greater critical appreciation of their own theological view
- Understand the basic principles of Christian leadership
- Minister to people in different cultural contexts
- Develop basic communication skills with groups and individuals
- Have the possibility of further studies — modules can be credited towards our BTh programme
Watch the programme overview
Time Commitment & Mode
How you can study.
Delivery Mode
Active in Distance Mode only (as per CHE concession).
Intakes
Two intakes per year — January and July. Apply early to secure your place.
Career Opportunities
Where it can take you.
The Higher Certificate in Christian Ministry is targeted at scholars interested in advancing their theological skills in Biblical Studies, Pastoral Care, Public Theology, Spirituality Studies, and Practical Studies.
These theological skills can advance the quality of the work in contextual and urban ministries for:
- Youth workers
- Church group leaders
- Pastoral caregivers
- Mentors
- Emerging congregational leaders
- Junior pastors
- Leaders engaging in issues of public concern
Admission Requirements
Standard entry.
- 01 A National Senior Certificate or National Certificate Vocational (certificate pass).
- 02 A Matriculation Certificate or equivalent.
- 03 Mature age of 45+ can be admitted, determined by the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) portfolio of evidence provided.
Programme Coordinator
Anlené Taljaard
Constructive Theology · Chair
Anlené Taljaard holds a Research Masters in Reformed Theology from the Vrije University of Amsterdam and a Licentiate and Masters of Divinity from Stellenbosch University. Her research focuses on Christology and theological ways to support sustainable and just societies. She has worked on university research projects and church-community initiatives for over 25 years, and lectured Ethics at the University of the Free State. She is keenly interested in the articulation of who Jesus Christ is and has studied the work of John Calvin, Karl Barth, and Thomas Torrance — enabling contemporary theological responses to current times and issues.
anlenet@cornerstone.ac.za
Accreditation
Fully accredited.
Registered as Cornerstone Institute (RF) NPC with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997, Registration Certificate No. 2001/HE08/006.
Registered by the DHET. Accredited by the CHE as a 120-credit learning programme for higher education at NQF Level 5.
- SAQA ID96412
- CHE RefH/PRO96/K001CAN
- NQF Level5
- Reg. Cert.2001/HE08/006
Resources
Everything you need, in one place.
Ready to equip yourself for ministry?
Applications are open for the January and July intakes.