Shaping the Future: Towards the Paradigm of “Socio-Spiritual Synergy” in the Development of Effective Leaders Through Theological Education with Special Reference to the Independent Baptist Church in Durban.

Abstract

This study deals with the quality of the educational process for the B.Th and Honours programs offered by the Baptist Bible College of KwaZulu-Natal.The study comments on the program as it relates to the purpose and mission of the Institution itself. I believe that the conclusions reached would also be eminently relevant to other training mechanisms within the Independent Baptist Movement in South Africa. The study will describe a philosophical framework that could lead to dramatic improvement at various levels within the program, if implemented. This framework has been analyzed through the lenses of current cultural trends in leadership and leadership development. In addition, biblical material is consulted, specifically in unpacking the concept of ̳mentoring‘. Lastly, the study explores the framework through various empirical tools among former graduates to test the theory. The process of leadership development through Theological Education is of paramount importance to the administration of BBC KZN. This study hopes to point out the current shortcomings in order to lead to a dramatic improvement in the relevancy of this Institution.

This study deals with the quality of the educational process for the B.Th and Honours programs offered by the Baptist Bible College of KwaZulu-Natal.The study comments on the program as it relates to the purpose and mission of the Institution itself. I believe that the conclusions reached would also be eminently relevant to other training mechanisms within the Independent Baptist Movement in South Africa. The study will describe a philosophical framework that could lead to dramatic improvement at various levels within the program, if implemented. This framework has been analyzed through the lenses of current cultural trends in leadership and leadership development. In addition, biblical material is consulted, specifically in unpacking the concept of ̳mentoring‘. Lastly, the study explores the framework through various empirical tools among former graduates to test the theory. The process of leadership development through Theological Education is of paramount importance to the administration of BBC KZN. This study hopes to point out the current shortcomings in order to lead to a dramatic improvement in the relevancy of this Institution.