| DESCRIPTION: |
This is the advanced level of a Religious Practitioner. Key functions are to share the gospel in a specific context, build caring relationships in the faith community, respond to the spiritual and physical needs of members, apply Christian leadership and develop leaders in a faith community, arrange and oversee the day to day running of ministries and of the administrative and accountability processes in the faith community, help people in the faith community to share the gospel, support people in need and speak out for what is right and fair in the wider society.
In terms of pastoral care, this is a more advanced level of care where members of a faith community are supported to take care for each other, but where the practitioner also plays a key role in providing of care. This includes the facilitation of informal networks of care communities (e.g., friendships, small prayer groups, telephone conversations and spontaneous reactions to crises).
Generic guidance and care skills on a basic level such as compassionate, active and responsive listening and conversational techniques to offer support, care, guidance, life-skills facilitation and empowerment in a safe confidential environment are required. In addition, the ability to nurture some basic skills in others is expected. |
| AWARDING CRITERIA |
| For the Professional Designation to be awarded, professionals must comply with the following minimum requirements: |
| Underlying Registered Qualification or Part Qualification: |
Occupational Certificate: Religious Associate Professional (Christian Religious Practitioner) at NQF Level 2, SAQA ID 101997;
or
National Certificate: Theology and Ministry at NQF Level 2, SAQA ID 48891. |
| Experiential Learning or Experience |
| An applicant with a relevant qualification but less than one year of ministry experience will be registered as a "Religious Practitioner intern". For Advanced Religious Practitioners who will focus on pastoral care, the practical experience must include at least twenty (20) hours of supervised caring experience. |
| Competency Assessment |
| Formal confirmation of the ministry experience as required for this designation (information provided on the application form and a third-party confirmation document) will be assessed by the responsible officer of the professional body. |
| Designation RPL Statement |
| This Designation may be awarded through Recognition of Prior Learning. |
| RETAINING CRITERIA |
| In order to ensure the currency of professional knowledge and to retain the Professional Designation, the professional must comply with the following minimum requirements: |
| Code of Conduct |
| Members must adhere to the Professional Body Codes of Conduct and Ethics. |
| Continuing Professional Development (CPD) |
| 20 CPD points must be accumulated per 12 months period. |
| Fees |
| Ensure that the annual membership fee is paid. |
