Theological training presupposes a mandate from God, and hence, a responsibility to him. The task of theological training is to nurture gifted leaders who are in turn to nurture other believers so that the church can effectively fulfil her missional mandate. The effectiveness of theological training must therefore be measured by how it enhances the practice of ministry in the work of its graduates. There exists a general concern about the way theological schools are preparing men and women for church ministry, with the church leadership feeling like graduates are not up to the task of ministering despite the theological training that they have been given in Bible Schools and Seminaries. This study begins by noting the limitations of the traditional training models of ministerial training. Then it examines the relationship between theological training and practical ministry with the purpose of addressing the fundamental problems that hinder theological training from becoming relevant. Ultimately the study establishes the need for a competent training program modelled after the New Testament discipleship model approach. This model integrates knowledge, being and practical training. The research focuses on the Pan Africa Christian College (PACC) alumni 1984-2004 as case study, with a view to establishing the relationship between training and practical ministry. At the same time, to establish the extent to which theological training at PACC has helped the graduates in their placement and practice of ministry. Finally, the study re-examines the scriptural basis for theological training and practical ministry and proposes a new model for that addresses common inadequacies in theological training. The research has established that there is a relationship between theological training and practice of ministry and that practical ministry can only be improved through enhancing theological training. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Theological training presupposes a mandate from God, and hence, a responsibility to him. The task of theological training is to nurture gifted leaders who are in turn to nurture other believers so that the church can effectively fulfil her missional mandate. The effectiveness of theological training must therefore be measured by how it enhances the practice of ministry in the work of its graduates. There exists a general concern about the way theological schools are preparing men and women for church ministry, with the church leadership feeling like graduates are not up to the task of ministering despite the theological training that they have been given in Bible Schools and Seminaries. This study begins by noting the limitations of the traditional training models of ministerial training. Then it examines the relationship between theological training and practical ministry with the purpose of addressing the fundamental problems that hinder theological training from becoming relevant. Ultimately the study establishes the need for a competent training program modelled after the New Testament discipleship model approach. This model integrates knowledge, being and practical training. The research focuses on the Pan Africa Christian College (PACC) alumni 1984-2004 as case study, with a view to establishing the relationship between training and practical ministry. At the same time, to establish the extent to which theological training at PACC has helped the graduates in their placement and practice of ministry. Finally, the study re-examines the scriptural basis for theological training and practical ministry and proposes a new model for that addresses common inadequacies in theological training. The research has established that there is a relationship between theological training and practice of ministry and that practical ministry can only be improved through enhancing theological training. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

This thesis examines the challenges faced by the ministers of religion in Churches of Christ (Restoration Movement) in Bicol, Philippines. The goal is to do theology from below, not from above, as pastoral ministry must come from the experience of those who practice it, not from textbooks. The pastoral perspectives of the dilemmas that the ministers raise are heard, observed, documented, and then reflected upon. To do this, case studies of four preachers are used and the mga problema that they present are explored with them. As a result, first, I introduce some of those challenges which are perplexing on the ground level and which appear to be under-researched in serious theological circles, especially in an Asian context. Second, I hope that these case studies can be used to stimulate reflection in ministerial and spiritual formation. Third, I document some of the theology and methodology of the Churches of Christ, particularly as practiced in the Philippines. Chapter 1 explores the dichotomy between the perceived satisfaction in the pastoral ministry with the crisis of role and identity. In particular, issues such as forced exits and stress are presented while baptism and preaching are scrutinized. Chapter 2 centres on the conundrums experienced in planting a new church and being the lone planter. Chapter 3 examines three challenges–the task of ministering in a home congregation, the issue of accreditation in ministerial training, and how the minister can be a success and grow the church. Never far from the thoughts and actions of any of the Bicolano ministers is the problema of poverty, so Chapter 4 considers some of the Filipino, personal, and spiritual complexities of poverty, delineates a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration in any effort to overcome this malady and concludes with a particular reference to ministry.