Author: The ATS Team (Page 1 of 3)

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The Christian and Politically correctness

Political correctness involves upholding basic human rights by ensuring that language, principles, values, and actions are not offensive, discriminatory, or dehumanizing to any specific culture or society. While these principles, norms, and values sometimes align with those of the Bible, they are not always in agreement and are often shaped by a particular elite group (not necessarily the majority) who attempt to impose their personal beliefs on society.

These opinions and values are often considered fairly “neutral,” as they are intended to be normative for everyone, regardless of race, gender, gender preference, religion, or belief systems within a specific society. They reflect a kind of “world spirit or attitude” and are inherently humanistic. The values of a certain elite—mainly because of their prominence in the media and entertainment world—determine what is deemed politically correct or incorrect, valid or invalid. This is primarily expressed through verbal or written communication, music, lifestyle, fashion, and various forms of broadcast media. Whether politically correct conduct aligns with Biblical teachings is generally seen as irrelevant.

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2025 – The God Factor

As we leave the New Year’s festivities behind, we find ourselves facing a world that increasingly appears ‘crazy’ in many respects. The pace of change and its global scale are unprecedented in human history. Feeling overwhelmed by fear and anxiety is not an unreasonable reaction. From a rationalistic (relying solely on reason and knowledge) and mechanistic (viewing issues purely in physical terms) worldview, humanity seems to be in trouble. To borrow a Biblical metaphor, rationally it seems that “our boat is going to sink in the storm.”

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Authority and Power in a power crazy world

People tell us that there are pastors who consult sangomas to help them obtain authority and power.  We do not know if this is true.  What we however have experienced ourselves is church-people who have tried to intimidate us by telling us how powerful and politically connected they are, so that we would give in to their demands.

Power and authority are important. Won’t you read, listen to, or watch Prof Möller’s address about authority and power of God in your life.  It is a Christ-centered perspective with significant implications.

I trust you will enjoy this Biblical perspective especially in our power crazy world.

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How to facilitate a Bible study home group

What is Facilitation?

Facilitation is a process where people gain new knowledge by participating in the Bible study rather that listening to information being presented by the ‘expert’ (be it the facilitator or pastor).  It is a process where people learn by being actively involved in the process.

Facilitating is an art of providing the right stimulus to a group so that they participate fully in their own spiritual growth.  The focus is therefore not on telling (preaching to) a group what to do, but rather on asking the right questions that will enable the group to “discover” truths and principles.

Facilitation is not teaching, not telling, not lecturing, not preaching, and not directing.

Facilitation is to provide the resources and the structure for group members to explore, learn and develop.

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Registration to study theology is now open

Bachelor of Theology Honours, Bachelor of Theology, Diploma in Theology, BTh Bridge and Marketplace Ministry Certificate

  • Prospective students can apply at any time.
  • Applications for the 1st semester 2025 close Friday 24 January 2025.
  • Registration (enrollment) for the 1st semester 2025 is open from 21 October 2024 until 31 January 2025.

Higher Certificate in Pastoral Counselling & Higher Certificate in Youth Work

  • Prospective students can apply and register at any time.
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Registration for 1st semester 2023 is now open

  • Approved applicants (see below how to apply to study at ATS) and existing students can register now and pay your required deposit by 25 November 2022 to receive your books this year.
  • Registration for the 1st semester 2023 remains open until 31 January 2023.

How to apply to study at ATS

  1. If you have not yet been approved to study at ATS, decide on one of ATS’ Academic Programmes:
  2. Apply for your chosen Academic Programme by completing the online application form.
  3. Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will need to select and register for the modules you want to study during the 1st semester 2023. To help you choose, ATS’ Rector, Prof Hattingh, has written an article to help you structure your studies for optimal enjoyment and success.
  4. ATS then prepares and sends your study material to you (or you can pick it up at ATS).

Existing BTh and Diploma students can login and register for the 1st semester on https://ats.makelearningflow.com.

How to study a Bachelor of Theology even if you did not pass the Senior Certificate with endorsement

A matriculation exemption (Senior Certificate with Endorsement) is a legal admission requirement for Auckland Park Theological Seminary’s Bachelor of Theology. You can however apply for matriculation exemption from the Matriculation Board under certain conditions.

Who can apply for matriculation exemption?

  • If you are a South African student older than 23 years and did not pass your Senior Certificate with endorsement, or
  • If you are an International student older than 23 years wishing to register for first-degree studies at Auckland Park Theological Seminary then you must have your school qualifications evaluated by the South African Matriculation Board. They will then issue a certificate of exemption to those who qualify.

How long does it take to obtain a certificate of exemption?

According to the Matriculation Board it takes 5 to 10 working days to obtain a provisional letter which is sufficient to get admission to Auckland Park Theological Seminary (subject to the applicant meeting the ATS’ requirements).

The actual exemption certificate is issued by the Matriculation Board in approximately 6-8 weeks after receipt of all relevant and correctly certified documents as well as the requisite payment.

Do you qualify?

Start with the online assessment to see if you qualify: https://mbit-application.usaf.ac.za/assessment/

More information: https://mb.usaf.ac.za/faqs/

The philosophy behind Auckland Park Theological Seminary’s curriculum

Listen to this article “The philosophy behind Auckland Park Theological Seminary’s curriculum”

The philosophy behind Auckland Park Theological Seminary’s curriculum is about the question:

  • Why does Auckland Park Theological Seminary (ATS) teach the specific curriculum to their students who want to join the ministry?
  • How did we decide what should be learned and taught in our theological qualification?

There are mainly two approaches in compiling a curriculum with the aim to equip students for admission to the ministry:

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