Become a Compassionate, Future-skilled Leader
Theology and Ethics Relevant for Today
The department offers a contemporary approach to the study of ecumenical theology and ethics in order to nourish discerning leaders for urbanized contexts.
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. These reflections are placed in the everyday complexities and the dynamics of communities and in light of a 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. And thereby, respond to the broader task of how to live faithfully and justly-orientated amidst the diversities and complexities of our worlds in a responsible and embodied manner.
We encourage critical and constructive studies that nourish religious leaders who are theological grounded and thus, Christ centered, Spirit-filled, ecumenical orientated, Biblical rooted, sound inter-faith dialogue partners, inclusive, eco and child-friendly. We further encourage the religious leaders to live with an ethical alertness and resilience towards the challenges and opportunities of the local, global and future world in light of the gospel.
The department engages in ethical leadership studies which encourages scholars, from various disciplines, to become sound interdisciplinary scholars and agile leaders who are capable of engaging with the diversities of our local and global contexts in a respectful and hospitable manner.
We foster leadership that encourages leaders (theological and ethical) to become discerning dialogue partners that part-take through their vocation (in everyday work) in the embodiment of just, dignified and life-giving practices for the well-being of all.
Thus leaders who are well grounded in the love of God and enabled to make a difference in the various contexts of local churches, communities, the work place and that of society.
A Praxis Approach to Theology
To develop you as a compassionate, future-skilled leader for various types of Christian Ministry, the programme comprises four core disciplines.
Biblical Studies focuses on faithfully understanding and interpreting the Bible, calling us to an honest engagement with the Word of God so that our messages remain true to God's loving character and speak to the struggles and challenges people and communities face.
To read and interpret the Bible skilfully, we engage with it as an ancient text comprising various books, genres, authors, and audiences, and we discover its richness by placing it in its ancient context.
At the same time, we read and interpret the Bible together as the transformative Word of God, who speaks of love and light and offers healing, salvation, joy, and direction. Faithful interpretation of the Word of God speaks to our situations and contexts, and leaders are tasked with doing so humbly and discerningly.
In Christian Faith Studies, we learn that people of faith should be able to give an account of the hope that lives within them. We articulate our hope as faith in God by exploring in depth the theological themes that shape our understanding of who God is and who we are in relation to God.
Themes include God as Creator, Reconciler, and Redeemer; humanity as sinners and as new beings in Christ; the church's prophetic, priestly, and kingly role as the Body of Christ.
We also learn how insights from the social sciences, natural sciences, technology and the arts inform our understanding, and we explore appropriate theological responses to notions such as identity, gender, hospitality, human dignity, globalisation, and social justice.
In Practical Theology: Relational Leadership, you explore the personal and collective dimensions of human relationships. It equips you to understand how dignity, care, communication, difference, and power shape relational life, and you learn to exercise leadership that strengthens mutual flourishing, participation, social cohesion, and responsible care.
This discipline focuses on the kind of leaders we become, emphasising spirituality and formation, character, values, integrity, and the stewardship of mature relationships within family, church, and society.
We also explore how stewarding mature relationships requires knowledge of pastoral care, listening skills, and compassion to address life's challenges (change, conflict, health issues, grief) from a faith perspective.
In Practical Theology: Contextual Leadership, diverse forms of community are explored with particular attention to the church's communal life and its participation in society. It equips you to analyse and interpret contexts in an urban environment, exercise theological and ethical judgement, and develop responsible responses to social challenges.
The discipline uses case studies to examine transdisciplinary community responses to urban and ethical challenges, and practical exercises to expose you to contexts and to enable creative, collaborative responses, interventions, and liturgical practices.
During a period of supervision and fieldwork, you develop a ministry plan and learn to implement, monitor, evaluate, and report on your ministry.
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.
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.
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. Our program offering of interdisciplinary courses broadens the scope of ministry and offers choices in leadership studies, pastoral counseling, and community development.
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.
Our Leadership Team
Our team is led by cluster leads who play a pivotal role in shaping the program's content. They, along with several adjunct lecturers, bring their expertise to the programme's development and lecturing.
- Dr. Martin Khoaseb Heads the Pastoral Care and Community Development cluster
- Dr. Charmaine Manuel Heads the Practical Theology and Leadership cluster
- Anlené Taljaard Leads the Biblical Studies and Constructive Theology cluster
Certificate-Holder Students & Differences
Are you joining us with an existing certificate or diploma? Or are you unsure which qualification is right for you? Review the comparison below to understand the distinct outcomes of each pathway.
| Qualification | Level / Credits | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Certificate in Christian Ministry View Programme → | NQF 5 / 120 Credits | Leaders of faith communities with no formal ministerial education. Orients them to a foundational understanding of core aspects of ministry. |
| BA in Theology View Programme → | NQF 7 / 360 Credits | Students wanting to study theology in the context of social sciences. Provides a strong foundation for further study or careers in human services. |
| BTh in Community Leadership View Programme → | NQF 7 / 360 Credits | Faith leaders seeking comprehensive theological knowledge, practical ministry skills, and advanced leadership abilities for transformative community impact. |
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.
The programs are designed to enable 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.
Consists of the following five components with the option of a specialisation field:
- Component: Biblical Studies;
- Component: Christian Faith Studies;
- Component: Leadership Studies;
- Component: Specialisation in Christian Ministry, Psychology for Pastoral Counselling, or Sociology and Community Development.
- Component: Research Project
Allows students to study theology in the context of social sciences. Provides a strong foundation for further study or careers in ministry, community leadership, and human services.
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.
Learn from the Best
Our team is led by cluster leads who play a pivotal role in shaping the programme. They, along with several adjunct lecturers, bring a wealth of expertise to the programme's development and lecturing.
Meet the FacultyMedia & Insights
Watch and read more about the experiences of our students and the thought leadership of our faculty.
Who Is God? Exploring Theology in Context
Discover Your Leadership Style
Leadership & Empowerment
Theology in Context
Constructive Theology as part of the Narrative of Theological Studies at CI
"The curriculum designs of local and global Theology and Ethical studies at various academic institutions and seminaries tell unique stories. At a closer look, these stories carry deep theoretical choices embedded in matters such as academic discourses, contextual nuances, and different methodological approaches."Read Full Article
✨ Theology & Ethics Engagement Hub
Deepen your calling · Equip your community