Abstract:
At the University of Pretoria, Historical Theology consists of various sub-disciplines, that is,
History of Christianity, History of Doctrine, History of Theology, History of Missions, Church
History, and Church Polity. This article is located in History of Missions, as a contribution to
the centenary celebration of the Maranatha Reformed Church of Christ (MRCC). The main
focus of this contribution is an analysis of Prof. P.S. Dreyer’s mission theology as reflected in
his publications, and how it shaped the mission policy of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk
van Afrika (NHKA) and the growth of the MRCC. For 35 years (1954–1989), Prof. Dreyer was
a member and chairman of the Mission Board of the NHKA. As part-time Superintendent of
Mission and chairman of the Board, he not only had many administrative and financial
responsibilities, but he also played a role in the establishment of at least 60 congregations in
black communities, as well as the theological education of more than 200 MRCC students and
ministers. All of this was based on a clear understanding of the nature of the church, as well as
the responsibility and calling of the church to proclaim Jesus Christ to all people.
CONTRIBUTION: This article addressed the role of theology and individual theologians in the
history of the church and mission in South Africa, and how it impacted upon the relationship
between different race groups and the development of an indigenous Christianity.
