Message from the Principal

Kia Orana, Tangi ke rava, and Welcome to Takamoa Theological College. Praise be to God in the highest heaven, for allowing this time for us to have fellowship with you. It is also a time to celebrate the achievements of our forefathers as well as the missionaries who had offered their time and effort to convey the gospel of our Lord beyond their own horizons.

Takamoa Theological College is the second oldest institution in the Pacific region, which was established in the year 1839. This was due to the great dedication of the early missionaries to the Cook Islands namely, Aaron Buzacott and Charles Pittman of the London Missionary Society.

Ever since its establishment, Takamoa Theological College had offered the opportunity mainly for locals to pursue theological studies in its various academic and professional programmes. Local parish ministers on the island of Rarotonga deliver most of these programmes. A great many pastors, church leaders as well as evangelists had been accomplished and had fulfilled many mighty things for their Master.

More than a thousand pastors, church leaders as well as evangelists had been produced at Takamoa, and they were sent throughout the Pacific Region to evangelize to those who were lost in heathenism. Today, after many years of its existence, Takamoa Theological College continues to educate future church leaders. The contents and quality of the education while remaining basically Christian has been reappraised and revamped to suit the needs of the people in any age where the Gospel message is being challenged.

Takamoa Theological College is determined to live up to the challenges and to ensure that the Christian basis of the communities of the Cook Islands people is not destroyed or eroded.
The students units were originally built mainly of lime from coral stones. But today there is a new facelift of the student’s units as, the lime structures were replaced by modern styled houses to suit today’s purposes. Even though there were oppositions from concerned citizens, the new development still went ahead.

The studies of theological disciplines such as, Theology, Ethics, Biblical Studies, Church History, Christian Education and Ministry continue to be pursued at Takamoa Theological College. This hope is for ministers, to enable them to exercise leadership both in the church and community.

If in the end you decide to come to Takamoa, be assured of the welcoming nature of the lush greenish backdrop, the rustling of the morning breeze and the exciting possibilities that await you upon your arrival. May God in the abundance of grace, surround you always.

Rev. Tere Marsters, Principal

College Vision: “To Know Christ, and to Make Him Known”

 

Purpose Statement

Takamoa Theological College provides a community under the Lordship of Jesus Christ in which the students can discover their identity, spiritual gifts and resources in Christ. These goals are accomplished through the study of the Word of God, discipline and practical training. In this atmosphere, we are committed to seeing our students develop a burden of world evangelization, church planting and ministry skills for fulfilling the commands of His Sovereignty. In summary the Purpose Statement of Takamoa Theological College shall be:

“To be Commanded and Commissioned with a Commitment”
(Matthew 22:37 – 40, Matthew 28:19, 20, Romans 12:1)

 

Doctrinal Statement

1. We believe in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, as verbally inspired by God, infallible and inerrant in the original writings, and that they are of supreme and final authority in faith and life.

2. We believe in one God externally existing in three persons; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

3. We believe that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary and He is therefore true God and true Man.

4. We believe that man was created in the image of God, that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death which is a separation from God; and that all human beings are born with a sinful nature and in the case of those who reach oral responsibility become sinners in through word and deed.

5. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures as a representative and substitution sacrifice and that all who believe in Him are justified on the basis that His shed blood has atoned for the believers' sin.

6. We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, in His ascension into heaven and in His present life there for us as High Priest and Advocate.

7. We believe in “that blessed hope” the personal imminent return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and the rapture of the church.

8. We believe that all who receive by faith, the Lord Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God.

9. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and unjust, the blessedness of the saved and the everlasting punishment of the lost.

 

The Faculty

The faculty of Takamoa Theological College takes its stand upon the Holy Scriptures as the Inspired, Inerrant and Infallible Word of God. They are mostly parish ministers from the local churches on the island of Rarotonga. We also have committed members of the faculty from the community at large, retired, as well as business people, who offer their time and knowledge to teach at the College. Visiting lecturers from the Pacific Region and abroad do visit us at the Takamoa Theological College.

 

Faculty Members

Rev. Vakaroto Ngaro Dip. Th, B.Th, B.C.E. M.A. - College Principal

Educational Background: - Dip. Th. Takamoa Theological College, B. Th. Fiji College of Theology and Evangelism, M.A.,

B.C.E. Evangels Christian University of America, PhD Candidate Olivet University.

Pastoral Experience: Missionary Teacher to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Parish Minister at Matavera CICC,

Ngatangiia CICC and elected as Principal of the Theological College 2001.

Lecturer in Old & New Testament Studies, Christian Education, Music Theory, Homiletics, Prophecy, Apologetics, Pentateuch.

 

Lecturers Academic Subject Record

 The lecturer, working from his/her own subject/course materials determines the most appropriate means of assessing those students who are his/her responsibility. These means may vary according to the subject and might include written papers to be submitted during the course, or other practical exercise. Examination completed at regular times or other specifically nominated times may be used. These might be in the form of end-of-term or end-of-semester exams or both. They can also be in the form of progressive assessments through the period of the course offered. The lecturer may also feel that assessment of a student contribution in class discussion would be appropriate and therefore might include this as another means of assessment. Project material might also be appropriate. In some subjects the students may be required to express such project work in the form of a presentation involving him and/or beyond the subject classes. These might take the form of lessons, messages, sermons or a series of such presentation – perhaps in churches, schools or the community. Students should be told the nature and times of assessment early in their courses.

 

Record Academic Programme Options

Certificate in Biblical Studies, Diploma of Theology.

This is a four (4) year programme. A student must complete a four-year study and also to give a satisfactory Christian Service in the local church and demonstrate a Christ-like character before he/she will be recommended for the diploma.
There is also the hope to raise the academic programme to a Bachelor of Arts level.

 

Academic Policies

Students are required to fulfill the specified academic level of the courses, from the first year to the fourth year. For students on special cases, they are required to participate in the activities of the class to which they are admitted.

Grading System: The following grading system will be used in the classes and will determine the grade point ratio of the student.

 

 

 

  

NOTE: This Grading System has been adopted from the PTC Grading System.
(PTC 2003 HANDBOOK – Page 28)

 

Admission Policy

Since the objective of Takamoa Theological College is to train men and women for Pastoral Ministry, this is required of each student:

• Each prospective student should exhibit an earnest desire to serve Christ and be able to present acceptable evidence, which is genuine to his calling.

• The applicant should be required to submit three references. One of which must be from the minister of his local church.

• Candidates should be humble, co-operative and willing to submit to the rules and regulations of the College.

• The college reserves the right to refuse admission or readmission to any or prospective student.

• Those who apply to enter Takamoa Theological College should be in agreement with the Cook Islands Christian Church doctrinal statement and agree in writing to abide by the rules and regulations. 

• The general academic entrance in Takamoa is the New Zealand School Certificate, its equivalent. 

• The candidate should be required to submit evidence of his claim.

 

Admission Procedures

• Each applicant for admission to the college must submit to the Principal the following documents:

• Application for admission - This is a form concerning general information, academic background, financial needs and personal data.

• A copy of all educational certificates evidencing the candidate’s academic achievements. This would include school certificates, Diplomas or Degree issued by educational bodies.

• Each applicant is expected to include a passport sized photograph with his application form.

• Once, all the forms have been received and evaluated, the applicants may be called for an interview before he is notified of his acceptation or rejection.

 

Application

Those who wish to apply to study at Takamoa Theological College may discuss with their Pastors in his/her own respective Parish, and also upon the recommendation of that Parish. The applicant must also be an active member in the church in various roles within the church like Sunday School Teachers, Deacons, and Youth Leaders but not necessarily recent converts.

He must spend at least two or more years of service in the church and also working alongside the Pastor. He must spend some long hours of study with his/her Pastor to accumulate some understanding of Takamoa Theological College.

 

College Fees

In the past, the College doesn’t charge any fees to whoever applies, but those days are gone. We are now in the business world where money is also needed to assist in the programmes of the College. The Fees are as follows:

1. Application Fees - $50.00. This fee is non-refundable, and it will be used in the paperwork.

2. Entry Fees - $800.00. This fee will be used for the running of the school, administration and other needs required. The Theological Training at Takamoa is Four Years, and $700.00 is merely not enough to run the school. This amount may be raised in the future.

3. Textbook Fees - $200.00. This fee will be used to purchase books for the students according to the various subject areas as each Lecturer requires. So far the students were purchasing their own textbooks, plus help from families and Christian friends around the globe.

 

Registration

The final date of registration to the programme is the last week of January. Orientation week begins in the first week of February where textbooks are to be purchased during this week by the students. This will be a week of familiarization of the students to the College, the Faculty as well as the Executive Committee. General instructions will be given to them and also the College Rules and Regulations. Each student is urged to abide by those rules and regulations. They must also understand that their first year at College is a Probationary Year. If their performance for that year is not up to the standard required, then that student shall be sent back to his own church.

 

College Curriculum of 4 Years

 

 

Description of the Courses

LANGUAGE:

English I:

This course is mostly basic, and this presents the fundamentals of English grammar. The Parts of Speech are studied in detail and not forgetting sentence structure.

English II:

This is a Foundational Course which can be offered through the USP by Extension.

N.T. Greek I and II:

A course in the element of Koine Greek. Intensive study is done in necessary basic principle of grammar, paradigms, vocabulary word order and practice translations with a view to exegetical study in the Greek New Testament.

N.T. Greek III and IV:

An advance course in Koine Greek. Special emphasis is given to Greek syntax and basic principles of exegesis. The students’ vocabulary is enlarged by study of irregular verbs and translation of Gospel and an Epistle.

O.T. Hebrew I:

This is an introductory course for students who wish to gain a basic understanding of the Hebrew Language. It assumes no previous knowledge. At the end of the course the student should be able to read aloud, look up words in the Hebrew-English Lexicon, and translate simple passages. Text Book: A Practical Grammar for Classical Hebrew (2nd edition) by J. Weingreen

O.T. Hebrew II:

It is a continuation of the study with much emphasis on the grammar, vocabulary, development of sentence of structure. This course will also introduce the methods and tools of exegesis using the Hebrew Text.

 

CHURCH HISTORY:

History I:

This is a study of the Early Church. The course covers the period from the end of the Book of Acts to the development of the church up to AD 450

History II:

This course covers the history of the Reformation in Europe and also the Catholic Reformation, sometime called the Counter Reformation. The leaders of these reformations will be profiled. It will also cover the expansion throughout Asia.

History III:

This course is a Survey of the Political, Social, Economic and Cultural History of the world, the history of civilizations up to 1648 to the present.

History IV:

This course covers the birth of the London Missionary Society, Australia and the Pacific, much emphasis will be placed on Pacific Church History. It will cover the extension of the Gospel to Tahiti.

History V:

This course covers the period of the extension in Tahiti and the arrival of Christianity to the Cook Islands. The extension to the outer islands, and also throughout the Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, New Caledonia, New Hebrides etc.

 

THEOLOGY:

Theology I: Introduction

This is an introductory into the course.

Theology II: Bibliology

This course offers a study of the doctrine of inspiration and its problems including the subjects of origin and preservation of the Scriptures, manuscripts, versions, canonicity etc.

Theology III: Theology and Christology

This course offers the study of God, His existence and attributes. His work in predestination, preservation, and providence. The study of Christ, His Pre-Existence, Deity, Incarnation, Humanity, Death, and Atonement.

Theology IV: Pneumatology and Anthropology

This course offers a study of the Holy Spirit, His Personality and Deity, is undertaken with particular attention to His Indwelling, baptizing, filling and spiritual gift ministries in the believer. The study of man includes his origin, nature and fall.

Theology V: Hamartiology and Soteriology

This course offers a study of sin, its permission, origin, nature, imputed sin, personal sins, and consequences. Sin’s remedy is found in salvation, which is studied under its description – grace, election, sanctification, redemption, propitiation, reconciliation, justification, security, repentance and faith.

Theology VI: Ecclesiology and Angeology

And exegetical and theological study of the church – its origin organism as the Body of Christ, organization, ordinances, and work. The framework of Biblical dispensation is examined in view of the church. The study of angels includes their nature and ministry with examination of Satan, fallen angels and demons.

Theology VII: Eschatology

The study of prophetic revelation in the plan and purpose of God. Intensive study is given to the biblical covenants, the kingdom programme, the second coming, rapture of the church, tribulation, millennium, death, resurrection and eternal destinies.

 

NEW TESTAMENT:

New Testament I: N.T. Survey

This is a Survey of all books in the New Testament. Special attention will be given to the major themes and general content of each book. This will provide the necessary foundation upon which all upper level New Testament courses are built.

New Testament II: The Synoptic Gospels

A synthetic and analytical study of the Gospel accounts of the first three evangelists. Each gospel is studied according to its distinctive viewpoint.

New Testament III: The Gospel of John

A verse by verse study of the Gospel, stressing not only the life of our Lord, but those particular elements of his teaching which are emphasized by John. A practical application of this gospel to daily Christian living and to the needs of the personal worker is developed.

New Testament IV: The Pauline Epistles

A textual analysis of the Epistles of 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Galatians, 1Corinthians, and Colossians. Special attention is paid to the historical and structural development of Paul’s arguments with applications to present day needs.
The Christian’s position in Christ and practice on earth is further studied by an analysis of the Epistles of 2Corinthians, Romans, Ephesians, 1&2 Timothy, Philippians, Titus and Philemon. Stress is placed upon the argument of each epistle. Special projects are assigned for some of these epistles.

New Testament V: Hebrews and the General Epistles

A textual analysis of Hebrews through Jude after an examination of the historical background and authorship of each book. Careful attention is given to the development of each writer’s argument and the emphasis on Christian maturity in James and Hebrews.

New Testament: The Revelation

The argument and content of the Apocalypse are studied intensively, together with an examination of the schools if interpretation, with regard to the millennium and the tribulation period. A detailed study of the text of the Apocalypse demonstrates the validity of the pre-tribulation rapture and the pre-millennial positions.

 

OLD TESTAMENT:

Old Testament I: O.T. Survey

A survey of all the books in the Old Testament. Attention will be given to development of the theme in each book as well as to the mastery of the general content of each.

Old Testament II: Pentateuch

This course offers a study of the Old Testament legal Books, (Genesis – Deuteronomy). Special attention will be given to the exegetical study of Genesis 1 – 11, and to explaining the flows of the Patriarchal and National History in Genesis 12 to Deuteronomy 34. Contemporary approaches to the Pentateuch will be evaluated.

Old Testament III: Historical Books

A study of the Old Testament historical books, (Joshua – Esther). Special attention will be given to Israel’s national history from the conquest to the Post-exilic return. Issues in OT chronology and archeology will be evaluated.

Old Testament IV: Poetical Books

A study of the Old Testament, Poetical books (Job – Isaiah). Special attention will be given to Israel’s national poetic literature (Job – Psalms) and wisdom books (Proverbs – Ecclesiastes). Lamentations, Songs of Solomon, and Isaiah are also examined. The nature and phenomena of Hebrew poetry will be discussed.

Old Testament V: Prophetic Books

This course offers a study of the Old Testament Prophetic Books, (Jeremiah – Daniel). Special attention will be given to Israel’s major prophets (Jeremiah – Daniel) and minor prophets, (Hosea – Malachi). Some consideration will be given to prophetic eschatology and to the use of Old Testament prophecy in the New Testament.

 

PASTORAL THEOLOGY:

Pastoral Theology I: Apologetics

This course is designated to generate confidence concerning the Christian Faith through a rational defense and response to the anti-Christian objections. Attention is given to a variety of Christian evidence which support the claims of Christianity. This course covers four areas of study: Fundamental, Historical, Philosophical, and Pragmatic Apologetics.

Pastoral Theology II: Practical Ministry

This course mainly deals with the life and service of the minister with much consideration. Particular emphasis is placed on Biblical Studies, Services, Ordinances, Weddings, Funerals, Visitations, Counseling and Related Matters.

Pastoral Theology III: Homiletics

This course offers a study of the nature and development of the sermon. Practice is given in preparation and writing expository sermons, with greater attention to the delivery and refinement of sermon development.

Pastoral Theology IV: Principles of Church Growth

Every pastor knew the difficulties and problems in this area. This course offers to help student development skills from being theoretical to practical. Special emphasis is placed on communicative skills, personality, temperaments, initiative etc.

Pastoral Theology V: Discipleship

This is an inductive study of Biblical and particular Gospel Discipleship with an emphasis in the relationship between discipleship and evangelism. Primary issues include s biblical rationale for discipleship, the role of teaching in discipleship, the place of learning and obedience, the costs, values, behaviour, and biblical principles of discipleship training and evaluation.

 

BIBLE INTERPRETATION:

Bible I: Introduction

This course is designed to acquaint the student with how our Bible came to us. This course also covers the major areas of inspiration, canonicity, authenticity and genuineness. Definitions and false theories of inspiration are examined along with the full scope of verbal plenary inspiration. The various texts and manuscripts are studied to show how we received our modern Hebrew, Greek and English versions and translations.

Bible II: Geography

This course will follow the Historical geography or other texts. Students will be given the opportunity to thoroughly acquaint himself/herself to the Biblical lands and its people.

Bible III: Hermeneutics

This course emphasizes the theory and practice of interpretation using the literal, grammatical, historical, cultural, contextual principles, and method. Axioms and rules of interpretation are presented and practice provided in their application to the text. Attention is given to features of Biblical literature, such as figures of speech, poetry, prophecy and typology.

Bible IV: Bible Study Methods

In this course, the student will study eight different methods of Bible Study.

 

EVANGELISM I - VII:

Evangelism I: Crusade Evangelism.

Evangelism I: Crusade Evangelism.

Evangelism II: Personal Evangelism.

Evangelism III: Pastoral Evangelism.

Evangelism IV: Open Air Evangelism

Evangelism V: History of Evangelism

Evangelism VI: History of Evangelism

Evangelism VII: Evangelism Explosion

Evangelism VIII: Church Planting

Instructions are given in how to get a new church planted, including, starting a children’s church and youth ministry with a goal of being fully supported independent or a denominational church.

 

COUNSELING

Counseling I:

This course introduces the student to the theory of counseling and helps the student make an indicative study of the specific biblical principles of counseling. The primary emphasis is on the Christian counselor’s relationship with his counselee. Listening communication techniques, and skills are covered.

Counseling II:

This course is designed to further develop listening and communication skills with emphasis on practical application. Guidelines for referral will be developed.

 

Time Frame of Studies at TTC

Students are expected to complete the programme, which is normally four years. All students that apply at Takamoa are mainly married couples and they are all Fulltime students. Student wives are also encouraged to study together with their husbands. Single students are not allowed due to some experiences that the College went through in the past. They are expected to perform with the highest respect as required in the College.

 

Awarding of Diplomas and Certificates

We at Takamoa Theological College is offering the Cook Islands Diploma of Theology as well as the Certificate in Biblical Studies. The Diplomas and Certificates that are offered at Takamoa are only recognized in the Cook Islands Christian Church. There is also the hope of getting an Accreditation from the SPATS for a recognition of our Diploma throughout the Pacific Region and also abroad, but our Library had to be improved. Recently, the Fiji Bible College in Lautoka, helped us in various ways as well as offering their Diploma of Theology and Certificate in Biblical Studies to the students of Takamoa. This is also a giant leap for the college in her academic ability.

The Executive Committee or General Assembly awards the Diploma of Theology, to those students who had accomplished the requirements due to that Diploma and had been fully approved upon the recommendation of the Principal. The students’ wives will also be awarded the said Diploma if they fully complete the Academic Programme.

The Certificate in Biblical Studies will be awarded to those who do not complete the full academic programme.

There is also the hope to offer the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, with the help from the Fiji College of Theology and Evangelism.

 

College Library

This is a very important asset for any school/college. There had been a lot of reshuffling and relocation of the College Library, and books also went missing in the process. There is a need to purchase more books for our Library to cater the needs of our students. We have over a thousand books in our Library, and it is not enough for the students research work. For the Diploma Programme, the Library must accumulate at least 5,000 books. The students are currently purchasing their own books, and whatever is left, will be put in the Library for future reference.

 

End Note

We do hope you enjoy your stay at the Campus

Note: The commiitte is in the process of finalising so this section will be updated in due course