Leading toward missional change : an afro-centric missional perspective on the history of South African Baptists

Abstract

This study shows the importance of leading toward missional change within BUSA in post-1994 contexts incorporating global, afro-centric missional perspectives as South African Baptists. As my research will indicate, BUSA is at a crucial junction, and I contend that BUSA’s main problem is primarily a missiological problem, with ecclesiastical challenges that urgently need to be addressed by BUSA’s leaders. The importance of BUSA’s critical self- reflection and analysis is paramount. Does BUSA and her mission have a future, or will it fade into obscurity? Utilizing the South African Baptist faith heritage as an important interlocutor with a view to retrospective and prospective Baptist ecclesiology in post- 1994 South African society. Special recognition is given to the contribution of emerging Afro-centric missional voices within the current South African/African context. In doing so, this study seeks to be leadership-oriented, biblically-based and Afro-centric in its approach to missional change with South African Baptist Union churches. Toward missional leadership within BUSA churches this study: <ul> <li>1. Uncovers the importance of an Afro-centric missional ecclesiology, taking into consideration both local and global trends and conversations.</li> <li>2. Uncover a retrospective view of Baptist Ecclesiology within the Southern African context, with its relevance to the history and present-day context of ministry within BUSA.</li> <li>3. Analyses existing statistical data found within the Baptist Annual Handbook, to establish denominational trends since 1994, with a view to identifying significant ministry trends operable within BUSA.</li> 4. Collects, analyses and interprets data from a number of churches from within the Baptist Union of Southern Africa that stand out as significant in three or more ‘missional indicators’ in the first tier of research and analysis. In reading through the pages to follow, you will journey alongside the researcher in:</li> </ul> <ul> <li> Analysing and interpreting the history of Baptists in South Africa with reference to BUSA, BCSA, SABMS and the ABK through a ‘missional lens’</li>. <li> Critically examining current trends visible within BUSA churches since 1994 to the present-day.</li> <li> Undertaking qualitative research to identify phenomenology of people’s shared experience in BUSA</li> <li> Interpreting and objectifying statistical results drawn from qualitative research at local church level; making further recommendations towards an Afro-centric missional ecclesiology relevant to BUSA churches in post-1994 contexts.</li> </ul>