Department of Theology and Ethics
Theology and Ethics relevant for Today
The department offersĀ aĀ contemporary approachĀ to the study ofĀ ecumenical theology and ethicsĀ in order to nourishĀ discerning leaders for urbanized contexts.Ā
The department does this by reflecting on the intersection of faith and society in an urbanized African context with cognizance of the struggle(s) for human dignity and social justice.Ā
These reflections are placed in the everyday complexities and the dynamics of communities and in light of aĀ hopeful future of the life-giving and loving God.
We therefore engage in the studies of Theology and Ethics by asking appropriate, critical and contemporary questions that impacts on personal life, church, communities and society.Ā And thereby, respond to the broader task of how toĀ live faithfully and justly-orientatedĀ amidst the diversities and complexities of our worlds in a responsible and embodied manner.Ā
We encourage critical and constructive studies thatĀ nourish religious leadersĀ who areĀ theologicalĀ groundedĀ and thus,Ā Christ centered, Spirit-filled, ecumenical orientated, Biblical rooted, sound inter-faith dialogue partners, inclusive, eco and child-friendly. We furtherĀ encourageĀ theĀ religious leaders to live with anĀ ethical alertnessĀ and resilience towards the challenges and opportunities of the local, global and future worldĀ in light of the gospel.Ā
The department engages inĀ ethical leadership studiesĀ which encourages scholars, from various disciplines, to become soundĀ interdisciplinary scholarsĀ and agile leaders who are capable ofĀ engaging with the diversitiesĀ of our local and global contexts in a respectful and hospitable manner.Ā
WeĀ fosterĀ leadership that encourages leaders (theological and ethical) to become discerningĀ dialogue partnersĀ that part-take through their vocation (in everyday work) inĀ the embodiment ofĀ just, dignified and life-giving practices for the well-being of all.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
Thus leaders who are wellĀ grounded in the love of GodĀ andĀ enabled to make a differenceĀ in the various contexts of local churches, communities, the work place and that of society.Ā Ā
Is the relationship between leadership and integrity important to you?
Have you been called to bring about change through the Gospel, whether in church, in the marketplace or in society as a whole?
About us
For over 50 years, theological education has been integral to the Cornerstone Institute programmes. Over the years, students have been shaped to think theologically and act ethically for the betterment of society.Ā
Today, our team provides a relevant theological program that places students’ spiritual and critical academic growth at the forefront of our teaching. We are excited to offer this program in both in-person and online modes, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for our students.Ā Ā
We understand that all students bring knowledge and lived experiences to the classroom and that we facilitate learning in a faithful, ecumenical sense by engaging with scholars and contexts who share our theological questions, concerns, experiences, and appreciation.Ā Our program offering of interdisciplinary courses broadens the scope of ministry and offers choices in leadership studies, pastoral counseling, and community development.
Our team is led by cluster leads who play a pivotal role in shaping the program’s content.
Dr. Martin Khoaseb heads the Pastoral Care and Community Development cluster, Dr Charmaine Manuel heads the Practical Theology and Leadership cluster, and AnlenĆ© Taljaard leads the Biblical Studies and Constructive Theology cluster.Ā
They, along with several adjunct lecturers, bring their expertise to the programmeās development and lecturing.
We aim to serve individuals, the church community, and society by ‘doing theology together.’ We believe that this collaborative approach will lead to meaningful contributions and positive change.
The qualifications aim to equip faith leaders with comprehensive theological knowledge, practical ministry skills, and leadership abilities to significantly enhance their contributions to churches and communities. This is achieved by promoting social change, compassionate justice, well-being, and societal stability.Ā
Additionally, the qualification fosters critical skills to support life-giving practices in ministry and related fields, such as counseling and community development.
The programs are designed to address crucial needs within the South African context, enabling students to:
- Develop a robust theological foundation that supports various Christian ministries.
- Acquire sound pastoral skills that integrate psychological principles.
- Implement resilient and responsible community development practices that promote human dignity, social justice, and cohesion.
The specialization fields within the qualification aim to prepare leaders for transformative roles in Christian ministry, pastoral counseling, and community development. The interdisciplinary approach allows for a rich integration of:
- Ministry: Combining general Leadership Studies theories with understanding local and global contexts.
- Pastoral Counseling: Grounding inappropriate psychological principles.
- Community Development: Approaching from a faith-based perspective with a thorough understanding of sociology and change dynamics.
These specialised leadership roles support a broader understanding of ministry and address the critical needs of communities within the South African context.
- TheĀ BTh in Community LeadershipĀ consists of the following five components with the option of a specialisation field.Ā (See leaflet for detailed module descriptions and options)
- Component:Ā Biblical Studies;
- Component:Ā Christian Faith Studies;
- Component:Ā Leadership Studies;
- Component:
- Specialisation in Christian Ministry
- Specialisation in Psychology for Pastoral councelling
- Specialisation in Sociology and community development for faithĀ based organisations.
- Component:Ā Research Project
- TheĀ BA ProgrammeĀ (Theology) allows students to study theology in the context of social sciences. (See leaflet for detailed module descriptions and options)
- TheĀ Higher Certificate in Christian MinistryĀ allows students to orient leaders of faith communities with no formal ministerial education to a foundational understanding of core aspects of Christian ministry situated in and relevant to the complex contexts of Southern African society. (See Leaflet for detailed module descriptions).
AnlenƩ Taljaard
Cluster Lead: Living Faith Traditions
AnlenƩ Taljaard
Cluster Lead: Living Faith Traditions
AnlenƩ Taljaard holds a Research Masters in Reformed Theology at the Vrije University of Amsterdam, Netherlands and a Licentiate and Masters of Divinity at Stellenbosch University. Her research focuses on Christology and theological ways to support sustainable and just societies.
She worked on several university research projects, church and community initiatives for the last 25 years ( Gugulethu, Stellenbosch University, Free State University and Heidedal) to engage on how to create a more humane, just and sustainable world. She lectured Ethics at the University of the Free State and was a part-time pastor (Uniting Reformed Church of Southern Africa) for more than 10 years.
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. This work enables contemporary theological responses to current times and issues. She enjoys engaging with theology that makes sense for people today while drawing from classical theological and traditional spiritual wells.
- Phone:021 448 0050
- Email:anlenet@cornerstone.ac.za
Dr. Headmann Ntlapo
Practical Theology: Adjunct Lecturer
Dr. Headmann Ntlapo
Practical Theology: Adjunct Lecturer
- Phone:021 448 0050
- Email:headmann@cornerstone.ac.za
Dr Jacobie Visser
Cluster Lead: Biblical Studies
Dr Jacobie Visser
Cluster Lead: Biblical Studies
Dr. Jacobie M. Helena Visser is a South African New Testament scholar, facilitator, and lecturer with a background in theology and biblical studies, with a special focus on Gender Studies. She holds a PhD in New Testament (specialising in ancient Masculinities Studies) from Stellenbosch University and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, as well as postgraduate degrees in Theology and Ministry. Her academic and professional journey spans over a decade and includes roles as an adjunct lecturer at Cornerstone Institute, a theological consultant for World Vision International, and a pastoral counsellor and coordinator at a safehouse for survivors of gender-based violence. She also serves as a freelance preacher in the Dutch Reformed Church and is an accredited Integral Coach and Divorce and Family Law Mediator. Dr. Visserās work is deeply rooted in a desire to bridge scholarly research and lived experience, whether through lecturing, coaching, writing, or pastoral care. She is committed to fostering spaces of transformation, inclusion, social justice, and theological depth that resonate with both academic and public audiences.
- Phone:021 448 0050
- Email:jacobiev@cornerstone.ac.za
Shaun Marais
Lecturer
Shaun Marais
Lecturer
Shaun Marais is an adjunct lecturer at Cornerstone Institute, where he teaches in the Faculty of Theology. With over a decade of experience in childrenās and youth pastoral ministry, Shaun combines academic rigor with real-world practice to equip students for meaningful, contextually relevant ministry. He holds a Master of Theology (MTh) in Practical Theology, specializing in children and youth ministry. His teaching is grounded in a deep understanding of intergenerational faith formation, social justice, and the spiritual development of young people. Shaun is passionate about preparing future leaders to serve their communities with empathy, theological insight, and transformative purpose. In addition to his academic role, Shaun serves as Managing Director of Uzwelo Youth Development (UYD)āa registered non-profit organisation that empowers young people through mentorship, life-skills training, and leadership development. Uzweloās programmes engage schools, churches, and community groups across Cape Town to raise a generation of young leaders equipped to bring change in their homes and communities. Shaunās dual roles in academia and youth development allow him to bridge theory and practice, enriching the classroom with lived experience and applied learning. He is also a dedicated husband to Nicole and father of four. Outside of work, he enjoys sports, camping, and quality time outdoors, reflecting his belief in balanced, holistic growth.
- Phone:021 448 0050
- Email:Shaunm@cornerstone.ac.za
Lynton Daames
Lecturer
Lynton Daames
Lecturer
Department of Theology, Cornerstone Institute A shepherd at heart and an equipper by skill, Lynton is a lecturer who is passionate about shaping spiritually grounded individuals who can engage meaningfully with both Church and society. His approach reflects Cornerstone Instituteās commitment to ethical leadership, personal transformation and the pursuit of social justice rooted in a Christ-centred worldview.
With a background in leadership development, mentoring and pastoral ministry, he brings a practical understanding of how faith is lived out in real-world contexts. His postgraduate studies in missiology, with a particular focus on cross-cultural mission and contextual theology, inform his vision for a Church that is both locally rooted and globally aware.
His years in local church ministry have given him firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities of spiritual leadership. Lynton continues to invest in the training and development of leaders who are called to serve communities with wisdom, compassion and theological clarity.
In the Christian Spirituality Formation module, students are invited into a learning environment that is both reflective and action-oriented. Emphasis is placed on cultivating healthy spiritual disciplines, deepening relational connections, and exploring vocation in light of God's redemptive mission in the world.
Aligned with Cornerstoneās ethos of integrating faith, justice and learning, his teaching encourages students to embody their faith in ways that bring hope and healing within diverse South African and global contexts. He approaches every interaction with curiosity, humility and a deep desire to see others flourish.
- Phone:021 448 0050
- Email:ntandoyenkosim@cornerstone.ac.za
Dr Charmaine Manuel
Cluster Lead: Practical Theology: Contextual Leadership
Dr Charmaine Manuel
Cluster Lead: Practical Theology: Contextual Leadership
Charmaine Manuel holds a PhD in Practical Theology, with a focus on child and disability theology. She has 30 years of ministry experience. This includes working in missions, being on pastoral teams in churches, developing and implementing accredited ministry learning programs, and being active as a child advocate and trainer in child-focused, faith-based non-profits. She uses experiential education for team building, leadership development, and people development. She has a passion for inclusive communities of belonging and justice for individuals of all abilities.
- Phone:021 448 0050
- Email:charmainem@cornerstone.ac.za
Dr. HJ Prinsloo
Lecturer
Dr. HJ Prinsloo
Lecturer
Prinsloo describes himself as a believer in Jesus Christ, passionate about the Gospel and the message of Salvation. Not only his academic interest, but also his calling and relationship with God explain his contribution. He grew up in the Eastern Cape, studied in the Free State, and currently resides in the Western Cape while serving as a minister, researcher, and lecturer. He completed the BTh degree in 2016 Cum Laude and the MDiv degree in 2017 Cum Laude from the University of the Free State. He was awarded both degrees with the deanās medal for being the best undergraduate and postgraduate student. During 2018, he completed the PGDip Cum Laude in conjunction with an internship at the Dutch Reformed Church Pellissier in Bloemfontein. He was awarded the best practical year student and was accepted to the ministry by the Dutch Reformed Church. From 2019 to 2021, he completed his PhD under the supervision of Prof Francois Tolmie at the University of the Free State. His research was titled: āA text-centered rhetorical analysis of 1 Thessaloniansā. With this study, he illustrated how one can reconstruct and evaluate Paulās persuasion strategy from the Greek text. During 2019, he attended the 5th Summer School German Language and Theology at JGU Mainz, Germany, as the only South African representative. He was also invited for a research visit to KU Leuven in Belgium. Since 2022 to the present, Prinsloo has been affiliated with the University of the Free State as a Research Fellow and a member of NTSSA and EABS societies. During this time, he read ten papers at academic conferences and published four academic articles in accredited journals on his research on 1 Thessalonians. The University of Stellenbosch also invited him to write a chapter for an upcoming academic book. He is also working on an academic book to illustrate his research on Galatians. Previously, he taught Biblical studies as an adjunct lecturer at the University of the Free State, Stellenbosch University, and Hugenote Kollege. Currently, he teaches at Cornerstone Institute.
- Phone:021 448 0050
- Email:hendrikp@cornerstone.ac.za
Dr. Martin Khoaseb
Cluster Lead: Practical Theology: Relational Leadership
Dr. Martin Khoaseb
Cluster Lead: Practical Theology: Relational Leadership
The life experiences and growing up as a young man during the turbulent years of political unrest in the 1980ās and 1990ās have shaped my life and the worldview a great deal. These early experiences during these turbulent times instilled in me a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to transformative leadership. I have begun my professional journey as a primary school teacher, serving for over eight years in the education sector before pursuing theological studies. My academic qualifications include a Diploma in Primary Education from the University of Namibia, a Licentiate in Theology from the Bible Institute of South Africa, a Bachelor of Honours from UNISA, a Master of Theology from the University of the Free State, and a PhD in Practical Theology from Stellenbosch University (2014). I held various leadership and administrative roles within the non-profit and theological education sectors. These include serving as the Director of Scripture Union Namibia and Principal of the Namibia Evangelical Theological Seminary. Since earning my doctorate, I have continued to serve in senior academic and administrative positions across several institutions, contributing to areas such as teaching, management, and curriculum Development. With over 15 years of lecturing experience in higher education, I am also deeply involved in church ministry, serving faithfully as a minister and an elder. My passion lies in equipping Godās people to discover their purpose and grow into their God-given destinies. I believe that one of the greatest needs of our time is credible, selfless leadership. Through my work in theological education, I am committed to developing leaders who will inspire transformation, foster hope, and stand resilient in the face of lifeās challenges.
- Phone:021 448 0050
- Email:martink@cornerstone.ac.za
- Taljaard, A. (2024, September 12). Constructive theology as part of the narrative of theological studies at CI. Cornerstone Institute. https://cornerstone.ac.za/constructive-theology/
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