Department of 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.
The administrative functioning of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Africa and the disillusionment and alienation of its members : a catalyst for change
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007-03) Plaatjes, Calvin William; Hendriks, Hans Jurgens; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.; A-6024-2012
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation addresses the functioning of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Africa and the disillusionment and alienation of its members. Its aim is to uncover what the key factors are in the administrative functioning that has contributed to the disillusionment and alienation of the rank and file from the administration of the church. It gives particular attention to five aspects of administration: administrative authority, leadership, power, transition, and organizational structures. The objectives of the study are multifaceted. It wants to sensitize and make the Conference and Union administrations aware of the issues that separate them from the rank and file in the church, and how that the present challenges can be solved on a broad consultative basis. Furthermore, the study wants to make recommendations as to how broader representation can be established. Importantly, the study wishes to help the SDA Church administration to maintain a healthy balance between the church as institution and the church as organism. The study is basically exploratory as it seeks to explore the social phenomenon between the administrative functioning and the grassroots of the church for the reason of gaining insight as well as to explain the reason for its existence. It is also hermeneutical in nature as it seeks to establish a proper understanding of the interrelatedness between the administrative functioning and the laity in the church. Empirical enquiry is an important aspect of the study as it employs structured interviews with church boards and survey questionnaires to pastors in order to establish quantitative and qualitative aspects of the study. The study made use of a practical-theological methodology. The methodology is a hermeneutical sensitive and correlational dialogue that brings different theological parameters into dialogue with the realities of practice of ministry and the world. Chapter one introduces the study. It outlines the various dimensions of the study. Chapters two and three are historical. It deals with the present reality and the identity of the church using literary sources. Chapter five deals with the empirical research and gives a description of the views of ministers and the church boards concerning the five aspects of administration of the church, which has been researched. Chapters four and six deals with the theoretical-theological aspects of the study. Chapter four deals with the tension that exists between the church as institution and the church as organism. Chapter six is a theological evaluation that seeks the will of God or His guidance in terms of the problem which the church faces. Chapter six describes the way forward by making recommendations and gives some strategies that can be used to realize the goals of the study and the church.
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.
An appraisal of theological training for untrained church leaders in Sub Saharan Africa : with particular reference to the training program of Veritas College
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-03) Wiid, Willem Jacobus; Pauw, C. M.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study is an appraisal of the training program of Veritas College as an answer to the training need of the untrained church leaders in Sub Saharan Africa, focusing on the country of Malawi. Partly as a result of the impact of the Church Growth Movement the number of churches in Africa has increased significantly during the last decade. These achievements have created a major training problem. Theological training institutions have been unable to cope with the massive influx of church leaders. Despite remarkable efforts by them, new methods of theological training have had to be developed in order to fulfil the training needs of Africa. The situation in Africa has changed due to many political and historical developments, creating a need for Christians to be trained in how to impact their context. There is a new environment and challenge for theological education in Africa today. Ideally, theological education should develop all levels of Christian leadership, so that leaders become devoted, effective and knowledgeable workers of God. The Church has always tried to provide theological training for these workers, and has created various educational models. Formal and non-formal education are important modes of training, and form, together with the church, an important triangle in the provision of learning services for the body of Christ. Formal as well as non-formal theological training models, however, have various weaknesses, including a tendency to dominate from the top; a fixed curriculum out of context; an over-emphasis on a content approach; the inaccessibility of training for the untrained church leader; the inaffordability of training for the really poor untrained church leaders in Sub Saharan Africa. This creates a need for change in theological training today. Principles for an appropriate theological education for Sub SaharancAfrica should include i) the development of local church leadership within the context, for the context; ii) a holistic approach to theological education; iii) a focus on character formation in leadership training; iv) training in the context of the local congregation; v) the equipping all levels of church leadership; vi) training to practise theology; and vii) the provision of 'basic theological training'. The training model proposed by Veritas College has an education philosophy called "Integrated Leadership Development" (ILD). This training model is integrated into the functioning of the local congregation and the life of the trainee. ILD also promotes an integrated theological practice, where the trainee is taught how to practise theology. Veritas' training program is built around the basic skills of how to do understand, apply and communicate the Bible. An appraisal is done of the training program of Veritas College as presented in the Synod of Nkhoma of the Church of Central Africa, Presbyterian (CCAP) in Malawi. From the perspective of the unique training context of Malawi and the CCAP, the development of this program is described and evaluated in the light of the training needs of Sub Saharan Africa. The potential of the Veritas training model to contribute to the training need of Sub Saharan Africa is evaluated. The model has the ability to i) present technical theological training for a semi-literate church leadership; ii) implement basic theological training for church leaders in the local congregation; iii) offer a theological training program not bound to many theoretical books; iv) help semi-literate church leaders to make use of the only piece of literature they possess, namely the Bible; and v) to teach the illiterate through an oral medium. It would indeed appear that Veritas is able to make a positive contribution to the training needs of Sub Saharan Africa.
“… as we sing …” Lex canendi as the practical-theological mode of doing liturgy
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-03 ) Kwon, Yongjun; Cilliers, Johan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A study on various conflicts in worship (e.g. traditional vs. contemporary, reason vs. emotion, and rituals vs. life) is not new. However, existing studies have often treated various liturgical conflicts as individual problems which are incommensurable with each other. This research aims to find the common factors which organically bind liturgical conflicts and to suggest a liturgical formula which helps solve them holistically. In order for this, this research adds lex canendi (the musical dimension or pattern of singing) to the existing liturgical formula of lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi, which refers to a hermeneutical circle of reciprocity between the ritual dimension, theological dimension and living dimension. The expanded formula is then as follows: Lex canendi, lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi (i.e. COCV). Thus, this research suggests the musical dimension (lex canendi) as the practical (lex vivendi)-theological (lex credendi) mode of doing liturgy (lex orandi). Lex canendi consists of the following elements that are needed by music, and thus, exhibit a strong family resemblance to each other: music, singing, art, aesthetics, beauty, body, human beings as God’s artworks, imagination, understanding, ambiguousness, metaphor, symbol, the senses, feeling, emotion, affection, play, contemporary, freedom, pop culture, and transcendence, etc. The research begins with the assumption that the false interaction between lex canendi and the existing members of the lex (lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi) makes lex canendi narrowly excluded or uncritically accepted, and as a result, it causes the following three major liturgical conflicts (or, in its broad sense, worship wars): 1) a conflict between what is traditional, serious and sublime (lex orandi) and what is contemporary, entertaining and popular (lex canendi), i.e. the dualism between traditionalism and contemporary-ism; 2) a conflict between what is intellectual, conceptual, manifest and doctrinal (lex credendi) and what is emotional, existential, ambiguous and empirical (lex canendi), i.e. the dualism between dogmatism and sentimentalism; and 3) a conflict between what is immanent, realistic and practical (lex vivendi) and what is transcendent, imaginative and aesthetic (lex canendi), i.e. the dualism between anti-aestheticism and aestheticism. To confirm this assumption, the researcher observes the specific problematic phenomena of the three liturgical conflicts that are related to the false lex canendi, and cross-disciplinarily traces the direct and indirect reasons for them. As a result, this study shows that diverse problematic phenomena of the liturgical conflicts (or, in its broad sense, worship wars) are not incommensurable with each other but they have common features (i.e. the false relationship between lex canendi and the existing three members of the lex), and thus, they can be understood and solved organically and holistically. Therefore, the researcher concludes by providing a wholesome hermeneutical circle of reciprocity between lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi and lex canendi, i.e. the COCV model, as an integrated solution to the liturgical conflicts. More specifically, this research proposes that the COCV model can be useful in the quest for solving the liturgical conflicts by making the following three types of liturgical coexistences (or tensions): 1) the coexistence between the ritual dimension and the musical dimension (lex orandi, lex canendi) which implies liturgical tensions between what is divine and what is human, between order and freedom, and between diverse tastes in music/culture; 2) the coexistence between the theological dimension and the musical dimension (lex credendi, lex canendi) which implies liturgical tensions between the body and the mind, between concepts/explanation and existence/understanding, and between manifestness and ambiguousness; and 3) the coexistence between the living dimension and the musical dimension (lex vivendi, lex canendi) which implies liturgical tensions between worshippers’ autonomy from reality and their society, and between the transcendence of God’s kingdom and the immanence of the kingdom.
Authority in Korean Presbyterian preaching : a practical theological investigation
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-12) Kim, Dong-Choul; Cilliers, Johan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Korean society has experienced more severe changes in the last 50 years than in the last 500 years. The pulpit has also faced the challenges created by the socio-cultural revolution following the collapse of Korean traditional values, while authoritative and hierarchical cultures are rapidly changing as a result of westernization and political transformation. This situation has led to an acute crisis in the relationship between the hearer and the preacher in Korean services, where the Korean Presbyterian preachers still pursue an authoritarian style of preaching based on hierarchical, logical or proposition-centred preaching and argumentcentred preaching. Since the 1990s Korean Presbyterian homileticians have accepted narrative preaching as an alternative to the traditional manner. However, this narrative preaching aggravates the problematic relationship - extending the gap, falling into theological relationalism, and neglecting the identity of Jesus Christ - between the preacher and the hearer. The preaching should propose the face-to-face relationship, a participatory role in the preaching process, and interactive persuasion. In order to overcome both authoritarianism and subjectivism in the authority of preaching, this research studies the theology and homiletics of three homileticians, namely Rose, McClure and Campbell, who propose the functional community as an alternative, suggesting face-to-face relationships, fostering the congregation to participate in the whole process of preaching, and support to interpret the truth being the task of the whole community. Afterward, preaching is defined to explore the blending of the four elements (God, Bible, preacher and audience) to create a living voice, so that the four elements of preaching are reassessed and re-interpreted in terms of the “Spirit-guided community authority” in the Korean Presbyterian homiletics. Hence, Korean Presbyterian preaching, lastly, needs to consider the purpose of the preaching as “building up the functional community” homiletically, applying the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers into homiletics theologically, turning from rhetoric to theo-rhetoric, and exercising the way of power that Jesus Christ practised.
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.
Being a hermeneutic of the gospel : hermeneutical and epistemological foundations for a missional ecclesiology
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-03) Sheridan, Timothy Michael; Hendriks, Hans Jurgens; Goheen, Michael; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The church in the West is facing a crisis of identity. Who are we as the church and what is our purpose in the world today? The recovery of a missional ecclesiology in the West is an urgent task. The aim of this study is to contribute to this work on a missional ecclesiology by focusing on the need for the church to grow its capacity to discern missional vocation. This study‘s central question: ―How can the church in the West discern its missional vocation?‖ The first chapter considers how global realities are forcing the church to re-examine its missional identity and vocation. In addition, the local realities in which this study is situated are highlighted, with particular emphasis on the realities that demand discernment. The chapter concludes with consideration of historical developments in hermeneutics, in particular the development of a missional hermeneutic. The emergence of a missional hermeneutic is important in the church‘s discernment. The second chapter ―puts on‖ a missional hermeneutic to aid in this discernment of missional vocation. Dwelling in the biblical story with this lens, and so allowing the story to renew our understanding of the role and identity of God‘s people, will shape our missional discernment. The third chapter focuses on the contemporary cultural context in its North American expression, in which the church must forge its missional identity. A retelling of the cultural story of the West demonstrates the challenges, both old and new, facing the church. Two important movements are already seeking to answer the question of how the church discerns missional vocation. The fourth chapter engages the important conversations that are happening within both the Emergent and Missional Church movements. These conversations encompass a wide diversity of theological traditions and backgrounds, but are held together by a common desire to discern what a missional ecclesiology means for the West. Particular themes that are important for discernment are highlighted as these conversations are engaged. Finally, the questions of the early chapters converge on the crux of this study: a framework for discernment, articulated in detail in the fifth chapter. Building on important examples, both Western and African, this affirmative-antithetical model of discernment is offered as a broad ―lens‖ for reflective churches seeking to discern their missional vocation. The final chapter then practices discernment in six key areas facing the church in the West today, at times using for illustration the local context in which this study is situated. These parting thoughts seek to both recognize the challenge facing missional churches, and point to encouraging dialogue already happening among those seeking to do the same.
A biblical framework for sustainable development in the Reformed church in Zambia : the story of George Compound in Lusaka
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Ngoma, Alfred; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
The whole purpose of this research was to determine an appropriate approach to development in Zambia by the Reformed Church in Zambia (RCZ) under the theme: ‘A Biblical Framework for Sustainable Development in the Reformed Church in Zambia – The story of George Compound in Lusaka.’ George Compound located on the West of Matero Township, poverty manifests itself in many ways such as lack of good food, poor shelter, high illiteracy levels, lack of good road network, poor health, high crime rate, high levels of unemployment especially the youth who now spend most time drinking beer, high levels of prostitution, and poor sanitation. Holistic ministry has for some time now remained a great challenge for the church, the trend that was never the case with the early church as it took the issue of development seriously and effectively met needs of the poor and vulnerable people of that time. However, with time the church has either consciously or unconsciously allowed to be dictated by the Greek dualism theory (separating the spiritual from physical) in how to go about with ministry. This separation has taken such a long time that it has now become accepted by the church and secular world that the role of the church for humanity was only to concentrate on matters concerning spirituality, while leaving the social part to secular organisations. This is an affront to God who created humanity in His own image and likeness (Gen. 1: 26 – 29; 2: 7) and mandated to rule on His behalf; added to that it is in itself a distortion of Scriptures. Otherwise from the Biblical perspective humanity constitutes both the soul and body, thereby providing no justification for separating needs of the soul from those of the body because human life is a unit. The Scriptures have also revealed that at the time of creation, a living relationship was established between God and humanity, which includes the entire creation. The relationship between God and humanity is known as the vertical relationship (this involves worshipping God); while the relationship between humanity and the rest of the creation is known as the horizontal relationship (this involves caring for God’s creation). It is on record in the Scriptures that the good creation that was created by the good God was spoilt with the fall of humanity. It is the fall of humanity that has led to the unfortunate separation of responsibilities between the church and the secular world. It is in this context that the research wrestled with the question of how the RCZ could apply a Biblical framework for sustainable development in the country, but with particular attention to the story of George Compound in Lusaka. The researcher has argued that meaningful development will only take place when the church takes its strategic position in development and does it from the Biblical perspective that addresses humanity holistically. Development done from the Biblical perspective acknowledges God as the creator, sustainer and destiny of the whole creation and at the same time places humanity at the centre of it as the main objective. The hypothesis is based on the fact that poverty will be alleviated once the RCZ in the first place comes to terms with the reality of poverty and its impact on human life in the country, and then using its mandate to get involved in national development to transform people’s wellbeing. It is interesting that when missionaries from the Dutch Reformed Church Mission (DRCM) of the Orange Free State in South Africa started mission work in the Eastern Province of Northern Rhodesia then, they adopted a comprehensive approach to ministry and that enabled them to address both the spiritual and social needs of people. The DRCM missionaries passed on this understanding of development to the RCZ, but then one wonders why the RCZ after autonomy (self-governing) in 1966, gradually and without realising began to change its focus of doing ministry by concentrating so much on building people’s spiritual lives and neglecting their social needs. This research is challenging the RCZ to revisit its mandate for ministry which should lead to adopting the Biblical understanding for development. This kind of development is holistic in nature and results in transforming people’s living standards that are currently in deplorable condition. The research further suggests that for development to take place the RCZ needs to work towards transforming the world view of its members about poverty and development. This approach will invaluably help people gain better understanding on the actual causes and effects of poverty and what must be done to alleviate it, before reaching out in the communities.
The Binga outreach : the contextualisation of mission in the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2011-03) Munikwa, Christopher; Hendriks, Hans Jurgens; Simon, David Xolile; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.; A-6024-2012
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The research starts with a descriptive study of the traditional missionary model used by the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) in South Africa in planting what is now known as the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ). The purpose of this descriptive part is to understand why certain mistakes are constantly repeated in cross-cultural outreach work and to prevent it from happening again. The RCZ is challenged to develop intercultural missionary theory and practice. The outreach towards the Tonga communities living in the Binga district in Zimbabwe.s North-Western province is used as an extended case study in developing a new missional framework for the RCZ. The research question is thus: How is the RCZ appropriately, meaningfully and relevantly to express the missional praxis of God within the context of the Tonga people? The research argues that meaningful missional reflection has to start with knowing and understanding the Tonga people. The RCZ would then not fall in the same trap of the European missionaries who had an ethnocentric superiority attitude. This calls for a paradigm shift in the RCZ.s thinking and doing mission. The RCZ needs to participate in the Mission of God with love and humility. The research argues that there is a need for the RCZ to revisit and carry out a critical analysis concerning her thinking and strategies of mission today. The RCZ is to develop a relevant framework that will allow the Tonga people to be conscious instruments of their own transformation in their own socio-cultural context. The goal of the study is to have a shift in the RCZ towards a missiological approach that is appropriate, meaningful and relevant in order to facilitate the transformation of the community she serves and ministers to. This framework for doing Christian mission should be Biblical, communal and contextual in the RCZ and at the same time encourage reflective involvement of the faith community in the missio Dei. The research proposes an intercultural mission as appropriate in our context, not a cross-cultural one. The research concludes that the DRC.s traditional mission model profoundly influenced the identity and present mission practice of the RCZ. A better understanding of the identity of both the DRC and the RCZ will enlighten the members of the RCZ to accept the missio Dei as their vocation and challenge. Now and in future, it will help the RCZ members who are participating in intercultural mission to make more informed plans and decisions.
Breaking the silence : sexual reproductive health as a challenge and opportunity for youth ministry in the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) synod of Livingstonia
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2024-03 ) Gondwe, John; Cloete, Anita Louisa; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study was motivated by the increased prevalence of unwanted pregnancies, early marriages, unsafe abortions, and school dropouts among the youth due to a lack of Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) knowledge. The aim of the study was to explore and establish whether the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) is silent on issues of SRH, and if so, how the Synod can break the silence. This study investigated how the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia can engage theological concepts to break the silence on SRH as a challenge or opportunity for youth ministry. The study focused on human dignity as the main theological concept that pays attention to the image of God (imago dei). The theological concept of human dignity focused on some attributes of the image of God, such as inviolability among others. Every human being, in the image of God, should be able to exercise their rights. It further explored how the church must consider SRH services as part of holistic ministry. The literature studied further indicated that there are some SRH determinants such as social and cultural behaviours, social-religious beliefs, and poor health facilities. The empirical research was conducted within the CCAP catchment area where the interviewees were either church elders, church ministers, or youth. Usingin-depth semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, the views and opinions of those participants mentioned above were gathered. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis, and subjected to theological interpretations. The study findings showed that Synod had an SRH policy in place. However, that policy had not been implemented since the package of SRH contradicts its church doctrines that emphasize abstinence among the youth. Further, findings indicated that the church was not doing much to promote SRH among the youth because should the Synod be engaged in SRH issues, it might be seen as promoting immorality among the youth. Nonetheless, almost all respondents accepted that individuals are aware of the importance and appreciate the package in SRH as it will be able to protect the youth from the consequences of lack of SRH. The findings further confirmed that the church had witnessed youth being suspended due to unwanted pregnancies despite continuous preaching of abstinence. One of the worst scenarios mentioned by participants was the deaths of young women in the church suspected to have died from complications of unsafe abortions. However, church policies do not allow the Synod to promote SRH services.
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.

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