Why Pursue Theological Training?
In today’s rapidly changing world, the need for well-equipped Pentecostal leaders is more crucial than ever. Theological training provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of ministry and effectively serve their communities. Whether you’re called to pastoral ministry, missions, teaching, or leadership within the Church, theological training equips you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Theological Training Overview
AFM Theological College (AFMTC) and the South African Theological Seminary (SATS) have entered into an agreement to offer non-formal, church-based as well as formal comprehensive theological education respectively. Through this agreement, students have the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Theology (BTh) degree, awarded by SATS and accredited by the Council on Higher Education, towards their possible ordination in the church if all the requirements are met. AFMTC offers non-formal, church-based courses in a variety of theological disciplines. These courses may be taken in addition to formal BTh modules offered by SATS. This unique blend of theoretical and practical learning prepares students for diverse roles within Christian ministry, both locally and internationally.
All formal and non-formal modules are offered online, allowing students to study in an online learning environment, a central hub, making learning possible wherever they live. To complete your studies, you will need access to the internet and a computer. SATS formal modules will be completed on the SATS Learning Management System (LMS), while AFMTC non-formal, church-based modules will be completed on the AFMTC LMS.
You need to complete 360 credits to earn the BTh degree awarded by SATS. Students may be exempted from some modules based on RPL administered by SATS. SATS will assess each student’s RPL application based on their prior learning experience. Furthermore, SATS (and not AFMTC) takes sole responsibility for admitting, teaching, assessing, and awarding candidates the accredited BTh degree when all the requirements are met.
SATS recognizes prior learning in all their undergraduate programmes based on prior qualifications and life experience and assigns credits according to the courses available in the BTh training programme. Should SATS BTh students wish to continue their studies in a postgraduate programme, they are well prepared to do so. The theological training programme is offered in English.
If you would like to discuss your theological training in more detail, please get in touch with our staff for more information about the courses offered, the SATS BTh partnership, as well as other services that we may render, at [email protected].
Do I Qualify?
Admission Requirements: SATS BTh Degree
To qualify for admission to the SATS Bachelor of Theology degree programme, prospective students must meet specific criteria.
Prospective students must provide certified/notarised proof (dated within the last 3 months) of the following requirements:
- Possession of a National Senior Certificate granting university access, or equivalent
- Holding a tertiary qualification from an accredited institution recognized by the Department of Education
- Holding a tertiary qualification from a foreign institution accredited by a recognized accrediting body or the institution’s national government
Additionally, a certified/notarised copy of the student’s identification document or valid passport must accompany the application form.
All applicants must have sufficient proficiency in English to be accepted into the programme.
Admission Requirements: AFMTC Non-Formal, Church-Based Training
Admission to AFMTC’s non-formal, church-based training program involves meeting the following criteria:
- Compliance with specific approval processes outlined by the AFM church
- Completion of an internship program (Ministerial Internship Program) in preparation for ordination, under the guidance of a senior AFM pastor
AFM Church’s Approval Procedure
The AFM church approval process is an integral part of the online application for admission to the Theological Training Programme for non-formal, church-based modules. This process involves completing recommendation/report forms in the following order:
- The candidate is required to complete the character reference form online.
- The candidate’s Senior Pastor/Assembly Leader must complete the recommendations/report form of the Governing Body and the Senior Pastor/Assembly Leader online.
- The Regional/Network Leader/Secretary/Administrator must complete the Regional/Network Committee recommendation form online. An interview will be held with the applicant and spouse (if married) by the Regional/Network Committee to facilitate the completion of their recommendation.
Please note that the AFM reserves the right to accept or reject applications. The decision of the National Leadership Forum is final, and no negotiations will be entered into.
All applications for admission must be submitted online during the prescribed application period. For more information on application and enrollment, please visit the Application Instructions Page.
Training Programme Outline
Formal BTh Modules Presented by SATS
The Bachelor of Theology programme offered by SATS encompasses a wide range of formal modules covering biblical studies, theology, church history, and more. These modules are designed to provide students with a solid theoretical foundation for ministry and leadership roles within the Church and society.
Non-Formal, Church-Based Modules Presented by AFMTC
AFMTC offers non-formal, church-based training modules aimed at enriching students’ practical understanding of Pentecostal theology and ministry.
This blended approach including non-formal and formal theological training ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that integrates both theoretical and practical aspects of Christian ministry.
This collaborative training programme equips students with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual formation necessary to become effective leaders in the Church and agents of positive change in their communities. Upon completion of the requirements, students doing formal studies will be awarded an accredited Bachelor of Theology degree through SATS.
Here follows an outline of non-formal, church-based modules offered by AFMTC:
First Level | Course | Code | Provider | Term |
Compulsory non-formal, church-based modules | Principles of Leadership 102 (Prerequisite for PLS202) | PLS102 | AFMTC | 1 & 2 |
Old Testament Studies 101 (Prerequisite for OTS102) | OTS101 | AFMTC | 1 & 2 | |
Systematic Theology & Ethics 101 (Prerequisite for STE102) | STE101 | AFMTC | 1 & 2 | |
Practical Theology 101 (Prerequisite for PTS102) | PTS101 | AFMTC | 1 & 2 | |
Church History 101 (Prerequisite for CHS102) | CHS101 | AFMTC | 1 & 2 | |
Principles of Leadership 202 | PLS202 | AFMTC | 3 & 4 | |
Old Testament Studies 102 | OTS102 | AFMTC | 3 & 4 | |
Systematic Theology & Ethics 102 | STE102 | AFMTC | 3 & 4 | |
Practical Theology 102 | PTS101 | AFMTC | 3 & 4 | |
Church History 102 | CHS102 | AFMTC | 3 & 4 |
Second Level | Course | Code | Provider | Term |
Compulsory non-formal, church-based modules | New Testament Studies 201 (Prerequisite for NTS202) | NTS101 | AFMTC | 1 & 2 |
Systematic Theology & Ethics 201 (Prerequisite for STE202) | STE201 | AFMTC | 1 & 2 | |
Practical Theology 201 (Prerequisite for PTS202) | PTS201 | AFMTC | 1 & 2 | |
Missiology 201 (Prerequisite for MSS202) | MSS201 | AFMTC | 1 & 2 | |
Church History 301 (Prerequisite for CHS302) | CHS301 | AFMTC | 1 & 2 | |
New Testament Studies 102 | NTS102 | AFMTC | 3 & 4 | |
Systematic Theology & Ethics 202 | STE202 | AFMTC | 3 & 4 | |
Practical Theology 202 | PTS202 | AFMTC | 3 & 4 | |
Missiology 202 | MSS202 | AFMTC | 3 & 4 | |
Church History 302 | CHS302 | AFMTC | 3 & 4 |
Third Level | Course | Code | Provider | Term |
Compulsory Non-formal, Church-based modules | New Testament Studies 301 (Prerequisite for NTS302) | NTS301 | AFMTC | 1 & 2 |
Systematic Theology & Ethics 301 (Prerequisite for STE302) | STE301 | AFMTC | 1 & 2 | |
Practical Theology 301 (Prerequisite for PTS302) | PTS301 | AFMTC | 1 & 2 | |
Missiology 301 (Prerequisite for MSS302) | MSS301 | AFMTC | 1 & 2 | |
New Testament Studies 302 | NTS302 | AFMTC | 3 & 4 | |
Systematic Theology & Ethics 302 | STE302 | AFMTC | 3 & 4 | |
Practical Theology 302 | PTS302 | AFMTC | 3 & 4 | |
Missiology 302 | MSS302 | AFMTC | 3 & 4 |
Timetable
Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 |
1 Feb. to 30 Apr. | 1 May to 31 July | 1 Aug. to 31 Oct. | 1 Nov. to 31 Jan. |
The training modules presented by AFMTC run over two three-month terms (or a six-month semester).
Pricing
Pay for courses as you are ready to take them. Spread the cost of the programme throughout your studies.
South African Pricing | |
SATS Application and Enrolment | Fee |
Application Fee (Once-off) | R500 |
Enrolment Fee (Once-off) | R2020 |
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Modules |
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SATS Modules (Formal BTh.) | R2566 |
AFMTC Modules (Non-formal, church-based) | R1283 |
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SATS Other Services |
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RPL Fee (Once-off) | R2322 |
Re-assessment Fee | R467 |
Special Letters | R120 |
Transcripts | R180 |
Re-activation Fee | R464 |
Please be advised that for certain modules, students are required to independently purchase prescribed textbooks at their own cost, providing greater flexibility in sourcing these materials.
Rules for Assessment, Credit Accumulation, Progression and Qualification
Assessment
Assessment
All assessment for both formal and non-formal modules is conducted online. Unless otherwise indicated, the pass mark for all assessment tasks is 50%. To pass a course, you must maintain a grade average of 50% or above.
