Abstract:
In 1994, South Africa experienced a radical paradigm shift which in some ways led
Afrikaans reformed churches into a state of semi-paralysis. Over the past twenty-six
years the church has had to deal with the resultant fallout. The fact that many setbacks
had been overcome successfully, is an encouraging indication that the church has
the potential of a brighter future. Bosch stated that as long as one lives and thinks
within the patterns of a given paradigm, then that paradigm provides one with a
plausible structure according to which all reality is interpreted. The quintessential
question would be: what is the preferred future vision for the Afrikaans reformed
churches? How is the journey to 2030 and 2040 mapped out? These answers will partly
determine the outcome. When one evaluates the current situation, both positive and
negative aspects have to be considered. The key question is, how can the positives
be optimised, and the negatives minimised? With vision and scenario planning and
the detailed consideration of possible, probable and preferable outcomes, an exciting
future becomes possible. The challenges of membership, finances, consumerism and
also Covid-19 can also be overcome. More informal church practises for those on
the fringes are opening new opportunities globally – as expressed by for instance
the Fresh Expression Movement. A new and vigorous focus on relationships, care,
community involvement and friendship missions may result in fulfilling the vision
of the Afrikaans reformed churches. With compassion in action, Afrikaans reformed
churches can in some ways blossom over the next two decades.
