Theses and Dissertations (Science of Religion and Missiology)

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Religious (in)tolerance in digital narratives : a critical analysis of how religious studies professionals can play a role in the responsible use of digital narratives
(University of Pretoria, 2024-08) Beyers, Jaco; marykestryds@gmail.com; Strydom, Maryke
This thesis was focused on the complex relationship between religion, tolerance, religious education, and narrative. The digital world is lending a steady stream of narratives toward humanity on a daily basis. Narratives are not just a mere form of entertainment but form part of the information received by humans. The thesis explored how narratives can potentially impact the human mind through narrative theories. Narrative theories showcase why narratives may help increase the effectiveness of fact-based learning. The constant availability of narratives leads to questions about the accuracy of the information found within the narratives. Narratives contain information on a myriad of topics and disciplines. This thesis focused on religious people and phenomena as portrayed in narratives. Although not all narratives are concerned with religion, a large amount of information on religion can be found within narratives. This thesis was based on a quantitative literature review. The main concern was how the responsible use of narratives can be encouraged through religious education settings (non-confessional). The thesis is not a curriculum for a specific context but rather considers the use of digital narratives within religious education settings in a global technology and narrative-forward context. The thesis showcased why digital narratives and the information found therein are important. As many different geographical spaces are becoming more multireligious, propagating tolerant multireligious societies is important. Narratives can have accurate and valuable information that people can learn from throughout their lives. This can partly be achieved through para- social interaction with narrative characters, building curiosity about phenomena found in narratives and practising a conscious retrospective reflection. However, many narratives have inaccurate, stereotypical, or dehumanising views on religious constructs and the people who adhere to them. These types of depictions can lead to an increase in intolerance if digital narrative users do not view the information critically. Therefore, there is a duality of (in)tolerance within the information found within digital narratives. As narratives may create or inhibit tolerance, it is of great importance for religious studies specialists to take note of the dualistic nature of narratives. Therefore, the large number of digital narratives within the public sphere has implications for religious education.
Commitment of church members as an expression of the understanding of the Missio Dei : a case study
(University of Pretoria, 2025-02) Beyers, Jaco; u23283719@tuks.co.za; Montja, Seala Jack
Commitment of church members as an expression of the understanding of the Missio Dei: A case study. The study is an attempt to investigate the impact the Maranatha Reformed Church of Christ (MRCC) and other mainline churches had before in the society and community versus where we are right now. The goal is to find solutions to restore the MRCC to its former glory. In the past, the church used to contribute not only to the spiritual needs of society but also to address needs holistically. Schools and hospitals serviced by the church made the church to be there for the people. The study will assist in evaluating what caused the church to no longer be addressing the needs of the people. Why is the mainline church declining? What happened to the mainline church's vision and mission? The study will also confirm whether my assumptions are true or not, that the mainline churches have lost direction in Mission. The mission is the activity of God. “Karl Barth was the first in the modern period to articulate mission as an activity of God himself” in his paper at the Brandenburg Missionary Conference in 1932 (Bosch 1991:389). The term Missio Dei simply means the mission of God. “The important term Missio Dei (Mission of God) needs a biblical foundation. The sending of God by God is a foundational motive in the New Testament. Even at the very beginning, of salvation history, shortly after creation, God became the first missionary. In Jesus, God is the missionary par excellence, and in the Holy Spirit, God is the most successful missionary. The mission is part of the nature of God, and therefore mission can only be described holistically and in a manner that transforms human mission into the image of God’s mission” (Schirrmacher 2017:1). This research will utilize questionnaire instruments to measure the specific behaviour and value changes in some of the congregations of the MRCC. This will be done through the administration of questionnaires. Commitment of church members of the MRCC will be evaluated on four factors: Church attendance, Church participation, Church volunteering, and Church contribution. The conclusion reached on the research validates the assumptions that the problem is the commitment of members in the church.
The role of Prokhanov as transformational leader in initiating a missional movement in Russia in the beginning of the 20th century
(University of Pretoria, 2024-07) Knoetze, Johannes; Reimer, Johannes; dlazouta@gmail.com; Lazuta, Dzmitry
The primary objective of this research is to elucidate the significant role played by Ivan Stepanovich Prokhanov in shaping the missionary movement in early 20th -century Russia. Prokhanov's reputation as an exceptional organiser is widely acknowledged. Utilising theories of transformational and authentic leadership, alongside an analysis of positive psychological attributes, this study aims to identify and evaluate Prokhanov's leadership qualities within the context of the missionary movement. Furthermore, this dissertation seeks to investigate Reimer's hypothesis, which posits that Prokhanov anticipated many elements of the emerging missionary paradigm as formulated by David Bosch several decades later. Through this examination, the study aims to determine the extent to which Prokhanov's foresight and leadership aligned with the principles outlined in emerging missiological paradigm. The integration of transformational leadership principles with the emerging transformational missionary paradigm is believed to have played a pivotal role in Prokhanov's ability to instigate and advance the missionary movement within Russia. This study sheds light on the intricate interplay between leadership theories and missionary paradigms, offering valuable insights into the historical development of the missionary movement in Russia.
Discourse of inculturation and decolonization of Christianity in KwaZulu Natal South Africa : a pentecostal missiological perspective
(University of Pretoria, 2025-01) Mpofu, Buhle; fika.mathe@gmail.com; Mathe, Fika
No Abstract
Secret self-knowledge : considering sex magick as post-theistic spirituality in Eastern, Western, and African esotericism
(University of Pretoria, 2024-08) Beyers, Jaco; u16079818@tuks.co.za; Kapp, Tristán
Since Antoine Faivre's emergence and establishment of "Western esotericism" in the late twentieth century, the discourse of globalising esotericism (beyond the West) has been fraught with controversy. As there are several polemical conversations about how such an effort should manifest itself in esoteric scholarship. This comparative, descriptive, and religionist approach to esotericism explores the intricate relationship between sexuality and spirituality by understanding the intersections of these aspects as manifested in Western, Eastern, and African esoteric currents, from Aleister Crowley's magia sexualis to Marie Laveau (The Widow Paris)'s "Gris-Gris". Firstly, this is achieved by bringing said geographical regions into dialogue with one another, determining how esotericism fits into the overall trajectory of the origins of religion. Secondly, delving into the polemics and history of sexuality: from Foucault to Freud. Thirdly, positioning an esoteric spirituality in the digital era. Consequently, through identifying currents in the West, East, and Africa: including Paganism, Thelema, Satanism, New Age, and Theosophy in the West and Egyptian Paganism, Hinduism, and Buddhism in the East, in addition to African Traditional Religion (ATR), Sufi Islam, and Afro-American "Conjure" in Africa. This study, when intersected with philosophical conceptualisations of the self, contributes to a novel understanding of sexuality as sacred post-theistic (self-) spirituality, with esotericism serving as the foundation for such an approach.
Post-Christelikheid as sendinguitdaging
(University of Pretoria, 1988) Boshoff, C.W.H.; Nel, Pieter
The debates and disagreements on human sexuality and the Anglican Church of Southern Africa : a theological assessment with special reference to the prophetic witness of Archbishop Tutu
(University of Pretoria, 2023) Maluleke, Tinyiko S.; Khanye, Ramangali Joseph Abiel
This thesis seeks to examine the debates and disagreements on the evolving nature of sexuality and the passage of controversial Resolution I.10 at the 1998 Lambeth Conference. Insofar as Resolution I.10 of the 1998 Lambeth Conference is concerned, it demonstrates insistence on orthodoxy shaped by patriarchal theology of domination as expressed in the “essentialist and gendered complementarian” view of the nineteenth Century. I will argue that this resolution is about a theology of domination pervasive in the Anglican Church of the nineteenth-century church and society. I will further argue that resolution I.10 is antithetical to Classic Anglicanism and refutes the evolving narrative of human sexuality. I contend, therefore, that resolution I.10 espouses patriarchy, homophobia, transphobia and heteronormativity; and given the African context, it is a Western conservative and a theology of dominance that eroded the pre-colonial and diverse African approaches to sexuality. To make my complex case as suggested in the preceding paragraph, I engage Archbishop Tutu’s prophetic witness, with his ‘radical theology’ - the core of which is Desmond Tutu’s doctrine of the imago Dei (Maluleke 2020) and the concept of ‘radical spiritual decolonisation’ (Hulley et al 1996). The two ideas will provide the main lenses through and against which I will interpret Tutu’s work on gender and sexuality. My view is that Tutu’s theological trajectory provides the most piercing critique of the theological posture taken in resolution I.10 of the 1998 Lambeth Conference. I will further argue that this resolution was based on a theological and procedural departure from established Anglican consensus-building conventions and strategies expressed as ‘conciliar nature’ (Hannaford 1996) and ‘generous orthodoxy’ (Bartlett 2007). These are regarded as the foundation of Anglican conventions of engagement and together with Tutu’s contribution, I will use these in my appraisal of the sexuality and sexual orientation debates triggered by Lambeth 1998 in the Anglican Church. The thesis’s objective is to contribute to theological discourse and ecclesiology shaped by orthodoxy that gives assent to conservatism opposing the evolving narrative of human sexuality and emerging inclusive church and society. In its conclusion, it recommends the restating of Classic Anglicanism as a provision of the theological framework towards embracing diversity.
Mapping the contribution of feminist spiritualities to the United Nations' sustainable development goal of "Gender Equality"
(University of Pretoria, 2022) Van Wyk, Tanya; nadineve1@gmail.com; Swanepoel, Nadine
Feminist spiritualities can practically be identified by certain characteristics such as the focus on the unique experiences of women. The focus on bodies and the earth, a holistic worldview and appreciation for community and relationality are some of the characteristics seen in the life and work of those with feminist spiritualities. This study maps the characteristics of feminist spiritualities over the terrain of gender equality as the United Nations states in the sustainable development goal 5. The United Nations focuses on a grassroot approach to achieve the targets of the sustainable development goals. This approach to achieve the goals by 2030 follows a methodology from the local contexts by using local actors in the consultation process as well as implementation of the targets. These local actors include religious and faith- based organisations. In South Africa, a highly religious country, these local actors have the potential to contribute meaningfully to achieving the targets. Religious communities can have both positive and negative impacts, especially when it comes to gender. This study hopes to contribute a framework for identifying organisations and institutions that can meaningfully work towards reaching the targets. By using the characteristics of feminist spiritualities as guideposts in the works of several theological scholars to visualise the contours of transformation this study shows that feminist spiritualities is already present and resulting in transformation of individual and communal lives. In a religious African context, the role of religious communities is imperative to facilitate positive change. By mainstreaming feminist spiritualties and in the process challenging the hegemony of knowledge a new landscape is uncovered. Women have authorised themselves in different ways throughout time, feminist spiritualities is a way of authorization. Feminist spiritualities are an instrument to be used to achieve gender equality in terms of sustainable development goal 5.
Causes for violent Buddhist encounters in communities
(University of Pretoria, 2022) Sukdaven, Maniraj; Lmontueli@gmail.com; Montueli, Lebohang
This study is about violent Buddhist encounters in communities. The purpose of this study is to identify causes of Buddhist violence in different communities mainly focussing on Myanmar and Sri Lanka communities. This study compares causes of violence in these communities to find the common cause of Buddhist violence. Buddhism as a religion is not violent due to its teachings of Ahimsa. Thus, this paper follows the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of the religion, particularly his teaching about violence, what do schools of Buddhism which developed after his death teach about violence and how do they justify the use of it. All the three major schools of Buddhism forbid violence; however, they have exceptions for the use of it. Therefore, these exceptions contributed to the involvement of Buddhists in violence. The methods used to answer questions in this paper are qualitative and interpretative approach. The main cause of Buddhist violence highlighted in this paper is ethnicity for Buddhism, and politics for the minority. Buddhist in this regard were protecting the unity of their religion and the minority were fighting for their human rights. All these incidents of violence demonstrates that Buddhists like any other religions are capable of violence despite their reputation of peace.
Luke-Acts mission paradigm for the church in the socio-economic context of southern Zimbabwe
(University of Pretoria, 2023-08-30) Knoetze, Johan G.; johnmsariri@gmail.com; Musariri, John
Abstract This thesis analysed the relevance of Luke-Acts mission paradigm in dealing with socio-economic challenges in Southern Zimbabwe. The aim was to find out if Luke-Acts can be applicable to the mission of the church to address socio-economic problems. The study first explored the current context of Southern Zimbabwe, discovered the meaning of the Luke-Acts mission paradigm by David Bosch (1991), explored the history of the causes of the socio-economic situation in Southern Zimbabwe, the ministry of the church in Southern Zimbabwe and analysed the relevance of Luke Acts mission paradigm by Bosch (1991) in solving socio-economic challenges in Southern Zimbabwe. The study deployed qualitative research methods. Data used was collected from documentary sources as well as existing literature. Luke-Acts was used as a biblical narrative text where an analysis was done using the narrative critical hermeneutics supported by the historical critical hermeneutics. It discovered that Luke-Acts’ main theme is forgiveness and solidarity with the poor. According to Bosch (1991), its key ingredients are; the Holy Spirit, correlation between the Jewish and Gentile mission, call to witness, repentance, forgiveness of sins and salvation, six dimensions of salvation, preaching the good news of peace by Jesus Christ, the church and that mission of necessity encounters adversity and suffering. The six dimensions of salvation are; economic, political, social, spiritual, physical and psychological, where Luke seems to give more concern to economic salvation. It was discovered that socio-economic problems in Southern Zimbabwe are a result of political, economic, social, spiritual and natural factors. Luke-Acts mission paradigm was found to be relevant in dealing with political, economic, social, spiritual and natural factors that contributed to socio-economic challenges in Southern Zimbabwe. Some of these factors affect the entire Zimbabwean nation. It was discovered that the church should engage in a holistic mission through evangelism and social responsibility by individuals, denominations, ecumenical groups and Faith-Based Non-Governmental Organisations. The research recommends that the government give space for the church to contribute to socio-economic issues and also that other mission paradigms be analysed within particular contexts to equip the church for effective holistic ministry.
The influence of Islam on Zulu indigenous worldview
(University of Pretoria, 2023) Sukdaven, Maniraj; u12352162@tuks.co.za; Ngubane, Simesihle Eric
This thesis builds on and contributes to work in the field of studies in religion and culture. Although several studies have examined Islam and Muslims in this country predominantly draw from the experiences and historical context of the Asian Muslim population or Asian diaspora. The purpose of the thesis is to investigate the impact of Islam on the Zulu beliefs and practises within the Zulu Muslim community, to determine if the arrival of Islam has eroded Zulu beliefs and practises. The data for this mixed methods study were obtained through a literature analysis and questionnaires administered to a group of Zulu Muslim participants. The study involved a thorough evaluation of materials related to the similarities and differences between Islam and the indigenous Zulu religion. The theological reflection investigates the use of the Quran and Sunnah by Zulu Muslim communities as a means of analysing and filtering non-Islamic Zulu practises and beliefs. It also explores the influence of the notions of Arabisation and Islamisation within the Zulu Muslim community, shedding light on their significance in the process of Zulu Muslims embracing Islam. The study also examines the concept of God in Islam and Zulu Indigenous Religion, as well as the anthropomorphism of Allah and uMlenzemunye or uMvelinqangi, to determine whether the two religions worship the same Supreme Being. This study sought to provide a succinct explanation of the role of ancestral spirits as a central belief upon which everything stands or falls, and to determine if the practise of veneration or worship of ancestors is compatible with Islam. It examines the fate of the deceased from both the Islamic and indigenous Zulu worldviews. I found that the majority of Zulu Muslims involved in this study adhere to the principles of Islam, which is evident in their manner of greeting, praying, dressing, and behaving as devoted servants of Allah. The Zulu Muslims in KwaZulu-Natal firmly believe that Islam is the ultimate truth, which guides their decisions on which Zulu customs and practices to uphold or abandon as devout Muslims.
Missio spiritu und die stadt : eine theoretische und empirische studie zur rolle der Charismen in der urbanen mission
(University of Pretoria, 2023) Schacke, Rainer; De Beer, Stephan F.; oberdorf.th@gmail.com; Oberdorf, Thomas
Diese Forschungsarbeit untersucht, welche Rolle die Gaben des Heiligen Geistes in der urbanen Mission spielen, sowohl missionstheologisch als auch exemplarisch in der Praxis. Dabei fokussiert sich die Arbeit auf den urbanen Raum in Deutschland. Das Ziel der Arbeit ist es, sowohl theoretische als auch praktische Erkenntnisse zu generieren. Als erstes findet eine theologische Untersuchung des Themas anhand der relevanten wissenschaftlichen Literatur statt. Dazu wird zunächst das Themenfeld Urbane Mission beleuchtet. Darauf aufbauend werden der Heilige Geist und seine Gaben untersucht, um danach die Brücke von der Pneumatologie und Charismatik zurück in die Urbane Mission zu schlagen. Als zweites folgt eine empirische Untersuchung. Diese Forschung erfolgt anhand des empirisch-theologischen Praxiszyklus nach Faix. Anhand qualitativer Interviews werden sechs Experten und Expertinnen dazu befragt, welche Erfahrungen sie mit der Thematik gesammelt haben und wie die Geistesgaben auf gesunde Art und Weise in das Leben von urbanen Gläubigen und Gemeinden integriert werden können. Die Interviews werden anhand der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring ausgewertet und missionstheologisch reflektiert. Am Ende werden Thesen aufgestellt, welche Rolle der Heilige Geist mit seinen Charismen für die urbane Mission spielt. Diese Thesen sollen Impulse für die missionstheologische Debatte und praktische Hilfestellungen für die urbane Missionspraxis liefern.
Little seeds : a prototype of collaborative-integrated, missional-diaconal praxis
(University of Pretoria, 2023) Knoetze, Johan G.; Niemandt, Cornelius Johannes Petrus (Nelus); nioma@kaapkerk.co.za; Venter, Nioma
This thesis, titled "Little Seeds: A prototype of collaborative-integrated, missional-diaconal praxis," explores the potential of collaboration between the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) and church-affiliated social welfare organisations to mitigate poverty and address other complex social problems. Over the past two decades, missional theology has gradually transformed the ecclesiological landscape of the DRC. The study aims to address the need to rethink diaconal theology and ministry as an embodiment of the missional nature and calling of the DRC. The research employed a qualitative approach towards missional transformation research, using a biographical case study of "Little Seeds" and a supporting literature review. Semi-structured interviews were utilised. Findings resulted in the development of the "Scaling Diaconate Model," which serves as a framework for collaborative-integrated, missional-diaconal praxis. The model assists an interdisciplinary approach where each discipline departs from a position of strength, using polarity management techniques towards collective impact.
Mission as 'being with' in the context of the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa
(University of Pretoria, 2022) Knoetze, Johan G.; thabaniemkhize@telkomsa.net; Mkhize, Thabani E.
This research investigates the impact measures (such as lockdowns) used to combat pandemics like the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) on the church’s mission. When people in communities face travel and assemble restrictions, the church as a community of witness testifying and participating in Christ’s work, as Hooker (2009) puts it, risks being neutralised and its presence weakened. What then does mission as ‘being with’ look like in these situations? Is faithful presence something one can turn on and off at will depending on the situation? If faithful presence is no more, what then is the impact of such absence on the church’s mission? What is the impact of such absence, perceived or real, on the beneficiaries of the church’s mission? These questions underscore the relevance of this research which seeks to ascertain the impact the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has on the church’s mission; in other words, what does mission as being with mean during a deadly pandemic that is accompanied by a government-mandated lockdown? The crucial area this research seeks to explore are the lessons from the COVID-19 lockdown that will prepare the church for future pandemics which scientists say are inevitable. What then happens when communal life is disrupted by a deadly pandemic; when freedom of movement is taken away and people can no longer move around as they wish; when there is a shortage of willing and capable people to deal with issues other than ‘medical’ that affect communal life; when faith communities cannot assembly and churches can only stream their worship services directly to people’s digital devices and homes? What does mission as being with look like in these situations? The results revealed six attributes, or capacity building blocks, of a missional church, namely, it: • creates a culture of collaboration – with government, business, and non-governmental organisations; • continuously builds strong relationships with groups of similar interests; • builds long-term partnerships; • embraces diversity, unity and inclusion in decision-making; • regularly communicates its vision, policy and plans; • encourages community participation in its programmes whilst also participating in community led initiatives. Based on these themes/attributes, the research recommends a 7-step process to prepare the church for the next pandemic: • ecumenical relationships • useful partnerships • striving for church unity – speaking with one voice • pew skills audit • indigent households audit • (re)training of pastors and laity • Disaster Management Framework (DMF) for the church
Astrology and Hinduism : the effect of cosmic bodies on human destiny in the law of Manu
(University of Pretoria, 2020-11) Sukdaven, Maniraj; ebenezersodeke@gmail.com; Sodeke, Ebenezer Oluwaseyi
No Abstract
The role of Shona traditional institutions in the Zimbabwean health sector
(University of Pretoria, 2020-04) Sukdaven, Maniraj; revtbobo@gmail.com; Bobo, Togara
Health is a fundamental commodity that everyone craves for. Over the years, health in Zimbabwe has been a priority of the Shona traditional institutions. The coming of the missionary redefined health in the western language and Eurocentric institutions replaced the indigenous health institutions. The colonizers drafted a constitution that criminalized the role of Shona traditional institutions. On a positive note, the constitution upheld health as a priority. It is the assumption of this research that these challenges have pre-cursed the crisis in the health sector. This research takes into cognisance that some western church-related, civic, and non-governmental organisations attempted some interventions within the health delivery system. The emergence of African initiated churches (AIC) that have an African religious flavour was also explored to establish the extent of their contribution to the health sector. Phenomena such as spiritual healing, exorcism as well as prophetic healing and deliverance were also explored to try and discover their effectiveness within the 21st century health sector of Zimbabwe. Although this research acknowledges the effort by other institutions, it is an attempt to advocate for mainstreaming of the STIs in dealing with health issues in Zimbabwe. The central argument is that the STIs may bridge gaps left out by western health care systems. They thus have the potential to either compliment modern western healthcare provision or even provide the solution to a significant chunk of health challenges of the Shona people of Zimbabwe. Some of these STIs include chieftainship, traditional healing, and veneration of ancestors, spiritual remedies, rituals, and taboos. Modern health practitioners, Shona traditional healers and traditional leaders were interviewed in order to retrieve data from the resource people on the ground. To this end, the study adopted , the comparative and phenomenological methodologies and both secondary and primary methods for the collection of data through relevant books, journals, periodicals, magazines, the internet, current affairs programmers as well as both purposive and random interviews of relevant resource people. The data collected allowed the researcher to analyse the relevance and central role of the STIs in the health sector of Zimbabwe in the 21st century. The research found that, in as much as the STIs have been long suppressed by modern science since the dawn of colonialism, they have stubbornly remained relevant, reliable, and accessible to the majority of the Zimbabwean populace. This prompted the researcher to proffer recommendations to policy makers and traditional healers to develop health policies that are inclusive, pragmatic, and progressive in nature.
The first choice in missions : philoxenia or xenophonia?
(University of Pretoria, 1985) Bosch, D.J.; Pott, Henry John
Hospitality is the forgotten factor in world And yet it can be one 0£ the most accessible e££ective means 0£ communicating the Gospel to neighbor and to a needy world. mission. and aost a needy God's people in the Old Testaaent lived in a world where the stranger was initially treated with £ear and suspicion, and yet at the same time with curiosity and welcome. Israel was instructed to re£lect God1 s love in her hospitality toward the stranger, whether such a stranger was a £oreigner, or a so3ourner in her midst. Experiencing a welcome among God1 s people was £or such a stranger a maximum, opportunity to meet Israel 1 s God. God 1 s Son came to earth as a Guest, depending on the hospitality 0£ others £rom Bethlehem onwards, and yet was also a Divine Host, breaking bread £or His disciples at His last meal with them. And He sent out His £ollowers as dependent on the open hearts and homes 0£ others. Since they learned to be good guests, they could also be good hosts, building a communication network that signi£icantly helped the spread 0£ the Gospel in the £irst £aw centuries. The hospitality pattern has continued in £its and starts throughout church history, and successes and £ailures o£ten existed aide by aide: an insular Catholic Church, £or example, spawned the gracious openness 0£ the monastery chain. Hospitality beckons today as a winsome practice which can help accomplish God1 a mission. We must £irst learn to accept i~ £ram the Father, and then to practice it in speci£ic, practical ways in widening circles 0£ contact. We need to start with hospitable attitudes to our marriage partner and children, then as a £amily to our Christian and non-Christian £riends in the comaunity, and then as a church to our God-given ''pariah". And hospitality doesn1 t stop there. As Christian citizens 0£ a nation, we are to reach out and make a hoae for the willing immigrants and unwilling re£ugeea whoa God has placed in our midst. The welcome sign on our door is ultimately addressed to the entire world.
Migration from Historic Mission churches to Pentecostal churches in Ghana
(University of Pretoria, 2020) Niemandt, Cornelius Johannes Petrus (Nelus); White, Peter; reveksarbah@gmail.com; Sarbah, Emmanuel Kwabla
This thesis focuses on investigating and identifying the factors leading to the migration of members from Historic Mission churches to Pentecostal/Charismatic churches (PCCs) with emphasis on the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) using Ga and Dangme-Tongus Presbyteries as case studies. The advent of the Pentecostal/Charismatic churches in Ghana since the early twentieth Century has led to a slow growth in membership of Historic Mission churches. Thus, this study involves quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Structured questionnaires were administered, and interviews conducted at selected districts in the two presbyteries with personal observation in order to unravel the phenomenon of migration in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. The findings of the research acknowledged that migration of members from PCG to PCCs is a reality. This has over the years led to slow growth in membership, human resource mobilization and finances of PCG. There are “push” and “pull” factors in PCG and PCCs respectively which accounts for this phenomenon. The outcome of these findings requires that in order to develop individual gifts and ministries in the PCG, congregations should recognize, encourage and train members as disciples for the missional work of the Church. Thus, the lay will become the active components of the Church. PCG should give baptismal candidates the option to choose the type of baptism they prefer. This will resolve the issue of members migrating to Pentecostal/Charismatic churches to seek baptism by immersion. Furthermore, there is the need for youth services and youth pastors in all PCG congregations in order to bridge the existing generational gap. Ultimately, these will help curve a new image for the PCG as missional community in which members care and love one another, reaching out to the marginalised, the poor and the broken-hearted in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Mission and development in the International Central Gospel Church in Ghana
(University of Pretoria, 2020) Niemandt, Cornelius Johannes Petrus (Nelus); White, Peter; Tamakloe, Mawuli Kofi
Objective: The study investigated the relationship between mission and development in the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) in Ghana and applied sustainable approaches making impactful contributions reflective of mission and global development concepts. Necessitated by majority of Charismatic churches inability to prosecute sustainable, impactful national mission and development activities that improves people’s lives; except few Churches in four decades after their emergence since 1979, the study asked: What factors facilitated the emergence of Charismatic churches? What mission approach accounted for sustainable, impactful national mission? What accounted for sustainable development activities relative to SDGs, and participants’ human and socio-economic well-being? Population: The International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) was purposefully sampled from Charismatic churches in Ghana for the national character and scope of her mission and human development activities. The Clergy, members and non-members of (ICGC) associated with above mentioned programmes were sampled purposefully for interrogation. Method: The qualitative ‘case study’ research design was employed for in-depth information. Both primary and secondary data were employed. Primary data on “opinions and views” were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews of key respondents, focused group discussants and participatory observation. Inductive data analysis was employed to analyze the data. Findings: Analysis of responses show the existence of relationship between mission and development in the Charismatic church in Ghana and applied sustainable approaches, reflecting mission and development concepts, making impactful national mission and human development contributions. It also established correlation between the mission and socio-economic challenges of the 1970s and 1980s in sub-Saharan Africa and the emergence of Charismatic churches in Ghana. Conclusion: Based on findings, I conclude that “God centered” and “members centered” approaches help ensure sustainable mission with national spread reflective of mission Dei, mission ecclesiae and Henry Venn’s indigenous Church concept. And that human development initiative combined with elimination of anti-sustainable issues, occasion sustainable development, reflective of SDGs Agenda 2030. Application: Findings will enable smaller and stagnant churches adopt above approaches to facilitate sustainable mission and development activities for growth and improvement of followers’ holistic human development and well-being.
Faithful presence in a context of conflict : a missional case study of ELCSA in Tembisa West
(University of Pretoria, 2020) Niemandt, Cornelius Johannes Petrus (Nelus); tmkhize@telkomsa.net; Mkhize, Thabani E.
The focus of this research is the study of unity in mission and coping with conflict as a way of being faithfully present. Researching unity in mission in a divided congregation is important because it may relate, not only to the congregation, but also, in a broader sense, to the experience in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA) and other denominations. While the review of literature provided background information on the theology of faithful presence including the theologies of place and place presence, a further review was conducted on the theology of mission as reconciliation as a way of being faithfully present. The study addresses this gab in literature and research by investigating the role of mission in helping congregants cope with church conflict and staying faithfully present in their situation. To achieve this goal, congregants lived experience of their congregational life in the midst of conflict was revealed and analysed using phenomenology as the most suitable method for data gathering, analysis and interpretation. Phenomenological approach was chosen simple because of its capability of providing congregants’ personal account of their experience. The question that needed to be understood was whether congregants still had time, space and motivation to be with the people God is sending them to. The primary goal is to understand congregants lived experience under the influence of conflict and how these congregants remained faithfully present in their situation. The secondary aim is to recommend ways and means of reconciliation most relevant to their situation particularly where subjects are not role players in the conflict. The researcher was interested in finding out if using mission as reconciliation can, in meaningful ways, move the reconciliation process forward. The research found a direct correlation between conflict and the mission of the church. As the conflict continued to manifest, congregants developed a lack of trust in the leadership of the church, which motivated them to practice mission unilaterally outside the precincts of the church. As this unfolded, the congregation became irrelevant, its mission suffered and the congregational life became less meaningful. The congregation as a community of sent people, became too internally focused, losing its sting as a missional force in the neighbourhood.

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