CBTE Must Assess the Nonviolent Use of Pastoral Power

Pastoral authority can interrupt violence, or it can intensify it. A minister may calm a public confrontation, help a threatened person reach safety and refuse language that turns neighbours into enemies. The same office can also pressure a survivor to return to danger, spiritualise coercion, expose a confidential disclosure or protect an influential perpetrator in the name of unity.

Competency-Based Theological Education must be able to tell the difference. CBTE means Competency-Based Theological Education and remains distinct from Kenya's general occupational Competency-Based Education and Training, or CBET. Its principal concern here is contextual, mentored and demonstrable formation for Bible colleges and church-based ministry.

Nonviolence is not passivity. It does not require a survivor to reconcile with an abuser, prevent lawful reporting, make a pastor the investigator of every allegation or treat silence as peace. It disciplines how power is exercised while preserving truth, protection, justice, professional limits and the dignity of every person.

The governing claim is therefore demanding: before a Bible college certifies ministry competence, it should require credible evidence that the learner can use pastoral authority without reproducing the harm the learner is called to resist.

The United Nations observes 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence, marking the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and calling for education and public awareness that advance a culture of peace, tolerance and understanding. United Nations

Evidence…