Abstract:
At this point of time the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa
(NRCA) is facing the seemingly unsolvable dilemma of not being able to handle diversity in a
positive manner. By applying three lenses to the current impasse with regards to the church’s
struggle with diversity, this article aims at providing an answer to the question of how to
proceed. The first lens addresses the challenge to maintain spiritual health and harmony
in the midst of differences and tension in the church. The theory behind systems sensitive
leadership as lens serves as the guideline to achieve the necessary spiritual health that the
church needs in such challenging times. The second lens explores the inner Christian spiritual
path in a both developmental and comprehensive way. Drawing on the work of Paul Smith
this lens sets forth the developmental framework by which Christians grow inwardly in their
understanding of Jesus and his teachings. The third lens is a view on a practice whereby the
validity of intellectual positions, statements, or ideologies could be appraised as an innate
quality in any subject. This lens opens a unique perspective which provides not only a new
understanding of humanity’s journey in the universe, but also serves as a guide to were we
and the whole cosmos are on our personal journeys to become who we could be. The vision
that is provided by these three lenses has the capacity not only to serve as guidelines, but also
to provide the tools to handle the challenges the church has to face on the road a head.
