Academic literature on the topic 'AFM: The Apostolic Faith Mission Of South Africa'

The Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) of South Africa has experienced schisms from the year 1910 to 1958. The schisms were caused by sociological and theological factors. These are schisms by the Zionist churches (Zion Apostolic Church, Christian Catholic Apostolic Holy Spirit Church in Zion, Zion Apostolic Faith Mission); Latter Rain; Saint John Apostolic Faith Mission and Protestant Pentecostal Church. The sociological factors that led to the schisms by the Zionist churches and the Protestant Pentecostal Church are identified as racial segregation and involvement in politics respectively. The theological factors that caused these schisms by Latter Rain and Saint John Apostolic Faith Mission are manifestations of the Holy Spirit and divine healing respectively. After comparison of the factors, it is concluded that racial segregation is the main factor that caused schisms in the AFM.

John G. Lake visited South Africa in 1908 as part of a missionary team with the aim to propagate the message of the baptism of the Holy Spirit as experienced at the Apostolic Faith Gospel Mission in 312 Azusa Street, Los Angeles under the leadership of William Seymour, son of African-American slaves. Lake’s missionary endeavours that ended in 1913 established the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa and eventually also the African Pentecostal churches (‘spiritual churches’, ‘Spirit-type churches’, ‘independent African Pentecostal churches’ or ‘prophet-healing churches’) constituting the majority of so-called African Independent/Initiated/Instituted (or indigenous) churches (AICs). This article calls for remembering and commemorating Lake’s theological legacy in South Africa in terms of these two groups of churches.

The development of the doctrine of divine healing in the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa: some church historical perspectives In this study attention is given to the development of the doctrine of divine healing in the A.F.M of S.A., starting with its historical roots found in the holiness and revivalistic movements of the nineteenth century. A description of the preaching of the doctrine in the A.F.M of S.A. through the eighty five years of its history follows.

This article demonstrates a practical theological approach to the challenge of poverty in post-1994 South Africa by using Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) as a case study. It argues that while the Reconstruction Development Plan, the Growth Employment and Reconstruction strategy, Accelerated Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa, New Growth Path and the National Development Plan have achieved some level of economic growth, the majority of people in South Africa still live in poverty. To establish this argument, the article starts first by describing the challenge of poverty in post-1994 South Africa. The different economic approaches to the challenge of poverty in post-1994 South Africa are also explained in detail. Lastly, the article elaborates on the ways in which the AFM through its local assemblies can alleviate poverty. The article concludes that the AFM is a collaborator to the post-1994 South African government.

The Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) of South Africa is one of the largest Pentecostal churches in Africa, with other denominational Pentecostal churches like the Full Gospel and the Assemblies of God. Since its inception in 1908, the AFM of South Africa has been divided into four main sections, namely: black, white, mixed race and Indian, for about 88 years. The church followed the divisions under apartheid in South Africa that divided people according to race, colour and ethnicity, with white people at the forefront of that division. It was only in 1996 that the AFM of South Africa decided to unite under one umbrella, with one constitution governing the structures and the members of the church. The 25 years of unity within the AFM of South Africa call for an evaluation of both the successes and the failures of this unity. Through a socio-historical analysis, it will be possible to identify the achievements of this unity on the one hand, and the loopholes on the other. The paper will show that the identified loopholes are detrimental to the unity of the church and its future. Therefore, in order to experience true unity, the church should address the challenges that compromise this unity by returning to the biblical basis of unity, dealing with structural impediments and encouraging multicultural fellowships. When the above is done, not only will the church experience true unity, but also maintain its growth that the church has experienced over the years of its existence.

Doctor Theologiae
The intention of the AFMSA to revision its policies, processes and structures is the motivation for this study. The relationship between the vision and essential nature of the church and the structure or form given to it is central to all the chapters.The first chapter gives an analysis of the origins of the Pentecostal Movement and the AFMSA in order to reveal their original vision of the church and the way in which this vision became structured in their history. After a section on the importance of a clear vision and strategic structures for organizations today, the biblical metaphors that served as a foundation for the early Christians’ vision of the church are discussed. Our Christian predecessors’ envisioning and structuring of the church in each period of history are analyzed. This gives an idea of the need for reform and the challenges involved in this process, which are still faced by later generations. The historical survey reveals the development of the marks and the vision of the early Christians to represent the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church. In the conclusion, a preliminary dialogue is established between the vision of the early Pentecostals and the leaders of the AFMSA with regard to the structuring of the church and other expressions of the same vision.The next four chapters (2-5) address the significance of the specific marks in the Pentecostal Movement and the AFMSA. This is followed by a short analysis of the biblical foundation and the historical development of these marks in the history of the Christian church. The chapters are arranged according to the prominence of each mark in the Pentecostal Movement and the AFMSA. Chapter two therefore starts with the apostolicity that is followed by the holiness in chapter three, unity in chapter four and catholicity in chapter five. It becomes clear from chapter two that the Pentecostal Movement and the AFMSA want to restore the apostolic faith of the early Christians while the rest of the Christian church confess every Sunday through the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed that they believe they stand in the tradition of the apostles. The mark of holiness that is discussed in chapter three expresses the particular view of holiness held by Pentecostals. Biblical and historical connections are made between it and other Christian expressions revealing that we can all become true followers of Christ in holiness. Chapter four addresses the fact that the church has to accept that we exist as a unity in diversity. In chapter five, the linking of all traditions is established because all have the challenge to share their unique expression of God’s fullness with the universal Body of Christ. In chapter six, all the elements so far discussed: the vision of the church that was based on the Bible, and the history of the Pentecostal Movement, AFMSA and of the Christian Churches are summarized to gain an overall perspective. This is followed by an analysis of the vision of the church today and applied to the AFMSA. The AFMSA is encouraged to revision and restructure itself in the light of the apostolicity, holiness, unity and catholicity that are shared by the witnesses in Scripture and history so that it will be an example of God’s vision for the church and the world.
South Africa

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2011.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study is about the practical theological challenges faced by the AFM of SA Fountain of life congregation in the Winterveldt community. The Fountain of life congregation has minimal involvement in the community of Winterveldt, a community plagued by numerous life threatening plights. The congregation is in a survival mode after stagnating for a number of years and with serious challenges of declining or even facing possible extinction. This study's goal is to develop a practical theological theory, strategy and process which the AFM of SA Fountain of life congregation would be inspired to implement in order to contribute towards arresting theological, social, economical and moral degradation in the community of Winterveldt. The researcher employed a practical theological methodology and explored areas that are vital for the answering of the research problem, "What can be done in the Fountain of life congregation to maximize the participation of all members to serve the community of Winterveldt as well as the larger society?" It is hypothesized that Practical Theology will give the AFM of SA Fountain of life guidance and equip this faith community and its leaders theologically to consider their vocation, to develop a practical theological ecclesiology, a way to be the true, faithful and effective local church which is the salt and light of the world, including Winterveldt. The study explored the "world" in which Fountain of life finds itself, in terms of its contextual as well as the congregation's identity analysis. The normative aspects of being a missional church which covered the missional identity, empowerment and involvement of laity, and missional leadership were elaborated, while spiritual discernment with areas particular to Fountain of life received attention in the normative aspects of spiritual discernment. It is recommended that the identity of Fountain of life be grounded in the mission of the Trinitarian God (missio Dei of the Trinitarian God). The missionary identity and character of Fountain of life should be built and developed upon the eight dominant patterns found in a missional church. The researcher strongly encourages the Fountain of life congregation to employ the missional leadership strategies while engaging in a total involvement leadership style, which integrates high concern for getting the task completed and a high concern for good people relationship. The leadership of Fountain of life is further encouraged to use the suggested laity empowerment strategies in order to empower, develop, and involve the laity. Missional transformation can only succeed if the laity is empowered and committed to deal with new realities. Leadership is key in engaging the laity. The pastor and the leadership of Fountain of life must teach, educate, lead, and engage the congregation, and also partner with other communities of faith and organizations especially the South African Partnership for Missional Churches (SAPMC) to succeed. Fountain of life should practice missional praxis theology, a holistic theological model that describes the methodology for congregations to develop their own contextual ecclesiology within the parameters of God‘s overall design for the Church.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die navorsing handel oor die prakties-teologiese uitdagings van die Apostoliese Geloofsending (AGS) in Suid-Afrika se Fountain of life gemeente in Winterveldt (Tswane metropolitaanse area). Fountain of life het minimale invloed in die Winterveldt gemeenskap, 'n gemeenskap wat gebuk gaan onder baie ernstige sosiale probleme. Die gemeente is net besig om te oorleef, dit is stagnant en staar agteruitgang of algehele ondergang in die gesig. Die studie poog om teorie, strategie en ʼn proses te ontwikkel wat die Fountain of life gemeente in staat sal stel om ʼn bydrae te lewer om die algehele agteruitgang op teologiese, sosiale, ekonomiese en morele gebied, aan bande te lê en selfs om te keer. Die navorser gebruik ʼn prakties-teologiese benadering ter beantwoording van die navorsingsvraag: "Hoe kan die Fountain of life gemeente deelname van lidmate maksimaal benut sodat hulle Winterveldt en die groter gemeenskap kan bedien?" As die Fountain of life AGS gemeente die prakties-teologiese uitdagings wat die gemeenskap in die gesig staar, kan ondersoek en verstaan asook maniere vind om dit aan te spreek kan hulle die lot en swaarkry van die gemeenskap se mense help verlig. Die navorsing ondersoek die gemeente se bestaanswêreld, haar meer onmiddellike konteks asook haar identiteit. Wat is die normatiewe basis van ʼn missionale gemeente? Wat is die implikasies daarvan vir missionale identiteit? Hoe word lidmate bemagtig en hoe raak hulle betrokke? Wat behels missionale leierskap? Verder word baie klem geplaas op die normatiewe beginsels van geestelike onderskeidingsvermoë en wat dit in die praktyk vir die gemeente beteken. Die studie stel voor dat Fountain of life haar identiteit in die sending van die drie-enige God (missio Dei) leer vind. Die agt kenmerke van ʼn missionale gemeente behoort die identiteit van die gemeente te bepaal. Die navorser voel sterk dat die gemeente missionale leierskap strategieë moet implementeer. Dit behels volle oorgawe aan die taak sowel as ʼn volledige betrokkenheid by mense. Die gemeente se leierskap word aangemoedig om lidmate te bemagtig, te help om geestelik te ontwikkel en om in die kerk en gemeenskap betrokke te raak. Missionale transformasie kan alleen slaag as lidmate betrokke is, bemagtig is en bereid is om nuwe werklikhede te hanteer. Leierskap moet hiertoe verbind wees. Die plaaslike pastoor en die gemeente se leierskap moet lidmate toerus, voorgaan en betrokke kry. Hulle moet ook met ander geloofsgebaseerde organisasies netwerk, in die besonder die Suid-Afrikaanse Genootskap van Gestuurde Gemeentes. Fountain of life gemeente word opgeroep om missionaal en holisties teologie op ʼn praxis styl te beoefen sodat die gemeente ʼn eie kontekstuele ekklesiologie binne die koninkryk se parameters van die missio Dei kan ontdek.

This study focused on the field of youth ministry as a sub-discipline of practical Theology. The main aim of this thesis is to describe and assess the current state of the debate in this regard and to classify the different ways of integrating family life in youth misnistry.

Bibliography: p. 229-245.
This thesis defines conversion as a process of change management. Individuals and groups mobilise resources and formulate strategies for individual identity and group formation. Strategies are also formulated to manage the process of change for members. In the research done among two churches, one conventionally classified as African indigenous and the other classified as mainline, two models of conversion emerged, the crisis model at St John's and the growth model at the Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPCSA). In the crisis model individuals join the group because of some crisis in their lives, e.g., illness or misfortune. The healing practices and rituals serve to manage and mediate the crisis for individuals. Healing is at the heart of the recruitment strategy at St John's and other African Indigenous Churches (AICs). It is through hearing about the efficacy of the healing powers of the leader that people are attracted to the church. On the other hand, the growth model as represented by the RPCSA, is about organic growth and development where new members are mostly recruited among the children of members. Children are groomed from baptism through Sunday school and confirmation classes to membership in full communion. For them conversion is a process of growth and development, where they keep on learning all the time about their faith and who they are. In scholarship the AICs have always been treated ethnographically while, on the other hand, the mainline churches have been treated historically. However, this thesis is a comparative study of the AIC and a mainline church with a special emphasis on their conceptions of conversion. The two churches are both African and Christian. They each draw from both these resources for self-definition. Christianity has become part of the South African religious landscape. None of the members in the two churches consider it as an alien or foreign religion but they consider it as an indigenous one. The two models mobilise resources and formulate strategies for self-definition and what it means to be human in a hostile environment.

Thesis (MMus) -- University of Stellenbosch, 2003.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The AFM came into being as a result of the Pentecostal Movement, which in turn owes its existence to the worldwide revivals at the beginning of the twentieth century. The president of the AFM, Dr. Isak Burger, writes in his book concerning the history of the church: Die Geloofsgeskiedenis van die Apostoliese Geloofsending van Suid-Afrika, that the First Evangelical Awakening (18th century), the Second Evangelical Awakening (19th century), as well as the worldwide revivals at the beginning of the twentieth century, had a causal effect on one another. It goes without saying that the musical practices of these Awakenings would also, indirectly, influence that of the AFM. This study serves a twofold purpose. It is just as important to examine the origin and development of the AFM, as it is to examine internal and external factors that have influenced its musical practices. The music that has been used during different periods also receives due attention. In order to view the AFM in the correct perspective, Chapter 1 deals with the factors leading up to the origin of the Pentecostal Movement. However, the historical development within the AFM also receives attention, with special reference to those events which influenced the practice of church music directly or indirectly. Chapter 2 includes a history of Church Music since the Reformation, since the Reformers strove to get the congregation involved into the service of worship. Music practised during the First and Second Evangelical Revivals, as well as the subsequent revivals at the beginning of the twentieth century, also receives mention. The musical practice within the AFM forms the main theme of Chapter 3. Subdivisions of this chapter reflect historical events within the AFM, the influence of the Charismatic Revival Movement, the role and function of music during church services, the rendition of music items, as well as the leading figures who contributed to this practice. Chapter 4 provides a chronological summary of songbooks used by the AFM since 1908 until 1998, while Chapter 5 presents analyses of the music mentioned in Chapters 2,3 and 4.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die AGS het vanuit die Pinksterbeweging ontstaan, terwyl dié op sy beurt uit die wêreldwye Ontwakings aan die begin van die twintigste eeu tot stand gekom het. Die President van die AGS, Dr. Isak Burger, kom in sy boek: Die Geloofsgeskiedenis van die Apostoliese Geloofsending van Suid-Afrika, tot die gevolgtrekking dat vorige Ontwakings van so ver terug as die Eerste Evangeliese Ontwaking (18de eeu), die Tweede Evangeliese Ontwaking (19de eeu), sowel as die wêreldwye Ontwakings aan die begin van die 20ste eeu, in kousale verband tot mekaar gestaan het. Dit spreek dus vanself dat ook die musiekbeoefening tydens hierdie Ontwakings indirek 'n invloed op dié van die AGS sou uitoefen. Hierdie studie is dus tweërlei van aard. Aan die een kant word die nodige aandag aan die ontstaan, sowel as die geskiedenis van die AGS gegee, terwyl die ontwikkeling van die musiekbeoefening soos beïnvloed deur interne en eksterne faktore, asook die musiek wat tydens verskillende tydperke gesing is, ook onder die loep geneem word. Om die AGS as kerkgenootskap binne die regte perspektief te plaas, begin Hoofstuk 1 met die vooraf- en ontstaansgeskiedenis van die Pinksterbeweging. Daar word egter ook kortliks aan die geskiedkundige verloop van gebeure binne die AGS aandag gegee, veral wanneer die beoefening van kerkmusiek direk of indirek daardeur geraak is. In Hoofstuk 2 word so ver as die Hervorming teruggegryp m.b.t. kerkmusiekgeskiedenis, aangesien die Hervormers so 'n belangrike bydrae gelewer het om die gemeente d.m.v. die kerklied weer by die erediensgebeure betrokke te kry. Daar word egter ook kortliks na musiek van die reeds genoemde Ontwakings in die 18de, 19de, asook aan die begin van die 20ste eeue verwys. Die AGS se musiekpraktyk vorm die hooftema van Hoofstuk 3. Onderafdelings van hierdie studie sluit o.a. in: bepalende geskiedkundige gebeure binne die AGS, die invloed van die Charismatiese Herlewingsbeweging, die rol van begeleiers en die begeleiding t.o.v. gemeentelike same sang tydens byeenkomste en die lewer van musiekitems, asook belangrike persone wat as leiers na vore getree en belangrike werk verrig het. Hoofstuk 4 bied 'n chronologiese opsomming van liedboeke wat vanaf 1908 tot en met 1998 deur die AGS gebruik is, en in Hoofstuk 5 word ontledings gemaak van musiek wat in Hoofstukke 2, 3 en 4 bespreek is. In Bylae 1 word aangedui watter musiek deel van die belangrikste liedbundels, nl. Hymns for Life and Service, Nuwe Sionsliedere, Evangelieliedere en Deo Gloria uitgemaak het, terwyl Bylaes 2 en 3 volledige bladmusiekvoorbeelde van ontledings van onderskeidelik vroeëre en hedendaagse musiek bevat.

This study is an investigation and description of ways in which the Apostolic Faith Mission churchwomen are succeeding in overcoming patriarchy. It also gives a critical evaluation of the extent to which these women are successful in their endeavour to overcome it. Fifteen women from the AFM Church were interviewed using the narrative methodology. This method was chosen to give women freedom to narrate their stories without interference. The data collected was analysed using a feminist theoretical framework on what it means to be human and to be a church. To avoid repetition and to give a room for a detailed analysis, the study was limited to four stories of the AFM churchwomen. Furthermore library research and fieldwork were also used to give a broader picture in analysing the field research work. The findings of this study indicated that women ministries are not taken seriously and are not fully supported by the church. They are still struggling with the issue of partnership because the church does not trust them to be good leaders. It has been noted in this study that patriarchy is the root cause of the marginalization of women of the AFM church. However, the study has demonstrated that women are resisting patriarchy despite the struggles that they are facing inside this church. The study went further to investigate some Biblical texts that advocate for gender equality and to find ways in which the Bible can be used as the source of liberation for both women and men of the AFM church. It has been suggested that the church should engage in the pursuit of Biblical directives for the Body of Christ. The scriptures prove that men and women are given equality by God and also some differences that clearly express the human diversity in general. So, the AFM women are challenging the church to recognise, affirm and celebrate them.
Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2005.

An Investigation into the Experience of Congregational Preaching at the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Soweto, Diepkloof Assembly Preaching is one of the main pastoral or congregational activities that takes place in all Christian congregations. The Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM), Diepkloof Assembly in Soweto has been selected as a study sample to investigate how church members experience their pastor’s preaching at church during worship services. In this study an empirical research was conducted by employing a qualitative research methodology, in which explorative, descriptive and contextual approaches have been applied. Phenomenological interviews were conducted among ten members of the AFM Diepkloof Assembly. The theory of data saturation was applied while conducting the interviews. This theory means that the researcher keeps on collecting data (e.g. by means of interviews) to obtain new data until no new information comes up. In this research, a literature study of the theoretical framework of preaching was undertaken to find out what the contemporary scholars think of congregational/pastoral preaching. There is a lack of African or black scholarship in this regard; most of the literature is from white scholars. Nevertheless, the researcher did establish a sound theoretical framework on congregational/pastoral preaching. Fieldwork mainly consisted of data collection through in-person, tape recorded interviews. This was followed by data analysis, through categorisation and a thematic analysis to draw scientific categories from the collected data. The findings, after data analysis, indicated that congregants generally regard:  the Bible as central in preaching  preaching as something that gives answers or solutions to real life problems  the preacher to be important and he/she must be in agreement with his/her message  preaching as having some influence on them to change their lifestyles for the better  preaching as a necessary activity that covers as wide range of subjects about (Christian) life. It was noted during this study that there are no empirical studies that have been undertaken on how church members in black township churches experience their pastors’ preaching. The literature control among white church members in suburban churches indicates that:  preaching must help to lead people to change (Swift,2005:18)  the person of the preacher plays a very crucial role in his/her preaching (Venter & Kim, 2004:147)  the teaching sermon should get more attention in our day (Pieterse, 2005:230)  the audience must be involved (be part of) in the preaching (Swift, 2005:230)  the preaching must be relevant to the lives of the audience (Swift, 2005:232). The above results of the literature control confirm what was gathered from the research findings. In conclusion, preaching still plays a very crucial role in the congregations, and that pastors and lay preachers need to continuously work on their preaching skills and methods to make it more effective and relevant to the contemporary church community and in society in general.
Dr. L.J. (Dennis) Erasmus Dr. S.J. (Lilly) Nortjé-Meyer

This dissertation is an analysis of differing Pentecostal experiences in Apostolic Faith Mission from its inception, with specific reference to the AFM of South Africa and AFM in Zimbabwe.The study examines: The brief history of the AFM. This begins with the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angels. Pentecostalism then spread to South Africa through John G. Lake with the founding of AFM of South Africa. AFM filtered into Zimbabwe where it faced stiff resistance from government authorities and established mainline churches. Theologies and spiritual gifts which make Pentecostalism different from other faiths. Main doctrines and tenets of faith discernible from the brief historical outline. A general outline of phases in Pentecostalism. An attempt will be made to determine whether these phases are applicable to AFM. This dissertation is a contribution towards reconciling diverging views concerning Pentecostalism in the AFM because various congregations of the same denomination behave and believe differently.
Systematic Theology & Theological Ethics
M.Th. (Systematic Theology)

M.A.
Money plays an important role in the everyday lives of church members. How church members view and engage with money has various implications. It concerns their theology, their well being and a number of other areas. In many cases the church has abdicated its responsibility to instruct and give guidance to church members and not provided adequate leading in the sphere of personal financial management. Diverse views on money are propagated through various media by both the secular world and the church alike. This Practical Theological study concerns the ethos of church members with regards to their personal financial management. It is a qualitative, phenomenological case study of the members of the AFM Taberna Dei assembly located in Polokwane, South Africa. This study is explorative and contextual. Qualified research subjects were selected by random sampling. Participants had to meet defined criteria, and data collection took place primarily through interviews with the chosen subjects. The probing question asked to participants is: “How do you approach your personal financial management?” Two main themes emerged during the coding and analytical phases of the research: theme A concerns religious beliefs influencing personal financial management and theme B non-religious beliefs and practices influencing the personal financial management of the participants. It is apparent that a general ethos of the personal financial management of members of Taberna Dei exists. This ethos is both defined and critiqued.

Text in English
The objective of this thesis is to give a description of the theory and practice of theological education in the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa (AFM) from 1908 to 1996 in order to understand the current theory and practice and also to give guidelines for future implementation thereof. This is a literature study using a practical theological method of research. Three of the aspects that governed theological education in the AFM are racial relationships, the tension between spirituality and academic achievement and financial viability. These three aspects were the leitmotiv throughout the study. This study indicates that: * the AFM started as an interracial mission * within two years after its founding the AFM became a segregated church * racially divided theological education was practised throughout all the periods of development * initially, believers entered the pastoral ministry by means of the calling, anointing of the Holy Spirit and proven practical self-involvement in the ministry * the Church now believes that theological education must be added to the experience of the indwelling of the Spirit * there has been a gradual move from a focus on spirituality towards that of higher academic achievements * theological education should be offered at different academic levels and different tracks of ministry * financial support came mainly from the central funds of the Church via statutory funds from local churches * other contributors towards the cost of theological education are the students, donations from the public, churches, organisations, businesses and the state *the transformation of theological education from a predominantly White westernised enterprise to an African endeavour would require that the statutory contribution of the Church towards theological education be doubled. This thesis is a contribution towards the renewal of theological education in the AFM. A new practical theological theory is proposed that will make provision for a racially integrated theological education system.
Philosophy, Practical & Systematic Theology
D. Th. (Practical Theology)