V-COS Program
This page explains the scope of the V-COS program that NTC offers in collaboration with Veritas College International.
The V-COS program is a validated Ministerial Course of Study approved by the Church of the Nazarene.
This page consists of the following sections:
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Why Veritas
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Program Structure
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Watch the Video
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Diagram
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Active Learning
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Summary of the Program
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Spiritual Formation
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Program Duration
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Notional Hours
Why V-COS?
V-COS means Veritas Course of Study. As NTCSA explored options, collaborating with Veritas College International (VCI) presented a pragmatic and missional opportunity to develop and train pastors and leaders within their local contexts. Like the Nazarene Course of Study, the Veritas model is competency-based theological education. However, the Veritas model is methodologically different from a traditional course- or module-based such as the MET or NTCSA’s previous diploma and degree programs.
In collaboration with VCI, NTCSA is free to include content and competencies that will fulfil requirements for a Nazarene Course of Study (COS). This program also allows NTCSA to train our leaders; that is, we do not rely on VCI personnel to teach any part of the program. Thus, VCI provides a vehicle whereby NTCSA may move quickly to replace the MET in district learning centres within our area of responsibility.
Program Structure
The V-COS program consists of 3 levels. All four levels combined form the V-COS program, and all levels must be completed.
Level 1 consists of the foundational training as four modules that must be completed. NTC trains facilitators who may train participants. Every person starting within the V-COS program must begin as a Module 1 participant. They may progress to Modules 2, 3, and 4 from here. The foundational training does not consist of assignments, but because it is competency-based theological education, the participant must obtain the skills presented in the Modules. The skills obtained in the Modules will be assessed in the Formal education (Levels 2 and 3). See course fees for more information.
Level 2 is the first formal education level, Certificate IV in Biblical Ministry. This is a separate program; students must apply for the Cert IV. The prerequisite is Modules 1 and 2. A participant may be busy completing Module 1 when enrolling for Cert IV but cannot complete it if they did not complete Modules 1 and 2. The Cert IV consist of 11 assignments that assess the outcomes of the skills obtained in Modules 1 and 2. Once a participant is enrolled in the Cert IV, they become a student. The Cert IV is 18 months; therefore, students must plan their studies well. See course fees for more information.
Level 2 consists of the second level of formal education called the Diploma of Biblical Ministry. The prerequisites are completion of Modules 1 and 2. Completion and passing of Cert IV. Participating or completion of Modules 3 and 4. As with Cert IV, the Diploma is based on the skills obtained in Modules 3 and 4. The Diploma consist of 14 assignments that must be completed. The Diploma is 18 months; therefore, students must plan their studies well. See course fees for more information.
The Cert IV and Diploma are accredited programs from VCI, and students will graduate with a formal education.
Level 3 consists of Nazarene tracks. We use the terminology of tracks and not courses for a reason. Courses are usually done in a semester and then concluded. Tracks are understood to span the complete program. Therefore, the Nazarene content is not a course to be completed and checked off but must be integrated throughout the program. So, for instance, the theological track is not a course to complete somewhere within the course of study, but theology must be integrated and applied throughout the program. Content and guidance are provided as students start with the formal studies.
Secondly, NTC will present seminars to address the additional needs of students via conferences, seminars and other means. After students complete Cert IV, a cohort will take place to assess the students further regarding the Nazarene Tracks.
Students must also keep a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE). The PoE will serve as evidence for the progression and completion of the student's ministerial course. The PoE will be provided once students begin their formal studies. See course fees for more information.
Watch the Video
Please watch this 25-minute video that explains the program.
Diagram
Please see the following diagram to illustrate the complete program.
Active learning and not passive
The Learner
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Learners begin this course of study at the non-formal level, with literacy as the only entry requirement. Demonstration of competency is the requirement for continuing the program and completing the COS.
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The course may be taught in English or the student's language. Assignments for the Cert IV and Diploma qualifications must be submitted in English. However, virtual oral presentations, alongside an approved interpreter, may be permitted.
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The primary objective of the program is to provide accessible, quality, contextualized ministerial training to NTC-SA’s constituency, who, for whatever reason, are unable to attend a residential learning program.
The ARCOSAC objectives were used as the benchmark for the process throughout this program. Everything in the process is only measured against these objectives. These objectives are the determining factors for analyzing and weighing the program. This means that the objective was to focus on fulfilling ARCOSAC Objectives and not to understand and analyze the Programs of VCI. As the ARCOSAC objectives are the benchmark that must be met to fulfil the course of study, the focus was mainly on these aspects. However, the V-COS program is a different paradigm than what is known to the Church. -
Because the only entry requirement is literacy, mature learners can enter the program. Opportunity is provided to advance academically through the V-COS and beyond.
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The V-COS is a distance program intended to function in approved district learning centres throughout NTC-SA’s area of responsibility.
Summary of the Program
This is a competency-based program; therefore, the units do not carry a credit load. Students must demonstrate competency before the unit is completed.
The following comprise the non-formal course: V-COS Modules 1 - 4.
Module 1
Bible Interpretation – background and method
Exegetical Process for Exposition/Exhortation Literature Type
Preparing and Leading Bible study
Ministry skill - Preaching
Module 2
Exegetical Process for Narrative Literature Type
Ethical Decision-making
Exegetical work related to family and marriage relationships
Preparing and leading Bible study lessons for children
Module 3
Exegetical Process for Poetic and Wisdom Literature Type
Praise and Worship in the Church
Prophesy in the Old Testament
Prophetic Involvement in Society
Pastoral Care to Individuals
Module 4
Exegesis of the Gospels and the Book of Revelation
The Ministry of Jesus
The Believer and Finances
Self-denial
Development of Church Life (Acts)
The following Units are assignments for the CertIV course.
VCINTE401
Interpret the New Testament Epistles
VCINTE402
Identify the Communication Situation and Central Message of the New Testament Epistles.
VCIOTE401
Interpret the Pentateuch and Old Testament historical books.
VCIOTE402
Identify the Communication Situation and Central Message of the Pentateuch and Old Testament.
VCITHE401
Interpret the Ten Commandments and make biblical ethical decisions.
VCISPI401
Understand, apply, and demonstrate spiritual change and growth.
VCIMIN401
Prepare and deliver a short biblical message.
VCIMIN402
Prepare and lead a Bible study.
VCIMIN403
Do biblical evangelism.
VCIMIN404
Develop a strategy for improving the dynamics of church life within a small group.
VCIMIN405
Promote family relationships.
The following Units are assignments for the Diploma course.
The selection of Units is according to the requirements of ARCOSAC. A total of fourteen (14) unit assignments must be completed.
Mandatory Units:
VCIOTE501
Interpret the Psalms
VCIOTE502
Interpret the Old Testament wisdom books
VCIOTE503
Interpret the Old Testament prophetic books
VCIOTE504
Identify the communication situation and central message of the Old Testament prophetic books.
VCINTE501
Interpret the Synoptic Gospels, John's Gospel, and Acts
VCINTE502
Interpret the Book of Revelation
VCINTE503
Identify the communication situation and central message of the Gospels, Acts, and Revelation.
VCITHE501
Provide answers for the church on worldview
VCIMIN501
Plan and lead the prayer, praise, and worship segments of a church meeting
VCIMIN502
Provide biblically-based pastoral care to individuals
VCIMIN503
Develop a personal and a ministry stewardship plan
VCIMIN504
Develop and apply a biblically based model of church leadership
Elective A: Choose one elective from the following:
VCIMIN505
Prepare and deliver a series of messages for children
VCIMIN506
Prepare and deliver a series of biblical messages or sermons
Elective B: Choose one elective from the following:
VCIMIN507
Prepare a series of Bible studies for a number of Bible study groups and prepare their leaders to lead them
VCIMIN508
Prepare and deliver a series of biblical teaching sessions
The following are tracks included in the three-tiered Nazarene distinctive course.
Track units
HT: History & Manual
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History of Christianity, including African Christianity
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History of the Church of the Nazarene
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Nazarene Identity and Manual
LA: Leadership & Administration
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Administration of the Local Church
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Mission of the Church
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Personal Stewardship and Finance
TH: Theology & Holiness
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Biblical (Narrative) Theology
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Wesleyan Theology
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Wesleyan Holiness Theology
Spiritual Formation
1. Students
Students must keep a journal and submit regular reflective journal reports throughout the program. Students will be studying in local contexts through approved Learning Centres. Facilitators, mentors and supervisors are asked to serve a pastoral role to students under their care.
Students are expected to be actively engaged in the life of a local church. Once students are enrolled in the CertIV course and continuing in the Diploma course, they must be active with a ministry group to complete tasks and assignments. Students having trouble finding a place in ministry will be identified quickly, and steps will be taken to ensure they can engage in workplace learning. Students must also have a mentor and/or supervisor throughout the program. The mentor/supervisor is required to submit regular reports.
2. Facilitators
Facilitators must be jointly approved by NTC-SA and the district in which they serve. These persons must have completed the ministerial course of study and must be serving in an assigned role. NTC-SA will continue with facilitator/instructor development regularly.
The institution and the district will regularly evaluate facilitators.
Program Duration
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Content........................ 30%
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Competency................ 29%
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Character..................... 21%
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Context........................ 20%
The V-COS is structured to meet the minimum of three years (3600 hours) prescribed by ARCOSAC. This is a minimum study time to complete all program requirements. To reach completion of the V-COS program in three years, it is required that all four sections are done simultaneously. The foundational training modules will set the Cert IV and Diploma structure. As students progress through each Module, they can complete the relevant assignment that aligns with each Module and lesson. The structure is to complete the Cert IV in the first eighteen (18) months and the Diploma in the remaining eighteen (18) months. The Nazarene Ministerial tracks will be integrated into the V-COS program to ensure completion of the program in at least three years if all objectives are met.
The V-COS program also allows people to complete foundational training and enrol in formal studies. There is no time limit to complete the foundational training, and most churches complete all four modules in four (4) years. The Cert IV and Diploma programs must each be completed within two (2) years from their respective starting dates. The V-COS program may be completed in a minimum of three years and a maximum of up to 8 years.
Please see a table illustrating the Notional learning hours.