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Reformed Theology Certificate — Advanced Academic Training for Ministry
GKSA-approved curriculum covering Old Testament, New Testament, Greek, Hebrew, and Reformed doctrine — Start your ministry training today
Reformed Theology Training
The Theological training at the RTA spans 5 years.
Reformed Theology is (1) biblical, (2) faithful to the Christian confession, (3) informed by the history of the church, and (4) oriented toward ministry. This flows from the conviction that where the Word is faithfully proclaimed, Christ is confessed, His church is founded, and Christian ministry follows. Entrenched in this framework, the (church-oriented) theological training offered by the RTA consists of:
- A Certificate in Reformed Theology
- A Licentiate in Reformed Theology
- Embedded in the curriculum is an online accredited Master’s degree conferred by Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, USA. This program is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
The Certificate and Licentiate programs are structured to fully align with the admission requirements of the PRTS degree. Together the three constitute an integrated program that encompasses the entire field of Reformed Theology.
Students may complete the full program within a minimum of five years.
Dr. Adriaan Neele, President of PRTS, explains:
Studying theology means being able to read and understand the Bible in the original languages. Greek and Hebrew are therefore part of the freshman course.
Two courses have also been developed to hone the reading and writing skills required in church work and the study of the Bible and theology:
- Tole lege … Take, Read
- Write carefully
Based on this belief, the Reformed Theological Academy (RTA) has developed eight courses as a first-year certificate in Reformed theology:
- The Old Testament
- The New Testament
- I believe in God. The Three Ecumenical Confessions of the Church.
- The Three Forms of Unity
- The History and Theology of the Church in Africa
- The Order of Christ in His Church
- Coram Deo. Life and Service Before God
- Christ and Worldviews
Who is this course for?
Those who have been admitted to ministry training in the Reformed Churches in South Africa.
Someone who is considering studying theology- or becoming a minister, but wants to test the waters first.
Someone who is considering studying theology- or becoming a minister, but wants to test the waters first.
Any person who wishes to obtain a degree in Reformed Theology, regardless of his or her affiliation or church affiliation
Academic Standards
The RTA strives for excellent academic standards, and it therefore requires dedication, sufficient study time, and seriousness from every student who wants to complete this education.
All the courses have been approved by the Board of Trustees of the GKSA.
Courses are only taught by lecturers who have expert knowledge of the subject area and are approved by the CTA.
Clear simple pricing
The presentation is done in a hybrid way through distance learning as well as a group venue in Potchefstroom in the Theological School Building of the GKSA
What does it cost?
The courses cost R2 600 per course, bringing the total for the first year of study to R31 200.
Reformed Theology
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Overview of courses Year 1
First Year of study.
The Old Testament – An Overview
This course focuses on the 39 books of the Old Testament. The content of each book is treated with insight.
After completing the course, you will know the names of the books and also understand how the Old Testament is composed, which books belong together, and where each of the prophets fits into the history of, for example, Israel.
You will see the line along which the revelation of God took its course in the Old Testament: from creation, through Noah, Abraham, Israel, the law, the temple service, the kings, and the prophets.
Above all, you will discover why the church of Christ accepts, teaches, and preaches the Old Testament as the Word of God.
The New Testament – An Overview
This course gives an overview of the content and the background of the 27 books of the New Testament. Upon completion of this, you will be able to explain how the New Testament is composed and distinguish the kind of books that are included in it.
You will be able to reproduce an overview of the life and meaning of Jesus Christ. You will be able to interpret with insight the broad outline of the revelation of salvation in Christ Jesus as it is spoken in the New Testament.
You will also know how the Old and New Testaments are related to each other and why the Christian church recognizes the New Testament as the infallible Word of God.
I believe in God. The Three Ecumenical Confessions of the Church
At the back of the Psalm Book of Reformed Churches are printed the three ecumenical (or catholic) confessions. One of them is confessed at every worship service.
This is an important moment in the gathering of the congregation. This course lays out the history and place where the three (the Twelve Articles, the Confession of Nicaea, and the Confession of Athanasius) originated.
The three are compared to each other, and you are led into the breadth, depth, and height of the knowledge of God. For example, after completing the course, you will be able to explain what the church means by the following: “So then there is one Father, and not three fathers; one son, not three sons; one Holy Spirit, not three Holy Spirits.
And in this Trinity there is neither first nor last, neither most nor least, but all three Persons have equal eternity and are completely equal to each other, so that in all respects, as stated above, the Unity in the Trinity and the Trinity in the Oneness must be honoured”.
This is an important moment in the gathering of the congregation. This course lays out the history and place where the three (the Twelve Articles, the Confession of Nicaea, and the Confession of Athanasius) originated.
The three are compared to each other, and you are led into the breadth, depth, and height of the knowledge of God. For example, after completing the course, you will be able to explain what the church means by the following: “So then there is one Father, and not three fathers; one son, not three sons; one Holy Spirit, not three Holy Spirits.
And in this Trinity there is neither first nor last, neither most nor least, but all three Persons have equal eternity and are completely equal to each other, so that in all respects, as stated above, the Unity in the Trinity and the Trinity in the Oneness must be honoured”.
The Three Forms of Unity
At the back of the Book of Psalms, one also comes across the Reformed confessions, which are signed in churches of the Reformed confession because they correspond to the Bible.
This course is an introductory study of the Dutch Creed, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Dordrecht Rules of Doctrine. Where they emerge in the history of the church, how they are structured, what their content is, and the lasting impact on the life of the congregation are outlined in the course.
The interpretation of the Twelve Articles by the Heidelberg Catechism will enable you to correctly explain the confession of the church. You will be able to discern and expound the pure doctrine of the church.
This course is an introductory study of the Dutch Creed, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Dordrecht Rules of Doctrine. Where they emerge in the history of the church, how they are structured, what their content is, and the lasting impact on the life of the congregation are outlined in the course.
The interpretation of the Twelve Articles by the Heidelberg Catechism will enable you to correctly explain the confession of the church. You will be able to discern and expound the pure doctrine of the church.
The History and Theology of the Church in Africa
How did Christ root and assemble his church in Africa over the centuries? How was the gospel preached in this continent? This course gives an overview of nearly 2000 years of church history in Africa. It begins with the church in the vicinity of the Mediterranean on the African side, the important theological schools, and follows the trace of the church along the Nile River in the direction of Ethiopia.
The course also introduces you to how Islam came into Africa and was accepted in the 7th and 8th centuries AD. The confession of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) was not only questioned, it was violently rejected. The Christian church was persecuted. Second, it looks at how the gospel has found its way into the western and southern parts of Africa since the 15th century and has followed Catholic and Protestant churches.
Finally, an overview of the church history of southern Africa follows, in which the Reformed churches were established. Your knowledge of the church in Africa will enable you to comprehend the ecclesiastical and theological landscape in our country with insight upon completion of this course.
The course also introduces you to how Islam came into Africa and was accepted in the 7th and 8th centuries AD. The confession of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) was not only questioned, it was violently rejected. The Christian church was persecuted. Second, it looks at how the gospel has found its way into the western and southern parts of Africa since the 15th century and has followed Catholic and Protestant churches.
Finally, an overview of the church history of southern Africa follows, in which the Reformed churches were established. Your knowledge of the church in Africa will enable you to comprehend the ecclesiastical and theological landscape in our country with insight upon completion of this course.
The Doctrine and Life of Christ’s Church
In the course, you study a foundational and still significant document from the time of the Reformation (16th century), originally written in German: the church order of the Palatinate, a region of which Heidelberg was the capital.
In this city the Heidelberg Catechism was written (1563) and incorporated into the ecclesiastical order. At the back of the Reformed Book of Psalms are the Christian prayers and the forms for baptism and communion, which come directly from this church order.
We are therefore connected in a special way to the ecclesiastical order of Heidelberg. This course guides you to see and appreciate the order with which Christ rules in His congregation, namely through the Word and the Spirit. It touches on matters such as the commission of the Minister of the Word, the elder, and the deacon.
The preaching, teaching, catechesis, and pastoral labor in the congregation come under scrutiny. The ministry of the prayers, sacraments, and mutual care forms an important part of the course. In short, this church order is the cornerstone for being a Reformed church in our time as well.
In this city the Heidelberg Catechism was written (1563) and incorporated into the ecclesiastical order. At the back of the Reformed Book of Psalms are the Christian prayers and the forms for baptism and communion, which come directly from this church order.
We are therefore connected in a special way to the ecclesiastical order of Heidelberg. This course guides you to see and appreciate the order with which Christ rules in His congregation, namely through the Word and the Spirit. It touches on matters such as the commission of the Minister of the Word, the elder, and the deacon.
The preaching, teaching, catechesis, and pastoral labor in the congregation come under scrutiny. The ministry of the prayers, sacraments, and mutual care forms an important part of the course. In short, this church order is the cornerstone for being a Reformed church in our time as well.
Coram Deo. Life and Service Before God
Those who study theology are affected by it. Inevitable. A characteristic of the Christian life and service is the fear of God. This course traces memorably the interpretation of the Law and the Lord’s Prayer of the Heidelberg Catechism.
It ties in with the exposition of the Twelve Articles and, in this way, brings together sound knowledge of the Catechism. The interpretation of the Ten Commandments also guides the course of life of all who share in the CTA.
Prayer is the most important part of our grateful life. That is why so much time is devoted to this in the course.
It ties in with the exposition of the Twelve Articles and, in this way, brings together sound knowledge of the Catechism. The interpretation of the Ten Commandments also guides the course of life of all who share in the CTA.
Prayer is the most important part of our grateful life. That is why so much time is devoted to this in the course.
Christ and Worldviews
Right from the start, the church in Africa has had to deal with worldviews, religions, challenges, heresies, and challenges – issues that we still deal with today.
Only a thorough knowledge of currents, viewpoints, beliefs, religions (e.g., Islam, pantheism, naturalism, African religions, atheism, etc.) in the light of Scripture equips one to grasp them and to consider and weigh them as a Christian.
The purpose of the course is to equip you with the right knowledge to be able to discern, answer, and minister the gospel of Christ in the right way. It is not only of great value to the world we live in, but also to give direction to young and confused people and help to account for the faith in which we live.
Only a thorough knowledge of currents, viewpoints, beliefs, religions (e.g., Islam, pantheism, naturalism, African religions, atheism, etc.) in the light of Scripture equips one to grasp them and to consider and weigh them as a Christian.
The purpose of the course is to equip you with the right knowledge to be able to discern, answer, and minister the gospel of Christ in the right way. It is not only of great value to the world we live in, but also to give direction to young and confused people and help to account for the faith in which we live.
Tole lege … Take, read.
The study of theology places high demands on one. It requires a lot of reading, not only books from our own time, but also sources from the history of the church, or minutes of church meetings.
The skills to correctly comprehend and weigh the source, article, or book you are reading are inculcated through this course.
The skills to correctly comprehend and weigh the source, article, or book you are reading are inculcated through this course.
Write carefully
Sloppy formulation, theological quips, and general statements have far-reaching consequences and easily promote error and deception. Careful and accurate formulation carries much more weight in our theological and ecclesiastical writing than appears on the surface.
This course not only makes you aware of this but also teaches you the skill to formulate and write in the right way.
An important section of the course teaches you how to write a minute, as well as how to write an official church document (e.g., a report to a church meeting). All this is in connection with Article 34 of the Dordrecht Church Order, namely that the scribe must carefully write down what is necessary to be recorded.
This course not only makes you aware of this but also teaches you the skill to formulate and write in the right way.
An important section of the course teaches you how to write a minute, as well as how to write an official church document (e.g., a report to a church meeting). All this is in connection with Article 34 of the Dordrecht Church Order, namely that the scribe must carefully write down what is necessary to be recorded.
Greek 1
This course is designed to equip students with the essential skills to read and interpret the New Testament in its original language. Students will learn the fundamentals of Greek grammar, vocabulary, and syntax through a combination of lectures, readings, and hands-on exercises.
In addition to grammatical instruction, the course will focus on the acquisition and application of high-frequency vocabulary commonly found in the Greek New Testament.
In addition to grammatical instruction, the course will focus on the acquisition and application of high-frequency vocabulary commonly found in the Greek New Testament.
Hebrew 1
This course introduces students to the foundational elements of Biblical Hebrew, with focused study in orthography, morphology, and essential syntax.
Special emphasis will be placed on mastering the Hebrew verb system, a critical key to reading and interpreting Old Testament texts. Students will also build a working vocabulary drawn from words that are frequently found in the Hebrew Bible.
Special emphasis will be placed on mastering the Hebrew verb system, a critical key to reading and interpreting Old Testament texts. Students will also build a working vocabulary drawn from words that are frequently found in the Hebrew Bible.
Still have more questions?
Overview of year 2 courses
Year 2.
Canon of Scripture – The Texts of the Bible
The Word of God was originally written in Hebrew (Old Testament, with a small portion in Aramaic) and Greek (New Testament). Over the centuries, these inspired texts have been accurately transmitted, copied, and preserved—from original manuscripts to the printed editions after the Reformation and the invention of the printing press.
Today’s Hebrew and Greek editions contain an extensive body of scholarly research through detailed footnotes and references to editions, texts, text fragments, sources, original translations, and manuscripts. This course will equip you to understand and interpret this rich collection of footnotes and references and how to use them effectively in the study, interpretation, and translation of Scripture. You will also learn to explain the reliability of the authentic biblical texts clearly and confidently as they have been received and faithfully transmitted over the centuries. You will gain a deeper appreciation for God’s faithful and providential care to preserve His Word for His people. This course is aligned with our curriculum in exegesis and hermeneutics, providing further depth and continuity in biblical exposition. The process of translation and translation methods are part of the study and equip the student to deal responsibly with translations.
Today’s Hebrew and Greek editions contain an extensive body of scholarly research through detailed footnotes and references to editions, texts, text fragments, sources, original translations, and manuscripts. This course will equip you to understand and interpret this rich collection of footnotes and references and how to use them effectively in the study, interpretation, and translation of Scripture. You will also learn to explain the reliability of the authentic biblical texts clearly and confidently as they have been received and faithfully transmitted over the centuries. You will gain a deeper appreciation for God’s faithful and providential care to preserve His Word for His people. This course is aligned with our curriculum in exegesis and hermeneutics, providing further depth and continuity in biblical exposition. The process of translation and translation methods are part of the study and equip the student to deal responsibly with translations.
Reformed Hermeneutics
In Reformed theology, exegesis—the meticulous exposition of the biblical text—and hermeneutics—the principles that guide its interpretation—are closely linked. As a result, our course on the principles of exegesis serves as a fundamental prerequisite for the study of hermeneutics.
How should the people of God faithfully interpret the Word that God has given? This course provides an in-depth study of the principles underlying Reformed hermeneutics, as derived from Scripture and articulated in the Reformed Confessions. It is designed to equip students with the tools needed to interpret the biblical text with credibility, accuracy, and theological responsibility. Particular emphasis is placed on the unity and coherence of Scripture, the Christocentric nature of salvation history, and the theological framework of covenant theology.
By the end of the course, students will have the scholarly expertise to interpret Scripture with theological clarity, pastoral sensitivity, ecclesiastical accountability, and confessional integrity, thereby contributing to the faithful proclamation and application of the Word within the life of the church.
How should the people of God faithfully interpret the Word that God has given? This course provides an in-depth study of the principles underlying Reformed hermeneutics, as derived from Scripture and articulated in the Reformed Confessions. It is designed to equip students with the tools needed to interpret the biblical text with credibility, accuracy, and theological responsibility. Particular emphasis is placed on the unity and coherence of Scripture, the Christocentric nature of salvation history, and the theological framework of covenant theology.
By the end of the course, students will have the scholarly expertise to interpret Scripture with theological clarity, pastoral sensitivity, ecclesiastical accountability, and confessional integrity, thereby contributing to the faithful proclamation and application of the Word within the life of the church.
Principles of Reformed Exegesis
In Reformed theology, exegesis—the meticulous exposition of the biblical text—and hermeneutics—the principles that guide its interpretation—are closely linked. The course on the principles of exegesis provides the essential knowledge and expertise to serve as a platform for the study of hermeneutics. Both courses aim to form competent exegetes with the skills necessary for the correct interpretation of Scripture to apply them in preaching, teaching, and pastoral ministry. These courses are supplemented by the course on the texts of the Bible (textual criticism).
Reformed exegesis studies and explains the text of Scripture in terms of its historical and literal significance. The historical-grammatical method of exegesis is most consistent with this approach. As a result, this course provides an in-depth study of that method. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to apply it faithfully and consistently.
Reformed exegesis studies and explains the text of Scripture in terms of its historical and literal significance. The historical-grammatical method of exegesis is most consistent with this approach. As a result, this course provides an in-depth study of that method. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to apply it faithfully and consistently.
Church Government Systems
This course studies the Scriptural principles for the organization of the church, analyses various systems of government, and compares church governments. Special attention is given to the governance of the early church, the development of canon law and the Roman Catholic system, the Lutheran system and Collegialism, Independentism, and the Presbyterian system. These systems reflect different theological and organizational beliefs about leadership, authority, and how the church should function spiritually and administratively. The reign of Christ is extended to the community of believers. The course intends to equip students with biblical, confessional, theological, and historical knowledge to discern, explain, apply, and defend the Reformed system of church government.
Catechism and Teaching
Discover the rich biblical, theological, and historical roots of catechesis in Reformed churches – and learn how to impart the knowledge of faith with clarity, conviction, and pastoral care. The course is designed to equip students with practical skills to effectively teach the faith and learning in the local church, especially to children and young people. Special attention is paid to the teaching principles (didactics) that respect the child’s developmental phase, the covenant context of the church, and a deep, abiding understanding and appropriation of the Gospel. In addition to lectures, students will also be prepared through hands-on experience to act as mentors with pastoral wisdom, to teach with doctrinal clarity, and to cultivate a strong ecclesiastical identity grounded in the characteristics of the true church.
Evangelism (Gospel to the Nations)
This course examines biblical principles and strategies for achieving a secular world with the Gospel, with a strong emphasis on the sovereign work of the Word and the Spirit in drawing people to the Christian faith. Students will examine the cultural, social, economic, and psychological dynamics of contemporary society to better understand the hopes, fears, and underlying assumptions of modern individuals. The course looks at how the Reformed faith can speak both prophetically and pastorally to the challenges of our time. Participants will receive hands-on training in conducting theologically rich and culturally sensitive conversations, accounting for contexts for Gospel proclamation, and in using tools, media, and digital technologies in ways that faithfully represent Christ and maintain confessional integrity.
The course also explores how churches can grow while remaining theologically faithful to the Bible, confessions, and sound theology. Emphasis is placed on strategic leadership, planning, outreach, and involvement in the proclamation of the Gospel to all nations, peoples, and tongues, so that Christ may gather His elect from every corner of the earth.
The course also explores how churches can grow while remaining theologically faithful to the Bible, confessions, and sound theology. Emphasis is placed on strategic leadership, planning, outreach, and involvement in the proclamation of the Gospel to all nations, peoples, and tongues, so that Christ may gather His elect from every corner of the earth.
Research Methodology
This course is a study of research skills and methodology, authoritative sources, and library use designed to prepare the student to conduct research, develop a thesis statement, and engage in effective study, writing, and preaching in ministry. Attention is paid to Turabian format, bibliographies, and issues of form and style in academic writing.
Introduction to Apologetics
The goal of this course is to help students understand the role that apologetics plays in the life and work of the congregation and to develop an effective apologetic method that is grounded in Scripture and consistent with the Reformed confessions. Students will learn to use various
identify common challenges, objections to, and attacks on the Christian faith and effectively refute them. The course will develop a concept of apologetics as credible testimony from Scripture and the Reformed Confession and emphasize the priority of Scripture in assessing practical life issues.
identify common challenges, objections to, and attacks on the Christian faith and effectively refute them. The course will develop a concept of apologetics as credible testimony from Scripture and the Reformed Confession and emphasize the priority of Scripture in assessing practical life issues.
The Pentateuch
In these first five books of the Bible, we learn to understand man from his creation and fall; we get to know God in his justice and grace, and we study the Covenant as the way in which God enters into a relationship with man. The special place these books occupy in the Bible, their origin, authorship, etc., are discussed, and the student will discover how the rest of Scripture builds on these books. Unfortunately, this is also a part of the Bible that is heavily criticized, but this study holds on to the historicity and divine inspiration of the Pentateuch and seeks to bring the student to an understanding of God and His Plan of Counsel and how He carries out His will in the lives of people.
Each book is then studied in depth, with a specific focus on the theological message, historical setting, covenant structure, typological significance, and Christological trajectories. Important themes explored include creation and the fall, election, the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants, the law and grace dynamics, God’s presence with His people, and the formation of a holy nation called to live under God’s rule.
The study consistently seeks to highlight the Pentateuch’s message and significance for today and to emphasise its topicality
Each book is then studied in depth, with a specific focus on the theological message, historical setting, covenant structure, typological significance, and Christological trajectories. Important themes explored include creation and the fall, election, the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants, the law and grace dynamics, God’s presence with His people, and the formation of a holy nation called to live under God’s rule.
The study consistently seeks to highlight the Pentateuch’s message and significance for today and to emphasise its topicality
The Four Gospels and Acts
This course provides a comprehensive study of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and the book of Acts. Students will examine the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament promise and the inauguration of the new dispensation. The course will also trace the ongoing work of Christ through the Holy Spirit in the early church, as recorded in Acts.
These five books reveal God in His grace, the uniqueness of Christ to us, and place all believers in a special relationship with God. The inseparable bond between Christ and his church, and every believer and the church, is affirmed and studied. It gives each believer a perspective on what a relationship with God requires and God’s purpose for every believer. The Kingdom of God, the Covenant and baptism as a sign of it, the commission to evangelize, and especially the work of the Holy Spirit are studied.
These five books reveal God in His grace, the uniqueness of Christ to us, and place all believers in a special relationship with God. The inseparable bond between Christ and his church, and every believer and the church, is affirmed and studied. It gives each believer a perspective on what a relationship with God requires and God’s purpose for every believer. The Kingdom of God, the Covenant and baptism as a sign of it, the commission to evangelize, and especially the work of the Holy Spirit are studied.
Greek 1
This course is designed to equip students with the essential skills to read and interpret the New Testament in its original language. Students will learn the fundamentals of Greek grammar, vocabulary, and syntax through a combination of lectures, readings, and hands-on exercises. In addition to grammatical instruction, the course will focus on the acquisition and application of high-frequency vocabulary commonly found in the Greek New Testament.
Hebrew 1
This course introduces students to the foundational elements of Biblical Hebrew, with focused study in orthography, morphology, and essential syntax. Special emphasis will be placed on mastering the Hebrew verb system, a critical key to reading and interpreting Old Testament texts. Students will also build a working vocabulary drawn from words that are frequently found in the Hebrew Bible.
Reformed Theologial Studies
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