General:
We welcome all UELCSA (United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa) students of the Lutheran Theological Institute (LTI)! The Lutheran Theological Institute is constituted with the consolidation of the Umphumulo Lutheran Theological Seminary (LTS) with the Lutheran House of Studies in Pietermaritzburg (Luthos). But the LTI is not only accommodating UELCSA and ELCSA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa) students from South Africa but also international post-graduate students from the rest of Africa, from Europe, Asia and the Americas. The Residence can accommodate over hundred students including spouses and children for some.
Our Aim:
Through living together, through daily devotions and Sunday services in the chapel and through its expanding library the LTI aims to promote Lutheran theological training for ministry, education, study and research, thereby also strengthening the unity within the Lutheran family. It does this in an ecumenical setting in conjunction with the School of Theology and Religion (SoRaT) and the Pietermaritzburg Cluster of Theological Institutions (PCTI).The LTI is committed to accommodate and accompany students in their studies, to assist and counsel them on their way. Duties and responsibilities are being shared by the LTI staff and SRC according to the Constitution.
An Outline of the Study Programme for UELCSA Theology Students:
During the first four years a prospective student will have to study and attend lectures and seminars at the School of Theology, University of KwaZulu-Natal to acquire the Bachelor of Theology (BTh) and BTh-Honours degrees. These studies include Hebrew and Greek. The study programme is attached. However the curriculum might change slightly. The UELCSA Church Council has selected some subjects as compulsory for UELCSA students.
After four years of successful study the BTh (Honours) degree will be awarded by the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The Fifth Year of study follows as a church-orientated programme designed to prepare students for the First Theological Examination to be held before the Examining Board of UELCSA. If successful in the examination, applicants may be accepted into the internship programme as candidates for the ministry (intern).
During the internship in a congregation of an UELCSA member church and, if possible also overseas, interns will be accompanied by a pastor as mentor. After their internship interns apply for admission to the Second Theological Examination before UELCSA's Examining Board. After the examination the UELCSA Church Council decides on the ordination of each individual candidate.
The UELCSA Church Council wishes to stress the importance of participating in the activities of the home congregation and of the Lutheran Theological Institute including participation in devotions and Sunday services. Being part of the student community helps to build fellowship, team work and mutual spiritual assistance which may last well beyond the time of theological studies.
The Academic Year:
This usually starts in the first week of February each year for the first semester and in the first week of August for the second semester. University examinations are in June and November each year. The LTI Students Residence officially opens at the beginning of each year a week before the beginning of the semester and is closed during the December/ January vacation (an exception is made for international student families who do not travel home).
Registration:
Prospective students apply to the Administrator for application forms to register at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the Theological Bursary Fund and to stay at the LTI Students Residence.
Finances:
All SALTTT students are responsible for paying their own tuition, accommodation and catering fees up to the BTh degree. When they apply for registration they may apply:
for the remission of tuition fees from the University of KwaZulu-Natal
for a tuition scholarship from the Theological Bursary Fund of the School of Theology
for accommodation scholarship from the Lutheran Theological Bursary Fund (SALTTT)
for a repayable loan from the LTE Fund (Lutheran Theological Education Fund)
Request:
Students should read through carefully the following Information, Regulations and Pledge and on arrival sign the Contract.
We pray that the triune God bless those studying and working here so that the seed that has been planted may grow into a tree bringing fruit.
The Lord’s mission command will be our promise and guide on this journey:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age”. Matthew 28:18-20.
Order 1/2000 Governing the Study of Theology
Section 1
- Members of a UELCSA member church who wish to study theology should apply three months prior to the beginning of the academic year (i.e. the beginning of October).
- Applications should be submitted to the UELCSA Tutor at the Lutheran Theological Institute in Pietermaritzburg, who will guide students in their studies towards a BTh (Bachelor of Theology) at the School of Religion and Theology (SoRaT). Guidance will be given according to University rules and the UELCSA study programme, which allows the choice of different study options.
Section 2
- Applications should contain the following documents, copies of which should also be submitted to the Chairperson of UELCSA Church Council:
- a handwritten curriculum vitae which includes the reasons for the wish to study theology;
- certificates of birth, baptism and confirmation;
- a school leaving certificate, as well as any professional certificates, and, where applicable, a testimonial from an employer;
- a confidential report by the pastor of the home congregation on the applicant's participation in spiritual activities of the congregation and / or church;
- a medical certificate;
- a psychological character assessment.
- The applicant is to receive a copy of the Study Guide for Theological Studies.
- It is the responsibility of students to register at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg for studying and at the Student Residence of the Lutheran Theological Institute for accommodation.
Section 3
- Students of theology are expected to participate actively in the spiritual activities of their home congregation as well as in the congregation at the venue of study. They should attend devotions, divine services and Holy Communion, as well as lead a life appropriate with the responsibility of their future profession.
- At the end of each year they shall submit a written report to the UELCSA Tutor on progress made in their studies.
- During their training period students also have to participate in the prescribed introductory courses in Bible Studies, Lutheran Theology and Confessions, in Congregational and Diaconical Work experience, as offered by the Lutheran Theological Institute. A special emphasis shall be laid on language skills.
Section 4
- All SALTTT students are responsible for paying their own tuition, accommodation and catering fees up to the BTh degree. When they apply for registration they may apply:
- for the remission of tuition fees from the University of KwaZulu-Natal;
- for a tuition scholarship from the Theological Bursary Fund of the School of Theology;
- for accommodation scholarship from the Lutheran Theological Bursary Fund (SALTTT);
- for a repayable loan from the LTE Fund (Lutheran Theological Education Fund)
- For further support UELCSA students may apply to the UELCSA Church Council for a student loan of up to R 10 000 per year for the remainder of their accommodation and catering fees at the Lutheran Theological Institute.
- The loan is changed into a scholarship if a student is accepted into the UELCSA study programme. Upon acceptance for pastoral service in a UELCSA member church, the scholarship is worked off on a year by year basis.
- If a student should not be accepted into the UELCSA study programme or into the service of a UELCSA member church the loan has to be repaid with interest, as laid down by the UELCSA Church Council.
Section 5
- Upon receiving the BTh degree theology students have to apply to the chairperson of the UELCSA Church Council to be admitted into the UELCSA programme and be registered in the student list for further post-graduate studies (i.e. BTh-Honours, the post-graduate church oriented year, viz. the so-called Fifth Year, MTh, PhD).
- Students shall be interviewed by the chairperson of the UELCSA Church Council or by a deputy appointed by him/her.
- The documents under Section 2 are to be assessed by the chairperson and additional reports are to be submitted.
- A written assessment and report by the UELCSA Tutor on the general progress of each student shall be taken into consideration.
Section 6
Students from Evangelical-Lutheran Churches, who acquired the BTh or an equivalent examination elsewhere, may request to be accepted into the UELCSA study programme. They should consult with the UELCSA Tutor on this matter and submit the documents as set down in Section 2. Sections 5 (2)-(5) are then applicable.
Section 7
The UELCSA Church Council decides who may be accepted into the UELCSA study programme. Students who studied at the School of Theology will receive privileged consideration.
Section 8
The UELCSA theological studies culminate in the First Theological Examination.
Order 2/2000 Governing the First Theological Examination
Section 1
- Students who wish to enter for the First Theological Examination (pro licencia concionandi) of UELCSA shall notify the Chairperson of the Church Council of such intention in writing.
- Generally this examination is held during the month of February. Students' notification shall be made not later than six months prior to that date.
Section 2
- Candidates admitted to the First Theological Examination shall be examined by an Examining Board appointed by the UELCSA Church Council.
- The Examining Board shall consist of:
- the bishops of the UELCSA Church Council; the Chairperson of the Church Council, or his/her deputy, also chairs the Examining Board;
- the UELCSA Tutor;
- a theologian of UELCSA as recorder of minutes;
- a theologian of a Lutheran theological college, sister church or mission, as commissioned by the Chairperson of UELCSA Church Council.
In setting up the Board the aspect of gender representation is to be considered.
- For specific subjects examiners are called to examine on an ad hoc basis.
Section 3
The First Theological Examination shall consist of:
- the Written Examination:
- an academic assignment, usually on a topic of Lutheran theology;
- a written sermon, including exegesis and meditation.
12 weeks preparation time will be given, 8 weeks for the assignment and 4 weeks for the sermon. The candidate shall expressly certify that all the literature used has been indicated and that the tasks were completed without any outside help. An academic assignment equivalent to the above which has been accepted by a theological faculty may be accepted in lieu of section 3.1.(a) by the Examining Board.
- the Oral Examination:
The subjects of examination are mainly: Biblical Theology, Church History with special emphasis on the Reformation, Lutheran Theology and Practical Theology (Liturgics, Catechetics and Pastoral Care), as far as these subjects have been dealt with in the training programme.
Section 4
- The following marking system shall be used to evaluate the candidate's ability in the various subjects tested:
| 80-100% | (cum laude) very good | | 1 |
| 75-79 % | good to very good | First Class pass | 1-2 |
| 70-74 % | good | | 2 |
| 65-69 % | almost good | Upper Second (68%) | 2-3 |
| 60-64 % | satisfactory | Lower Second | 3 |
| 55-59 % | satisfactory to sufficient | | 3-4 |
| 50-54 % | sufficient | Third Class Pass | 4 |
| under 50% | insufficient | Failed | 4-6 |
- If the candidate fails to appear at the oral examination without valid reasons, the examination is classified as having been failed.
- A written Report on the final result of the examination shall be prepared; it shall clearly state:
- the evaluation of the written assignments in accordance with section 3.1.;
- the results of the oral tests in the individual subjects in accordance with section 3.2.;
- the final mark of the Examining Board.
The Report shall be signed by the Chairperson of the Examining Board. The examination result shall be made known to the candidate immediately after the final consultation of the Board and the Report may be handed to the candidate or sent later.
- The Examining Board shall decide on the consequences concerning any irregular conduct of the candidate.
Section 5
Should a candidate fail to pass the First Theological Examination, the Examining Board shall decide whether the examination shall be repeated in total, or only in those subjects in which the candidate has failed. The candidate is to be informed of the time when the re-examination shall take place.
Section 6
- When the candidate has passed the First Theological Examination the UELCSA Church Council shall decide whether the licencia concionandi (nomination to become an intern) shall be granted. For this decision the council shall take cognisance of the personality of the candidate as a whole.
- The licencia concionandi entitles the candidate to be placed on the UELCSA list of interns and be placed for internship in one of the UELCSA member churches and/ or overseas.
ORDER 3/ 2000 Governing the Internship
of Candidates for the Ministry
I. General Provisions
Section 1
Candidates for the ministry, who wish to enter for the Second Theological Examination shall first serve as interns (vicars) in the church according to this Order.
Section 2
- The prerequisite for becoming an intern within UELCSA is the passing of the First Theological Examination according to UELCSA Order 2/ 2000.
- In all other cases, the candidate shall apply to the UELCSA Church Council for admission to the internship programme and submit all relevant documents and certificates of theological studies and educational qualifications. The Church Council shall examine the application and decide on acceptance of the applicant.
Section 3
- The period of internship between the First and Second Theological Examinations shall, as a rule, consist of two years and should not exceed four years. During this period interns shall participate in the following training programmes:
- Internship in a congregation of a UELCSA member church;
- Internship in a congregation overseas for a period not exceeding 12 months. The UELCSA Church Council shall decide on such training abroad;
- Training in religious education (e.g. practical school teaching);Special courses in any of the following: general homiletics courses, liturgy with practical exercises, church music, pastoral care, church growth, church administration, ecumenical programmes, South African church history etc.;
- if applicable, social or industrial pastoral programmes.
- During their internship interns are entitled to three weeks of vacation per year. The UELCSA Tutor handles the applications for vacation.
Section 4
Interns shall compile a written report on their experiences and the results of every section of their internship in accordance with sections 3(1) (a) to (e), and submit this report to the UELCSA Tutor.
Section 5
Interns shall promptly inform the UELCSA Tutor and the Chairperson of UELCSA Church Council of any change in residential or family status.
II. Internship in a Congregation
Section 6
In co-operation with the UELCSA Church Council the UELCSA Tutor shall assign interns to a mentor, who is a pastor in a congregation of a UELCSA member church, and correspondingly, a pastor in a congregation of a sister church overseas.
Section 7
Mentors are to introduce interns into the tasks and the practices of the ministry. This is to be done in such a way that the interns shall be able to carry out unaided limited tasks during their internship. Mentors and interns are to meet on a regular basis to discuss matters of concern relating to experiences made during internship and to discuss theological issues which are relevant to the ministry.
Section 8
- Interns are to fulfil especially the following tasks in the congregation:
- As far as possible they shall conduct one service per month during their term of internship. They are to discuss the sermon with their mentor before delivering it and subsequently after the service.
- Limited catechetical tasks in confirmation classes and in religious instruction classes shall be assigned to the intern. Special emphasis is to be laid on careful preparation and subsequent discussion.
- The written sermon and catechetical lesson for the Second Theological Examination are generally written towards the end of internship. The intern is released from other tasks for a period of fourteen days for the preparation of each written paper.
- Interns are to conduct occasional bible classes.
- Interns are to participate actively in youth work. However an intern should not become the youth leader.
- Interns are to make use of opportunities to accompany their mentors on their daily rounds (including home and hospital visits) to learn from them. Thereby interns are trained in counselling and in practising pastoral care within various groups of the congregation.
- Interns are to be given the opportunity to conduct marriage-, baptism- and funeral services and to practice the respective counselling sessions. They are also to assist in the distribution of Holy Communion.
- Interns are to be trained in the liturgy and liturgical behaviour.
- Mentors shall be responsible to let interns participate as guests in the meetings of the congregation councils and pastors' conferences.
- Mentors are to encourage interns to read practice-orientated theological literature.
- Interns are to report to the UELCSA Tutor on literature which they have studied.
- When their mentors are on vacation interns may be asked to take responsibilities in the congregation only in a limited capacity.
- While carrying out their tasks interns are to wear the prescribed official vestments.
Section 9
Interns are to be trained in the practical administration of the congregation. The duration and form of such training shall depend on previous experiences in this field of training.
Section 10
Mentors are requested to submit a written report to the UELCSA Tutor evaluating the activities and progress of the intern.
III. The Responsibilities of the UELCSA Tutor for the internships
Section 11
- The UELCSA Church Council appoints a Tutor, but may ask other pastors to help with the duties of the Tutor concerning internship.
- The UELCSA Tutor shall supervise the prescribed programme of internship and is directly responsible to the UELCSA Church Council.
- The Tutor is responsible for guiding and counselling interns in respect of their theological and practical training during the internship.
- In co-operation with the UELCSA Church Council the Tutor shall appoint mentors within UELCSA member churches and within sister churches abroad, and discuss the training programme with them.
- In agreement with the mentor the Tutor may issue instructions concerning the training of the intern in respect of certain training programmes.
- Any complaint concerning the relationship between mentor and intern is to be addressed to, and dealt with, by the Tutor. If need be, the matter may be referred to the Chairperson of the UELCSA Church Council.
Section 12
- The UELCSA Tutor arranges the placements of interns in the prescribed courses of the training programme. As far as possible the wishes of the interns shall be taken into consideration.
- Transfers to a congregation shall be by arrangement with the UELCSA Church Council and the church leader of the respective church concerned.
Section 13
The UELCSA Tutor shall submit a report on every intern to the UELCSA Church Council at the completion of the training programme. This report is to be based on personal impressions of and experiences with the intern, as well as on the reports and evaluations that were received during the course of the internship. This evaluation includes the whole personality of the intern.
ORDER 4/2000 Governing
the Second Theological Examination
Section 1
The Second Theological Examination (pro ministerio) examines the abilities to work in the ministry. It evaluates the candidate's competence to practically work in the ministry and to theoretically permeate the allotted tasks.
Section 2
- In general the Second Theological Examination takes place two years after passing the First Theological Examination. The UELCSA Church Council may, however, allow exceptions in well founded cases.
- The examination is generally held in May. Candidates have to apply to the Chairperson of UELCSA Church Council for admission to the examination not later than six months prior to the examination.
- In cases where the applicant has not served an internship in accordance with UELCSA's "Order 3/2000 Governing the Internship of Candidates for the Ministry", the UELCSA Church Council shall individually decide on such admission to the examination.
Section 3
In applying for admission to the examination the candidate shall submit:
- an addition to the curriculum vitae and a report on the theological studies undertaken, particularly on the internship in the congregation and on special training programmes taken. This serves to point to those interests, tasks and problems which might be of special importance for the future profession of the candidate.
- Applicants who did not acquire the UELCSA First Theological Examination have to produce a certificate of an equivalent examination. Also those candidates who did not serve their internship in the UELCSA have to submit a written report by the church authority under which they did their internship.
Section 4
- Written Assignments: For the Second Theological Examination the following assignments have to be written (in English, German or Afrikaans) as set by the UELCSA Tutor and the Chairperson of the Examining Board:
- An academic assignment on a theme usually on Lutheran theology and directly connected with the church's practice. Six weeks’ preparation time is given. An equivalent thesis written for a theological faculty after the First Theological Examination may be accepted by the Examining Board in lieu of this assignment.
- A written sermon on a text with theological and homiletic reflections. Two weeks preparation time is given for this task.
- The draft of a catechetical lesson with theological and didactic reflections. Two weeks preparation time is given for this task.
The sermon and catechetical lesson shall be held in a congregation chosen by the UELCSA Tutor in consultation with the Chairperson of the Examining Board at a time and place agreed upon well in advance.
- The oral examination shall cover the following sections:
- The church's ministry, church rites and pastoral care;
- congregational structures, growth and management;
- the significance of the Lutheran Confession for witness and service in Southern Africa;
- three themes which the candidate selects from a prescribed list.
- Each subject of the oral examination is to last 15 to 20 minutes.
- As part of the written assignment, the sermon and the draft of a catechetical lesson the candidate has to submit a list of the complete bibliography used and a statement that the tasks have been written without any outside help.
Section 5
- The candidate for the Second Theological Examination shall be examined by an Examining Board appointed by the UELCSA Church Council.
- The Examining Board shall consist of:
- the bishops of the UELCSA Church Council; the Chairperson of the Church Council, or his/her deputy, also chairs the Examining Board;
- the UELCSA Tutor;
- a theologian of UELCSA as recorder of minutes;
- a theologian of a Lutheran theological college, sister church or mission, as commissioned by the Chairperson of UELCSA Church Council.
In setting up the Board the aspect of gender representation is to be considered.
- For specific subjects examiners are called to examine on an ad hoc basis.
Section 6
- The following marking system shall be used to evaluate the candidate's ability in the various subjects tested:
| 80-100% | (cum laude) very good | | 1 |
| 75-79 % | good to very good | First Class pass | 1-2 |
| 70-74 % | good | | 2 |
| 65-69 % | almost good | Upper Second (68%) | 2-3 |
| 60-64 % | satisfactory | Lower Second | 3 |
| 55-59 % | satisfactory to sufficient | | 3-4 |
| 50-54 % | sufficient | Third Class Pass | 4 |
| under 50% | insufficient | Failed | 4-6 |
- If the candidate fails to appear at the oral examination without valid reasons the examination is classified as having been failed.
- A written Report on the final result of the examination shall be prepared; it shall clearly state:
- the evaluation of the written assignments in accordance with section 4.1.(a) & (b);
- the results of the oral tests in the individual subjects in accordance with section 4.2.;
- the final mark of the Examining Board.
- the Report shall be signed by the Chairperson of the Examining Board.
The examination result shall be made known to the candidate immediately after the final consultation of the Board and the Report may be handed to the candidate or be sent later.
- The Examining Board shall decide on the consequences concerning any irregular conduct of the candidate.
Section 7
After passing the Second Examination the UELCSA Church Council shall decide whether the candidate may be nominated as candidate for the ministry. For this decision the Council takes cognisance of the personality of the candidate as a whole.
Section 8
If the candidate does not pass the examination, the Examining Board shall decide whether the examination should be repeated again after a year.
Order 5/2000 Governing the Conditions of Service
of Pastors on Probation (Pastor Collaborator)
Section l
- With a call into a UELCSA member church, the candidate enters into a probational pastoral ministry (pastor collaborator = pastor coll.).
- The ordination takes place together with the entry into this ministry. The ordination is to be carried out according to the order of ordination of the respective member church.
Section 2
- The pastor on probation is a pastor as laid down in the order governing pastoral services. The official designation shall be "pastor".
- During this period the pastor on probation is subject to a special order of the church. Where not otherwise laid down by this order, the order governing conditions of service of pastors of the respective church shall also apply to the pastor on probation.
Section 3
- The duration of the probation period shall be one to four years.
- Upon fulfilment of this ministry, the pastor on probation may be appointed as a pastor.
Section 4
- The Church Council of the UELCSA member church who employed the pastor on probation, shall decide on the tasks to be performed. The probation service can include any facet of church work within the ambit of his/her training.
- The tasks to be performed may be replaced by others.
Section 5
- Before the pastor on probation is to take up the administration of a pastoral post, the Congregational Council shall be consulted.
- If the pastor on probation is to be the assistant of a congregational pastor, a job description shall be drawn up. He/ she shall be solely responsible to at least one area of the tasks assigned to him/ her.
- He/she shall take part in courses of pastoral in-service training and retreats and especially in the pastors’ conferences.
- He/she is ex officio member of the Congregational Council but shall generally not take the chair.
Section 6
Normally the probation period leads to a pastoral post according to the order governing the service of pastors.
Section 7
Applicants who have the qualification for appointment as pastors, but are not yet appointed in a pastoral post, are also subject to this order.
The UELCSA Church Council decides who may be accepted into the UELCSA study programme. Students who studied at the School of Theology will receive privileged consideration.