Abstract:
This article is written as a reflection on the relevance of being church in a world defined by the
coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). The reflections are done by listening to the stories and
experiences of vulnerable men and women who were displaced from their areas of living on
the streets into (mostly) temporary shelters. Different organisations, state entities, universities
and churches collaborated to serve vulnerable people with dignity. Wonderful and tragic
stories played out during this time. Corruption and misuse of power played out alongside
passionate and sacrificial work being done by professionals and volunteers alike. This mixed
package of care helped the author to reflect on the embodiment of faith and on being church.
The value of collaboration is unpacked, and parts of a visual journal are used to bring the
stories of people closer. Lessons learned include a growing understanding of the context of
homeless people, the contributions they made to the learning experience, and the reinterpretation
of critical elements of being church and what can contribute to becoming church
in a just and dignified way. The re-interpretation of prayer, discipleship, missional focus,
stewardship and leadership, and liturgy is used in re-interpreting being church. The conclusion
brings us to the understanding that true community, as expressed in sharing in communion,
is critical in becoming a transformative church. Where people from different walks of life
connect in an honest way, the transformation of individuals and communities happens and
can still happen.
CONTRIBUTION : This article links to the focus and scope of the HTS journal in the way it connects
the practical environment of people who are homeless to the experience of and thinking about
church. The article reflects on being church and how to interpret faith in a Corona-defined
world. From a theological reflection point of view, the understanding of liturgy and faith are
re-imagined in the context of the lives of vulnerable people living in shelters. Key insights of the article poses to help the reader understand how dignity, justice and community help us all
to re-imagine how to be church. It challenges the institutional church to become more of the
community that embraces and welcomes vulnerable people to experience God and church in
their spaces.
Description:
Special Collection: From timely exegesis to contemporary ecclesiology: Relevant hermeneutics and provocative embodiment of
faith in a Corona-defined world – Festschrift for Stephan Joubert, sub-edited by Willem Oliver (University of South Africa).
