Registered with the Department of Higher Education as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997. Registration certificate no. 2008/HE08/001 2018 Prospectus www.christbaptistseminary.co.za “Ministry is the most serious calling. It requires a serious education. The threat to today’s church is just too great to trust any school for your training in the shepherding of eternal souls. You must train under godly men, who proclaim sound doctrine, with accurate interpretation, regularly preaching the authority of the Word of God… You need an education that has its eye on the pulpit. You need a seminary that is clear in the understanding of its task… You need a school that will train men as if lives depend on it…” Pastor John MacArthur
Transcript
Registered with the Department of
Higher Education as a private higher
education institution under the Higher
Education Act, 1997. Registration
certificate no. 2008/HE08/001
2018 Prospectus
www.christbaptistseminary.co.za
“Ministry is the most serious calling. It requires a serious
education. The threat to today’s church is just too great to
trust any school for your training in the shepherding of eternal
souls. You must train under godly men, who proclaim sound
doctrine, with accurate interpretation, regularly preaching the
authority of the Word of God… You need an education that has
its eye on the pulpit. You need a seminary that is clear in the
understanding of its task… You need a school that will train
So far, the seminary has trained men from these African
countries, including the US and Germany
Ivory
Coast
Nigeria
Uganda
Lesotho
Botswana
Burundi Rwanda
Malawi
DRC
Zambia
Kenya
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About Christ Seminary
Vision
An African continent filled with faithful
and equipped pastors, accurately
interpreting, living, and preaching the
Word of Truth.
Mission
We strive to exalt Christ and strengthen
His Church in Africa through training up
skilful shepherds who are able to study,
live out and communicate God’s Word
(Ezra 7:10; 2 Timothy 2:2, 3:15 and 4:2).
Registration status
Christ Seminary, Polokwane, is a ministry
of Christ Baptist Church, Polokwane and
has been faithfully training pastors from
Africa since its inception in 1997. The
seminary trains men from various
recognized Christian denominations.
Christ Seminary is registered with the
Department of Education as a private
higher education institution in terms of
section 54(1)(c) of the Higher Education
Act, 1997 (Act No 101 of 1997), and
Regulation 16(4)(a) of the Regulations for
the Registration of Private Higher
Education Institutions, 2002, to offer its
approved programmes at its main, and
only, campus on 375 Marshall Street,
Polokwane, 0700. The registration
certificate no. of the seminary is
2008/HE08/001.
Accredited Programmes
The seminary is accredited to offer a
Diploma in Theology (360 credits), and a
Bachelor of Theology (360 credits). These
programmes have been approved by the
Registrar in terms of section 53(1)(b) of
the Higher Education Act and Regulation
22(c) of the Regulation for the
Registration of Private Higher Education
Institutions, 2002. The Diploma is a three
year programme while the Bachelor is
currently a four year programme. Both
programmes are offered in contact mode.
Mode of instruction
The mode of delivery for both the Degree
and Diploma programmes is contact,
requiring students to attend lectures on
campus during the semester. More details
on contact sessions are given on page 9
under ‘Life at Christ Seminary’.
Language policy
Though there are several national
languages in South Africa, it is necessary
to identify one language among them
that is common to all for use in
instruction, assessment, and
administration at the seminary. English,
being a common, international, and
formal language, is the language of
instruction, assessment, and
administration at the seminary.
All forms of assessment; both formative
and summative, both oral and written,
shall be done in English, except in the
Biblical Hebrew and Biblical Greek
Grammar and Exegesis courses.
All applicants for admission into the
seminary shall be required to
demonstrate oral and written
competence in English, and have attained
a minimum 30% in the English subject in
their National Senior Certificate (NSC)
qualification.
About Christ Seminary
6
Principal
Charlie Rampfumedzi, B Luris, Hons BA (Th), MA (Th), Pursuing DMin
Charlie has over 15 years of experience as a lecturer, and over 10 years as a
pastor. He is an elder at Christ Baptist Church, and married with children.
Academic Dean
Dr. Dave Beakley, BA, MSc, MBA, MDiv, PhD
Dave has 15 years of experience in lecturing and the pastorate. He also has
extensive business experience from the US. He is the senior pastor at Christ
Baptist Church, Polokwane, and married with children.
Administrative Dean
Johann Odendaal, BA (Th) Hons, MA (Th)
Johann has over 15 years of experience as a lecturer, and over 30 years as a
pastor. He is the senior pastor at Christ Baptist Church, Mokopane branch, and
married with children.
Andrew Isiaho, BTh, Hons BA (Th), MA (Biblical Counselling)
Andrew has over 10 years of experience in lecturing, and over 20 years as a
pastor and missionary. He is an elder at Christ Baptist Church, and married
with children.
Joseph Mahlaola, BTh, BTh Hons, MTh in Biblical Greek, pursuing DEdMin
Joseph has over five years of experience in lecturing, and over 10 years as a
pastor and missionary. He is a pastor at Christ Baptist Church, and married
with children.
Gerhard Van Emmenes, BCompt, Hons BCompt, BTh, MA (NT), pursuing PhD
Gerhard has over four years of experience in lecturing, and 10 years as a
pastor. He also has experience as an accountant. He is an elder at Christ
Baptist Church, and married with children.
Nathan Odede, Dip (IMIS), Dip (PR), BTh, Hons BA (Th), Pursuing MA (OT)
Nathan has over three years of experience in lecturing and the pastorate. He
also has experience as a writer and editor. He is a pastor at Christ Baptist
Church, and married.
Faculty
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Statement of Faith
The Bible: We believe that the Bible, composed of 66 books, is the fully inspired Word of God,
written by appointed men of God, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, without error in the
original manuscripts, and is our final authority in all matters of faith and conduct (2 Timothy
3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21, Mark 13:31; John 8:31,32; John 20:31; Acts 20:32).
The Triune God: We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three
Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
The Father's purpose in the universe is to bring glory to Himself (Revelation 4:11) through His
creation, redemption, and daily provisions in Christ (Psalm 19:1; Ephesians 1:3-14; Philippians
4:19).
God the Father: We believe in God the Father, an infinite personal spirit, perfect in holiness,
wisdom, power and love. We believe that He infallibly foreknows all that shall come to pass,
that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of each person, that He hears and answers
every prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.
(Luke 10:21,22; Matthew 23:9; John 3:16; 6:27; Romans 1:7; 1 Timothy 1:1,2; 2:5,6; 1 Peter 1:3;
Revelation 1:6).
God the Son: We believe that Jesus Christ is the Second Person of the Trinity, the Son of God.
He is fully God (John 1:1) and fully man (John 1:14). He pre-existed from eternity past as the
Son of God (John 8:58). He created all things (Colossians 1:16). He was conceived by the Holy
Spirit (Luke 1:35), born of a virgin (Matthew 1:23), tempted in all things (Hebrews 4:15), and
was completely sinless (1 John 3:5). He paid the penalty for the sins of the world on Calvary's
cross (1 John 2:2). His sacrifice completely satisfied God's righteous requirement for sinners (2
Corinthians 5:21). He rose from the grave (Romans 1:4) and ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9). He is
presently interceding for believers in heaven (Romans 8:34). He will one day, personally and
visibly, return to earth to establish His kingdom and reign forever (Revelation 1:7, 20:4-6).
God the Holy Spirit: We believe in God the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity (1
Corinthians 12:4-6); 1 Peter 1:2). He possesses and exercises the attributes of God (Genesis 1:2;
Isaiah 40:13; 1 Corinthians 2:12; Psalm 139:7; 2 Peter 1:21). He convicts the world of sin (John
16:7-11). He regenerates believers (Titus 3:5), seals them (Ephesians 1:13,14), indwells them (1
Corinthians 3:16, fills them (Ephesians 5:18), empowers them (Acts 1:8), guides them (Romans
8:14), and teaches them (1 Corinthians 2:6-16). He grants individual believers spiritual gifts,
which must be operated and controlled in an orderly and appropriate manner for the edification
of the church (Ephesians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 12:7, 14:12,40; 1 Peter 4:10). Every believer is
baptized with and receives the Holy Spirit at the moment of conversion (John 1:33; Romans 8:9;
1 Corinthians 12:13; 1 John 3:24).
Satan and his Angels: We believe that Satan is a created being and a fallen angel (Ezekiel
28:13-15). He is chief of the demons; the enemy of God and of the believer (Matthew 4:1-11,
12:24; Ephesians 6:10-18). Satan was defeated by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
(Genesis 3:15; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8).
Mankind: We believe that God created man in His own image and likeness (Genesis 1:26, 27).
Adam was created in a state of unconfirmed holiness with the capacity to choose good or evil
(Genesis 2:16, 17). When Adam disobeyed God he became spiritually dead and all men sinned in
him (Romans 5:12-21). Man is a sinner by nature (Psalm 51:5) and by personal acts of sin has
incurred physical, spiritual and eternal death, which is separation from God (1 John 1:10).
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Man's heart is deceitful and he is unable to please God of his own accord. Those who repent and
forsake sin and trust Jesus as Saviour are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and become new
creatures that are delivered from condemnation and receive eternal life. (Isaiah 64:6; Jeremiah
17:9; Romans 3:11).
Redemption through Jesus Christ: We believe that in eternity past God's mercy and grace
prompted Him to send Jesus at the appointed time to redeem mankind (1 Timothy 2:6). We
believe that redemption was made possible through Christ's death and resurrection (1
Corinthians 15:3,4). Justification is accomplished by God's sovereign grace through faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 3:14; 5:24; 5:30; 7:13; 8:12; 10:26; Romans
9:22; 2 Thessalonians 1:9).
The Priesthood of the Believer: We believe that each Christian is a priest (1 Peter 2:9;
Revelation 1:6) and a minister (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). This means that each born-again believer
has the ability and responsibility to have direct access to God without the need of an earthly
mediator such as a Priest, Bishop or even Pastor (Hebrews 10:19).
The Eternality of Condemnation (Hell): We believe that every unbeliever (Not a true believer in
Christ) will suffer eternal punishment under God's condemnation in the Lake of fire (Revelation
20:15; Matthew 13:41-42).
The Eternality of Salvation (Heaven): We believe that all true believers in Christ will be kept
secure in their salvation by the power of God (John 10:28; Romans 8:29,30; Philippians 1:6).
The Church: We believe in the universal church which is the body of Christ, founded, formed,
and directed by Christ its Head (Matthew 16:18; Colossians 1:18). The universal church consists is
made up of local churches of all those who have been regenerated by God, baptised on a
credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work and fellowship. (Titus 3:5). The
local church is to fulfil the Great Commission through the power and presence of Jesus Christ
(Matthew 28:18-20).
The Ordinances: We believe that Christ gave the church two ordinances, baptism through
immersion in water in the Name of the Triune God (Matthew 28:19) and the Lord's Supper
(Matthew 26:26-29). These are not required for salvation; they are necessary elements of an
individual's obedience to God until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Autonomy of the Local Church: We believe that each local church is autonomous; its
beliefs and practices of faith being subject to no other authority than the Word of God (Mark
12:17; John 17:17-20). The state should not exert undue control over the church, or over its
freedom to exercise its influence for biblical principles and ethics (Acts 5:29; Romans 13:1,2).
The Lordship of Jesus Christ: We believe that each believer should pursue a lifestyle in
submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ (Luke 6:46). This includes love for God and man
(Matthew 22:34-40), and a holy life lived in obedience to the Word of God through the power of
the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18; Colossians 3:16; 1 Peter 2:1,2).
Last Things: We believe in the imminent return of Jesus Christ for His church and the
resurrection of the righteous (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). God will usher believers into a new
heavenly kingdom and unbelievers into eternal punishment in hell (Revelation 20:10,15).
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Admission Requirements
All applications must be received by the
end of September, each year, as
interviews will be scheduled for the
month of October.
The admission requirements for both the
Degree and Diploma programmes adhere
to both the stipulations by the
Department of Higher Education (DHET)
as certified by Umalusi (the Council for
General and Further Education and
Training), and the Admissions Policy of
the seminary.
For the Bachelor programme, the
applicant must be a holder of a National
Senior Certificate (NSC), having passed
the grade 12 matriculation examinations.
In his NSC qualification, the applicant
must have had a minimum of 40% in
English. He must have a rating of 4
(Adequate Achievement, 50-59%) or
better in any four other subjects which
are classified as 20-credit NSC subjects
by Umalusi.
For the Diploma programme, the
applicant must be a holder of a National
Senior Certificate (NSC), having passed
the grade 12 matriculation examinations.
In his NSC qualification, the applicant
must have had a minimum of 40% in
English. He must have a rating of 3
(Moderate Achievement, 40-49%) or
better in any four other subjects
classified as 20-credit NSC subjects by
Umalusi.
All applicants must personally attend
and pass an oral interview, where the
student will validate his Christian
testimony. A telephone conference
replaces the personal attendance of an
interview where the applicant is unable
to appear in person due to a valid reason
as deemed acceptable by the seminary.
A signed and dated reference letter from
the student’s Christian mentor
(preferably the senior pastor or an elder
of his local church).
Satisfactory completion of the
programme’s application form and
submission of the same before the
application deadline is also mandatory.
The candidate must also demonstrate the
ability to pay the tuition and related fees
for the duration of the programme; and
where partial bursaries are offered, the
candidate must demonstrate his ability to
pay the remainder of the amount.
For international applicants (non-
residents of South Africa), a valid study
permit for the duration of the course is
required. International applicants should
also solicit and confirm that they have
found a host church in South Africa where
they will carry out their practical
ministry activities; and a residence where
they will live when out of session.
Recognition of prior learning
(RPL) will be considered where the
applicant does not hold an NSC
qualification. Non-formal learning and
relevant experience will be assessed and
used to determine admission into the
seminary’s programmes. Not more than
10% of the total students on a programme
shall be admitted through RPL.
Applicants may be exempted from similar
courses completed in a cognate field at a
registered institution with an accredited
programme(s) at the same NQF level.
Exemptions awarded will not exceed 50%
of the total credits required to complete
the programme.
Admission Requirements
10
As part of the seminary’s
goal to equip pastors for
life-long ministry, the
seminary issues course
textbooks to each student
every semester. These
include: expositional and
exegetical commentaries;
biblical language tools
such as Greek and
Hebrew Bibles and
lexicons; theological
textbooks; Old and New
Testament survey and
introduction books;
church history books;
Bible dictionaries and
atlases; practical ministry
books; and more.
By the time of
graduation, each student
would have personally
acquired a library-worth
of books useful for
research, and preaching
and teaching.
The books pictured here
feature some of the titles
offered to students at the
seminary.
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Academic Rules & Regulations
Outcomes-based approach
The seminary desires to maximise the
student’s potential and ability by
applying the principles of Outcome Based
Education (OBE). OBE is designed to
teach students specific knowledge or
principles which can be demonstrated in
measurable outcomes. The seminary is
thus focused on practical competency in
ministry, where students are required to
be actively involved in ministry, with
ample time factored in each programme
to enable students to effectively serve in
their local churches.
Assessment
In most cases, dependent on the module,
formative assessments will comprise 50%
of the total mark, and summative
assessments (final exams, or project
where applicable) will comprise 50%. A
cumulative pass mark of at least 50% in
the formative assessments is required to
sit for a final (summative) exam.
The pass mark for a final exam is 50%. A
student will retake the exam if he scored
between 45-49%. A score below 45% will
require a retake of the class.
Final examinations are held at the end of
each semester, in June and November.
All exams are externally moderated.
External moderators ensure that exam
papers are fair and a true reflection of
the course material taught as well as fair
marking and allocation of final marks.
Credit accumulation
Each course taken will accrue between 8-
12 credits towards the qualification. In
order to receive a Diploma (DipTh)
qualification a minimum total of 360
credits (with at least 120 credits on NQF
level 6) must be achieved; and a
minimum total of 360 credits (with at
least 120 credits on NQF level 7) achieved
for a Bachelor of Theology (BTh)). As
approved by the faculty, credits awarded
for completed courses from a cognate
programme are transferable into any of
the two programmes, but the total
transferable credits shall not comprise
more 50% of the total required to
complete any of the two programmes.
Progression
The student will be required to pass all
classes (or re-sit for exams where
necessary) before proceeding to the next
academic year. Where a student has
totally failed (achieved below 45%) in
three courses in a particular year,
progression to the next year may not be
approved. He will have to retake the
failed classes within a year. Bursaries will
not be available for students retaking
classes due to failure.
The seminary continues to emphasize
student retention and will take necessary
actions to aid academically weak
students as per the institution’s policies.
Qualification
Upon successful completion of the
programme, each student will be issued
with a transcript detailing all the courses
taken and the credit value that has been
achieved. The certificate of qualification
will be awarded at a Graduation
Ceremony in November, in the year of
completion of studies. Bachelor students
must complete their studies within seven
years, while Diploma students must
complete their studies within five years.
Academic Rules & Regulations
12
Financial aid
Students who cannot meet the full
financial obligations of the programme
for its duration will not be immediately
discontinued, but will be considered for
bursaries at the seminary’s discretion,
subject to factors such as availability of
funds, student’s academic record, faculty
mentor’s recommendation, and more.
Student support services
The seminary aims to achieve and
maintain the highest possible academic
standard, and inspire students to strive
for the same. To help achieve this, and
also maximise retention, the seminary
offers various forms of student support,
including: academic and personal
counselling; individual faculty mentors;
library services; IT assistance; access to
the online resource server; unlimited 24-
hour wireless internet; bursaries;
internship placements as per availability;
administrative support such as printing,
communication, and more.
Student complaints and disputes
Where a dispute arises amongst
students, the involved parties shall
attempt a resolution, failure to which
the Residence Director (RD) will be
involved. If the RD fails, the relevant
faculty mentors and/or administrative
dean shall address the issue. His
decision, as guided by the Bible and
the relevant seminary policies, shall
be final and accepted by all parties.
Where an administrative issue arises,
the administrator shall address it,
failure to which the administrative
dean do so. Where an academic issue
arises, the course lecturer shall
resolve the matter, failure to which
the academic dean shall do so. In
cases where either the academic or
administrative dean fail to resolve a
matter, the seminary’s disciplinary
committee shall discuss the issue and
present a final solution and/or
decision, as guided by the Bible and
the seminary’s relevant policies, shall
be final and accepted by all parties.
Health and wellness
The seminary adheres to certified health
and safety standards in all its premises.
Every student is required to conduct
themselves in a worthy manner that does
not contravene any of the health and
safety standards. All students are
required to uphold and, where possible,
improve on the existing standards. The
students are also required to attend to
their personal hygiene, keep their rooms
clean at all times, and on rotational basis
clean the dining area.
In case of illness, the administrator will
arrange a doctor’s visit, at the student’s
personal and/or medical-aid cost. In case
of spiritual and/or emotional issues, a
student will be offered counselling by
one of the faculty members.
Disability
No applicant will be discriminated against
due to disability. He will be offered an
equal opportunity as per the seminary’s
criteria for admission. The disability
status of applicants shall be determined
in advance to ascertain whether he needs
additional personal support.
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Cost & Funding
All students are required to pay a fee of
R5,000 per annum (R2,500 per semester),
subject to annual review.
This fee includes tuition, prescribed
textbooks, and accommodation and
meals when in session. This fee is highly
subsidized due to sponsorships from the
seminary’s partners.
This fee may be paid annually before the
beginning of the first semester in
January. Alternatively, half the fee may
be paid before the beginning of the first
semester, and the other half before the
beginning of the second semester.
To note, retake of classes and exams will
not attract any subsidy. The total cost of
retaking the particular will be borne by
the student.
In case of cancellation or withdrawal
before the programme starts, all fees
that would have been paid will be
refunded in full. But where cancellation
or withdrawal from any programme
occurs when the programme has already
started, no fees will be reimbursed for
semesters that the student has already
undertaken or is currently taking.
In cases where the student would have
paid for a semester(s) in advance, the
fees for the semester that has not been
taken or started will be refunded.
Cost & Funding
To the right is an outdoor photo of
our hostel facility that offers a very
conducive environment for study;
with each self-contained room shared
between two students only, wireless
internet connectivity, separate study
desk and lighting for each student.
Also available next to the hostels is a
communal kitchen and dining facility.
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CHRIST SEMINARY STUDENT ENROLMENT CONCTRACT
This contract is entered into between Christ Seminary and the applicant detailed below, and is not transferable to a third party. The contract encompasses all terms and conditions detailed in the seminary’s prospectus, and all other seminary policies and procedures, and related documents.
Student details
Full names: ID number: Address: Email address: Phone number:
Details of next of kin
Full names: ID number: Address: Email address: Phone number:
Details of person responsible for payment of fees (if not the student)
Full names: ID number: Address: Email address: Phone number: Signature:
(By signing this contract, the signatory binds him/herself to pay all necessary fees pertaining to the programme, and that he/she agrees to settle the student’s account in case of either withdrawal from or completion of the programme, without which the seminary reserves the right to undertake necessary legal action to collect outstanding fees, and to withhold the academic transcripts and/or certificate of the student until the fees are paid in full. Where the student is responsible for his own fee payment, this declaration shall apply personally to him).
Programme information
Name of programme enrolled for (as per registration certificate): Year enrolled: Duration of the programme:
(The student should note that all programmes are offered only in contact mode)
Declaration by the student
By signing this contract, the student declares that he has read and understood the seminary’s statement of faith, terms and conditions detailed in the prospectus and related documents presented to him by the seminary, and promises to adhere to all these stipulations for the duration of his studies, and any other guidelines and regulations that may subsequently be introduced by the seminary or any of its authorized officials.
The student also declares that he has met all requirements for enrolment, and that all information submitted by him at the time of signing this contract are true to the best of his knowledge.
The student also indemnifies the seminary and all its officials from liability to the maximum extent permitted by law in respect of any claim for direct or consequential loss, damage, death, injury or any other cause, suffered as a direct or indirect result of the student's enrolment, studies or use of the seminary’s facilities.
