A centre for community life in its fullness

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Authors

Van Niekerk, A.S. (Attie)

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

AOSIS OpenJournals

Abstract

This article considers some theological reasons why there is a Centre for Sustainable Communities at the Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria. The role of the Centre is discussed within the global and local search for sustainability; the world-wide trend in churches towards a missional approach, which emphasises the church’s life-giving role in all areas of life, and the theological reflection on the relationship between the church community and the civil community, so reflecting on the role of the local church to promote life in its fullness in the community. The Centre for Sustainable Communities (Centre) was established at the Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, in 2014. The Centre is intended to develop resources for local congregations to promote life in its fullness in local communities in southern Africa in an effective and meaningful way. In this article attention is given to the theological reasons for its establishment and where it is being positioned in the wider field of sustainability institutions. Attention will be given to the following: • The position of the Centre in the global search for sustainability. • Life in its fullness in the emerging 21st century missional paradigm. • The Christian community as agent of life in its fullness in the civil community.

Description

This article represents a theological reflection on the Faculty Research Theme (FRT) of the Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, entitled Ecodomy - Life in its fullness. The theme is portrayed from the perspective of various theological disciplines. A conference on this theme was held on 27–28 October 2014.

Keywords

Sustainability, Centre for Sustainable Communities, Life in its fullness, Wholeness of life, Christian community, Church

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Van Niekerk, A., 2015, ‘A centre for community life in its fullness', Verbum et Ecclesia 36(3), Art. #1448, 7 pages. http://dx.DOI.org/ 10.4102/ve.v36i3.1448.