Theological education for the Dutch Reformed Church differs from any other teaching at the University. In all other professions a student, at the end of his studies, decides where he wants to practice his profession: On his own, in a partnership, as an employee of the state or in a public company.

Our theological education is different, because from the outset the Church is involved with the student, as indeed the student is trained for ministry in a particular church. The Curatorium (governing body) therefore has an ongoing direct interest in the University, the lecturers and the students.

History

The Dutch Reformed Church has partnered with the University of Pretoria since 1937 in the training of ministers. Division B of the Faculty had been responsible for the Dutch Reformed Church’s training until 2000. Since then theological training in die Faculty has become multi-ecclesiastical, but with the Dutch Reformed Church still very much involved as a church partner with the PPCSA, the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk and URCSA.

Current distinctions

• The Church guides a student from the first year of study to the point of ordination. Over and above this guidance, the Church also provides church-specific training. During this training special attention is given to, amongst others, personality development, spiritual development and practical skills. Dr Kobus Myburgh, Head of Training for the DR Church, is responsible for coordinating and developing this work.  He is managed by a Curatorium (governing body). The Curatorium comprises of representatives of the four synods in the area that was previously known as Transvaal (namely the Synod of Goudland, the Northern Synod, the Highveld Synod and Eastern Synod).
• Continuing ministry development: Certain programmes and training opportunities are given to graduandi through Excelsus. The Church is entirely aware of the fact that life is lived in a world in which lifelong learning is essential. The person responsible for this programme is dr André Bartlett.
• An important part of the involvement of the church with students is the partial provision of bursaries and loans. Mrs Lizette van der Kooi can assist in queries.  She is personal assistant to the Head of Training and is available between 7:30 and 12:30 during weekdays.
• Mrs Rika van Rensburg is a half-day secretary and is the personal assistant to the Head of Excelsus.

Staff

Head of training for the DR Church Dr Kobus Myburgh Office: Room 2-25 Theology Building Hatfield Campus University of Pretoria  Tel: 012 420 4620 Email: [email protected]
Half-day secretary Ms Lizette van der Kooi Office: Room 2-24 Theology Building Hatfield Campus University of Pretoria  Tel: 012 420 2892 Email: [email protected]
Head: Excelsus (Continuing ministry development) Dr Tom Smith Office: Room 2-4 Theology Building Hatfield Campus University of Pretoria  Tel: 012 420 4441 Email: [email protected]  www.excelsus.org.za
Half-day secretary Ms Rika van Rensburg Office: Room 2-6 Theology Building Hatfield Campus University of Pretoria  Tel: 012 420 6738 Email: [email protected]