Newsletter: 2020/1

Introduction

Social or solidarity distancing in the light of the novel COVID 19 virus has become the way of life for many. The lack of contact for many South Africans leading to isolation and disengagement will leave many disillusioned about life, more specifically as the church ceases to gather corporately. However, it need not be so, as going to church will be replaced by being the church in a time such as this.  As the COVID 19 virus rages on with perilous and disastrous effects on families and society at large, we thank God for the church that remains resolute and confident in her message and action, that Christ is the hope for the world. So, while  the call to the world is to separate in solidarity, however the call to the church is to solidify through prayer for a breakthrough. 

As the virus takes hold of communities languishing in fear because of the unknown, followers of Christ are confident because of the known, Christ who is in control.  While fear forces communities into a panic, faith forces us to focus on the person of Christ. The words of The Psalmist in  Psalms 121:1 remind us.

I lift up my eyes to the hills.

From where does my help come?

My help comes from the Lord,

Who made heavens and the earth

Seminary News

In light of the developments at Cape Town Baptist Seminary, the theme for 2020 is Seeing Clearly focusing on Joshua 1:9. In this unique time facing the world  and Cape Town Baptist Seminary:

We want to

See God's Plans Realized in Time of Transition--- Do not be Afraid.

See God's Promises  Fulfilled in Time of Uncertainty- Do not be Discouraged.

See God's Presence Experienced in Time of Difficulty- I am with you.

1. Seeing God’s Plans Realized in Time of Transition- Do not be afraid.

In January 2020, Rev. Prof. Dr. Godfrey Harold was officially appointed Acting Principal of Cape Town Baptist Seminary.  We are thankful to the Lord for the 12 new BTh/BMin students and 4 special students that enrolled this year.  The first-year students have eased into the routine of their studies.

As part of our ongoing commitment to serve the local church, we introduced a course on Job. This course is developed to encourage laity to attend, with the possibiliy of taking the course towards a credit. For the first time the Pulse Short Course in Pastoral Ministry is being offered during the day on Friday. We are thankful for another 6 students who joined this program. While these offerings are relatively new to the Seminary, we are positive that the continuation of these programmes will offer sustainable growth to the Seminary for the future.

These programmes re-enforce the philosophy of the Seminary that sees itself more than just a provider of theological education, but rather an agency that trains men and women in ministry on mission with God. This refocusing calls for articulating the content of our curriculum to be brought into alignment to this fundamental philosophy.

As the only Seminary in Cape Town, offering the Bachelor of Ministry during the evening, this programme continues to attract second-career students. As part of recognizing the value the five-year programme adds to the Seminary, we have been very intentional in giving more focus to these students. Chapel service on Thursday was introduced to the evening programme as part of our meta-curriculum, this addition has added a vibrancy to the spiritual development of our students. There is quite an electric and refreshing atmosphere in the evenings.

We will be co-hosting  an academic consultation  on Diaspora Missiology with the Global Diaspora Network, a network of The Lausanne Movement. This will take place at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel on the 25-29^th August 2020.

Talks with Stellenbosh University and the University of Pretoria are on the table again to offer their Masters and PhD programmes, albeit different from our previous formal agreement with the University of Pretoria which came to an end in 2016. There are exciting times ahead for Cape Town Baptist Seminary.

2. Seeing God's Presence Experienced in Times of Difficulty- I am with you.

Over the past few years,  the low student intake at CTBS hurt our finances. However, despite the challenging previous financial year, we were able to balance our books to meet all  Seminary expenses, although we had to tap into our reserves.   

In light of the initiatives and marketing that are being undertaken presently this year, we are expecting a larger intake of students for the coming years.  We are trusting the Lord to send 30 new students each year.

Mr. Peter Sumner, Seminary Foundation Director

Mr Peter Sumner, our Director of the Foundation, has been meeting with some of our key partners to promote the Seminary and outline to them our way forward in this new dispensation.

In experiencing God's presence and leading, we are thankful to the Lord for the these distinguish pastor/ theologians who join our faculty. 

Mr Peter Sumner, our Director of the Foundation, has been meeting with some of our key partners to promote the Seminary and outline to them our way forward in this new dispensation.

In experiencing God's presence and leading, we are thankful to the Lord for the these distinguish pastor/ theologians who join our faculty. 

We also welcome two new Directors onto the Seminary Board, namely: Dr. Ellis André and Rev. Clayton Alexander. These men will add value to the management of the Seminary because of the unique experience and skillsets they bring to the BoD in light of their academic experience.

Rev. Clayton Alexander

Conclusion

Cape Town Baptist Seminary is blessed to have faculty and staff who love Christ, His Church and his mission. We consider it a humbling privilege to be called to this immense task to deposit into the lives of faithful men and women God's eternal truth to do the work of ministry. We welcome back Dr. Kennedy Mulenga after his much-needed sabbatical rest.

Rev.Dr. Kennedy Mulenga

As we move with relevance to the future, we do so confident that our Lord God is with us and goes before us.

If you do not support the Seminary financially, we ask you to consider doing so prayerfully. All donations to the Foundation are tax deductible.

Banking Details

Account Holder: Cape Town Baptist Seminary Foundation

Bank: Standard Bank

Branch: Tyger Manor

Branch Code: 050410

Acc. No.: 272 690430

Acc. Type: Current Acc

Swift Add. : SBZAZAJJ

Thank you to all our supporters for your continued prayerful and financial support to CTBS as we train men and women in ministry for Christ’s church and to the world.

In Christ

Prof. Dr. Godfrey Harold

Battling to reach us?

Please note that we have had issues with our telephone connection over the past few months. The contact number is the 021 637 9020 and the 084 061 2658 is being discontinued. You may use the following details if you are unsure. Thanks for being patient with us