Masters Degrees (Practical Theology and Missiology)

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Addressing the HIV and AIDS stigma : a pastoral approach for church leaders in Khayelitsha
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-12) Niyukuri, Benaya; Thesnaar, C. H.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A research study was conducted in the form of a literature review to explore the situation of HIV and AIDS stigma in Khayelitsha in order to propose a Pastoral Approach for church leaders in that township. In this regard, the research study established that HIV and AIDS related stigma is the main barrier to any effort in fighting the HIV and AIDS epidemic. The aims of the research were to understand the causes and the effects of HIV and AIDS stigma, examine the Church as a healing community, construct a biblical and theological reflection on HIV and AIDS stigma, and make recommendations useful for the church in dealing with HIV and AIDS stigma. The research indicated that 'stigma‘ is a term that was used throughout history to mean a mark put on people who are regarded as different from others. In terms of HIV and AIDS, stigma is seen as an attitude shaping the way PLWHA are treated in the community. Among the causes of stigma related to HIV and AIDS are the fear of HIV and AIDS as a dangerous and infectious disease, the link between HIV and AIDS and sexual immorality, lack or distortion of information about HIV and AIDS, lack or withdrawal of resources from PLWHA, gender imbalance, and gossip and insults directed at PLWHA. According to research, the effects that come from HIV and AIDS stigma are devastating. They include fear of disclosure of HIV and AIDS status, difficulty in providing care and support for PLWHA, and acceleration of death for PLWHA. As for the biblical and theological reflection on HIV and AIDS stigma, it has been established that leprosy was the biblical disease compared to HIV and AIDS. While the OT model isolated people living with leprosy, Jesus accepted them and healed them in the NT. The OT model has often been used by the church to marginalise PLWHA on the grounds that it is God‘s punishment for sexual sin. The research does not deny the fact that God punishes sin through disease, but it is important to note that disease is not found to be the only form of God‘s punishment, and, in fact, one may not conclude that every disease is a consequence of sin. After all, God dealt with sin by punishing Jesus, who died on the cross to pay for the debts of sinners, and they are now allowed to enter God‘s kingdom freely. The Church is thus meant to be a community where holistic healing takes place through activities such as the teaching and preaching of God‘s word, koinōnia and diakōnia, as well as through prayer. In that sense, PLWHA are also included in the Body of Christ as charismatic beings, and should receive care spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and physically just as they also contribute uniquely to the wellbeing of the Church. The research suggests that in Khayelitsha, church leaders should join hands against HIV and AIDS stigma. They first of all need to confess any former failure to take action, and then work on a paradigm shift in order to change the way they have been dealing with PLWHA in their churches. In obedience to the mission of Jesus Christ, the Bible should be interpreted in a way that does not stigmatize PLWHA, but rather stimulates church leaders in Khayelitsha to stand up and take care of those who are suffering.
An African response to The postmodern Bible : is it helpful in breaking the stranglehold of idealist hermeneutics?
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1998-12) Chimeri, Dudzirah; Botha, Jan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology & Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of the thesis is to determine the relevance of postmodern insights as expressed in The Postmodern Bible for Africans and evaluate their significance for African biblical scholarship. The thesis argues that postmodern insights are a powerful instrument to free interpretation from its idealist captivity. My argument is that the advent of postmodernity heralded more benefits and opportunities for Africans and their churches than the supposed collateral demage. Postmodernity has created greater opportunities for Africans and other non-western peoples to resist Euro-American domination than modernity. It deconstructs the dominant EuroAmerican tradition and epistemology, thus- enables ,marginalized discourses and groups to become counter-discourses and counter-movements. The first chapter gives a treatment of the purpose and methodology of the thesis, in terms of its structured development. To understand postmodernity attention is given in the second chapter to a description of selected contours of modernity and an evaluation of the causes of its decline. Because of the decline of modernity, it is important to ascertain what alternative paradigms are emerging in its place. The third chapter presents an introduction and description of selected contours associated with postmodernity as expressed in The Postmodern Bible in order to gain some understanding in the philosophical thought patterns and worldview orientations of postmodernists. Some aspects of shona worldview as a background against which to mirror the relevance of postmodernity for Africans are featured in the -fourth chapter. Here the relationship between the shona and their ancestors is explained, as distinct from the God concept which is acknowledged by them as the origin of life. The ancestors as the living-timeless are viewed as a connection between the living and the spirit-world, as well as guardians of traditions, land and the natural environment. An evaluatory critique of postmodernity as expressed in The Postmodern Bible from an African perspective is the fulcrum of the fifth chapter. How does postmodernity formulated for a people of Euro-American cultural and social milieu become effective and relevant in an African cultural and social milieu? Faced with the need to define themselves, Africans are led to place both modernity and postmodernity in a new context and critically evaluate their relevance for them. The significance of postmodern insights for African churches and African biblical scholarship is the theme of the sixth chapter. Here my argument is that a postmodern critique of modernity can help African churches become authentic, contextuallyappropriate hermeneutical communities of the' gospel. It explores the implication of a postmodern critique of individualism, rationalism, scientific/materialistic positivism and technology for an African paradigmatic understanding of being one, holy, catholic and apostolic community of faith. The concluding chapter offers critical observations and implications of the research for African people and their churches. It identifies practical challenges which, if taken seriously, are radically life transforming.
An African women's theological analysis of a development programme : 'churches, channels of hope'
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Adonis, Melany Marildia; Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Van der Walt, Charlene; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis is offering an analysis of the Facilitator's Manual of the Christian AIDS Bureau for Southern Africa (CABSA). The analysis is situated in the context of HIV and AIDS as the manual is used to train facilitators during a weeklong training to become 'Channels of Hope' in their communities which are affected by HIV and AIDS. The HIV and AIDS discourse therefore needs to be explored. However, the manual was developed during the end of the 1990's in South Africa and therefore the context of HIV and AIDS specifically in South Africa needs to be analysed. Furthermore, the 1990's was the end of apartheid and the start of a new democracy in South Africa and therefore the impact of the legacy of apartheid is part of the analysis of the context. In order to analyse the content of the manual and do a study of the language used, a theoretical framework was developed by using African women theologians. The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians (referred to as the Circle) was used as a resource to find African women theologians. As a woman born in South Africa and therefore Africa, this seemed as the most appropriate resource. The process of seeking for a method of doing discourse analysis, eventually lead to the feminist practical theologian, Denise Ackermann who is also a member of the Circle and a South African. Her Feminist Theology of Praxis was used as methodological point of departure. The theoretical framework was then used to do a close reading of the manual and compare the themes of the framework with the content in the manual. The question was, whether these themes identified through the framework were present in the manual or not. Furthermore it was explored in which ways the themes were present once they were identified. The themes identified through the discourse analysis was used to suggest alternative methods used in the manual in order to enhance the manual. The goal of the ”Churches, Channels of Hope” programme is to empower people and help communities to grow and flourish. The hope is therefore that the suggestions would be used to enhance this programme and to make that goal possible. HIV and AIDS continue to be a challenge and CABSA and other Faith Based Organisations need all the support possible to address the challenges of this pandemic.
The agency of the church in HIV/AIDS among refugees in relation to the host country
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Didier, Kasongo Wa Kumutombo; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: No abstract available.
The application of the literary forms of the Bible in preaching : a Korean perspective
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2010-03) Yoon, Man Sun; Cilliers, Johan; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Korean Protestant Church has witnessed some conflicting views regarding theological issues as well as important socio-political events between conservatism and liberalism from the early mission era up to recent times. This discord has obviously been reflected in their preaching. Specifically, their application in preaching has shown a tendency of practicing eisegesis on the text under the influence of social and political ideologies, and traditional religions. In its method of application, the Korean Protestant Church has made use of the imperative, indicative, and instructive styles. The purpose of this thesis is to suggest the use of various relevant applications, which take into account the biblical literary form to overcome eisegesis. This task would be accomplished by a balanced exegesis process through the historical-critical perspective. Chapter 1 of this thesis comprises the introduction, which deals with the research background, motivation, problems in research, hypothesis, delimitations of the research, and proposed outline of the study. Chapter 2 describes the characteristics and phenomena of preaching in each period through the historical overview of the Korean preaching. The history of Korean preaching can be divided into four different periods: firstly, the era of the early missionaries; secondly, the form of the sermon of the Korean Church under Japan’s rule; thirdly, the Korean sermon after the liberation and fourthly the sermon in the midst of a military dictatorship and the rapid growth of the Korean economy. Chapter 3 analyzes the causes of the characteristics and phenomena of the Korean preaching mentioned in Chapter 2. In brief, before the liberation, Korean preaching was strongly influenced by the fundamentalist theology of the early missionaries, the church leaders’ view on the Bible, and political circumstances under colonial rule (the problem of the Shinto shrine worship). After liberation, preaching in the Korean church has been influenced by the prevailing socio-political ideology (the perspective of a separation of the church and state), kibok sinang (belief in prayers for blessings) which was rooted in the traditional religions, and the rise of the Minjung theology which promoted the indigenization of theology. This chapter also examines how these causes influenced the application of preaching in the midst of a conflict between conservative and liberal churches. Chapter 4 deals with the purpose, necessity, principle, and method of application in preaching. Chapter 5 examines the sermonic approach considering the biblical literary form that was suggested by Thomas Long and how it plays a role in application of preaching as a solution to the problems of application that both the conservative and liberal church have. To illustrate this I have highlighted two examples, namely the method of application through imagination in poetry as a genre and the identification of characters in the narrative genre. In conclusion, chapter 6 summarizes the features of Korean preaching and suggests the benefit of application taking into account the literary form in the circumstances of Korean preaching.
Awareness-building : a strategy for an effective relief and development approach in the Nkhoma Synod
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Chikoti, Stephen Jailosi; August, Karel Th.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: ABSTRACT This paper presents a proposal of carrying out sustainable relief and development activities from the church perspective. With reference to the Nkhoma Synod Relief and Development Project, the paper suggests that awareness brings about self-reliance; and forms a concrete foundation for any community project. The first chapter gives an introduction to the whole presentation. This includes research problem statement, hypothesis, motivation, and possible value of the study. Chapter 2 looks at meaning of development and what role should the church take in order to empower and improve the life of the local community. Chapter 3 analyses the relief programme initiated by Nkhoma Synod. The chapter looks at some problems that made the projects initiated by the church and government in Malawi not to work. Chapter 4 looks at some steps of how the church of Nkhoma Synod can initiate her programmes in order to be successful. The chapter first looks at the meaning of church and mission, then it goes to look at what do we mean when we talk of self-reliance of the local community. Eventually, chapter suggests how best can the church in Nkhoma Synod approach relief and development programme to bring about self-reliance. The chapter looks at the role of the change agents and the community. The final part that is chapter 5 contains some concluding remarks. The paper concludes with remarks that the people themselves must see that coming together to work in small groups is not only to their own advantage but also leads to increase solidarity and strengthens the people as a group.
Bedieningsvooruitsigte in 'n klein plattelandse gemeente : 'n bedieningsbeplanning vir die Ned. Geref. gemeente, Hofmeyer
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-03) Boll, Ferdinand J. J.; Hendriks, Hans Jurgens; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology & Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The small rural congregations, of which the Dutch Reformed Congregation ofHofmeyr is part, strive to keep the status quo with their congregational structure and leadership. However the times we live in is characterised with a lot of changes. The rural areas cannot escape al these changes. It brings these congregations at a T-junction in the road, where they must decide which way to go. The problem is that these congregations do not always have a good understanding of who, what en how the church must be. With this self-initiated study the researcher tries to put in place a practicaltheological process for the Dutch Reformed Congregation of Hofmeyr with the aim to work out her nature and character, her ministry practise and structures. The researcher tries to discus in practicaltheological terms the future of the Dutch Reformed Congregation ofHofmeyr with spesific focus on the development of new structures for the faith-leaders of the congregation. With this study the researcher wants to render an account of the history, the statistics of the previous 17 years and an analysis of the context of the congregation with the aim to discern the current understanding of the congregation about the church. Through interaction with Scripture and other disciplines the researcher wants to develop a possible base and practical theory for the congregation. Following from this the researcher wants to set guidelines for the process of developing a new ministry practise. In this process the development and rol of the faith leaders is a keyfactor. The study is arranged in the following chapters: In the introduction the researcher places the study in the proper framework. The different dimensions of the study are explained. The purpose is to orientate the reader about the congregation, the community and the specific area of this research. The purpose of the second chapter is to give the reader a picture of the congregation and the context in which the congregation functions. It becomes clear that the members of the congregation grow older and hardly any young people join the congregation. The younger members and children of the congregation grow-up in an altogether different world than the older members did and very few of them make sense of the traditional way of being a congregation. The changes in the world have the result that the current way of being a congregation is just not exceptable to anybody. In the third chapter the researcher explains the paradigm shifts and megatrends observed in the world and their influence on the church as a whole, also the influence there-of on the local community and congregation. It becomes obvious that the small rural congregation cannot side-step these shifts and trends - with one part of the congregation routed firmly in the Christendom-era paradigm and another part of the congregation on its way to a different but still undefined paradigm. This whole process brings uncertainty and stress in the congregation. Following from this knowledge of the world and the congregation the researcher tries to develop a more Scripture-based understanding of who, what and how the congregation is supposed to be. The focus is to develop an improved base theory for the congregation. In the forth chapter this base theory for the congregation must be put into practice. The researcher tries to show what does this base theory means in practice. The following comes into play: the congregation must be an open family of God. We must not only say that we believe. We must have a faith that we live in practice. Each member must participate with his/her gifts in the different ministries of the congregation. The congregation must reach-out to the community to help the poor develop different skills with the focus to break the cycle of poverty. We must have good communication between all the different generations. We must be a congregation that loves nature and preserve it for posterity. Lastly we must have leaders that inspire and motivate the congregation through their service. In the fiveth chapter the researcher tries to develop a strategy to implement the practical theory of the previous chapter. The focus is on the development and equipping of faith leaders. The researcher presents some guidelines for doing this. He demonstrates that a new structure for the congregation is needed to be faithful in the development of these faith leaders.
Breaktrhru [i.e breakthru] Restoration Community Church (Wellington): konteks, identiteit en uitdagings
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2009-12) Mourries, Eben Jacques Philip; Hendriks, Hans Jurgens; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.; A-6024-2012
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In ‘n sosio-ekonomies minder bevoorregte bruin gemeenskap is misdaad, alkohol- en dwelmmisbruik, werkloosheid, en armoede alledaagse verskynsels. Hoe begelei ‘n mens ‘n gemeente om ‘n missionale gemeente binne so ‘n gemeenskap te word? Kan ‘n gemeente wie se lidmate in die greep van armoede en verwante verskynsels vasgevang is, omvorm word tot ‘n gemeente wat nie net bakhand staan om te ontvang nie? Kan so ‘n gemeente se lidmate bemagtig word om self betrokke te word by hul uitdagings in die gemeenskap? Wellington is ‘n besonderse dorp met besonderse mense en ‘n unieke, historiesekarakter en geskiedenis wat wêreldwyd bekend is op kulturele, musikale, opvoedkundige, landbou- en Christelike gebied. Die inwoners van die dorp is oorwegend bruin Afrikaanssprekendes met baie blanke en swart inwoners - oorwegend Christene met ‘n baie klein Moslem komponent. Wellington is wel ‘n klein dorpie, maar die wyse waarop globale tendense soos globalisasie, godsdiens, taal, bendes, misdaad, alkohol- en dwelmmisbruik, armoede, en werkloosheid ‘n rol speel, is onrusbarend. Oral in dié gemeenskappe is probleme en uitdagings en ons as die kerk mag nie langer stilbly oor dinge wat in die gemeenskap gebeur nie. Met die uitdagings en behoeftes wat in ons konteks beskryf word en die feit dat die meeste probleme sosiaal-maatskaplik en sosio-ekonomies is, staan die kerk sentraal as ‘n agent van verandering. Die Breakthru Restoration Community Church (BRCC) is ‘n geordende gemeente wat, te midde van ‘n see vol probleme, ‘n eiland van hoop is. As ‘n gemeente wat omgee deur God se liefde in aksie te wees binne ‘n sosio-ekonomies, onderontwikkelde gemeenskap, is ons die sout en die lig van die wêreld. Breakthru het binne ‘n bestek van vyf jaar die landskap van Wellington en omgewing onherroeplik verander deurdat ons Bybels, aanpasbaar, ekumenies, relevant en effektief is. Ons leuse is, every member a minister, wat al ‘n refrein in ons gemeente geword het. Ons streef daarna om die “sout” en die “lig” te wees en ons doen dit deur ons grootste bate, ons lidmate, te bemagtig en te mobiliseer om eienaarskap van die gemeente se visie te neem. As kerk spreek ons die geestelike, maatskaplike en sosio-ekonomiese probleme holisties aan deur die Woord van God sowel as in vennootskap met ander organisasies. Ons wil as draers van hoop in ons gemeenskap leef. ‘n Beskrywende studie van die gemeente is gedoen deur ‘n prakties-teologiese metodiek te gebruik. Dit word in hoofstuk een as die inleiding beskryf. In hoofstuk twee word ‘n kontekstuele analise van die gemeenskap gedoen. Hoofstuk drie verskaf ‘n profiel van BRCC en stippel die werksaamhede, visie, missie en doelwitte van die gemeente uit. Hoofstuk vier fokus op die identiteit en kultuur van die gemeente. In hoofstuk vyf het die navorser ‘n strategie vir ‘n missionale identiteit vir die Breakthru Restoration Community Church uitgestippel.
A case for 'anticipatory leadership' : Christian eschatology and anticipation as a leadership competency for ministers in 'an age of perplexity'
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-04-04) Vrey, Daniel Divan; Nell, Ian; Stellenbosch University. Faculty Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Communities around the world are experiencing accelerating social change at a bewildering pace. Rapid globalisation is spurring vast advancements that require constant adaption. While society values the welfare that global innovations and developments contribute, there are unintended consequences as spin-offs. The modern landscape is filled with environments that are full of complexities interjecting immense uncertainty into the social fabric of society. In a sophisticated and challenging modern world, religious leaders lead faith communities. The associated uncertainties of modern living have the potential to paralyse ministry leaders and cloud their outlook of the future. How do religious leaders faithfully lead in a fast-changing and disruptive world? How is the modern context impairing leaders’ thinking about the future? Is the future a constant source of concern that leaders find perplexing or is it filled with hope? These are the issues the study explores. The Christian tradition contains the domain of eschatology which has rich reflections on the subject of time, temporality and the future. This can assist religious leaders to lead faithfully in the face of vast uncertainties. Christian eschatology and its traits of anticipation, expectation and hope can be articulated into a leadership competency that has immense value. The study will focus on formulating a religious leadership competency that can adequately respond to the modern environment. By examining the global context and analysing its consequences on leadership, a competency would be introduced to what this study calls “anticipatory leadership”. This can assist religious leaders to lead faithfully in a context of overwhelming change.
The challenge of internal unity within the URCSA Cape regional synod : seeking to understand trust, fairness and loyalty
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-04-04) Tromp, Hendry Hesting; Thesnaar, C. H.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Trust is the glue of relationships. This research study seeks to understand how fairness and loyalty through the Dialogical Intergenerational Pastoral Process can mobilize trust for the internal unity within the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa - Cape Regional Synod. Internal Unity refers to the relations between different races (especially brown and black members) and culture groups in URCSA Cape. Internal Unity is best captured in the words: Living together. The Dialogical Intergenerational Pastoral Process is the theoretical framework for this research. The goal of the Dialogical Intergenerational Pastoral Process approach is to build and restore trust. The methodology of this study will be conducted along the lines of Richard Osmer’s four tasks of practical theological interpretation namely: i. The descriptive-empirical task (What is going on?) ii. The interpretive task (Why is this going on?) iii. The normative task (What ought to be going on?) iv. The pragmatic task (How might we respond?) The goal of this study is not to provide comprehensive solutions to the challenge of internal unity within the Uniting Reformed Church-Cape Regional Synod. However, this study showed that for trust to be restored there needs to be relational justice. When we try to balance what we are entitled to receive from a relationship and what we are obligated to give in order to maintain the relationship it establishes relational justice or a balance of fairness. This leads to interpersonal trust. The URCSA Cape Regional Synod of 2018 has identified internal unity as a priority that needs to be attended to in the recess. This study aims therefore to add to the conversation around the challenge of internal unity within the Uniting Reformed Church – Cape Regional Synod and how the dialogical intergenerational pastoral process can assist with this process.
Challenges confronting infertile couples in Africa : a pastoral care approach
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-11) Yusuf, Philemon Tagwai; Thesnaar, C. H.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In the light of scriptural understanding, children are a gift from God. Although some may choose not to have children (mostly in the Western world), others desire children more than any other thing, especially in African cultures. This desire is due to cultural emphasis on child bearing, which results from diverse reasons. One of these reasons is the agrarian nature of most African societies, as children can serve as a workforce without the need for labourers to be hired and paid. Another reason is the economic security that parents derive from having children because of the prevalence of poverty, stemming from corruption, among other social vices, in most African countries. Because of the cultural emphasis on child bearing, infertile couples are regarded as unproductive members of society. In view of the high premium placed on child bearing in Africa, as highlighted above, and in view of the way in which infertile couples are treated, besides other challenges that they face in their daily living, it can be said that children are the focus of marriage in African cultures. This is underscored by the definition of adulthood in such cultures: the ability to bear children. The attainment of adulthood can therefore be barred by infertility, culturally speaking, and a man or a woman can be derogatively referred to as a boy or a girl. This leads to people being denied their full personal and human dignity. This thesis argues that, among other challenges confronting infertile couples in Africa, they are also confronted with a set of quadruple challenges in their everyday lives, namely Cultural, Social, Psychological and Medical/Economical challenges. In view of these challenges, pastoral caregivers can help such individuals with sound biblical support and guidance on how to weather these challenges that are with a stable faith in God rather than in people or even in themselves.
Challenges of disintergrating family life to youth ministry : a practical theological investigation
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-12) Makinwa, Akinlolu; Cloete, Anita Louisa; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The family as an indispensable social institution meant to serve as the first place of socialization, nurture and spiritual training ground for young people is disintegrating. The signs for disintegrating family life are evident and supported by statistics of high rates of divorce, domestic abuse and violence, juvenile delinquency caused by a lack of genuine nurturing of youth and unresolved family conflicts between husband and wife as well as between parents and children. This has become a global issue. This study therefore investigates the challenges of disintegrating family life to youth ministry from a global perspective by studying materials on global families and youth ministry. The aim of the study is to gain a conceptual understanding of the family, to identify the challenges contemporary families are currently facing, and to find ways in which youth ministry, with the help of young people, can respond to the challenges posed by disintegrating family life to their lives and thereby contribute to the reintegration of their present families while laying a good foundation for their future family for the glory of God and benefit of humanity. Since the family and youth are inseparable, the research studies the context of the disintegrating family, identifies causes and consequences of disintegrating family life as well as the challenges posed by disintegrating family life for youth ministry. Osmer‟s four practical theology questions are used to design this study. These are: what is going on, why is this going on, what ought to be going on, and how might we respond In light of the increase in family disintegration, the main research question is: What are the challenges of disintegrating family life to Youth Ministry? The aims of youth ministry are taken as the norm and these are: effective evangelism; comprehensive education that includes Christian education; financial education; health education; marriage and family life education, as well as pastoral care. The study argues that young people converted to Christ, taught and exposed to pastoral care can be active agents of change in their immediate and future family and thus becomes active agents of change in society. However, with millions of orphans, youth in refugee camps, children affected by divorce, and youth in child-headed families, can youth workers cope with the present and future challenges of disintegrating family life to youth ministry? The study proposed the God-bearing, relational and family-based-youth-ministry approach because the three approaches are deemed to be the most appropriate to enable youth ministry to deal with the challenges. Marriage and family life education is highly recommended as a prerequisite for contemporary evangelised and educated young people. This is to serve, firstly, as a reactive measure to help their immediate disintegrating family and secondly, to serve as a proactive measure to lay a solid foundation for the future family of contemporary youth. This, I hope, will be used by God to help curtail the vicious cycle of the disintegrating family life phenomenon and also bring relief to troubled youths, family and society.
Christian communication in Korea : a homiletical assessment
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009-12) Lim, Chae-Bong; Cilliers, Johan; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis is intended to assess Christian communication in the light of the conundrum of sermonic language originating from Korean pulpits. In Korea, preaching is valued highly: almost everyone is aware that preaching is a crucial issue in Christian communication. In the light of communicative preaching, a sermon is composed of three “languages,” namely the language of God, the preacher, and the congregation. The language of the sermon is an important locus of effective communication through preaching. In spite of this point, many Korean preachers preach their sermons regardless of what influence the sermonic language exercises on communicative preaching, without recognizing the change of the context of preaching. In this thesis, the contention is that we should reconsider the relevance of the sermonic language conveyed from the pulpit. It should be reiterated that revisiting and appropriating the language of the sermon is a corollary of its revival and renewal. In order to ensure the relevant usage of sermonic language, it is necessary that we scrutinize communication theories within the framework of homiletical reflection. In Chapter 2 some principles of communication with regard to preaching are outlined. The influence of communicative noise which takes place in the preaching process is illustrated. This chapter also highlights the importance of the relationship between communication and preacher, and between preacher and congregation. This analysis offers a compendium of relevant sermonic language in communicative preaching. The third chapter elaborates on three major causes that have evoked the noises which may affect the conveying of sermonic language: the preacher, the congregation, and the environment. Disclosing these causes of irrelevant sermonic language will help us explore and develop theories, models, and applications. Theologically, preachers should consider three major aspects in view of the language of the sermon when they prepare, deliver, and end their sermons: Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Church. In Chapter 4 these three perspectives on sermonic language are studied and elucidated. Christology, pneumatology, and ecclesiology are cornerstones in the language of the sermon. In this chapter, it has been concluded that, for the language of the sermon to be aptly used, these theological approaches should be actively applied to the reality of preaching. In the fifth chapter I suggest several proposals for a more effective usage of sermonic language in the Korean church. In view of rampant irrelevant elements in Korean sermonic language, this chapter examines the importance and necessity of biblical role models for recovering the identity and the reality of sermonic language: prophets, Jesus Christ and Paul.
Christian discipleship as power encounter with South Korean indigenous leaders : an intercultural theological study
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-12) Kim, Pil-Kyun; Simon, David Xolile; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study explores how appropriate Christian discipleship can be carried out in the Korean indigenous religious context, which encompasses belief systems such as shamanism, Buddhism, and Neo-Confucianism, etc. Christian discipleship brings about transformative encounters between Christianity and other religions, but it is impossible without human self-emptying / kenosis. An important concept in this study was therefore kenosis, and it was argued that it is related to both Christian and indigenous leadership. Kenosis can be applied to various realms, but the focus of this study was limited to Korean indigenous leadership based on sangsaeng, jeong and han, Korean Christian discipleship in relation to reconciliation, and mission including translation, healing and ritual. Essentially, kenosis is clarified in the relational dimension, and this research links kenosis to relationality based on the trinitarian foundation, as this notion is thoroughly relational. Of significance, it was found that these two concepts, kenosis and the trinitarian idea, are interlinked with the values of other religions. In addition, this study looks at the influence that the core values of Korean indigenous religions had on the Korean people to accept a new religion, and the impact of this on Christianity and its spread during the era of the early Korean Protestant church. For instance, Koreans emphasized the core values of Neo-Confucianism rather than that of Buddhism during the era of the Chosŏn Dynasty. In Korea, the early Neo-Confucian scholars highlighted the significance of Neo-Confucian core values, and accepted this belief system as their national religion. Neo-Confucianism was therefore the dominant religion during the Chosŏn Dynasty, particularly for the political elite, which was then passed down to their descendants. In my view, the different core values between Buddhism and Neo-Confucianism created much tension. Just as a receiving group adopts a new religion to enhance his or her social identity, Koreans accepted Christianity to increase their social identity during the era of the early Korean Protestant church. Consequently, Christianity has rapidly grown in the Korean indigenous context. However, despite much conflict over the issue of Confucian ancestral rituals, the early Korean Protestant church finally allowed filial piety as the core value of Neo-Confucianism, and replaced the Confucian ancestral ritual with a Christian ancestral ritual called chudo yebae. This is significant because chudo yebae, as the Christian ancestral (or memorial) ritual, applies filial piety, which is the core value of Neo-Confucianism, to the Christian ancestral ritual. Furthermore, it was found that the Korean name of God Hana-nim was used for the Christian God, indicating that indigenous religions are familiar with the Korean name of God. In Korea, the vernacular translation of the Christian God into the Korean term Hana-nim was important because the term was familiar with the populace at that time. The unity of the term Hana-nim in Korean indigenous religions and Christianity facilitated the growth of the Korean Protestant church and its congregations. It also clarified the triune God who is a Being and simultaneously has three Persons. In other words, the term Hana-nim supports the notion that God is fully monotheistic, and at the same time, triune. This study concludes that kenotic mission motivates Christian discipleship to engage in acts of humility. In short, kenosis reveals Jesus’ servant leadership, evident in his prayers, compassionate love, and self-emptying humility. However, there still appears to be much confusion, as a number of missionary leaders and their followers continue to compare shamanistic elements with Christian elements, even though Jesus carried out healing and spiritual deliverance through prayer and exorcism. In the early Korean Protestant church, there was also a group of women who were converted from shamanism, and served as female itinerant distributors called ‘Bible women’. It is challenging to clearly explain how the core values of Christianity are compared and linked to the core values of other indigenous religions such as Neo-Confucian love called yen and Buddhistic self-emptying call gong. Nevertheless, I assert that intercultural studies on how Christianity can be related to the core values of other religions should be an on-going process for God’s kenotic mission and dialogue, although much controversy surrounds this methodology.
Church teaching and the views of youth on sexual practices : a study amongst Anglican youth of the Cape Town diocese aged 12-19
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2006-12) Mash, Rachel; Louw, J.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research aims to establish if church-going young people adhere to the principle of ‘no sex before marriage’, or if there are competing ‘voices’ and pressures that young people succumb to. Are they practising risky sexual behaviour, with multiple partners, using no protection or experiencing sexual violence? We conducted a survey in order to understand the gravity of the challenge, and to identify ways in which the Anglican Church might become more effective in dealing with issues of sexuality among young people. The field research was undertaken between October 2004 and January 2005 and involved a detailed questionnaire survey (with 1,306 responses analysed), and three different focus group discussions. Respondents were between 12 and 19 years of age, both male and female, and demographically representative of the Anglican Church of Cape Town Diocese. It is hoped that the results of this survey will be informative for church leaders and those involved in ministry with young people. Our research reveals that church-going young people are not excluded from the risks faced by others in society. Of the respondents 30.5% have had sex (40% Male and 21% Female; Black 44%, White 26% and Coloured 30%). This is irrespective of geographical location (32% Rural and 30% Urban). Young people are practising vaginal, oral and anal sex or any combination. During their first sexual experience, only 35% used contraceptives. Ninety percent of their first partners are friends or schoolmates and when it came to venue, 75% had sex at home or at their partner’s place. Casual sex was common and 33% of those who have had sex have been with four or more sexual partners. Sexual violence also occurred as 6% of the respondents were forced to have sex (Black 7.1%, White 6.5% and Coloured 5.4%). Of this coerced group, 12% have themselves demanded sex from somebody else. There is thus a gap between the Church’s traditional teaching of ‘no sex before marriage’ and the realities of the way in which our young people live. Hence, we should no longer hide our heads in the sand and pretend that our young people are not at risk. This research has certainly identified several areas of concern. Nonetheless, it has also revealed encouraging information, as young people are interested in changing the situation. In order to increase its effectiveness in addressing the sexuality of young people, the Anglican Church should be prepared to act decisively. The approach recommended from this study should be multifaceted, given the increasingly complex landscape in which young people live. There is an urgent need to support young people in building healthy relationships. Parental workshops are an important intervention in order to enable parents to communicate with their children about sexuality, using an ageappropriate approach. Peer education should be adopted: that is training key opinion leaders in each church so that they can provide positive peer pressure. In addition, the church should take a stand against sexual messages seen in the media; silence implies consent. The church must clearly communicate its opposition to these unhealthy sexual messages to society at large.
Church/state partnership in development? : the case of Mitchell's plain and Khayelitsha in post-apartheid Cape Flats
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04) Nissen, Christopher; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Since the Edict of Milan during the time of Constantine the Great, church and state relations were always antagonistic as Christianity was adopted as the state religion. The same is true for the South African Church during the apartheid era, howbeit restricted to one denomination. When apartheid ended, the challenge for the Church was carving out a renewed identity, one side being the white Afrikaner churches that enjoyed positions of power and privilege and the other majority black churches that fought for the abolishment of apartheid. Notwithstanding the manner in which Christianity arrived in South Africa, many hold the view that separation of spirituality and the political is impossible and by extension is important, a fact put forward by the then newly elected President Nelson Mandel. With each new political dispensation came new leadership which did not necessarily hold these views however, the Church remained important due to command in numbers. The pursuit of political power vis-à-vis votes came in the form of co-opting religious leaders into position of power resulting in silencing the Churches prophetic voice. In chapter I highlight the challenges that both Church and state face, namely, fighting societal ills in all its forms. Both the Church and state serve their constituencies in the name of development with the expressed aim of poverty alleviation, however, what this looked like relationally required more research. With the use of David Korten’s so-called People-Centred Development approach, I aimed to ascertain the extent development took place on the Cape Flats with specific focus on Mitchell’s Plain and Khayelitsha along with the relational dynamics when societal challenges are dealt with in the name of development. By doing so, question the relationship of church and state in this dynamic is important as it dictates whether or not conditions within these areas will change. In chapter two I found it important to retrospectively analyse relational dynamics between church and state. I consider its historical functionality in ancient communities and what caused it to separate. This required theological substantiation as I illuminate the tensions revealed in the writings of individuals such as Augustine, Tertullian, Luther leading the Reformation. Similarly, consideration was given when tracing the history of apartheid in South Africa along with its aftermath, which certain aspects still being fought today. Communities remain divided with dire consequences as such require a voice which can only be given by the Church itself. In chapter three I analyse the “common enemy”, namely poverty in variation, as both church and state spend great time in battling it. The issue of poverty required an appropriate developmental response and thus consideration was given to the main contributors. When dealing with chapter four we are reminded based on analysis that communities are complex and were accompanied by a variety of customs before development was introduced. We also understand that they are themselves the Church and thus required renewed consideration through models of the Church. Both parties remain in constant tension with one another with an expressed desire for cooperation with diverse agendas. What remains true is that most interventions are introduced from the outside, with little to consideration given to involve the communities they serve. In chapter five I revisited the questions posed at the commencement of my research. A simple answer proves more challenging; however, my argument put forth would be one rooted in hope, and more specifically, Christian hope which falls within the Church as a community of faith. This Christian hope is not mythical but provide individuals and communities with a tangible way forward regardless of circumstances. Therefore, the Church through its message of Jesus Christ can bring about both emotional and physical well-being while communities are in waiting for circumstances to change.
Churches as community development locus : addressing the challenges of the girl child in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03) Myambo, Violet; Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The girl child in Zimbabwe encounters great suffering emanating from cultural, traditional and, at times, religious factors. These, in total, make the girl child’s life challenges innumerable. While the churches in Zimbabwe are aware of the girl child challenges, they have not related to them effectively. Some of these challenges are related to spiritual beliefs. This study explores the causes of the girl child’s suffering in Zimbabwe and the intersection between gender, culture and development. The reason for this exploration is to discover how these three areas interact with each other as determinants to the just place of women in the community. It also explores the relationship between religion, culture and gender. In this context, it looks at religious and church affiliation in a Zimbabwean context. Thereafter, the thesis explores the concepts of church and gender, the concept of female submission, and theological challenges within Southern Africa. These include the concept of God, the role and status of women in the image of God, a discussion of women in the texts and the concept of sin, salvation and wholeness. The thesis draws mainly on the works of African women theologians although not exclusively, when dealing with theological challenges. Furthermore, the thesis reports on qualitative interviews conducted with selected religious leaders in the Eastern highlands. It uses a qualitative method that seeks to describe and attach meaning to phenomena. This study concludes by providing recommendations as to how the church in Zimbabwe could act as a community development locus in addressing the challenges of a girl child in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe.
Community pastoral care : a critical empirical study of the role of the pastor in the community
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-03) Mee, Richard; Thesnaar, C. H.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Pastors and congregations need to communicate the faithfulness and care of God within the real life contexts of the communities that they are a part of. The problem is that pastoral theology has been predominantly linked to individual psychology rather than to theory that facilitates a specifically Christian care for whole communities. This study asks how pastors can engage with the concrete realities of their communities, caring for real and practical needs, within the context of the specifically Christian focus of the Gospel. The chief goal is to make a clear contribution to the way in which Community Pastoral Care is thought about and carried out. This is a contribution that encourages engagement with the needs of the communities together with the Gospel. This requires a methodology that involves interdisciplinary understanding, calling for a hermeneutical study. The study engages firstly with Systems Theory, gaining an understanding of the way in which communities and groups function and change. Linked to this is the study of Communicative Action and Social Constructionism, these contribute understanding of the way in which communication functions within the community system. Thirdly, a study of Community Psychology, including Social Capital, emphasises the importance of focusing on the relationships within the community. Community care in this context is predominantly care for relationships and communication within the community. This includes the understanding that problems form within the relationships that make up the community, rather than individuals within the community. It also places the focus of care on building strengths rather than fixing pathologies. The specif cally Christian character of Community Pastoral Care is given through a study on sin/evil, the gospel and revelation. Th is introduces the action and communication of a faithful God. Community Pastoral Care is seen to incorporate the revelation of the Kingdom of God and its blessings, as well as the possibility of a direct relationship with Him that transforms the life of the community and individuals. Semi-structured interviews, with a small selection of pastors, give an empirical aspect to the study. This helps to ground the study in the actual experiences of pastors, giving a chance for their experience to add to and engage the theory study. The first two theory chapters suggest that the key to community care is developing positive relationships between the parts of the system. With the introduction of a relationship with a faithful God, the understanding of care expands. Revelation of His Kingdom, and the changed relationships that it brings, transforms the earlier Communicative Action into both an expression of and a communication of a faithful God and the promise of His Kingdom. What is concluded is that Community Pastoral Care is primarily the revelation of God to the community. This is carried out through relationship with the congregation including, and guided by, the ministry of the pastor. This is a Pastoral Care that is less about technique and more about mutual relationships of trust and open, positive communication with God, the congregation and the community.
Compassion fatigue : pastoral care to HIV and AIDS caregivers within the realm of the healing professions
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-04) Solomons, Daniel Peter; Louw, D. J. (Daniel Johannes), 1944-; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation aims to address the phenomenon of compassion fatigue within the scenario - of the HIV and AIDS pandemic in South Africa where an estimated 5-6 million people are living with HIV and AIDS. One in every three patients is hospitalised at some stage of their sickness and sufferers of the pandemic come into contact with someone that gives care to HIV and AIDS infected persons, whether in a hospital, a clinic, in counselling or a hospice. Professional stress and emotional fatigue is an inherent feature of the life of caregivers, and there is growing evidence is that it is on the increase. Caregivers are generally compassionate people and the compassion that they have and share with suffering people can be depleted . Caregivers become fatigued by the plight and the situation that never lets up hence the concept compassion fatigue. In this regard, the meaning of this concept as applied to HIV and AIDS caregivers in the healing and helping professions in hospital care (chaplaincy) and different clinical settings was the focus of the research. Compassion fatigue relates to professional stress and can impair professional competency and performance within pastoral caregiving. The phenomenon was studied to distinguish between compassion fatigue burnout/burn up and vicarious traumatisation. A more comprehensive understanding of these concepts will help to clarify current misconceptions. Aspects that necessitate a closer look are whether compassion fatigue is fundamentally stress related or a kind of depletion within the self of the pastoral helper. Could it be some kind of affective exhaustion, or is it related fundamentally to the overexposure to human suffering? Is compassion fatigue then suffering related? The study focuses on the challenges that confront caregivers in the HIV and AIDS field. How can these challenges pose an existential threat to their being-function and human identity? The study also explores how the theology of the cross (from a pastoral approach) can assist caregivers to deal with the question of meaning in the suffering that their patients (and they) may experience. Research questions included how the phenomenon of compassion fatigue should be understood as an inherent feature of the life of caregivers to HIV and AIDS sufferers, and what caregiving should imply to the caregivers (“wounded healers”). What is clear is that those caregivers very definitely also need care. A viable possibility to render meaningful help to depleted caregivers is to take them out of the working place and give them time, space and means to become whole again. A retreat environment is indicated as a form of recuperation for caregivers. At this stage the study amounts to only first steps in that direction and emphasises the need to investigate the subject further.
Congregational participation in preaching? : a practical-theology inquiry within a South-Korean context
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-12) Jang, Seungkwon; Cilliers, Johan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The value of the congregation in preaching is underestimated in the Korean church, an institution unfamiliar with having the congregation participate in preaching. Preaching has, instead, been hierarchical and preacher-centered, with the congregation playing a passive role. Authoritarianism of the preacher in the Korean church, a consequence of traditional Korean religions and Korean socio-history, was found to be a fundamental cause of hierarchical, preacher-centered preaching. However, a number of homiletical problems arise from this form of preaching. The importance of the congregation in preaching has been neglected, leaving the congregation with little opportunity to have a positive impact on preaching. Additionally, in light of the changing views towards authoritarianism, and the impact of these changes on Korean churches, much criticism for hierarchical and preacher-centered preaching has come about. In order to overcome the problems arising from hierarchical and preacher-centered preaching, this dissertation highlights the congregation as a valuable preaching partner. Using McClure’s homiletics, and an understanding of the most fundamental elements of preaching, the Word of God, the preacher, and the congregation, as understood in The Roundtable Pulpit, an alternative to preacher-centered preaching is presented: collaborative preaching. This form of preaching overcomes the problem of a submissive congregation, and encourages the congregation to participate in preaching. Collaborative preaching has both positive and negative attributes. While it recognizes the congregation as an important preaching partner and creates an environment in which the congregation can participate in preaching, conversations with the congregation that do not involve a certain level of theological capability in the interpretation of the Bible may cause a disconnect between the preacher and the congregation. Another anticipated limitation of applying collaborative preaching, with regards to Korean churches specifically, is that these churches are not yet sufficiently ready for it. Moving towards collaborative preaching without reducing the gap that currently exists between the preacher and the congregation may cause confusion among the congregation. The suggestion this dissertation makes for overcoming these limitations is encouraging the preacher to abandon a distorted sense of authority and to change his perspective to one where the congregation is a partner in preaching. This is a priority for narrowing the gap between himself and his congregation. However, sufficient preparation is necessary to achieve this.

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