Interracial conflict and developing an inclusive missional congregation : Ennerdale Methodist Church

Abstract

The researcher’s congregation, situated in Ennerdale suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa, consisted of coloured people and black people, at the time he assumed responsibility for that congregation (in 2013). As at the of date writing (2015), this congregation experience interracial conflict. This thesis seeks to answer the question of interracial conflict. The dissertation follows Osmer’s fourfold questions into the task of practical theology: what is going on? Why is it going on? What ought to be going on? And how are we responding? Theoretical chapters look at: 1. How interracial conflict impacted on the Methodist church at Ennerdale? 2. What is the cause of interracial conflict? 3. Theoretical chapter focus on the extent of interracial conflict on the Ennerdale congregation of the MCSA; the causes of interracial conflict and building up of a missional, local church. The research takes an empirical form, especially looking at the relationship between coloured and black people. This empirical work investigated: differences of languages, two different worship styles and the socio-economic backgrounds of the two races that are involved in the conflict. These are indeed serious post-apartheid challenges. Building up a missional local church as a ministry aimed at continuing reformation within the congregation. The empirical study which form part of this thesis explores the correlation, amongst the coloured people and black people at the writer’s congregation.  Differences of languages is one of the challenges facing this congregation  Second challenge is two different style of worship  Third challenge is their socio-economic backgrounds Analysis of the results: Based on chapter one, two and the interview respondents, this congregation may have to change from not only understanding and appreciating their cultural identity but even more their identity in Christ. The need for transformation is a must in line with the congregation’s identity in Christ and not in line with its understanding of its cultural identity. Building meaningful relationship that transcend racism, sexism and all other forms of discrimination. Call for new mind-set and attitude, new items for the agenda, renewed relationship and new vision. Commitment to be one so that the world may believe. Taking an approach of collaborating – to work together, have a purposeful relationship in which all parties strategically chose to cooperate in order to achieve shared objectives.Building meaningful relationship that transcend racism, sexism and all other forms of discrimination. Call for new mind-set and attitude, new items for the agenda, renewed relationship and new vision. Commitment to be one so that the world may believe. Taking an approach of collaborating – to work together, have a purposeful relationship in which all parties strategically chose to cooperate in order to achieve shared objectives.