AFM Theological College

AFM Ordination Preparation

AFM Ordination Preparation

Welcome to the AFM Theological College’s comprehensive ordination pathway. This guide outlines the official requirements and structured process for all candidates preparing for ordination ministry within the AFM of SA. Whether you’re currently studying at AFMTC or have completed your theological education at an external institution, this resource will help you understand each step of your journey toward ordination. The AFM Ordination Preparation Process is designed to ensure that all candidates develop both theological depth and practical ministry competence while maintaining alignment with AFM doctrine, governance, and ministry values. This pathway combines academic excellence, church-specific training, supervised ministry practice, and comprehensive vetting to prepare you for effective leadership in the AFM of SA.

28 February

Closing date for Semester 2 of the same year.

28 October

Closing date for Semester 1 of the following year.

Table of Contents

Essential Components of Ordination Preparation

Five Essential Components of Ordination Preparation: The AFM of SA requires all ordination candidates to successfully complete five distinct but interconnected components. Each element plays a vital role in your formation as a ministry leader, ensuring you’re equipped with theological knowledge, denominational understanding, practical skills, and character readiness for ordained ministry.

1. Accredited Theological Qualification

Complete an NQF Level 6 or 7 theological qualification from an accredited institution.

2. Church Specific Training Programme (CSTP)

Master AFM doctrine, history, governance, and hermeneutical principles through CSTP modules.

3. Ministry Integrated Learning (MIL)

Engage in supervised ministry practice with mentorship and leadership development.

4. Vetting & Approval Process

Complete comprehensive recommendations from local through national leadership levels.

5. National Leadership Forum Acceptance

Receive final acceptance & approval from the NLF for ordination candidacy.

Critical Understanding

Admission to CSTP does not guarantee admission to MIL, nor does admission to either guarantee ordination. Each stage requires separate approval and successful completion.

Understanding the Church Specific Training Programme (CSTP)

The Church Specific Training Programme (CSTP) forms the denominational foundation of your ordination preparation. This programme ensures that all AFM ordination candidates, regardless of where they completed their formal theological education, develop a deep understanding and alignment with AFM doctrine, historical development, governance structures, liturgical identity, hermeneutical approaches, and core ministry values that distinguish the Apostolic Faith Mission.

CSTP consists of four specialized modules designed specifically for the AFM context. Each module addresses critical areas of denominational knowledge and practice that complement your formal theological training. The programme recognizes that while theological education provides essential biblical and ministerial foundations, church-specific training ensures you can lead effectively within the unique culture, structure, and theological framework of the AFM of SA.

AFM Church History & Governance

Explore the rich heritage of the AFM from its founding to present-day structures, understanding how historical developments shape current governance and organizational frameworks.

Engage deeply with AFM’s theological distinctives, doctrinal positions, and belief statements that define denominational identity and teaching.

Learn the worship traditions, sacramental practices, and liturgical expressions that characterize AFM corporate and individual spiritual life.

Develop the interpretive frameworks and biblical reading practices that guide AFM’s understanding and application of Scripture in ministry contexts.

CSTP Requirements: Two Distinct Pathways

The AFM recognizes that ordination candidates come from different educational backgrounds, and the CSTP requirements reflect this reality. Your specific pathway through CSTP depends on where you completed or are completing your formal theological qualification. Understanding which pathway applies to you is essential for proper planning and expectations.

AFMTC Students (NQF6 or NQF7)

If you’re currently registered for an NQF Level 6 or NQF Level 7 theology qualification at The Apostolic Faith Mission Theological College, you benefit from a streamlined CSTP pathway that recognizes the AFM-focused content already integrated into your formal studies.

Module Requirements:
– Complete only 2 modules: AFM Church History & Governance, and AFM Liturgical Principles.
– May complete CSTP concurrently with formal theological studies.
– CSTP enrolment fee waived as an AFMTC student benefit.
– Leadership Mastery Workshops are fully sponsored.

This pathway acknowledges that the AFMTC curriculum already addresses substantial AFM-specific content, reducing redundancy while ensuring comprehensive denominational preparation.

If you completed your accredited NQF Level 6 or Level 7 theological qualification at a Higher Education Institution other than AFMTC, you’ll complete the full CSTP to ensure a comprehensive understanding of AFM-specific content not typically covered in external programmes.

Module Requirements:
– Complete all 4 CSTP modules: Church History & Governance, Dogmatics, Liturgical Principles, and Hermeneutics.
– May complete CSTP before entering or during MIL Programme.
– Standard CSTP enrolment fees apply.
– Standard module and workshop fees apply. 

This comprehensive pathway ensures that graduates from diverse theological institutions develop the specific denominational knowledge essential for effective AFM ministry leadership.

CSTP Delivery, Workshops & Duration

The Church Specific Training Programme (CSTP) is designed with flexibility to accommodate working students completing formal qualifications. Understanding the delivery mode, workshop requirements, and expected timeframe helps you plan effectively for this essential component of ordination preparation.

Fully Online Delivery

All CSTP modules are delivered entirely online through a digital learning platform, allowing you to engage with content, complete assignments, and interact with facilitators from anywhere with internet access. This flexible delivery mode enables you to balance CSTP with employment, family responsibilities, and other ministry commitments.

Beyond the four core modules, all CSTP candidates must complete 2–4 online Leadership Mastery Workshops. These workshops focus on practical leadership competencies, ministerial skills, and personal development essential for effective pastoral ministry. AFMTC students receive full sponsorship for these workshops.

The CSTP is designed for completion within 12 to 24 months, depending on your pace of study, work commitments, and whether you’re completing modules concurrently with other studies. This timeframe allows for deep engagement with content while maintaining reasonable progress toward ordination readiness.

CSTP Entry Requirements Checklist

Before you can enrol in the Church Specific Training Programme (CSTP), you must meet specific entry requirements that vary slightly based on your educational pathway. All candidates, regardless of pathway, must complete the “AFM Vetting & Approval Process” before CSTP registration is finalized.

AFMTC Students

– Currently registered for NQF6 or NQF7 theology at AFMTC.
– Certified ID copy (issued within the last 3 months).
– Completed AFM Vetting & Approval Process.

– Completed an accredited NQF6 or NQF7 theological qualification.
– Certified ID copy (issued within the last 3 months).
– Completed AFM Vetting & Approval Process.

Admission to CSTP does not guarantee admission to the Ministry Integrated Learning Programme (MIL). MIL has separate entry requirements and approval processes.

Understanding the Ministry Integrated Learning (MIL) Programme

The Ministry Integrated Learning Programme provides the crucial bridge between academic preparation and effective pastoral practice. MIL is where theological knowledge, denominational understanding, and practical ministry competencies converge through supervised ministry experience, intentional mentorship, ongoing leadership development, and structured reflection on ministerial practice.

The MIL Programme recognizes that ordination readiness requires more than theological education alone. Effective pastoral leadership develops through guided practice, feedback from experienced mentors, real-world problem-solving in ministry contexts, and deliberate cultivation of ministerial character and competencies. MIL creates a structured environment for this essential formation to occur under supervision and with accountability.

Four Supervised Ministry Modules

Engage in structured learning modules covering essential areas of pastoral practice, including preaching, pastoral care, leadership, administration, and community engagement—all under the supervision of experienced ministry practitioners.

Participate in blended leadership development through two online workshops and two in-person intensive workshops, building critical leadership competencies and peer networks with fellow MIL candidates.

Complete designated workplace learning hours in actual ministry settings, applying theological and denominational knowledge to real pastoral situations while developing hands-on skills and ministerial judgment.

Work closely with an assigned ministry mentor who provides guidance, feedback, encouragement, and accountability throughout your MIL journey, helping you develop ministerial identity and effectiveness.

Compile a comprehensive portfolio documenting your learning, ministry experiences, competency development, and reflective growth throughout the MIL Programme as evidence of ordination readiness.

MIL Programme Pathways

The pathway to the Ministry Integrated Learning (MIL) Programme varies based on your academic background. Please review the specific requirements below to understand when you can undertake MIL.

For AFMTC Students (NQF 6 or 7)
  • You can undertake MIL concurrently with your formal academic studies.
  • Prerequisite: You must have completed the Church Specific Training Programme (CSTP) before starting MIL.
  • Concurrent CSTP: If you complete CSTP concurrently with your first-level academic studies, you can then proceed to do MIL concurrently with your second and third-level academic studies.
  • Prerequisite: You must first complete your NQF 6 or 7 theological qualification.
  • After completing your qualification, you can then undertake both the Church Specific Training Programme (CSTP) and the MIL Programme concurrently.

MIL Programme Entry Requirements

Entry into the Ministry Integrated Learning Programme requires meeting several important prerequisites that demonstrate your readiness for supervised ministry practice. These requirements ensure that all MIL participants have the necessary theological foundation, denominational approval, and organizational support to benefit fully from the programme. The specific timing for entry regarding your theological qualification depends on your student pathway:

Accredited Theological Qualification & Pathway-Specific Timing

You must be pursuing or have successfully completed an NQF Level 6 or Level 7 theological qualification from an accredited Higher Education Institution. For AFMTC students, this allows for concurrent MIL study with later academic levels after CSTP. For External HEI graduates, the qualification must be completed first. This ensures you have essential theological knowledge and biblical foundations for ministry practice.

The full vetting and approval process – including character reference, senior pastor recommendation, local assembly governing body recommendation, regional committee recommendation —must be completed and approved before MIL admission.

Final acceptance from the AFM National Leadership Forum is required before you can register for the MIL Programme. This ensures that national leadership has reviewed and approved your candidacy for ordination preparation.

Students who completed or are busy with their NQF6/7 qualification at AFMTC pay no MIL enrolment fee. Standard programme fees still apply.

AFMTC Student Benefit

Admission to the MIL Programme does not guarantee ordination. Successful MIL completion is one requirement among several for ordination eligibility.

Critical Reminder

Understanding the AFM Vetting & Approval Process

The AFM Vetting & Approval Process is a comprehensive character and calling verification system required for admission to both CSTP and MIL programmes. This multi-level process ensures that ordination candidates demonstrate godly character, clear calling to ministry, support from their local church community, affirmation from experienced pastoral leadership, and alignment with AFM values and governance standards. The process moves systematically through five levels of recommendation and approval.

Understanding this process is essential because you cannot register for CSTP or MIL until all approval stages are completed. The vetting process protects both you and the AFM by ensuring that only candidates who demonstrate readiness, character, calling, and community support move forward in ordination preparation. Each level of approval builds on the previous one, creating a thorough assessment of your suitability for ordained ministry within the AFM of SA.

AFM Vetting & Approval

Understanding the Process
  • Character Reference | Provide a written personal character reference about your Christian character, integrity, interpersonal conduct, and suitability for pastoral ministry.
  • Senior Pastor Recommendation | A written recommendation from your senior pastor affirming your calling, character, ministry involvement, spiritual maturity, and readiness for ordination preparation.
  • Local Assembly Governing Body Recommendation | Obtain a formal recommendation from the governing body of your local AFM assembly, confirming their support for your ordination candidacy and ministry preparation.
  • Regional Committee Recommendation | Secure approval from your AFM regional committee, demonstrating that regional leadership affirms your calling and supports your advancement toward ordination.
  • National Leadership Forum Approval | Receive final approval from the AFM National Leadership Forum for admission to ordination preparation programmes—the highest level of denominational affirmation.
Track Progress on the MyAFMTC Portal
The vetting workflow progresses automatically through your online application portal. Once you submit your application with the required documentation, each level of approval flows sequentially from character reference through to NLF acceptance. You'll receive notifications as your application moves through each stage, and you can track progress through your online portal at https://afm.nexsisportal.com.
5 Stages

Application Process & Intake Periods

The AFM ordination preparation application process is streamlined through an online portal designed to make your application efficient while ensuring all necessary documentation and approvals are properly submitted and tracked. Understanding the application process, required documentation, and annual intake periods helps you plan your timeline and prepare materials in advance.

How to Apply

All applications for CSTP and MIL Programmes are submitted exclusively through the online application portal at https://afm.nexsisportal.com. The online system guides you step-by-step through application requirements, document uploads, and automatically routes your application through the vetting and approval workflow.

Your application requires specific documentation depending on which programme you’re applying for. Ensure all documents are prepared and meet the stated requirements before beginning your application.

For All Applicants:
Certified ID Copy: Must be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths and not older than 3 months from the application date.

For CSTP (Church Specific Training Programmes) Applications:
AFMTC Students: Current AFMTC registration documentation for NQF Level 6 or Level 7 theological qualification (official transcript showing active registration).
External HEI Graduates: Completed and accredited NQF Level 6 or Level 7 theological qualification certificate and academic transcript from your institution.

For MIL (Ministry Integrated Learning) Applications:
– Completed an accredited NQF Level 6 or Level 7 theological qualification certificate.
– Official academic transcript showing qualification completion.
– Evidence of CSTP (Church Specific Training Programme) completion (if applicable).

Once you submit your complete application with all required documentation, the system automatically initiates the vetting and approval workflow. Your application moves sequentially through: Character Reference → Senior Pastor Recommendation → Local Assembly Governing Body Recommendation → Regional Committee Recommendation → National Leadership Forum Approval. You’ll receive email notifications at each stage and can track progress through your online portal dashboard.

Applications accepted for programmes beginning in the new year.

First Intake: November - January

Applications accepted for mid-year programme commencement.

Second Intake: April - June

Final Ordination Requirements & Important Reminders

After completing all components of the ordination preparation pathway, you may apply for ordination through the AFM of SA. However, it’s critically important to understand that completing these programmes does not automatically result in ordination. Final ordination decisions involve separate processes, additional considerations, and ongoing assessment of readiness, character, calling, and ministry effectiveness by denominational leadership.

Complete Ordination Preparation Checklist

Before applying for ordination, verify that you have successfully completed all required components:

✔ Completed accredited NQF Level 6 or Level 7 theological qualification.
✔ Completed CSTP modules (2 modules for AFMTC students; 4 modules for external HEI graduates). 
✔ Completed all required Leadership Mastery Workshops.
✔ Completed the Ministry Integrated Learning (MIL) Programme.
✔ Completed AFM Vetting & Approval Process with all recommendations.
✔ Received National Leadership Forum acceptance for ordination candidacy. 

After completing all ordination preparation requirements, you must submit a separate formal application for ordination through the AFM of SA ordination process. This process involves additional assessment, interviews, ministry evaluation, and final decision-making by appropriate denominational bodies. Completion of CSTP and MIL demonstrates readiness for ordination consideration but does not guarantee ordination approval.

Critical Reminders for Your Journey

The AFM Ordination Preparation pathway represents a comprehensive, rigorous, and grace-filled journey toward ministry leadership within the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa. This structured process ensures that all ordained ministers possess theological competence, denominational alignment, practical ministry skills, godly character, and the calling and affirmation necessary for effective pastoral leadership. We encourage you to approach this journey with diligence, humility, teachability, and dependence on God’s grace. For questions about your specific situation or application, please contact the AFMTC admissions office at www.afmtc.ac.za.

Admission to CSTP does not guarantee admission to MIL.

Each programme has distinct entry requirements and separate approval processes. Successfully completing CSTP is necessary but not sufficient for MIL admission.

These programmes prepare you for ordination consideration, but final ordination decisions involve additional processes and assessment beyond programme completion.

You must complete and receive approval at each level before progressing to the next component of ordination preparation. Plan your timeline accordingly.

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Application Period Updates

Applications for the First Semester of 2025:

Applications for the first semester of 2025 are open from 1 August 2024 to 31 October 2024. Stay tuned for updates and explore other opportunities with us.

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