HIV and AIDS knowledge in the pastoral team of Alleluia Ministries International

Date
2013-03
Authors
Ntai, Tlotliso
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Churches have a potential to play a vital role in halting the spread of HIV because they are established in almost all communities. The majority of people believe in their spiritual leaders and obey them; therefore, churches can be a perfect platform to reach out to all communities, both in the urban and rural areas. The purpose of the study was to investigate HIV and AIDS knowledge in Alleluia Ministries International (AMI) pastoral team. AMI is a church, and it has about 20 branches in and outside South Africa (SA), with the membership estimated at 10,000 in SA. Cultural diversity is one of the strengths of this church as the members are drawn from 11 African countries. The study concentrated on AMI branches in Gauteng Province, including the main church in Lyndhurst, Johannesburg, SA. The researcher conducted qualitative research method, and fifteen pastors were interviewed. Findings showed that there is a need for HIV and AIDS training programme for the pastors, as only 13% of the participants were able answer the questions correctly. A recommendation was made to the church leadership to consider employing specific training providers such as Lawyers, Epidemiologists, Psychologist, etc, to come and speak to the pastors in order to fill the identified gaps.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Omdat kerke so goed verteenwoordig is in die meeste gemeenskappe kan hulle ‘n beduidende rol speel in die bekamping van en die verspreiding van die MIV-virus. Die meerderheid van mense binne ‘n gemeenskap glo hulle kerkleiers en kerke kan dus die ideale platform raak vanwaar gemeenskappe in beide stedelike sowel as plattelandse gebiede vir voorligting bereik kan word. Die doel van hierdie studie was om die kennisvlakke van die pastorale span van die Alleluia Ministeries Suid-Afrika te bepaal. Hierdie kerk het ‘n ledetal van meer as 10 000 mense in Suid-Afrika met ledetal vanuit uit 11 ander lande in Afrika. Kwalitatiewe inligting is verkry uit onderhoude met 15 pastore van hierdie bepaalde kerk. Resultate van die studie toon duidelik aan dat daar ‘n ernstige kennisprobleem rakende MIV/Vigs onder pastore bestaan. Voorstelle word gemaak om ‘n interdissiplinêre span van regskenners, kenners van die epidemie , sielkundiges en ander kenners te gebruik om voorligtingsessies aan die pastore van hierdie kerkgroep aan te bied.
Description
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.
Keywords
Chiurch work with the sick -- South Africa -- Gauteng, Pastors -- HIV knowledge, Alleluia Ministries International, Dissertations -- Industrial psychology, Theses -- Industrial psychology, Assignments -- Industrial psychology, Dissertations -- HIV/AIDS management, Theses -- HIV/AIDS management, Assignments -- HIV/AIDS management
Citation