Education and Theological Formation
Focusses on:
- developing a required level of educational and theological literacy
- learning to reflect theologically through the study of the scriptures, reason, tradition and experience (the Wesleyan Quadrilateral)
Holistic Interplay
While there are three distinct formational learning areas, the intersection points are where the best learning takes place. Our formational process is focused on providing opportunities for synthesis across the three areas.
Overview
Education and Theological Formation focuses on developing the required level of educational and theological literacy and learning to reflect theologically through scripture, reason, tradition, and experience.
Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training (CSAOT)
The Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training (CSAOT) “is not an academic certificate but it is an acknowledgement of officership training in all aspects – spiritual formation, character development, educational attainments, and practical skills. It is a tangible symbol of the fact that, by whatever route travelled, the cadet has satisfactorily completed officership training and is now ready to be commissioned.”
Your formation for officership is delivered through the CSAOT. Officer Formation’s primary concern is not whether you achieve a particular academic qualification – that is a side benefit. Our focus is upon your formation for the vocation of officership. The CSAOT seeks to deliver the broad range of what is required for officership beyond any academic expectations and is based upon The Salvation Army’s needs for newly commissioned officers. As such, there is a range of learning activities known as Salvation Army Service Requirements (SASR). These are equally important in your preparation for officership based on the foundational knowledge, personal attributes and competencies expected of an officer on day one of their commissioned officership (this is a picture of where you need to be at the end of your training). This end picture is expressed through a range of officer readiness descriptors which guide your formation.
Accredited components
Many accredited components are delivered through the Higher Education Stream in association with the University of Divinity. These components commonly align with an Advanced Diploma of Theology and Ministry or a Bachelor of Ministry.
The following core OFS units as compulsory accredited components of cadet formation for Officer Formatiion Australia:
- Foundations of Wesleyan Theology.
- Worship and Preaching Essentials.
- Mission Foundations.
- Interpreting the New Testament.
- Interpreting the Hebrew Bible.
- Introduction to Pastoral Theology and Ministry.
- Introduction to Spiritual Formation.
- Introduction to Christian Theology.
- Reflective Practice for Vocational Formation.
- Introduction to Leadership in Ministry.
- Supervised Theological Field Education.
- Introduction to Church History.
Formation Descriptors
Education and theological readiness includes the following descriptors:
- Displays a growing desire to learn from, interpret and apply scripture.
- Uses scripture, reason, tradition and, experience to discern God’s wisdom for action in life and ministry.
- Displays a humble and compassionate awareness of mystery (divine).
- Demonstrates reflective, evidence-based practice and innovative thinking.
- Critiques the environment from a Kingdom of God perspective, considering changing contexts and trends.
Course planning and prior study
Elective units allow cadets to pursue areas of particular interest and passion. Graduate and post-graduate study options may be available for cadets with existing theological qualifications, in consultation with OFS and HES.
Cadets can apply for credit for individual units of study undertaken at another institution, such as a university or theological college. Cadets should seek advice from the Higher Education Course Coordinator and provide evidence of previous study, such as transcripts or certificates.Payment and academic progress
The Salvation Army makes a significant investment into your development, and the cost of accredited units taken towards your degree as a Cadet will be met by OFS. Funding for subsequent study to complete your award post-commissioning is subject to the Salvation Army’s Personnel Development Policy. Continued financial support is dependent upon satisfactory academic success and completion of units. In the situation that a cadet fails a unit or withdraws after the census date, the next subject enrolled will be at the individual’s own expense unless extenuating circumstances apply, in line with the Personnel Development Policy.
Salvation Army Service Requirements
Salvation Army Service Requirements classes are non-accredited classes that form part of the Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training. They cover Salvation Army administration, practicalities, protocols, finance procedures, professional standards, human resources, weddings, funerals, and other day-to-day ministry requirements.
Each SASR class requires a SASR Class Reflection to be completed and sent to the cadet’s ITO and the Education and Theological Formation Coordinator. Cadets are responsible for demonstrating meaningful engagement and submitting reflections in a timely manner.
Recognition of prior learning
There may be instances where permission is given not to attend a particular non-accredited class. If a cadet believes their circumstances warrant recognition of prior learning, they must apply in advance of the relevant class to the Education and Theological Formation Coordinator for consideration.
Academic support
EBC has an employed an Academic Literacy Support Officer who is available to help students, including but not limited to those from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, who need extra support with academic work. Support may include help in organising essay writing and using language appropriate to the university context and helping with summarising, quoting, referencing, and getting the most from Microsoft Word when writing assignments.