Mission Studies

In 1908, Robert Horton, wrote:
"We are pledged to Missionary zeal and ceaseless activity -
First, because the Bible is a Missionary Book;
Secondly, because the study of the World, as it is, reveals the fact that the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is precisely what it needs;
Thirdly, because the success of the work, so far as it has gone, is surprising, and shows clearly that if the church were united, and set upon discharging the obligation, it would be quite possible, within one generation, to cover the earth with the knowledge of the Lord."

BTC Southern Africa affirms this pledge. It is as valid and prophetic today as it was in 1908.

Our aim is to play a role in encouraging churches to be involved in the task of reaching the world for Jesus Christ. This we aim to accomplish through the influence we have on the learners who study through the College. We also want to contribute by exploring how mission is to be done in, and from, our unique situation here in Southern Africa.

We are committed to the belief that the whole church in Southern Africa needs to be taking up the challenge of being salt and light within our region and to the ends of the earth.

The mission studies at the College are closely integrated into the whole training programme offered by the College. We aim to instill in every learner who studies through the College, a vision of the role of the church in mission. We then seek to equip learners to be able to introduce and develop meaningful mission involvement in the context of their future ministries.

For those who are preparing for, or engaged in, long-term cross-cultural mission service, we provide training that is academic, relevant, spiritual, and practical. Learning activities range from lectures, personal study, practical mission trips, visits by active missionaries, interviews with mission leaders, and regular prayer for God's work around the world.

A strong emphasis is laid on the cross-cultural nature of mission. Significant time is spent exploring the nature of culture, our own personal cultural biases, and preparing the learner to enter, and effectively minister within, a culture other than their own.

Another feature of the mission training is the deliberate exploration of principles rather than specific methods, so as to produce missionaries who are able to adapt to the many varieties of situations which may be encountered on the mission field.

All this is with the ultimate goal that God would get the glory due His name.

BMS 115 - World Mission
A course that aims to motivate learners by looking at what mission is, why mission is a vital part of Christianity, and an examination of the contemporary situation.

BMS 125 - Mission Sending
An overview of the local church, mission organisations and missionaries, their respective roles and responsibilities in world mission.

BMS 215 - Christian Evangelism & Apologetics
This course will equip students to win others by exploring principles for evangelism. A key focus will be reaching people at different commitment levels, including unchurched, seekers and churched people.

BMS 225 - Multi-Cultural Skills
The learner is introduced to the nature of culture, the challenges of living and ministering in a multi-cultural society and how to survive and thrive in a culture other than your own.

BMS 315 - World Religions
We live on a planet with a vast variety of people, cultures, religions and environments. The Gospel is for all, and this course seeks to give the learner an overview of the harvest fields that Jesus called "plentiful".

BMS 325 - Methods, Strategies, and Issues
Seeking to answer the question of the "how" of mission, the course takes an in-depth look at strategic planning, its place in ministry, and the practicalities of implementation. There is also an analysis of trends and issues facing contemporary mission.

BMS 415 - Mission Skills 1
The learner will be guided in researching aspects of Missiology, ministry and missionary life that are relevant to their proposed field of future ministry.

BMS 425 - Mission Skills 2
The learner will be guided in researching further aspects of Missiology, ministry and missionary life that are relevant to their proposed field of future ministry.