On Friday, five (5) local pastors graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theology facilitated by Hands on Africa (HOA) and awarded by Jacksonville Baptist Theological Seminary based in the United States of America (USA). Although Hands on Africa has offered subsidised theological training through various African countries since 2000, this group of pastors is the first to complete the five-year program in Eswatini.
According to its website, Hands on Africa serves the people in Kenya, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Eswatini, Burundi, Zambia and South Africa. The organisation has additional partners in other areas of the world including Mexico and Philippines. Besides enabling access to theological training, Hands on Africa also support the implementation of child-focused programs in education, healthcare and access to clean water.
Speaking during the graduation, South African-based lecturer and program coordinator, Dr Andre Strydom, explained that Hands on Africa is a non-profit-making organisation whose work is graciously supported by United States of America-based donors and theology-trained lecturers and pastors in Africa who volunteer to teach at the seminary. It is through this combination of donations that the organisation delivers theological training of pastors in different African countries.
While this program could be entirely delivered online, lecturers come to Eswatini for a weeklong contact session, which cuts back costs associated with studying online. During the week, students participate in lectures, write exams, and access guidance to excel in their studies. Lecturers, who are usually theologians with massive pastoral experience, equip pastors with the essential knowledge and competencies required for effective service across diverse church settings.
Dr Strydom explained that the nature of the training requires that students engage in regular ministry activities. “Students must realize that the crucial elements of their preparation for ministry will come from their personal commitment to God and their own contribution to their ministry−physically, mentally, spiritually and socially,” he said.
The curriculum includes topics from both the Old and New Testaments, doctrinal topics, leadership, conflict resolution and various modules focused on developing critical competencies essential for ministry work.
Dr Strydom indicated that three of the bachelor’s degree graduates have proceeded to pursue a master’s degree in theology, which is also facilitated through Hands on Africa. He is looking forward to another graduation where the first cohort of master’s degree graduands would be awarded by Jacksonville Baptist Theological Seminary. George Nkambule, one of the graduates who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, thanked their families and friends for their support and inspiration during the challenging training program. He noted that while this program was massively helpful in equipping them for ministry, it requires the skill of balancing multiple demands, namely work, ministry, and regular employment−for those in employment.
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