Browsing by Author "Onwunta, Uma Agwu"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Ethnicity and missional strategies within the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2006-12) Onwunta, Uma Agwu; Hendriks, Hans Jurgens; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.; A-6024-2012; A-6024-2012
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study and dissertation examines “Ethnicity and missional strategies within the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria.” A historical study of the mission methods and an empirical study of current missionary practices in the church point to the need for a new missional identity of the church. This missional identity requires a reversal of and a change to missionary strategies that should result into reconciliatory missiology. In the process of making this assessment of the Presbyterian mission in Nigeria, it was necessary to revisit the missionary ecclesiologies that shaped and contributed to the present identity. Thus, the research focused on the missionary impact of the Church of Scotland, Presbyterian Church in Canada, Presbyterian Church (USA), and the Netherlands Reformed Church (NRC). Insights from these historical excursions helped in determining not only the blessings that these ecclesiologies brought to bear on Nigerian Presbyterianism but also in discovering the burdens they brought on their trails, especially, regarding the seed of racism which was a precursor to the present ethnocentrism in the PCN. The second segment of this research was the empirical study of the current mission and work of the PCN. Using a focus group approach, sixteen leaders (8 Nigerians, 7 Canadians and 1 American) were interviewed through a structured questionnaire. The responses from these leaders were analysed in this paper and details of the analysis applied in chapter 4. The assumption in the hypothesis that the bane of contemporary PCN mission is ethnocentrism was affirmed. This problem as the research showed, was compounded by lack of adequate theological response both in the educational training and the liturgical activities of the church. Combining the historical data and the empirical research carried out, it was determined that the PCN needs a new theological orientation that can move it from the present institutionalized mode to a missonal frame. It was shown that this process would require a new definition of mission and a rediscovery of missional biblical metaphors that suit a conflict-ridden context of the Church as we have it in Nigeria. Three important metaphors were selected: community, servant and messenger. These metaphors formed the theological foundation for subsequent discussions on a missional frame which is the focus of chapter five. Chapter six outlines the meaning of conflicts and the causes of conflicts in Nigeria arguing for a reconciliatory missiology with a theologically-driven dialogue as its strategy. A theologically –driven dialogue is a strategy that, as is presented, enables the church to be God’s counter-cultural agent in the world, holding in tension the four cardinal points of obedience, critical contextualization, discernment and the anticipation of Christ’s return. It is argued that dialogue is a credible theological option through which the PCN can engage in the process of true reconciliation in the Nigerian society – a reconciliation which is based on the biblical cornerstones of truth, justice, peace and mercy. It is a task and a challenge for reconciliatory missiology - a momentous task the PCN is called upon to pursue in the 21st century.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Missio Dei and ethnic diversity in Africa : a reflection on the metaphor of community
    (Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2009) Onwunta, Uma Agwu; Hendriks, Hans Jurgens
    This article explores the concept of the missio Dei as it affects the Christian missionary enterprise in Africa. It offers a brief overview of the theocentric understanding of mission as a holistic approach that does not dichotomize between humanity and creation but rather affirms the wholeness of existence in the African primal world view. Secondly, the implication of the missio Dei for the ethno-religious diversity in Africa and the Nigerian nation in particular, is explored. Thirdly, a call for a new missional hermeneutics, especially on the metaphor of community, is advocated. The essay argues that the way to proceed is by focusing on Jesus, the heartbeat of whose ministry was reconciliation, compassionate response to human needs, and whose actions show forth the horizon of the coming world of shalom – justice, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.