Women in Theological Training: From GWC to JBC

Hi readers, I’m Mbali Maliza, and I primarily work alongside my husband Mbulelo on the ministry team at Christ Church Leondale. I also raise our three beautiful children, with another on the way!

My ministry journey began decades ago while at Melville Union Church, where I was serving as an apprentice in Children’s Ministry. Throughout the years, I’d served on other ministry teams, but my passion has remained the desire to see young children come to know and love the Lord for themselves. In addition to my work at Leondale, I also lecture part-time at the Johannesburg Bible College (JBC). The main objective of JBC is to train men and women to teach the Bible faithfully. To this end, my role, which particularly focuses on teaching women, is to equip our students in the handling of God’s Word so that they can train others in whatever ministry context, long after they have left our classrooms.

My time studying at George Whitfield College was one of deep enrichment, where I was able to strengthen and nourish my own faith while being taught faithful Bible exposition, church history, and Christian ethics. GWC creates a unique student environment with a curriculum focused on theological training, biblical studies, and practical ministry. As I reflect on my own time at the college, I’m grateful that acquiring Bible knowledge was emphasised along with critical thinking, effective communication and spiritual growth. It is because of this that I’m able to do the work I love so much at JBC—not to mention among children in the church as well as my own home.