South African Theological Seminary Sandton
With students in 77 countries, SATS is a fully accredited and registered, distance education institution. The focus of this seminary is to equip students for service through Biblical, Christocentric distance education and to provide training to Christians, and leaders in particular, within their local church environment, to equip them to be Holy Spirit empowered members of God’s household.
After much prayer and research into distance learning management and practices, the Seminary opened its doors to the public in June 1996 . The original group of employees numbered three; the visionary founder and principal Dr Christopher Peppler, course writer, Quinton Howitt and registrar/ administrator, Jenny Mason.
In 2002, the Seminary offices were moved from their original location at the Lonehill Village Church, to Rivonia in Sandton. We had 98 students enrolled and we were growing. The full-time staff complement had increased to seven staff members. In 2006, Dr Reuben van Rensburg became the Principal and Dr Christopher Peppler continued to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
The story of SATS is one of complete dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ for guidance and provision. The Seminary has a financial model which depends on student fees rather than on donor-funding for its sustainability but several larger projects have been funded by foundation grants. With each new project the Seminary has expanded and developed. Now, through the latest technologies, we can offer our students a variety of programmes, each supported by expert tutors and supervisors located in various places around the world.
Our students want to make a difference in God’s Kingdom. We have students in over 80 countries, all with a desire to earn a qualification that is Bible-based, Christ-centred and Spirit-led.
Technological advances continue to support our distance learning. The seminary is constantly investigating new and promising options in order to continue to offer a well-rounded learning experience with practical application.
Our graduation ceremonies are wonderful occasions where we hear the students’ stories of how they have been able to succeed via the distance learning model. In many cases they tell us that it was our strong, biblically-based approach that attracted them to study at SATS.
The following programmes are accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE), the Education and Training Quality Assurer (ETQA) of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and are registered by the Department of Higher Education:
Higher Certificate in Christian Counselling
Higher Certificate in Christian Life
Bachelor of Theology
Bachelor of Theology Honours
Master of Theology
Doctor of Philosophy in Theology
37 Grosvenor Rd, Sandton, SA
Call +27 11 234-4440 or email [email protected]
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