SATS is unashamedly Bible-based and unapologetically Christ centred. We are people of the book — although our ‘book’ is often electronic these days. Nevertheless, the text has always been front and centre for SATS. We love the Bible and we consider it our highest calling to ensure that our students read the Bible, know the Bible, and obey the Bible.
We do our best to ‘rightly handle the Word of truth’ (2 Tim. 2:15) and to teach our students to do the same. Since ‘all Scripture is God-breathed’ (2 Tim. 3:16), God’s servants must ‘preach the Word’ (2 Tim. 4:2). As a Seminary, we note with concern how many historically Bible-based theological institutions have drifted from their biblical foundations. We are resolute in our determination to remain true to the Scriptures as the Word of God. We love the text.
SATS is less well-known for being context-sensitive. We have been people of the text, but not always people of the context. During 2018, we recognised this as an area that needs priority attention. We have initiated a five-year plan to transform our curricula to be much more contextual in their orientation. In particular, we want to grapple meaningfully with the unique challenges, questions, and opportunities that confront God’s servants in Africa.
The greater push towards contextualisation in no way implies a lesser commitment to the Bible. We shall intensify our commitment to being both textual and contextual. We will deepen our commitment to being biblical and practical in every course we teach, since we believe that answering contextual questions from a Bible-based, Christ centred, Spirit-led perspective is a gateway to more effective ministry.
Dr Kevin Smith