'n Praktiese teologiese ondersoek na spiritualiteitstipes in eredienste in die Ring van die Paarl(Afrikaans)

Abstract

This study is based on the presumption that more than one type of Spirituality prevails amongst members of the Dutch Reformed Church in the Circuit of Paarl. From conversations with colleagues, theological articles and books, own experience of services as liturgist and Myers and Briggs personality profiles, it is evident that there is a confusion regarding the identification and management of the various types of Spirituality. In the Paarl Valley, deep rooted in the Afrikaans Culture and Tradition , as in my own congregation the Dutch Reformed Church Suider-Paarl at the foot of the Afrikaaans Language Monument, there is a search for and a need of a responsible rejuvenation regarding church services. The surrounding contexts and influences can never be removed from certain spiritual types of which members have a deep need. My friends, family and congregation members who were devoted members of the Dutch Reformed Church, have either left the church completely or found a home with other denominations with other types of Spirituality. As a young minister I find it disturbing that large numbers of my age group of 20-35 years have left the Dutch Reformed Church. Since 1996 the Paarl Circuit has lost 4000 members, notwithstanding the fact that the Paarl is regarded as a demographic point of growth in the Western Cape. In surrounding renascence congregations outside the reformed creed, the services are filled with members who were raised within the reformed creed. Post-modern man apparently does not pay attention to theological differences between churches, but preferably respond to any congregation with a certain type of approach and Spirituality. If this is the case, it bodes no well for the Dutch Reformed Church. It will inevitably lead to the impoverishment of services and religious communication. It could also lead to the partial disfunctioning of the services and the homily. Be it true that only one type of spirituality is provided for, with occasional variations, one wonders what the reason is for this. Why do Dutch Reformed ministers cling to a specific Spirituality? Is it because they are satisfied with the content of the "Message", but the atmosphere of Spirituality that exists during the service doesn't matter much? Does it perhaps demand too much work and preparation? It is obvious that a problem exists that must be taken into account. The crux of the research can be summarized as follows: <ul> <li>--- There is a supposition that a problem exists regarding the Spirituality types prevalent in the Dutch Reformed Church, especially in the Paarl Circuit and the personal preference of the members for a specific Spirituality. (Chapter 1)</li> <li>--- A basic theory concerning Spirituality types must be formulated. (Chapter 2)</li> <li>--- The Spirituality types in the Paarl Circuit must be empirically researched. (Chapter 3)</li> <li>--- An adjusted practice theory must be proposed which can lead to an adjusted ministry practice. (Chapter 4)</li> </ul> From the above discussion it is clear that the point of departure in this changed context of the essence of ecclesiasticism, but more specifically the divine service, is confronted by a new challenge. Members are in search of a more effective communication of the Gospel in the context in which the church finds itself today, but, more specifically so, as it appears in the context of the Paarl Circuit. Copyright 2004, University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. Please cite as follows: Barnard, PH 2004, 'n Praktiese teologiese ondersoek na spiritualiteitstipes in eredienste in die Ring van die Paarl(Afrikaans), MA(Theol) dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd < http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-06072005-073940 / >