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1
Frahm-Arp, Kaethe Maria. "Women of valour : professional women in South African Pentecostal churches." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2006. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/38294/.
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Rapid social change has become a hallmark of post-apartheid South Africa and part of this process has been the expansion of a middle class amongst previously disadvantaged people. My thesis contributes to our understanding of this upward mobility by investigating the role of two Pentecostal-Charismatic Christian churches in helping young, professional, previously disadvantaged women (re)shape their identities and negotiate the various networks of social, economic and political power they encounter as they strive towards socio-economic advancement. The thesis details His People and Grace Bible church and gives an explanation of Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity in South Africa. In contrast to Latin American studies it is argued that within both churches there was a masculinization, rather than feminization of Christianity, which was attractive to men and women. Using some of Bourdieu's ideas I have tried to show that a central contribution these churches make in the lives of some of their members is to help them develop various social and cultural capital resources, which they felt they lacked. Through their engagement with these churches women (re)shaped their identities seeing themselves as having a life purpose and the potential to realise it. Their identities as mothers, wives and single women were impacted by the ideal of the nuclear family and wifely submission upheld in both churches and which the women in this study tried to fulfil. By aligning themselves with this ideal women found their faith legitimated distancing themselves from their extended families and the various demands of African cultural practices. Both churches strove to establish a sanitised, modem, African Christianity, which promoted individuality and socio-economic success, and offered an alternative to the hedonistic trends of popular Y culture.
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Osgood, Hugh James. "African neo-Pentecostal churches and British Evangelicalism 1985-2005 : balancing principles and practicalities." Thesis, SOAS, University of London, 2006. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.439770.
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Pillay, Gerald J. "A historico-theological study of Pentecostalism as a phenomenon within a South African community." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1985. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001552.
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Preface: An attempt is made in this thesis to document the history of Pentecostalism among Indians in South Africa and to study and evaluate its religious character and main theological tenets. Obviously the peculiar socio-political situation of the Indians in South Africa has influenced the character of Indian Pentecostalism, which has in turn been able to address itself to the critical, cultural and religious disjunctions within this community. Hence an investigation of the dynamic tensions that obtain between crises in the Indian community and Pentecostalism will not only clarify the course of its history but will also explain its theological emphases. However, several studies on Pentecostalism in other communities have concentrated on the sociological dimension almost exclusively and many have even concluded that Pentecostalism is the spontaneous result of psychosocial; economic or cultural upheavals . This kind of reductionism has been largely the result of the uncritical use of 'functional-type' theories postulated by sociologists of religion. Indian Pentecostalism, while it has to be examined within the complex context of the South African community, cannot as we shall show, be adequately explained by any of the prevailing 'functional-type' theories because these theories reduce religion to a sociological function. Since the functional theory has the effect of limiting the perspective on religion to such an extent that the basis of religion, that is, the relation between the individual and faith, is either belittled or ignored, it has been jettisoned in this thesis for an approach free of any deliberately formulated 'theoretical framework'. However, it is necessary to critically examine some of the more popular 'functional-type' theories and the way they have been applied to the study of the Pentecostal movement here and elsewhere, so that by exposing the shortcomings of their application and the contradictions inherent in their assumptions, the approach adopted in this thesis could be clarified.
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Addo, Giuseppina. "Worshipping on Zoom: A Digital Ethnographic Study of African Pentecostals Churches and their Liturgical Practices during Covid-19." Thesis, Malmö universitet, Fakulteten för kultur och samhälle (KS), 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-23360.
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Drawing on theoretical concepts of affordance and affect, and by conducting a digital ethnographic research on African Pentecostal communities in Northern Italy, the research analyses how offline liturgical practice are translated in online platforms such as Zoom and Free Conference Call during the Covid-19 global pandemic. It is argued that online affordances such as the chat box and emojis are used by believers to communicate affective moments during worship services, while the mute button is used as a tool by leaders to wield their power to restore order and surveillance. Thus, some of the traditional power dynamics between worshippers, as well as performative aspects of Christianity are brought into the digital space. We also find that digital platforms can in fact, constraint religious practices, however believers use creative ways to circumvent some of the obstacles by re-appropriating the digital tools available to express spirituality and to intimately connect with fellow worshippers.
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Mwani, Joshua Tepillah. "Jesus and Legion: A socio-political perspective on demon possession and exorcism in Mark 5:1-20 and in African Pentecostal Churches." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/78485.
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Higgins, Thomas Winfield. "Prophet, priest and king in colonial Africa : Anglican and colonial political responses to African independent churches in Nigeria and Kenya, 1918-1960." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/5472.
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Many African Independent Churches emerged during the colonial era in central Kenya and western Nigeria. At times they were opposed by government officials and missionaries. Most scholars have limited the field of enquiry to the flash-points of this encounter, thereby emphasizing the relationship at its most severe. This study questions current assumptions about the encounter which have derived from these studies, arguing that both government and missionary officials in Kenya and Nigeria exhibited a broader range of perspectives and responses to African Independent Churches. To characterize them as mainly hostile to African Independent Churches is inaccurate. This study also explores the various encounters between African Independent Churches and African politicians, clergymen, and local citizens. While some scholars have discussed the positive role of Africans in encouraging the growth of independent Christianity, this study will discuss the history in greater depth and complexity. The investigation will show the importance of understanding the encounter on both a local and national level, and the relationships between the two. It is taken for granted that European officials had authority over African leaders, but in regard to this topic many Africans possessed a largely unrecognized ability to influence and shape European perceptions of new religious movements. Finally, this thesis will discuss how African Independent Churches sometimes provoked negative responses from others through confrontational missionary methods, caustic rhetoric, intimidation and even violence. These three themes resurface throughout the history of the encounter and illustrate how current assumptions can be reinterpreted. This thesis suggests the necessity of expanding the primary scholarly focuses, as well as altering the language and basic assumptions of the previous histories of the encounter.
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Davis, Dawn E. "Strong Black Women, Depression, and the Pentecostal Church." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/6550.
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Depression is a global health concern and among the top two causes of disability
and disease. African-Americans often seek help from the Black church, but
Pentecostal churches may fail to provide effective support due to doctrinal beliefs.
African-American women with depression struggle due to psychosocial implications
of the diagnosis. This research study used social constructionism and the
biopsychosocial model of health to explore the lived experiences of African-
American women suffering from self-reported depression while attending
Pentecostal churches in the Northeast United States. Fourteen women, ages
20 to 76, participated in this qualitative, phenomenological study. Data obtained
from the semistructured, face-to-face interviewswas analyzed with Moustakas'
modified Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen method. Findings included the following main
themes: the Pentecostal church was ineffective in dealing with depression,
participants drew comfort from personal faith in God, participants emoted
through their behavior, most felt they had to wear a mask, traditional supports
were used to deal with depression, strength was expected of them, they were
blamed by the church for their depression, traumatic experiences were related
to depression, and psychological harm was suffered because of Pentecostal
church membership. Social change implications included the personal
liberation of research participants who shared their experiences. Other
implications include the potential for clergy to adopt more supportive practices
for their members based on these findings and for mental health professionals to
develop treatment options that are more culturally attuned and sensitive.
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Lewis, Berrisford. "African-Caribbean pentecostal church leaders and socio-political engagement in contemporary Britain." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2008. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.600403.
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The rapid growth and development of African-Caribbean Churches in Britain since the Second World War has contributed to the communal life and vitality of British society and the burgeoning plural theological landscape. However, the socio-political contributions of African-Caribbean Pentecostal church leaders at one level remain unacknowledged and at another unknown. As a consequence there is a strong general belief that African-Caribbean church leaders shun worldly political engagement.
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Andrew, Daniël Nicolaas. "From vision to structure: assessing the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa in the light of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/228.
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Doctor TheologiaeThe 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
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Smith, James B. "Role of Spiritual Intelligence in Public Policy in the African American Pentecostal Church." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/7749.
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Although many U.S. faith-based organizations have become partners to the government, the African American Pentecostal Church (AAPC), which holds spirituality as a means of serving humanity as its theological framework, has remained a silent partner in public policy engagement. With the framework of spiritual intelligence, this qualitative case study addressed the perceptions of African American Pentecostal leaders regarding how the church’s theology may have an impact on the public policy engagement of its parishioners. Twelve African American Pentecostal Bishops were interviewed, and data were coded and analyzed to identify themes. Results revealed that participants use their spirituality to connect with public policy issues that relate to their personal experiences. Findings also indicated that the AAPC is not an organized denomination, but rather a conglomeration of factions. Lack of an organized epicenter and lack of training and development of its leaders prevent this church from engaging in the public sphere. Although members embrace their responsibility to care for the needs of others, the church lacks a collective response to community issues. Findings may be used to prepare the next generation of AAPC leaders to unify the church to offer spiritual solutions to public policy issues.
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Asamoah-Gyadu, Johnson. "Renewal within African Christianity : a study of some current historical and theological developments within independent indigenous Pentecostalism in Ghana." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2000. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.326848.
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Williams, Lawrence E. Sr. "Educating African-American pentecostal church leaders regarding the prospect of sponsoring charter schools for inner-city youth." DigitalCommons@Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center, 2008. http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/327.
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This study expanded the concept of church-sponsored schools by including charter schools in the definition of church-sponsored schools. Some denominations embraced the idea of local congregations supporting and sponsoring church schools while others had not. scripture and theologians supported and give value to churches providing appropriate learning environments and educational experiences for children who were members of churches as well as children who were not members. Though history prior to the institution of democracy in America indicated joint church-state support of schools for children, the secular mindset of America increasingly separated church and state in public education. This study suggested a new meeting place for the church to join the state in sponsoring schools for children. The new meeting place was charter schools. The argument was presented that Christian churches had a responsibility to educate children through sponsoring church schools. Given the secular mindset of American society, Christian churches had an even greater challenge to establish proper learning environments for children. Middle to high-income Christian families had a greater ability to provide church schools for their children. This study examined how the Christian church, particularly in the inner-city, could provide schools for children from low-income families who traditionally were not served by church-sponsored schools. Focus was given to examining a congregation that was part of a denomination that traditionally had given little support to church-sponsored schools.
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Price, Kathryn Yvonne. "Preparing new members for a life of Christian discipleship in a moderate-sized African American Holiness-Pentecostal church." DigitalCommons@Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center, 2000. http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/AAIDP14684.
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The purpose of this dissertation was to develop a discipleship training program at New Horizons Church of God in Christ. The model sought to develop this program with a view towards incorporating elements of the tradition of the Church of God in Christ along with Bible study and intercessory prayer. The project was composed of eight weekly sessions.
The purpose of this project was to determine whether this style of training, in conjunction with traditional forms of spiritual formation already in place, would promote more committed church members. This project was developed out of the writer's personal concern for retaining new and oriented members.
At the heart of this dissertation is the theory that spiritual transformation takes place as a result of intentional and, consistent Bible study and prayer in a small group setting in addition to the Holiness-Pentecostal discipleship uniquely appropriated through its traditions, worship style and community.
The result of this study exposed an added dimension necessary to the process of transformation already present in the Pentecostal Church; that is the small group, in-depth study of the Word of God that promotes a hunger for scripture and therefore a hunger for God.
The ultimate aim of this study was to find a way to develop commitment to one's faith in the context of the Church of God in Christ. This project was developed in response to a perceived lack of commitment and understanding of the nature and definition of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
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Onyinah, Opoku. "Akan witchcraft and the concept of exorcism in the Church of Pentecost." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2002. http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/1694/.
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Witchcraft and "exorcisms" have dominated African cultures and posed problems for African people. This thesis is a study of the current exorcistic ministry within a Pentecostal church in Ghana with reference to the Akan culture. The general opinion gathered from current anthropological studies on witchcraft is that the ultimate goal of exorcism is to become modernised. However, using interdisciplinary studies with a theological focus, the thesis departs from this, and contends that it is divinatory-consultation or an inquiry into the sacred and the search for meaning that underlies the current "deliverance" ministry, where the focus is to identify and break down the so-called demonic forces by the power of God in order to "deliver" people from their torment. It represents a further attempt to contextualise the gospel to African people. However, its preoccupation with demonisation and its exorcistic practices are found to bring Christianity into tension with the Akan culture, family ties and other religions. Therefore, to develop a properly safeguarded ministry of exorcism in an African context, the thesis examines contextualisation and suggests that it includes the integration of divinatory-consultation, which the thesis claims underlies the biblical concept of prayer, into African Christianity.
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Chewachong, Amos Bongadu. "Intra-African Pentecostalism and the dynamics of power : the Living Faith Church worldwide (Winners' Chapel) in Cameroon, 1996-2016." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/23499.
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The embeddedness of Pentecostal/Charismatic tenets within contemporary global frameworks of transnational power reveals the ability of religion to shape the sociocultural and spiritual experiences of people on the move from one place to another. For this reason, sociologists of religion and scholars of World Christianity have noted the rapid missionary expansion of African Pentecostal/Charismatic movements to the northern hemisphere. Some have even referred to the missionary work of non-western forms of Christianity in the western world as the ‘Southernisation of European Christianity’. But if the aggressive strategies adopted by African Pentecostal/Charismatic churches in the western diaspora are intended to reawaken Christianity in Europe, what then is the motivation for intra-African Pentecostal/Charismatic movements in traversing national boundaries, with their distinctive version of the Christian faith, making Africa a theatre in which Christian missionaries are both sent and received? This thesis examines the intra-African missionary praxis of a highly influential Nigerian Pentecostal/Charismatic church, the Winners’ Chapel, and its accompanying power dynamics in Cameroon from 1996 to 2016. Using a qualitative research approach, the study examines the character of transnational Pentecostal/Charismatic movements in Africa, using Winners’ Chapel in Cameroon as a case study. After an investigation of the emergence of the church, the study examines the various strategies used to achieve and maintain control of the mother church in Nigeria over its daughter church in Cameroon, such as the deployment of Nigerian missionaries, the use of Nigerian-defined Winners’ Chapel tenets in Cameroon, the place of sermons and testimonies, and the role of the media. The thesis studies the conflicts of loyalty and contestations that emerge between Nigerian Winners’ Chapel missionaries to Cameroon and their Cameroonian colleagues in Cameroon. It concludes with an assessment of how far Winners’ Chapel can be said to contribute to the provision of social capital and empowerment in Cameroon. The findings in this study provide a significant and original contribution to the understanding of how power dynamics can operate within complex relationships between transnational Pentecostal/Charismatic actors (missionaries), and their receiving countries colleagues in the continent of Africa. It also contributes to the literature on African Pentecostalism but offers fresh insights into the encounters, contestations, and resistance that emerge between ‘founder-owners’ and recruited workers of intra-African Pentecostal/Charismatic Movements. By appropriating international relations concepts such as Joseph Nye’s ideas of ‘soft power’ and concepts in the sociology of religion such as Peggy Levitt’s ‘remittances’, popularised by Afe Adogame, the study potentially unveils the nexus between international relations, the sociology of religion and development within Pentecostalist transnational discourses in Africa.
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Ngomane, Richard Mangayisi. "Leadership mentoring and succession in the Charismatic churches in Bushbuckridge : a critical assessment in the light of 2 Timothy 2 :1 - 3." Thesis, University of Pretoria, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/40194.
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This study investigated the state of leadership mentoring and succession planning in the Charismatic Churches in Bushbuckridge. In order to gain a full understanding of the Charismatic Movement which emerged in Bushbuckridge only four decades ago, it was necessary to trace its origin from the Azusa Street Revival which gave birth to Pentecostalism almost a century ago. The Charismatic Movement emerged as a distinct movement only five decades later following the birth of the Pentecostal Movement. The reviewed literature revealed that the Charismatic Movement is a child of the marriage between the Pentecostal Movement and traditional denominations. The main watermark distinction between the theologies of the two movements is based on the fact that the Pentecostal Movement emphasises speaking in tongues while the Charismatic Movement places emphasis on the manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
By virtue of their one-man-founder, Charismatic Churches are likely to experience the same leadership mentoring and succession problems that are common to family businesses. An assessment of leadership mentoring and succession practices in the business world proved that the concept has been researched, practiced, and perfected more in the secular world than in the world of religious and biblical studies. Although this study uncovered some exceptionally successful mentoring relationships in both the New and the Old Testaments, they do not provide details of what those who were involved in the mentoring relationships did for them to be successful. It is in the secular world that mentoring relationships, stages and models have been researched and practiced. It is when mentors and protégés are pared correctly and their relationships managed properly throughout all the mentoring stages that organisations can be assured of smooth leadership transitions. A triangulation of the qualitative and the quantitative methods was used to collect data in this study. On the qualitative side of the research, data was collected by means of interviews and focus group studies. Interviews with the apostolic fathers of the Charismatic Movement in South Africa raised a concern over the lack of leadership mentoring and succession programmes, especially amongst the younger generation of churches. The concern was confirmed in all the focus group studies which were conducted in Bushbuckridge.
The data which was collected from the qualitative side of the study provided a basis for the content of the questionnaire the researcher drew up for the quantitative side of the study. This side of the study contradicted the views of the participants in interviews and focus groups in that it reported that many Charismatic Churches in Bushbuckridge do in fact have leadership mentoring and succession programmes (85% and 72% respectively). The quantitative side of the study further revealed that education levels and gender have a statistically significant effect in leadership mentoring, while location does not.
The researcher suggests that the contradiction in the outcomes of the two research methods deserve a follow-up study. This study presents to Charismatic Church leaders in Bushbuckridge lessons drawn from the leadership mentoring and succession practices of both the biblical and secular worlds. This study would be incomplete without the bringing to the fore of an illustrative text in the 2 Timothy 2:1-3. Generally speaking, adherents in the Charismatic Churches read and interpret the bible as authoritative for faith and life. The participants‘ call for the introduction or/and enhancement of leadership mentoring and succession is therefore harnessed by the biblical message in 2 Timothy 2:1-3. Such model of leadership could serve as an important and significant form of discourse in Africa in the context of leadership.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2013.
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New Testament Studies
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Mathole, Ezekiel Mokwele Katiso. "The Christian witness in the context of poverty with special reference to the South African Charismatic Evangelicals." Thesis, Pretoria : [s.n.], 2005. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-10032005-145427/.
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Fancello, Sandra. "Une nation missionnaire africaine : Identité, conversion et délivrance." Paris, EHESS, 2004. http://www.theses.fr/2004EHES0249.
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Cette thèse a pour objet l'étude de la formation historique et de l'évolution comparée d'une Eglise pentecôtiste africaine, fondée au Ghana par un missionnaire écossais au début des années 1950. Par le biais de l'expansion missionnaire de la Church of Pentecost, les leaders ghanéens furent confrontés très tôt aux autres communautés nationales, voire nationalistes, revendiquant le partage du pouvoir. A partir de trois terrains privilégie��s (Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, France), ce travail met en évidence les malentendus de la collaboration missionnaire qui traduisent la posture ambivalente d'une Eglise qui se pense à la fois "indigène" et transnationale. Cette ambivalence se retrouve auprès des fidèles born again, qui se définissent comme de "nouvelles personnes" ("nées de nouveau") tandis qu'ils s'affirment plus profondément africains (et même ghanéens ou ivoiriens) que jamais. Les enjeux de la conversion individuelle relèvent ici d'une crise identitaire à travers laquelle on ne devient pas seulement une "nouvelle personne" mais on s 'affirme dans une identité renouvelée qui est un retour imaginaire à une identité originelle qui s'exprime moins ici par l'ouverture au monde globalisé que par la création de nouveaux espaces identitaires qui sont autant de lieux d'expression d'une identité africaine réaffirméeThis thesis analyses the historical formation and the evolution compared of an African Pentecostal Church founded in Ghana by a scottish missionary at the beginning of the years 1950. The missionary expansion of The Church of Pentecost confronted very early the Ghanaian leaders with the other national communities, even nationalist, claiming the division of the power. From three privileged grounds (Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, France), this work highlighted the misunderstandings of missionary collaboration which translate the ambivalent posture of a Church which is thought at the same time "indigenous" and transnational. This ambivalence is found near faithful, which is defined at the same time as "new person" ("born again") and is affirmed more deeply African (and even Ghanaians) than never. The stakes of individual conversion concern here an identity crisis through which one does not become one "new person" but ones affirms oneself in a renewed identity which is an imaginary return to an original identity which is expressed less here by the opening in the world globalized than by the creation of new identity spaces which are as many places of expression of a reaffirmed African identity
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Quaretta, Edoardo. "Les enfants accusés de sorcellerie au Katanga, République démocratique du Congo." Doctoral thesis, Universite Libre de Bruxelles, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/2013/ULB-DIPOT:oai:dipot.ulb.ac.be:2013/209535.
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La thèse porte sur le phénomène des enfants accusés de sorcellerie au Katanga à l'aide d'une démarche socio-anthropologique. Dans la première partie les cadres théorique et historique sont donnés. La deuxième partie se concentre sur les enfants de la rue de Lubumbashi (Katanga, RDC) et le rôle joué par les églises pentecôtistes dans les accusations de sorcellerie dont les enfants font l'objet. Dans la troisième partie des études de cas sont présentées. / The PhD dissertation is about the phenomenon of the children accused of witchcraft in Katanga analysed through a socio-anthropological approach. In the first part the theoretical and historical frameworks are presented. The second part focuses on the street children issue in Lubumbashi (Katanga, DRC) and on the role played by Petecostal churches in the accusations perpetrated on children. The third part presents three case studies.Doctorat en Sciences politiques et sociales
info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished
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Phiri, Jason Kelvin. "African Pentecostal spirituality : a study of the emerging African Pentecostal churches in Zambia." Thesis, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/28976.
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This study investigates the spirituality of the emerging African Pentecostal churches in the development of the church and the theology of mission in Zambia’s Christian and traditional religious context. Of equal importance is the contribution of traditional African spirituality to Christianity in Africa. Attention is also drawn to the way in which African traditional religion and culture are treated by the African Pentecostal churches. The effect of both culture and Christianity in shaping modes of relationship and in bringing to light a liberative spirituality which this study examines is an issue in focus in African Pentecostal churches. Hence, this study has consciously appealed both to traditional spiritually and Pentecostal spirituality for a liberative theology which is both African and Christian. The study therefore proposes a change in terms of interpretation in our understanding of spirituality. The term “spirituality” in this study is defined as “the abiding presence of God the Holy Spirit” in the Church and its mission. From a predominantly scientific and dichotomous approach to spirituality, the study suggests that the paradigm shift should be in the direction of a supernatural approach as opposed to the Western worldview approach which is influenced heavily by secular science. The new approach advocates the need to understand the images of God the Holy Spirit from an African point of view. In this regard, the comparison between an African cosmology and a Biblical world-view (theologia Crucis) determines theodicy. Inter alia, the metaphor “Immanuel” (Mulungu Alinafe in Chichewa, meaning “God with us”) plays a crucial role in a metaphorical approach to supernatural “manifestations” of the abiding presence of God the Holy Spirit in the midst of the people of African Pentecostal churches and their mission.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010.
Science of Religion and Missiology
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Blom, Louis. "A critical evaluation of evangelism as understood and practised by some Black African Christian leaders of the Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches in South Africa." Thesis, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3781.
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D.Litt. et Phil.Africa has seen the convergence of many remarkable evangelism efforts from across the globe. As a result, Christianity has shown incredible growth in the entire continent of Africa during the past 100 years, becoming the religion of the masses, especially in Southern Africa (Johnstone & Mandryk 2001:21). It can be stated that the growth and success of Christianity in Africa have been nothing short of a miracle. This remarkable growth can only be ascribed to the extraordinary evangelism efforts in Africa during the past 100 years, and the favour of God on this work. The evangelism explosion in Africa has surely influenced many people; however, the Church still has various challenges pertaining to evangelism in South Africa. One of the problems that Christianity in South Africa is facing is that the quantitative growth of Christianity in a nation cannot be the only measurement of successful evangelism. The qualitative growth in a Christian‟s life is the sign of the strength of that person‟s Christianity. The long-term growth and sustainability of the Church and its potential to transform communities must therefore be carefully considered. Unless the Church deals with these quality issues, it could render all its evangelistic work worthless. Finding a balance between quality and quantity is imperative, as both are important to the development of the Kingdom of God. In addition to this, the low priority of training and discipleship in South Africa has caused the Church to develop a lack of leadership as well. Leadership development for Pastors, Evangelists and Churchplanters is imperative, as a lack of well-developed leadership will inevitably lead to a weak and shallow Church. The problem is that Christian leaders and evangelistic ministries 4 have not yet developed a comprehensive evangelistic approach that can present the Gospel in a relevant manner to the people of South Africa.This causes what I would term, the nominal “pre-Christianity” in Africa, and presents a major challenge to the Church in terms of evangelism and the completion of the Great Commission. I present the term “pre-Christian” as an expression of a person who considers himself a Christian without ever receiving the Saving grace of Christ, submitting that person‟s life under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and bearing the fruit of the Christian life. Africa therefore has many “Christians”, but very few born-again believers following Christ.
22
Watt, Charles Peter. "Struggle for the centre : South African Pentecostal missiology in context." 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/17850.
Full textAbstract:
This study examines that which forms the 'centre' of Pentecostal Missiology and
makes it particularly relevant to the South African context. In order to arrive at
my conclusions I have concentrated on the history and present situation in postapartheid
South Africa of the three oldest classical Pentecostal movements, the
Apostolic Faith Mission, the Full Gospel Church of God and the Assemblies of
God.
Chapter one describes the rise of the Pentecostal movement and its arrival in
South Africa shortly after the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). That
Pentecostalism took root among the poor in this country is a matter of historical
record. The dimensions of poverty in South Africa are probed in order to evaluate
Pentecostalism' s success with that class of people. Chapter two examines the
Pentecostal model of mission and its essentially holistic nature in order to
understand why it so effectively helped the poor to escape the enslaving cycle of
poverty. However, Pentecostalism around the world and in South Africa appears
to be in crisis. Chapter three discusses the reasons for the crisis and outlines the
nature and evidence of it - the 'centre' of Pentecostalism seems to be
fragmenting, and with it the relevance of the Pentecostal Church to the South
African situation.
The book of Exodus provides a metaphor that naturally holds together dimensions
of the model of mission essential to Pentecostalism. Chapter four describes the
metaphor, how it applies to Pentecostal missiology and why the struggle for the
'centre' is a struggle vital to the mission of the Pentecostal Church. The thesis
concludes with a reminder that Pentecostals have a history of 'success' among the
poor and that perhaps it is within this stratum of society that Pentecostals should
focus their efforts. With a renewed model of mission the Pentecostal Church can
still be relevant to the situation of poverty in post-apartheid South Africa.
However, Pentecostals need to clarify the distinctives that lie at the 'centre' of
their existence and mission and be prepared to struggle for themChristian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
D.Th. (Missiology)
23
Adu, Boadu Ebenezer. "Pastoral leadership among African-led pentecostal churches in the context of British society / Boadu Ebenezer Adu." Thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/14209.
Full textAbstract:
The Pentecostal movement is experiencing phenomenal growth within global Christendom. Notwithstanding the exponential growth of Pentecostalism, there are contextual pastoral leadership challenges within the African-led Pentecostal tradition in British society. The first challenge observed is that the pastoral leadership practices of the African-led Pentecostal churches in British society are situated in their socio-cultural and theological orientations; this situation poses contextual challenges for pastors in carrying out their ecclesiastical duties. The second problem concerns leadership. There are often, for example, allegations about some pastors within this tradition mismanaging church finances, practising sexual immorality, taking money for prophetic utterances and abusing their power. These very troubling allegations have led to some Christians leaving this church tradition to join other churches, especially white-led British Pentecostal/charismatic churches, and some have stopped going to church altogether. Moreover, a review of literature suggests there has not been an attempt to undertake an in-depth study of the pastoral leadership praxis of the African-led Pentecostal church community in British society. Thus, there is a gap to be filled in Pentecostal pastoral leadership scholarship. The present research investigates these contextual challenges and formulates markers for exemplary pastoral leadership among African-led Pentecostal churches in British society.
To address these problems, the four tasks of Richard Osmer’s practical theological interpretation were used. Pastors from the African-led church community were interviewed. The study investigated the impact of North American Pentecostal pastoral leadership on their African counterparts, recent scholarship on pastoral leadership, the five practices of exemplary leadership by James Kouzes and Barry Posner, the socio-cultural and theological distinctives of African-led neo-Pentecostal churches in the context of British society, and New Testament perspectives on pastoral leadership.
The findings of this study affirmed that there are challenges facing African-led Pentecostal pastoral leaders in the context of British society and that these can be addressed from a practical theological perspective by formulating markers for a model of exemplary pastoral leadership. The study contributes to original
research in the burgeoning field of practical theology in the area of Pentecostal
pastoral leadership.PhD (Pastoral Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015
24
Born, Jacob Bryan. ""Worlds of the spirit" : exploring african spiritual and new pentecostal church relations in Botswana." Thesis, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/3306.
Full textAbstract:
Similar to other countries in southern Africa, the relationship between African Spiritual Churches and New Pentecostal Churches in Botswana has been characterized by considerable tension and mutual distrust. Although both movements highlight the third person of the Trinity, the Spirit of God, their followers view the world around them very differently. This study has investigated the relationship between these two types of churches by focusing on their efforts to produce unique ideologies of spiritual power in relation to the two major ideologies in the Botswana context, namely the reified Setswana worldview and the globalizing forces of Western modernity.
In order to provide a careful analysis of the relationship between these movements, two churches from each group were chosen as representatives. The Hermon Church and Revelation Blessed Peace Church served as examples for the African Spiritual Churches, while Goodnews Ministries and Bible Life Ministries were the New Pentecostal subjects. Primary research methods included interviews with church leadership, questionnaires for members of each church and participant observation. Church origins, biblical hermeneutics, healing and deliverance rituals, and approaches to cultures and covenants formed the key areas of study.
Creating unique “worlds of the Spirit” by means of innovative tactics, both types of churches seek to enable their followers to live well as they produce their contextualized ideologies of power. However, even though both movements lay claim to the Spirit of God as their source of power, the distinctive ideologies emerging from their sermons, technologies, rituals and symbols have brought them into conflict with one another. For African Spiritual Churches, the Spirit of God meets people in the midst of life’s struggles, providing healing and wholeness in all relationships. Their willingness to adopt certain elements of the reified Setswana worldview is a major issue in the conflict with New Pentecostal Churches. For New Pentecostals, the Spirit breaks all covenants made in the past, and empowers “born again” believers to succeed in a modern environment filled with opportunities and challenges. The key missiological concern of this study is to explore the unique efforts of these movements to contextualize the gospel message for Botswana.Church Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
D.Th. (Missiology)
25
White, Peter. "A missiological study of the role of the baptism and infilling of the holy spirit in Ghanaian Pentecostal Churches." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/43284.
Full textAbstract:
This research discusses the role of the baptism and infilling of the Holy Spirit in missions through a specific focus on Ghanaian Pentecostal Churches. Scripture, history, scholarly works, interviews, observations, ecumenical documents, as well as relevant documents of Ghanaian Pentecostal churches were used to study the issue under discussion. In order to achieve the objective for the topic chosen, the research also discusses some of the major factors that led to Pentecostalism in Ghana – i.e. the concern of the indigenes about their worldview not being addressed by the Western missionaries that came to serve in Ghana. In the desire of the then Ghanaian Christians to have their worldview addressed, they resorted first to the Pentecostalism initiated by the African Initiated Churches, and then to the current trend of Pentecostalism in Ghana. The findings reveal that, though one of the factors that has made Pentecostalism so acceptable to Ghanaians is the way it has addressed their worldview; Ghanaian Pentecostal Churches themselves are of the opinion that the role of the Holy Spirit is the major factor. Their argument is that, it takes the role of the Holy Spirit to convict a sinner of his or her sins and incorporate the person into the body of Christ. After this incorporation, the person needs to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit in order to be able to live according to the will of God. Furthermore, it is the Holy Spirit that also empowers believers to work both within and outside the church. This empowerment is manifested through the gifts that the Holy Spirit gives to believers – for both their personal edification and the perfection of the church. As believers operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, God works through them in the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill the missio Dei. It was finally revealed that, although the Holy Spirit is the power behind mission, the human factor cannot be forgotten. With this in mind, it was argued that Ghanaian Pentecostal churches have put into place various missional approaches, to help them to effectively participate in the missio Dei. These missional approaches were therefore discussed in the light of the “five marks of mission” (i.e. Evangelism, discipleship, responding to the social needs of people through love, transforming the unjust structures of society and safe guarding the integrity of creation) and Krintzinger et al.’s holistic mission approach (i.e. kerygmatic, diaconal, fellowship and liturgical).Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2014.
lk2014
Science of Religion and Missiology
PhD
Unrestricted
26
Mapani, Paul Simandala. "Exploring economics neo-pentecostalism and scientific rationality: a critical reflection on imagining a better pentecostal theology." Thesis, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/26808.
Full textAbstract:
Abstracts in English and TsongaThis study explored the lack of integrating a scientific imagination and rationality in the hermeneutic and theological practices of neo-Pentecostal churches in the town of Livingstone, Zambia. Although the vantage point of the study was primarily practical theology, the researcher adopted both an interdisciplinary and a multidisciplinary approach. This assisted the researcher in understanding the different theoretical nuances that inform neo-Pentecostal theological practices as propagated by its proponents. An in-depth scientific analysis premised on the critical theory approach was conducted to find out whether or not neo-Pentecostal communicative practices contribute positively to the economic conditions of local church members in Livingstone. The theological framework for this study was based on the “pastoral cycle”, which ought to be at the very heart of any contemporary practical theology (Ballard & Pritchard 2006). The research methodology consisted of data collection, interpretation and analysis (comparing and contrasting primary sources in the light of the data collected). Research participants' personal narratives of their experience of neo-Pentecostal practices were heard in a semi-structured format. These aided in establishing ecclesiastical views on the causes of the lack of integrating a scientific imagination and rationality in neo-Pentecostal spiritual experience; and consequently informed the study on whether the current theological orientations of neo-Pentecostal congregations in Livingstone have a positive or negative impact on the economic conditions of members. Two forms of data collection were employed, namely qualitative interviews and observation instruments.
Ndzavisiso lowu wu langutisa ku pfumaleka ka vuanakanyi hi vuntshwa bya xisayense na ku va na ngqhondo eka mamfambiselo ya vulavisisi na vuxopaxopi ku hlamusela matsalelo na mafambiselo ya swa vugandzeri eka tikereke ta Pentakosta leyintshwa edorobeni ra Livingston, eZambia. Hambileswi masungulo ya ndzavisiso a ku ri mafambiselo ya vugandzeri, mulavisisi u tirhise fambiselo ra interdisciplinary na multidisciplinary. Leswi swi pfunete mulavisisi ku twisisa ku hambana eka swa thiyori leyi yi nga xiseketelo xa Pentakosta leyintshwa ya swa vugandzeri na mafambiselo ya kona tanhilaha swi endliwaka hi lava nga vachumayeri va yona pentakosta leyintshwa. Vuxopaxopi bya xisayense byi seketeriwe hi thiyori yo xopaxopa leyi nga endliwa ku kuma leswo xana mafambiselo ya Pentakosta leyintshwa ya pfuneta eka swiyimo swa ikhonomi eka swirho swa kereke swa yona eLivingston. Rimba ra swa vugandzeri eka ndzavisiso lowu wu seketeriwe hi ndzhenzheleko wa vurisi bya kereke ku nga "pastoral cycle", lowu wu faneleke ku va mbilu ya mafambiselo wahi na wahi ya vugandzeri (Ballard & Pritchard 2006). Methodoloji ya ndzavisiso a yi katsa ku hlengeletea vutivi, ku byi toloka no byi xopaxopa (ku kotlanisa na ku pimanisa swihlovo swa vutivi hi ku landza data leyi yi nga hlengeletiwa). Lava a va ri na xiavo eka ndzavisiso, va endle marungula ya vona na ntokoto wa vona hi mafambiselo ya Pentekosta leyintshwa ya yingiseriwile hi fomati yo ka yi nga kunguhatiwangi swinene ku nga semi-structured format. Leswi swi pfunete ekusunguleni mianakanyo ya kereke ya vukreste hi swivangelo swa ku pfumaleka ka ku hlanganisa na ku anakanya hi vuntshwa mavonelo na ntokoto eka swa moya hi swa Pentekosta leyintshwa; hi ku landza swona leswi, swi pfunete ndzavisiso hi leswo xana mavonelo yo hambana hi swa vugandzeri bya Pentakosta leyintshwa eka nhlengeletano eLivingston leswo xana yi na vuyelo lebyinene kumbe lebyi nga ri ku lebyinene eka swiyimo swa ikhonomi ya swirho. Ku tirhisiwe minxaka mimbirhi ya nhlengeleto ya vutivi, ku nga qualitative interviews na xitirho xa ku languta kunene leswi endlekaka (observation instruments).
Practical Theology
D. Th. (Practical Theology)
27
Moses, Roland Hansel. "Pentecostal church music praxis : Indians in the Durban region, 1994-2011." Thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/22677.
Full textAbstract:
The first indentured Indians arrived in South Africa in 1860. Their importation was a consequence of the British, who wanted cheap labour from their colony, India, to serve the Empire’s needs in South Africa. Several of these Indians, upon completion of their term of their indenture, chose South Africa as their new ‘motherland’. They settled in Durban and its surroundings with some migrating inland. Consequently, the largest community of Indians in South Africa is still located in the Durban area.
Indian communities globally show clear socio-economic development coupled with a strong association to religion and worship. The South African Indian diaspora is no different. Religion is deeply embedded in the fabric of this community. Rooted within most Indian religious practices are strong ties with music.
The immigrants who arrived in South Africa shared common religious associations with India, the major religions being Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. Christianity in South Africa includes established and mainline church denominations such as Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Lutheran and Pentecostal movement. The Pentecostal movement includes the Full Gospel Church of God, Assemblies of God and Apostolic Faith Missions. Music, a subsidiary to worship within the Pentecostal church movement, provides certain unique dimensions to the religious service as opposed to the traditional repertoire and instrumentation (hymns being sung with organ accompaniment) of the mainline churches. To date, little is known about the music education, performance practice and music praxis in these churches. The lack of data on the latter provides the basis for this current investigation into Church Music praxis within the Pentecostal movement.
A mixed method research approach which integrates both the qualitative as well as quantitative is adopted for this study. This approach allows for greater insight into the target population and their phenomena. The qualitative phase which consisted of informal structured interviews and a review of literature, provided in-depth knowledge and thematic data that informed the quantitative phase. The sample population used in the
quantitative phase draws on six of the largest churches in the predominantly Indian areas of Durban. A questionnaire was developed specifically for this study, submitted for review to an expert, and administered to the sampled population. The results were coded and entered into a statistics database (SPSS) for analysis. Findings suggest that there is a unique stylistic development and performance tradition within these churches.
Results reveal that the majority of Pentecostal church musicians in the Durban area have no formal training in music, yet are able to function as musicians within their congregations. Many musicians indicated their inability to read music as their greatest challenge. Consequently, this led to a great deal of time being spent on learning music. In almost all of the latter cases this occurred either autodidactally, communally and/or simply aurally. Musicians also indicated that financial difficulties were a setback, in that several were unable to purchase instruments and the necessary equipment to engage with their core music functions within the church. Many relied heavily on church support to assist with this need. These musicians possess an ability to perform technically and musically challenging music repertoire that demands advanced music skills and knowledge. This phenomenon attests to the power of informal music education. Many of these musicians go on to pursue successful careers as musicians and music educators.Art History, Visual Arts and Musicology
D. Litt. et Phil.
28
Khorommbi, Ndwambi Lawrence. "Lutherans and Pentecostals in mission amongst the Vhavenda : a comparative study in missionary methods." 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/17079.
Full textAbstract:
The thesis of this study is that both Pentecostal and non-Pentecostal churches can
grow at a time when only the Pentecostal churches have grown. The stagnation that
has occurred in many "mainline" churches need not be allowed to increase or
continue. In Venda (Northern Province) both the Lutherans and the Pentecostals have
enjoyed visible growth.
Chapter I introduces the thesis, the choice of the study area, the objectives of the
study, and the typology, methodology and relevance of the study. Chapter 2 looks at
the history and socio-economic background of the Vhavenda. Chapter 3 describes
traditional Vhavenda beliefs and rituals. The Vhavenda world-view is different from
that of the West but closer to that of the East and the Bible. Chapter 4 concentrates on
missionary Christianity in Venda and briefly discusses the missionary methods
adopted by the Berlin Missionary Society. Chapter 5 discusses the coming of
Pentecostalism to South Africa and Venda. Chapter 6 exaruines how the Lutherans
and the Apostolic Faith Mission church conducted their mission during the
"maturation of Apartheid" in Venda. Major events in the collision between apartheid
and the Vhavenda are highlighted. Chapter 7 discusses the unfinished work of the
church in Venda. Chapter. 8 examines the challenge for Christian mission in the . .
twenty-first centuryChristian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
D. Th. (Missiology)
29
Morekwa, Othusitse. "The interchange, exchange and appropriation of traditional healing, modern medicine and Christian healing in Africa today." Diss., 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/1896.
Full textAbstract:
This research work is set out to investigate healing practised in Africa today. There are many ways of healing in African; others are classified as foreign because they came out of Africa especially from European influence while others are considered local or traditional. The research shall dig out the influence of what is known as foreign methods or approaches of healing in Africa today and what African healing can learn from other methods of healing practised today.
There shall be contemporary stories and facts about the situation of healing today and relevant statistics where necessary. The research also comes out with appropriate suggestions on how to combat contemporary illnesses of today. This includes what should be improved and how. This work covers the whole of Africa.Philosophy & Systematic Theology
M.Th. (Systematic Theology)
30
Jesse, Fungwa Kipimo. "Studying pentecostalism missiologically: The Congo Evangelistic Mission in Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/18320.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis is a critical missiological analysis of Pentecostal mission, specifically of the Congo Evangelistic Mission (CEM) in the Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It investigates how CEM members have been interpreting and expressing the Christian message in and for the context of Katanga Province through their communal life, worship and mission since its inception in 1914. It also asks the methodological question of how such a Pentecostal mission could best be studied and evaluated missiologically. To carry out this investigation the researcher developed a “Pentecostal Praxis Missiological Approach” which he used extensively throughout his study. Chapter two demonstrates that, while British missionaries brought the CEM to Katanga province, it was the early Congolese pioneers who actually spread the movement to different parts of Katanga and beyond its borders. Chapter three shows how CEM members have analysed the Congolese context, identifying it as a lost, unholy and socially broken society with high levels of poverty, unemployment and poor access to basic needs; it is also beset with problems of war and conflict, corruption and injustices as well as abuse of women. Chapter four focuses on the spirituality of power that inspires and motivates the CEM in the various dimensions of its mission. Chapter five uses mainly liturgical sources like prayers, songs and sermons to construct the Pentecostal theology of mission that guides and directs the CEM in its mission. Chapter six explores the agents and strategies of mission that the CEM uses to address the missional challenges they identify in their context. The final chapter raises six key missiological issues that emerged from the study and that require the attention of missiological scholars in order to foster the future of Pentecostal mission in Congo and the Southern African region as a whole. These issues are: preventing ongoing schisms, evangelising members of other religious traditions, the scope of healing, the impact of rapture theology, the place of women in ordained Pentecostal ministry, and the extent of contextualisation in the CEM.
Keys terms
Katanga Province,Christian Spirituality, Church History & Missiology
D.Th. (Missiology)
31
Mudimeli, Lufuluvhi Maria. "The impact of religious and cultural discourses on the leadership development of women in the ministry : a vhusadzi (womanhood) perspective." Thesis, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/5726.
Full textAbstract:
Culture and religion have both healthy and unhealthy effect on the leadership development of women in Africa. In this regard, the impact of especially African Pentecostal Christian discourses, as well as Vhavenda cultural discourses, on the lives of women leaders are brought to the surface through literary reviews, questionnaires and interviews. Accordingly, the data obtained by means of these methods are analysed using existing theological and cultural hermeneutics methods. Furthermore, they are deconstructed in terms of a vhusadzi (womanhood) perspective of empowerment regarding women in the ministry, which is applicable in an African-South African context. The present role of women in Pentecostal churches in the Venda context is studied historically and critically with reference to a future of empowerment. It is found that the leadership role of women in the ministry in Pentecostal churches in Venda is faced by certain challenges, which include rereading the Bible from the perspective of women in partnership with men, validating women’s ordination in dialogue with patriarchal interpretations of presumed biblical prohibitions on women’s ordination, rescoping cultural influences on church leadership roles, which are supported by Venda proverbs and rituals and reframing perceptions of women in the ministry amongst church leaders and the laity. The unique contribution of this thesis is, firstly, its focus on Pentecostal women in Venda. Secondly, a vhusadzi perspective is formulated that has never been done before in the literature. This perspective encompasses the experiences and expectations of Vhavenda women living in the Limpopo Province in South Africa. Thirdly, a link is drawn between culture, religion and ministerial leadership with a gender focus that produces new knowledge of the relationship between religion and culture as it manifests itself in a Venda context. The vhusadzi approach is informed by the bosadi approach of the Old Testament scholar, Madipoane Masenya, and feeds on her insights into women’s access to the interpretation of biblical texts. The vhusadzi approach takes these insights further by applying them to Vhavenda women’s access to leadership roles in the church. It opens up the future for further research, inviting African women scholars to contextualise issues related to women’s ordination.Systematic Theology and Theological Ethics
D. Th. (Systematic Theology)
32
Ngobese, Wilmot Ronald Musa. "The continuity of life in African religion with reference to marriage and death among the Zulu people." Diss., 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/1263.
Full textAbstract:
The world has become more and more religiously plural. It is therefore essential to acknowledge the meaningful aspects in the essence of all religions, including African Religion.
The dissertation seeks to highlight the concept, ”continuity of life” in African Religion. Special emphasis is placed on the Zulus due to the vastness of the African continent. Three areas are investigated to show that there is the belief in life after death in African Religion, as it is the case with all great world religions, such as Judaism, Islam and Christianity. These are the sacredness of life, marriage with the gift of children as a blessing from the ancestors, as well as rites and ceremonies associated with death which show that the dead are still alive in a mysterious form.
The conclusion is therefore that African Religion has a world status and should be included amongst the great world religions.Religious Studies and Arabic
M. Th. (Biblical Studies)
33
Mofokeng, Thabang Richard. "Throwing the baby out with the bathwater : cultural reorientation of Black Pentecostalism in the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa, 1940-1975." Diss., 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/24434.
Full textAbstract:
The Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) of South Africa was established in 1908 and is regarded as the source from which Zionist and Apostolic Churches sprang. A study of archival records and secondary sources leads to a conclusion that the black Section of the AFM was, for many decades since its inception, almost indistinguishable from these churches in their beliefs, practices and appearance. The processes to rid the AFM of Zionism, which began in 1929, and were intensified from the 1940s, led to black Pentecostalism shedding most of its Zionist-like beliefs and practices to become an evangelical Pentecostal movement oddly aligned to white interests and expectations. These changes took place at the expense of black agency which Zionist-like Pentecostalism represented and was a testimony thereof. Central to the idea of agency is possession of an interest or idea and power to pursue this interest or realise one's idea. The loss of agency by black Pentecostals is lamentable; this study calls for a reawakening that will mobilise among others, black Pentecostals' cultural resources in theologising and expressing the gospel mandate in a reawakening Africa.Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
M. Th. (Church History)
34
Bruiners, Henrico Ferdinand Oswald. "Missiologiese evaluering van die ontstaan van die Pinkster Protestante Kerk." Diss., 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/16091.
Full textAbstract:
Summaries in Afrikaans and EnglishDie Pinkster Protestante Kerk (PPK) is deel van die wereldwye Pinksterbeweging en het op I 0 Oktober 1958 ontstaan uit die Apostoliese Geloofsending (AGS), die grootste Pinksterkerk in Suid-Afrika. Verskeie redes kan toegedig word vir die ontstaan. Eerstens was daar die doelbewuste poging van die AGS om die struikelblokke uit die weg te ruim ten einde as kerk deur die Nederduitse Gereformeerde kerk erken te word. 'n Tweede hoofrede was die party-politieke bedrywighede van pastoor Gerrie Wessels, 'n lid van die Uitvoerende Raad van die AGS. Die skrywer toon aan hoedat rassisme en Apartheid beslag gekry het in die ekklesiologie en missiologie van die PPK. Daar is tans vier aparte outonome rassekerke. Rassisme is die hoof oorsaak vir 'n onverenigde kerk. Deur die loop van die kerk se geskiedenis was daar vyf konstitusionele opsette ten einde eenheid te laat realiseer, maar sender veel sukses. 'n Sesde konstitusionele opset, een PPK, word tans beding.
The Pentecostal Protestant Church (PPC) is part of the worldwide Pentecostal Movement and originated from the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM), the largest Pentecostal Church in South Afiica, on October 10, 1958. There are various reasons that contributed to the birth of the church. Firstly, the AFM removed on purpose the obstacles that stood in the way in order to be acknowledge as a church by the Dutch Reformed Church. The party-political involvement of pastor Gerrie Wessels, an Executive Council member of the AFM, was the second main reason. The writer indicates how racism and Apartheid took root in the ecclesiology and missiology of the PPC. At the moment there are four separate outonomous race churches. The main reason for a not united church is racism. The church had five different constitutions in the course of her history in an attempt to bring forth unity, but without success. A six constitutional design for one PPC is currently being negotiated.
Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
M. Th. (Sendingwetenskap)
35
Kossie, Karen Lynell. "The move is on: African-American Pentecostal-Charismatics in the Southwest." Thesis, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/1911/19277.
Full textAbstract:
This study is an interdisciplinary history the African American Pentecostal-Charismatic (AAPC) movement in the twentieth century. It aims to place the rise of African American Pentecostal-Charismaticism within the context of African American religious history in general and the greater Holiness-Pentecostal movement in particular. It examines the religious traditions (in both theology and practice) out of which the AAPC arose; the specific historical context out of which the AAPC developed; the role of leadership; the social appeal of the AAPC; and the role of gender, class, and race in shaping the growth and character of the movement.
The general field of African American religious history is understudied, with the possible exception of slave Christianity. For the modern period, much of the scholarship has focused on the black church's relationship to the Civil Rights movement, and the emphasis has been on the mainline black denominations. The focus in the history of Pentecostalism has been on the early twentieth-century origins of the movement, showing its interracial nature, but little has been published on such splinter movements as the Latter Rain phenomenon and the African American Independent Pentecostal-Charismatic (AAIPC) movement. My study will be the first scholarly analysis of this movement and its latter-twentieth-century variations, and the first to place them in geo-cultural/historical/religious context.
Among the major interpretive points elaborated are the following: (1) contrary to the expectations of early twentieth-century scholars, African American Pentecostalism was hardly a passing phase; (2) the advent of Pentecostalism marked an end to the hegemony of purported mainline denominations in the African American religious experience; (3) unlike mainline Protestantism and Catholicism, Pentecostalism welcomed the participation of women in its leadership; (4) a proliferation of electronic media (radio, television, and the internet) has facilitated a further dissolution of racial, geographical, and denominational barriers; and (5) independent ministers looking toward the twenty-first century have begun to reconsider their initial embrace of complete autonomy and to examine the spiritual and structural ramifications of interdependence and ecumenicalism. Perhaps this is part of the often observed path from sect to denomination that has characterized many earlier religious movements.
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Andrew, Daniël Nicolaas. "From vision to structure: assessing the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa in the light of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church." Thesis, 2005. http://etd.uwc.ac.za/index.php?module=etd&.
Full textAbstract:
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&rsquo
vision of the church are discussed. Our Christian predecessors&rsquo
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&rsquo
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&rsquo
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&rsquo
s vision for the church and the world.
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Khorommbi, Ndwambi Lawrence. "Lutherans and Pentecostals in mission amongst the Vhavenda: a comparative study in missionary methods." Thesis, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/636.
Full textAbstract:
The thesis of this study is that both Pentecostal and non-Pentecostal churches can
grow at a time when only the Pentecostal churches have grown. The stagnation that
has occurred in many ''mainline" churches.need not be allowed to increase or
continue. In Venda (Northern Province) both the Lutherans and the Pentecostals have
enjoyed visible growth.
Chapter 1 introduces the thesis, the choice of the study area, the objectives of the
study, and the typology, methodology and relevance of the study. Chapter 2 looks at
the history and socio-economic backgrowtd of the Vhavenda. Chapter 3 describes
traditional Vhavenda beliefs and rituals. The Vhavenda world-view is different from
that of the West but closer to that of the East and the Bible. Chapter 4 concentrates on
missionary Christianity in Venda and briefly discusses the missionary methods
adopted by the Berlin Missionary Society. Chapter 5 discusses the coming of
Pentecostalism to South Africa and Venda. Chapter 6 examines how the Lutherans
and the Apostolic Faith Mission church conducted their mission during the
"maturation of Apartheid'' in Venda. Major events in the collision between apartheid
and the Vhavenda are highlighted. Chapter 7 discusses the unfinished work of the
church in Venda. Chapter 8 examines the challenge for Christian mission in the
twenty-first century.Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
D.Th (Missiology)
38
Paul, Timothy. "The pentecostal churches in the vicinity of Stanger with special emphasis on the Indian community." Thesis, 1987. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/6236.
Full text
39
Govindsamy, Selvaraj. "A critical evaluation of the place of experience within the Pentecostal Movement." Thesis, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/4600.
Full text
40
Nzwiba, Mubili. "A missiological exploration of a Pentecostal Church’s contribution to migrants’ social integration in Durban." Diss., 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/9923.
Full textAbstract:
The subject of migrants’ social integration in receiving countries is a growing debate in the 21st
century amongst the international community and the nations of the world. It is a serious concern
for many organizations advocating for social justice. The Church worldwide and the migrant
church in Durban South Africa in particular, is called to be among the defenders and promoters of
migrants’ social integration; integration which will bring forth migrants’ social and economic
contribution to the development of Durban’s social and economic life.
This view of this study is that in the post-apartheid period sufficient attention has not been paid
by the South African government, policy-makers and the church in the welcoming and protection
of migrants who have “flooded” the country. The lack of preparedness has resulted in migrants
being used as scapegoat by some South Africans on the pretext that they lower the country’s
social life, steal national citizens’ jobs and commit crime. This growing social and economic
discomfort in South Africa resulted in xenophobic violence in May 2008.
The dissertation surveys migrants’ challenges in South Africa and Durban in particular. It
explores the response of a migrant Pentecostal church called Faith Ministries Durban (FMD) to
these challenges, as well as its contribution to the promotion of Congolese migrants’ social
integration. The study further explores, among other aspects, the theology of migration. This
exploration is a call to theologians to advocate for migrants’ care and rights so that they may
not endure discrimination, abuse and struggle because of them being outsiders. Migrants have
to benefit equal rights as fellow South Africans. From the life narratives of ten FMD’s
members, the study explores FMD’s role in the lives of its migrant members.Christian Spirituality, Church History & Missiology
M. Th. (Missiology)
41
Kubeka, Mpiyakhe John. "Assessing the care of the surviving clergy widows within the Pentecostal church." Thesis, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/28553.
Full textAbstract:
The study was undertaken as a response to the need existing within the church. The author’s observation of how one widow was going to board a taxi on a very cold day to attend the church service triggered the desire to research the care of the clergy widows within the Pentecostal Church. The research is undertaken as follows: - Chapter one: This Chapter introduces the study and serves as a window into the research by providing a bird’s eye view on what is fully entailed. It introduces the subject matter in the most probing and illuminating terms into the broader study which unfolds as alluded in the following subsequent chapters.
- Chapter two: The Chapter provides the significant meaning of what is entailed in the concept of caring as an envisaged theological tool towards addressing the needs of the clergy widows in general and the said Pentecostal clergy widow in particular, hence submitting the theology of caring. Various theologies such as the theology of brokenness, the theology of comfort and the theology of anointing the wounded are discussed in minute detail. Widows constituting various categories are presented as widows caused by God, caused by others and those caused by self.
- Chapter three: The methodology of caring is introduced with emphasis on how such a methodology can be practically employed as a way and means of averting the plight of the Pentecostal widows in particular. Gerkin’s Shepherding methodology is discussed in a scholastic dialogue with Wimberly, who introduces the notion of privileging conversations with God. These two authorities are presented in a discourse with Pollard who diagnoses a theology which he calls positive deconstruction.
- Chapter four: Three clergy widows were drawn from the Pentecostal Church and two from the Mainline Church as samples of narrated stories. Their stories managed to open a new well of information which surfaced both in their story-telling as well as in their responses to the questionnaires. The data collected both through the questionnaires as well as the stories they shared was analyzed intensely.
- Chapter five: The integration of the methodology of caring amongst other subjects unfolded matters related to the required healing of the surviving widow, dying patient’s problems come to an end, family problems go on and the submission of a considerable theology for the care of widows. The Chapter is aimed at creating an integration of the methodology of pastoral caring.
- Chapter six: The following theologies were submitted as proposals in developing the caring theology for the Pentecostal clergy widows: 1. The theology of social responsibility. 2. The theology of power. 3. The theology of proclamation. 4. The theology of tending the flock
- Chapter seven: This last chapter provided findings and recommendations established throughout the entire research process. Findings discussed were as such informed by tradition, observation, literature and interviews. Recommendations were provided as a foundational layer of the new tool for the care of clergy widows, and the Pentecostal widows in particular, hence the creation of a caring model.
Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2011.
Practical Theology
unrestricted
42
Gorman, Roger Dale. "The other side of the mountain : initiatives of a younger Pentecostal generation." Thesis, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/2485.
Full textAbstract:
Pentecostal churches are growing significantly across the world, but occasionally
theological tensions arise within Pentecostal churches, sometimes related to intergenerational
differences, which hinder both quantitative and qualitative growth. This study
analyses the dynamics of a particular generation gap in one South African Pentecostal
congregation. It explores the initiatives of a cell group from the younger generation,
aimed at enhancing the credibility and effectiveness of the congregation's witness.
The cell group initiatives highlighted issues of leadership, biblical hermeneutics, and
the need for a theological re-assessment of local traditions that had always acted as
identity markers for the older generation. This study contends that the conflict between
a more collectivist older generation and a more individualist younger generation can be
bridged through well prepared conflict resolution processes led by credible intervention
teams and through some form of accommodation of the views and desires of both
generations.Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
D.Th. (Missiology)
43
Meyer, Lutz Eugen Robert. "The Pentecostal movement as represented in breakthrough international : an expression of Missio Dei? : a contribution to an experiental pneumatology of mission." Thesis, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/3952.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis critically evaluates the experiential missionary practice of Breakthrough International (BCI), an African charismatic Church, from a perspective of Missio Dei, a modem paradigm of mission conceptualized by ecumenical missiology. BCI, within its African world view, where the spiritual is tangibly real, has grown out of its experience of the Spirit, the divine principle of origin and normal experience of faith. Theological academic discourse, bound to an enlightenment concept of truth within a modem
Cartesian world view, can reasonably access and evaluate BCl's experience of the divine as proper source for theological discourse through BCl's narrative. Missio Dei, a response to the old church centered paradigm of mission, redefines mission as an activity of God, in which the mission centered church participates. God's mission unfolds in (post)modern history transformed through Christ's coming to an eschatological reality. It is realized as such by the local congregation in (post)secular times, acknowledging God's
preferential option for the poor and aims to humanize and liberate the world. God's mission is mediated through culture, and through contextualization creates a polycentric cultural identity of the gospel modeled after Christ's incarnation. It is in as much contextual as it is culture critical. BCI resembles Missio Dei in a very limited fashion. The difference in world views, and its
focus on personal experience, creates an uncritical paradigm of mission aiming to save the believer not the world. With little regard for the history of mission BCI wants to rewrite personal (hi)story without involving itself in world history imposing a spiritual agenda upon the world from the perspective of those who are victimized by history. Though it represents the poor it doesn't grasp Christ's incarnation and its implications for an understanding of the struggle of the poor as an issue of theology proper. Poverty is spiritualized to a matter of personal piety. BCI does not appreciate the contextuality of the gospel but understanding it as above culture. It creates a Christian subculture in limited corrilliunion with the church universal, very reluctant to involve itself in the public domain. Our dialogue with BCl's narrative form of theology acknowledges that modem, ecumenical missiology needs to rediscover the experience of the Spirit as source of mission; yet BCI needs to develop a theology which makes use of scripture, tradition, and reason in order to
find a broader and sustainable understanding of its experience of the divine.
As required by university regulations, I hereby state unambiguously that this study, unless specifically indicated to the contrary in the text, is my own original work. In accordance with the regulations of the University I request to take note that this thesis exceeds the recommended length for a doctoral dissertation. This has been unavoidable since the central question of this study deals with the experience of the Spirit in an African world view and assesses this experience from a modem Cartesian academic world view with special reference to Missio Dei. I have spelled out in detail (cf. pages 11-15 "The plan of the thesis") how incompatible those two world views are and that this incompatibility requires an intensive discussions with respect to the central issues of this thesis (especially Epistemology and Missio Dei). I therefore request the reader to bear with me as I try to move through the problems posed by the complexity of the main question.Thesis (Ph.D)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.
44
De, Wit Jacobus Martinus Joubert. "Die vernuwingskerke vanuit Baptiste agtergrond en hulle rol in Pretoria en omgewing : 'n kerkhistoriese studie (Afrikaans)." Thesis, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/29376.
Full text
45
Shingange, Themba. "Developing a post-heteronormative mission praxis with the Black Pentecostal Christians and the sexual minorities in Polokwane : South Africa." Thesis, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/25505.
Full textAbstract:
In this thesis, I engaged in a possibility of developing a Post-Heteronormative mission praxis with the black Pentecostal Christians and the sexual minorities in Polokwane, South Africa. The thesis critically examines the current heteronormative oriented mission praxis of the black Pentecostal Christians in Polokwane. It moves from the premise that the hegemonic position of heteronormativity within the black Pentecostal Christian’s circle in Polokwane needs to be problematized. I show in this thesis that the Christian church which challenged the social ill such as poverty, racism and apartheid in South Africa should take as its moral crusade the challenging of heteronormativity in the contemporary South Africa.
Additionally, the re-reading of Biblical passage of scriptures when developing mission strategies is in a way recommended. Following the same recommendation, the sexual minorities in Polokwane are regarded as a type of the Good Samaritan. From a Samaritan who was marginalised because of his ethnicity however, Jesus placed him in a position of a good neighbour as presented in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. The black Pentecostal Christians in Polokwane are called to come out of their confines. They are further challenged to see the good in the lives of the sexual minorities. By doing that, they can in process discover the presence of God already at work in the lives of the sexual minorities. Consequently, the post-heteronormative mission praxis was defined in the following manner: Mission as going out to see the good in the lives of the sexual minorities.Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
D. Th. (Missiology)
46
Chetty, Dilipraj. "From reductionism to contextualization : towards a relevant Pentecostal missiology in South Africa." Diss., 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/597.
Full textAbstract:
In the first part of this dissertation I investigate whether the Pentecostal Churches in
South Africa has a reductionist understanding of crucial missiological issues. Issues such
as the definition of mission, motivation for missions, the role of the Holy Spirit in
mission, mission as a quest for social justice, mission as anti-racism, mission as a quest
for gender equality and mission as inter-religious encounter. In the second part of the
dissertation I present a more contextual approach to these missiological issues,
challenging the Pentecostal churches to move: towards the formation of a more relevant
missiology. l finally present the 'cycle of missionary praxis' or 'the Pastoral cycle' as a
tool that can be used to formulate a contextual missiologyChristian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
M.Th.
47
Khanyile, Sphesihle Blessing. "The virtualization of the church: new media representations of Neo-Pentecostal performance(s) in South Africa." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/21829.
Full textAbstract:
Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of Degree
Master of Arts in Sociology
In the Graduate School of Humanities
School of Social Sciences
Department of Sociology
University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg 2016.The advent of new media, more specifically social media, has galvanized and radically revolutionized how religion is experienced, lived and expressed in (South) Africa. Social media has transmogrified the orthodox and normative modes of religious engagement and interaction. Day-to-day religious practices have become highly reliant on the (new) media. It is only logical therefore to foreground and locate the (new) media within the deeper inquiries relating to social phenomenon and social life. Social media has become the benchmark for understanding the transitions with regards to conceptualizing social phenomenon like Neo-Pentecostalism, which in recent times has taken the African continent by storm. This study explores how church performances and practices of controversial South African Neo-Pentecostal church End Time Disciples Ministries, led by notoriously shady and delinquent Prophet Penuel are represented on Facebook. The study is interested in analysing the online representations of church performance of this particular church. Moreover, the study committed at understanding how audiences (those who engage and interact on Facebook page) decode and interpret the messages and representational exhibitions disseminated through the church’s Facebook page. Through the employment of a rigorous Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis (MCDA), both visual and lexical semiotic choices on the Facebook page were analysed in order to demystify discursive, ideological and investments of power. It must be lamented that the intersections between religion and new/social media have been marginally ignored within qualitative epistemic inquiries. This study provides a breath of fresh air in that regard. The current status quo enlightens us that social relations have become vehemently digitized. It is therefore relevant and expedient for digital platforms to be taken seriously within sociological intellectual inquests. Church performances are receiving great impetus and potency on new/social media domains but minimal scholastic investment has been channelled in that direction. The End Time Disciple Ministries Facebook page is a platform where the most salient and non-salient representational projects of violence, power, exploitation, manipulation, hegemony, patriarchy are exhibited for public broadcast and consumption.
MT2017
48
"The language of religion in the Black Pentecostal Charismatic Church : a case study of a church in Pimville, Soweto." Thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14067.
Full textAbstract:
M.A. (Applied Linguistics & Literary Theory)This study examined the language of religion in the black Pentecostal Charismatic Church, and particularly the predominant use of English as a medium of communication. A mixed methods design was deemed appropriate for this study. The sample comprised of church members and a senior pastor from a church in Pimville, Soweto (to be referred to as Church A). Individual interviews and focus groups were used to collect qualitative data; in addition, participant observation was used to supplement the qualitative data. Surveys were used to collect quantitative data. Information emanating from the data was analysed qualitatively using the process of content analysis, as well as quantitatively using a descriptive statistics package (SPSS). The findings suggest that the congregants are receptive to the use of English in the service and see it as an all-inclusive language. However, a majority of these indicated that an interpreting service from English to an indigenous language should be provided by the church. On the basis of these findings, strategies for accommodating the diverse language concerns of the congregation were espoused.
49
Erasmus, Lodewikus Johannes. "Theological education in the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa." Thesis, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/18033.
Full textAbstract:
Text in EnglishThe 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)
50
Botha, Craig Frederick. "A biblical spirituality for evangelical and charismatic churches in 21st century South Africa." Diss., 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/4792.
Full textAbstract:
The Scriptures, as found in the Old and New Testaments, are foundational to a
genuine Christian spirituality. Among the different existing approaches to spirituality,
the evangelical and charismatic churches in South Africa today need to rediscover a
distinctive biblical approach to spirituality for themselves in order to facilitate the
discipleship of their own members. A holistic biblical spirituality can also serve society
in practical ways and challenge the perceptions and practices of a South African
society which is seeking to advance without religious foundations.Philosophy and Systematic Theology
M.Th. (Christian Spirituality)