BTH-303Advanced Level

African Theology & Contextual Ministry

The Gospel in African Soil

12 Weeks6 Credits4 Modules4 Assessments

Course Overview

For too long, African Christians have been taught to think with borrowed categories. European theology, American methodologies, Western counseling models — all imported and imposed. This course reclaims the theological task for Africa. You will study the theology of Ubuntu and community, exploring how African values of interconnectedness reflect biblical truth. You will wrestle with the tension between gospel and culture — where contextualisation is faithful and where syncretism is dangerous. You will address the uniquely African questions: ancestors and the Christian faith, traditional healing and the gospel, the extended family and pastoral care. And you will learn to build indigenous theology — theology that grows from African soil, is watered by African tears, but is rooted in the unchanging Word of God.

Course Description

The Arukah model is born from African soil. This capstone theology course helps students think theologically from within their own culture without compromising biblical truth. It is the course where Africa's voice speaks — not a borrowed theology, but one that is truly ours and truly His.

Required Textbooks

  • Course materials provided
  • Recommended: Theology and Identity by Kwame Bediako

Course Modules

Study the African concept of Ubuntu — "I am because we are" — and explore how it reflects and enriches biblical theology of community.

Learning Outcomes

  • Articulate a theology of Ubuntu grounded in biblical principles of community
  • Compare Ubuntu with the biblical concepts of koinonia and the body of Christ
  • Apply communal theology to restoration ministry in African contexts

Assessments & Grading

Module quizzes (4 quizzes)

Contextualisation case study: evaluate a specific practice and recommend a biblical response

Capstone project: develop an indigenous restoration theology for your cultural context

Final comprehensive examination

Passing score: 70% on all assessments. Students who do not meet the passing score may retake assessments after additional study.

Ready to Begin BTH-303?

Enroll individually for $49 or as part of a certification track.