Strategic Purpose Statement

The purpose of this qualification is to provide the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga and their agencies with people who are able to operate as creative senior administrators and leaders.

The qualification is stranded in order to recognize the specific area of knowledge and skills required in a variety of roles and contexts ranging from the administration of parish, teaching and researching religious education themes to holders of other roles of responsibility in theological schools as defined in the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga Constitution 2005 (Tohi Konisitutone Siasi Uesiliana Tau’ataina ‘o Tonga 2005) and the TNQAB & TQF Policies 2009, Part 2 ‘Qualification Characteristics’.

Graduates will benefit by having a qualification that recognises their advanced evaluation, research, leadership, administration and strategic management skills and knowledge; enhancing their employment opportunities, and/or ability work in a voluntary capacity in the church and their agencies.

Target Groups

This qualification is targeted at individuals who are ready to positions of managerial and senior leadership positions in a variety of roles. This qualification is also targeted at those who want to further their theological studies at postgraduate level; or for current practitioners, such as teachers or Religious Education, who want to upskill a particular area of Christian ministry.

Graduates will be able to apply in-depth theological and biblical study skills and knowledge to advice managerial and strategic decisions, is responsible for leadership and may supervise others.

Graduate Profile
Level of Study	7
Units	32
Duration	4 Consecutive Years
Language of Study	English
Credit Points	480
Contact Hours	10hrs x 480

Graduate Profile Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

1. Analyse and apply an in-depth understanding of theology and biblical foundation in operational or research contexts
2. Evaluate, review and respond to the pastoral, specialised and ethical responsibilities required of defined church ministry settings
3. Apply management or administrative capability and leadership in a Christian ministry environment to make strategic decisions in a specified context
4. Critically reflect on personal faith journey and professional development to refine own practice.

Graduates with Biblical Studies strand will also be able to:

5. Research and critically evaluate the application of diverse biblical disciplines, methods and textual analysis to inform and develop a Christian community

Graduates with the Theological Studies strand will also be able to:

6. Research and collate information on theological and relational topics as they apply to Tonga’s unique cultural communities, service organisations and society at large.
7. Critically evaluate strategies that contribute to effective management and leadership in specified contexts.

Graduates with Pastoral Studies strand will also be able to:

8. Integrate information of specific groups and apply skills to the specific role of pastor to critically analyse performance
9. Identify opportunities that contribute to effective spiritual worship and pastoral care practices

Graduates with the Historical Studies strand will also be able to:

10. Research and collate information on theological and relational topic as they apply to the Tongan unique cultural communities, service organizations and society at large.
11. Critically evaluate strategies that contribute to effective management and leadership in specified contexts.

Qualification Pathways

1. Education Pathway

This qualification may lead to entry in higher postgraduate Diploma and Masters in Theology

2. Employment Pathway

Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to work in senior administrative and leadership positions as managers in a variety of occupations in Christian church and communities, Bible and theological schools, pastors, and ordained ministers at the church.

Eligibility

1. Applicants must have a minimum qualification of Tonga National Form Seven Certificate
2. Must prove themselves competent in both speaking and writing English as a Second Language
3. Hold a academic degree or diploma from a recognized institution
4. Have passed the Sia’atoutai Diploma in Theology (with all courses at 55% or more) or equivalent award from an institution accredited by SPATS or equivalent body
5. Have qualifications judged by the Board of Studies to be equivalent to one of the above

Tenure

1. This is a four (4) years residential program
2. An extension approval, based on special circumstances, must be sought, from the Board of Studies, only to a maximum of six (6) consecutive years
3. A Leave of Absence is available only for one (1) academic year.
4. This program of study expires in 6 years of incompletion omitting the year where a Leave of Absence would have been granted

Eligibility for the Award

1. All candidates must pass every course at a minimum credit point of 8.25 (55%)
2. Must achieve a minimum of D grade from his or her written research thesis (equivalent of 90 credit points).
3. All assessment tasks must comply with the Assessment Policies of the College
4. Failure in the program with a minimum of 120 overall credit points qualifies to a Diploma in Theology Level 5

Bachelor of Divinity Course Descriptions

Biblical Studies

BS711 Exploring the Bible

This unit is designed to develop the student’s knowledge and understanding of biblical history and literature in relation to the social and cultural context of ancient Israel and the early church, its variety of genres and key biblical and theological themes

BS712 Greek Grammar I

This course is designed to enable students to learn the basics of Greek grammar and syntax and be acquainted with basic Greek noun and verb paradigms. Provides the skills for reading and translating the Greek New Testament and the basis for developing exegetical competence.

BS 713 Hebrew Grammar I

This unit is designed to familiarize students with the basics of biblical Hebrew.

BS724 Greek Grammar II

This unit picks up where Greek I finishes and enable students to analyze the deep structure of the New Testament Greek

BS725 Hebrew Grammar II

This unit is designed to enable students to recognize, understand and analyze biblical Hebrew grammar

BS716 Torah: Covenant, Promise & Land

This unit is designed to explore and analyse the biblical and theological nature of covenant, promise, and land in the books of the Torah through a close reading of selected passages with attention paid to the history of their interpretation and application.

BS727 Prophets: Protest, Justice and Hope

BS728 Gospels: Power & Identity

This unit is designed to enable students to explore the relationship of social location and identity to ideologies of oppression in the gospel.

BS739 Writings: Migration, Exclusion & Embrace

This unit is designed to enable students to explore the social and historical structure of the Ketuvim and to critically articulate how that structure portraits images of migration, exclusivism, and embrace.

BS740 Epistles: Community & Discipleship

This course is designed to enable students to explore and analyse the Pauline models of community and discipleship and their relationships in the Epistles

BS741 Reading Scriptures in Tonga

This unit is designed to expose the missionary blind spots of mainline hermeneutical and exegetical practices in order to name and develop local approaches and methods of reading Scriptures in Tonga.

BS742 Interpreting the Bible

BS743 Gospel and Culture

This course is designed to enable students to explore and evaluate different modes of cultural interactions between the gospel and its cultural context.

Studies of Theology and Ethics

TH711 Doing Theology in/from Tonga TH732 Theology Across Borders

This course is designed to allow students to explore and understand the landscape, field, and development of theological studies in history and in Tonga. It enables students to do critical theological thinking and reflection on public and contextual issues pertaining to the Tongan context.

TH712 Grounding Ethics in Tonga TH731 Gender, Personality and Art

This course is designed to enable students to explore the history and theories of ethics in relation to the essence of Christian ethic. It allows students to critically evaluate biblical and theological moral principles against a Tongan moral perspective and religious context.

TH713 God, Humanity in/and Creation

This course is designed to explore the being and nature of the triune God, facilitate with biblical overview of the person and ministry of the Triune God in creation and providence, and articulate the problem of evil and sin with particular focus on issues related to the relationship of human and creation.

TH714 The Bible and Decision Making in Tonga

TH725 Faiths in the Public Space

This course is designed to enable students to explore and critically evaluate how theology is understood and could serve the needs of those outside the academic spaces. It also engages students on critical analysis and dialogue with other faiths.

TH716 Wesleyan Theologies in the 21^st Century

This course is designed to enable students to explore the landscape of the 21st century Wesleyan theology and to critically evaluate Wesley’s understanding of Christian Perfection and personal holiness from a postmodern perspective

TH728 Bioethics

This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth introduction of bioethical thinking and surrounding ethical issues. It also enables students to evaluate those issues from a Tongan theological perspective.

Electives

TH739 Tongan Eco-theology

This course is designed enable the student to develop personal and social awareness and critical responses to “nature” and to problems arising from the human-nature interaction. It also allows the student to review and reflect upon established theological approaches towards Climate change.

TH740 Theology, Media, and Technology

This course surveys the field of media ecology, as well as identifying the workings of media in relation to culture. The goals and values, organization, and potential for constructing reality will be discussed with reference to the local church or other Christian ministry. Emphasis will be placed on the interpretation of specific examples of media and the manner in which those examples shape one’s view of reality.

TH741 Gender, Personality and Art

This course is designed to train students to explore and appreciate cultural impacts on human personality and to review and evaluate biblical and theological streamline approaches

TH742 Theology Across Borders

This course enables students to explore and evaluate important trends in theology today, particularly ones that go beyond cultural and religious borders.

Study of History

HS711 Study of History

HS722 Story of Christianity and Empire

This course is designed to enable students to explore, examine, and analyse the relationship between the development of Christian Church and the empire richness of the early Christian tradition and the prevalence of power during the first and fifth centuries.

HS 713 Christianity in Oceania

The course is designed to enable students to explore, examine, and analyse the history of Christianity in the Pacific in context of change and continuity over a period of Two hundred years.

HS 724 Methodism in Tonga: First 200 Years

This course is designed to enable students to explore and evaluate the historical development of Methodist faith in Tonga 

Electives

HS735 Religion in Tonga

This course is designed to enable students to critically explore and evaluate varieties of religious movements in Tonga

HS 736 Methodist Theology and Ethics

The course is designed to provide an overview of the doctrine of the Methodist theology

HS 737 Missionary Wives and Natives Missionary 

HS 738 Tongan Bible Translations

HS 739 Wesleyan Education: History and Development

Practical Theology

Core Courses

PS711 Human Development

This course is designed to allow student to explore and acquire in-depth knowledge and critical reflection on physical and mental development of humanity

PS722 Introduction to Practical Theology

This course is designed to enable students explore and evaluate the historical, biblical and theological foundations of pastoral care and counseling.

PS713 Mission, Evangelism & Empire

This course is designed to allow students to explore and evaluate the nature of evangelism in postcolonial thinking

PS724 Homiletics: Theory & Practice

This course is designed to enable students to explore and evaluate theories and practice of Bible reading and preaching.

Electives

PS735 Dynamics of Ministry: Children, Youth & Elderly

The study of Dynamics Ministry on Children, Youth and Elderly allow student to develop skills in serving God people.  Students learn various principles and aspects of Ministry to the Children, Youth and Elderly in the church and the community. Also students must be equipped to be a responsive Christian.  

PS736 Church and Society

This course will provide students with a framework for engaging the community.  Students will learn principles and strategies for church and individual community involvement and development. 

PS737 Christian Education: Theories & Practice

This course is designed to enable students to explore and evaluate theories and practical components of Christian education in the local church (FWCT)

PS738 Ministry Today

This course is designed to enable students to explore and map the nature and forms of contemporary church ministry

PS739 Globalization and Mission

PS740 The Church in a Culture of Technology

PS741 Ministry to Street Children

PS742 Refugees, Conflicts and Humanitarian Responses

Strategic Purpose Statement

STC Diploma of Theology provides an essential component of training for ministry in the church and offers students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Bible and theology.

The purpose of this qualification is to provide the FWCT with people who able to evaluate and deliver ministry programmes within their specialized area(s), and lead a wide range of Christian operations.

This qualification is stranded in order to recognize the specific knowledge and skills required in a variety of occupations and contexts in Christian contexts, wider affiliated sectors, and in not-for-profit organizations.

Graduates will benefit by having a qualification which recognizes their broad understanding of theology and biblical foundations, evaluation, strategic thinking, and practical Christian leadership skills; enhancing their employment opportunities and/or ability to work in a voluntary capacity.

The course consists of 16 subjects (240 credit points) with 10 core subjects and 6 electives. The course offers a foundation in Biblical Studies, Church History and Systematic Theology at a level appropriate to students with a prior undergraduate degree.

The qualification focuses on the application of the principles of theology, biblical foundations and ministry in a community of practice through the delivery of programmes; and is targeted at individuals who are ready to positions of ministerial leadership in a variety of roles.

Graduate Profile
Level of Study	6
Units	16
Duration	2 Consecutive Years
Language of Study	English
Credit Points	240
Contact Hours	10hrs x 240

Graduate Profile Outcome

Graduates will be able to:

• Evaluate and apply broad understanding of theology and biblical foundations to defined contexts based on contextual interpretation and theological appropriation
• Evaluate a ministry programme based on strategies that integrate personal and community faith journeys, and the social, cultural and other contextual considerations of defined mission
• Execute strategic practical biblical, theological, and ministerial knowledge and skills
• Accommodate and value multicultural perspectives
• Critically responsive to social and practical situations

Qualification Pathways

1. Education Pathway

This qualification may lead to entry into Bachelor level degree or equivalent

2. Employment Pathway

Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to work in specialized administrative and leadership positions in a variety of occupations in Christian church and communities, Bible and theological schools, pastors, and ordained ministers at the church.

Eligibility

1. All FWCT probationary ministers aimed at ordination are required to attend and complete this program
2. Applicants must pass the Pacific Secondary Senior Certificate (PSSC) or an equivalent (or higher) qualification. This does not apply to probationary ministers candidates.
3. Applicants with a Certificate in Theology and Pastoral Ministry with Honours need the recommendation of the Faculty Meeting and the approval of the Board of Studies

Tenure

1. This is a two (2) years residential program
2. An extension, based on special circumstances, approval must be sought from the Board of Studies, only to a maximum of three (3) consecutive years of study
3. A Leave of Absence is only available for a year
4. The program of study expires after 4 years of continuous incompletion omitting the year where a Leave of Absence would have been granted

Eligibility for the Award

1. All candidates must pass all the courses with a minimum credit score of 7.5 (50%)
2. All assessment tasks must comply with the Assessment Policies of the College
3. Failure from Diploma in Theology program qualifies a candidate to no more or less than a Diploma in Theology Incomplete award.

Year I
Semester I
BS611	Exploring the Bible
TH611	Doing Theology in Tonga
HS611	Methodism in Tonga: First 200 Years
PT611	Sociology of Religion
PT612	Human Development
Semester II
BS622	Interpreting the Bible
TH622	Grounding Christian Ethics in Tonga
TH623	God, Humanity in/and Creation
PS623	Introducing Practical Theology
PT624	Church and Society
Year II
Semester I
BS613	Torah, Covenant, Promise & Land
TH614	Faiths in Public Space
PS615	Christian Education: Theories and Practice
PS616	The Church in a Culture of Technology
Semester II
BS624	Gospels, Power, and Identity
PS627	Mission, Evangelism and Culture of Postcolonialism

Diploma in Theology Course Descriptions

Biblical Studies: Requirements Courses

BS611 Exploring the Bible

This unit is designed to develop the student’s knowledge and understanding of biblical history and literature in relation to the social and cultural context of ancient Israel and the early church, its variety of genres and key biblical and theological themes

BS622 Interpreting the Bible in Tonga

This unit is designed to enable students to critically explore and apply various tools and methods of interpretation. It will also engage students in a transformative manner of interpreting Scriptures.

BS613 Torah, Covenant, Promise & Land

This unit is designed to explore and analyse the biblical and theological nature of covenant, promise, and land in the books of the Torah through a close reading of selected passages with attention paid to the history of their interpretation and application.

BS624 Gospel, Power, and Identity

This unit is designed to enable students to explore the relationship of social location and identity to ideologies of oppression in the gospel.

Studies of Theology and Ethics

TH611 Doing Theology in/from Tonga

This course is designed to allow students to explore and understand the landscape, field, and development of theological studies in history and in Tonga. It enables students to do critical theological thinking and reflection on public and contextual issues pertaining to the Tongan context.

TH622 Grounding Christian Ethics in Tonga

This course is designed to enable students to explore the history and theories of ethics in relation to the essence of Christian ethic. It allows students to critically evaluate biblical and theological moral principles against a Tongan moral perspective and religious context.

TH623 God, Humanity in/and Creation

This course is designed to explore the being and nature of the triune God, facilitate with biblical overview of the person and ministry of the Triune God in creation and providence, and articulate the problem of evil and sin with particular focus on issues related to the relationship of human and creation.

TH64 Faiths in Public Space

This course is designed to enable students to explore and critically evaluate how theology is understood and could serve the needs of those outside the academic spaces. It also engages students on critical analysis and dialogue with other faiths.

Studies of History

HS611 Methodism in Tonga: First 200 Years

This course is designed to enable students to explore and evaluate the historical development of Methodist faith in Tonga 

Studies in Practical Theology

PT611 Sociology of Religion

This course is designed to enable students exploring and analysing the social nature of religion. It facilitate students with analytical qualitative skills in social studies.

PT612 Human Development

This course is designed to allow student to explore and acquire in-depth knowledge and critical reflection on physical and mental development of humanity

PT623 Introducing Practical Theology

This course is designed to enable students explore and evaluate the historical, biblical and theological foundations of pastoral care and counseling

PT624 Church and Society

This course will provide students with a framework for engaging the community.  Students will learn principles and strategies for church and individual community involvement and development. 

PT615 Christian Education: Theories and Practice

This course is designed to enable students to explore and evaluate theories and practical components of Christian education in the local church (FWCT)

PT626 The Church in a Culture of Technology

PT617 Mission Evangelism and Culture of Post-colonialism

This course is designed to allow students to explore and evaluate the nature of evangelism in postcolonial thinking

This program is a one-year (1) degree program. It is an honorary component of the GCTPM program. It aims at recognizing students with outstanding achievements and extending students’ capacity and skills in researching and writing.

Eligibility

1. Applicants must complete every course in the first two years of GCTPM program at the minimum credit points of 11.25 (75%)
2. Entry shall be determined at the end of the first semester of the second year of study.

Eligibility for the Award

Candidates to this award must achieve an overall grade of B+ from all the courses in the program of study plus a minimum grade B in a research thesis.

Strategic Profile Statement

The purpose of this qualification is to provide the FWCT with people who are able to develop, evaluate and deliver programmes that provide guidance and direction to support both individual and community spiritual development in a range of ministry and/or education contexts.

Graduates will benefit by having a qualification that recognizes their theoretical knowledge and skills in developing, evaluating and delivering such programmes, thus enhancing their employment opportunities and/or ability to work in a voluntary capacity.

Graduates will be capable of working autonomously within established parameters and may have some responsibility for the management of learning and performance of others.

This program serves two major purposes:

1. Providing quality theological education to community of college dropouts in Tonga
2. Create a community of theology and Bible literacy in Tonga

Level of Study	Unknown
Units	36
Duration	3 Years
Language of Study	Tongan
Credit Points
Contact Hours

Graduate Profile Outcomes

At the completion of this course students should be able to:

1. Read and interpret the Bible according to the changing circumstances of Tonga
2. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of biblical and theological doctrines and principles
3. Read and talk about the Bible and God in a critical manner
4. Show basic skills in biblical and theological interpretation
5. Prepare and preach a biblical and theological sermon
6. Demonstrate critical judgment and moral decision making
7. Demonstrate pastoral strategies and plans
8. Critically and constructively engage the Bible and theology in everyday experiences 

Eligibility

1. This program is open to all applicants of all level of qualification except for people with mental disability, contagious diseases, criminals, and those at the age younger than 17
2. Applications from people with serial criminal records will be at the approval of the Board of Studies

Tenure

1. This is a three (3) years residential program
2. An extension approval, based on special circumstances, must be sought, from the Board of Studies, only to a maximum of three (5) consecutive years of study
3. A Leave of Absence is only available for a year
4. The program of study expires after five (5) years of continuous incompletion omitting the year where a Leave of Absence would have been granted

Eligibility for the Award

1. Pass every required and elective course with minimum credit points of 7.5 (50%)
2. Satisfactorily complete all practical placements
3. Assessment for all the courses must comply with the College Assessment Policies

Graduate Certificate in Theology and Pastoral Ministry Courses

Year I
Semester I
BS101	Halakinikini ki he Tohitapu
TH101	Talateu ‘o e Tokateline
TH102	Talateu ki he ‘Efika Faka-Kalisitiane
CH101	Ako ki he Hisitolia
PT101	Talateu ki he Tauhi Kakai
CH102	Ko e Mu’aki Siasi
Semester II
BS202	Ko e Nima’i Puka ‘a Mosese
BS204	Kosipeli mo e Tohi Ngaue
TH203	Tokāteline ‘o e ‘Otua
TH204	‘Efika Faka-Fuakava Motu’a
PT202	Ko e Ako Faka-Kalisitiane
CH203	Ko e Kuonga Lotoloto ‘o e Siasi
CH204	Hisitolia mo e Tokateline Faka-Metotisi
Year II
Semester I
BS105	Ngaahi Tohi Histolia
BS106	Ngaahi Ta’anga Palofita
BS107	Ngaahi ‘Ipiseli
TH105	Tokateline ‘o Kalaisi
TH106	‘Efika Faka-Fuakava Fo’ou
CH105	Ngaahi Lotu Kehe
PT103	‘Evangelio
Semester II
BS208	Talateu ki he Vete Tohitapu
BS209	Tohi Palofita
TH207	Tokateline ‘o e Tangata
TH208	Efika Faka-Kalisitiane mo e ngaahi Faingata’a ‘o e ‘Aho
CH206	Ko e Kamata’anga ‘o e Lotu Uesiliana ‘i Tonga
CH207	Hisitolia ‘o e Siasi Fakatahataha mo e Ekumenikale
PT204	Tala mo e Founga ‘o e Malanga
Year III
Semester I
BS110	Ngaahi Tohi Tatala Pulonga
TH109	Tokateline ‘o e Siasi
Elective 1	Fakapapau’i ‘i he Lesisita)
Elective 2	Fakapapau’i ‘i he Lesisita
Elective 3	Fakapapau’i ‘i he Lesisita
Semester II
TH210	Teolosia mo e Efika ‘o e Potungaue Faka-Faifekau
Elective 4	Fakapapau’i ‘i he Lesisita
Elective 5	Fakapapau’i ‘i he Lesisita
Elective 6	Fakapapau’i ‘i he Lesisita

Certificate in Theology and Pastoral Ministry Elective Courses 

Biblical Studies
BS109	Vete: Nima’i Puka ‘a Mosese
BS110	Vete: Palofita
BS211	Vete: Tohi Ta’anga
BS212	Vete: Kosipeli
BS213	Vete: ‘Ipiseli
Study of Theology and Ethics
TH211	Teolosia mo e Tukufakaholo
TH112	‘Efika Faka-Kalisitiane mo e Tekinolosia ‘o e Mo’ui
TH113	‘Efika ‘o e Holongā Faka-Setuata
TH214	‘Efika mo e Famili
TH216	‘Efika mo e ‘Atakai Fakaenatula
TH117	‘Efika mo e Konisitutone ‘o e Pule’anga Tonga
Study of History
CH109	Hisitolia Kau Ngaue Misinale Tonga Pasifiki
CH110	Hisitolia ‘o e Lotu ‘i he Tahi Moana
CH211	Tala Tukufakaholo mo e Hisitolia
CH212	Uesilianamo e Musika ‘i Tonga
CH213	Kau Fefine Tonga 'o e Hisitolia
CH214	Hisitolia 'o e Liliu Tohitapu