Philosophy
Mission in African is constantly challenged by the pervading presences of non-Christian religions. Two of such religions are the indigenous Religion of the people and the Islam. Effective ministry to these non-Christian religions does not only require a solid theological foundation grounded in unchanging biblical doctrines but also competences in missiological thinking and strategy needed to drive the mission of the Church in the 21st century.Therefore, this programme prepares students to understand the worldview of the chosen non-Christina religion, formulate and apply biblically sound approaches to ministry and mission and uphold the foundation of a commitment to the traditional biblical Christianity.
Specialisations
- Islamic Ministry
- African Traditional Religion
Islamic Ministry Major
Islam is a major religion on the continent of Africa, and Christian mission strategy needs to take into account the presence of such a major religion. The Islamic Ministry major is intended to develop experts in inter-faith dialogue with Muslim neighbors. Effective ministry is based on knowledge, understanding, good communication skills and wholesome respect. By understanding the beliefs and values of Islam, Christian ministry practitioners will be equipped with appropriate knowledge, attitudes and skills in reaching out to Muslims. Age old prejudices that have created barriers between Christians and Muslims need to be addressed through knowledge, respect, skilful contextualized communication and love.
African Traditional Religion
The African Traditional Religion (ATR) forms a deeply imbedded faith system that is based on African worldview. While many Africans have embraced Christianity, they struggle with certain fundamental assumptions, which are part of ATR, which have not been adequately examined and addressed. The result is a challenge to the mission of Christian Churches. The ATR major is designed to prepare pastors, religion teachers and other Christian leaders for a more effective communication of the gospel to the peoples of Africa. This effective ministry is based on clear knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and values of ATR. Christian ministry and mission strategists will be armed with appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable them to reach deeper into the religious experience of their adherents.
The benefits you will obtain from taking the degree:
- Possess knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes that promote respect and dialogue with people from these two religious backgrounds.
- Develop attitudes of respect, acceptance and appreciation for these peoples.
- Obtain positive communication skills to reach across the religious/cultural divide.
- Identify sources of dual allegiance among African Christians and respond with appropriate spiritual nurturing strategies that address root causes.
- Contribute to research in the area of Muslim-Christians relations as well as ATR-Christian relations so as to provide the church with relevant materials that can be used for Christian witness and the on-going discipling of believers.
