This thesis is an exploration into the integration of a pastoral, narrative and family therapy approach with the purpose of developing an integrated family workbook that ministers, pastors, counsellors and families can use as a pro-active guide in counselling. It is a qualitative exploratory study using in-depth literature studies as well as in-depth interviews and research into existing family counselling models. Participants to the study were social workers, ministers, pastors, counsellors and psychologist. The in-depth-literature study focused primarily on the theory and practice of a pastoral, narrative and family approach and secondly on the history of psychology and theology integration.Both the literature study, research into existing family therapy models and in-depth interviews confirm to the research questions: Is it possible to integrate a pastoral, narrative and family therapy approach? Is there a need for an integrated family therapy workbook?-in that - families do not only struggle to cope on a socio-economic level (lack of income and housing for example) but the lack of morals and values and “get together” also plays a vital role. In the voice of participants: “Families need to discover their own family belief and faith system and hear the voices of one another, they need to be understood in terms of their religion, culture, tradition, history and life story”.Many counsellors use one preferred approach in counselling. Harm can come to clients in counselling who are expected to fit all the specifications of a given theory. Practitioners need to challenge and tailor their theory and practice to fit the unique needs of clients/families. This requirement calls for counsellors to possess knowledge of various cultures, be aware of their own cultural heritage, and have skills to assist a wide spectrum of clients in dealing with reality. Each theory has its unique contributions and its own domain of expertise. By accepting that each theory has strengths and weaknesses and is, by definition, “different” from the others, practitioners have some basis to begin developing a theory that fits for them. / Practical Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology with specialisation in Pastoral Narrative and Family counselling)

This thesis is an exploration into the integration of a pastoral, narrative and family therapy approach with the purpose of developing an integrated family workbook that ministers, pastors, counsellors and families can use as a pro-active guide in counselling. It is a qualitative exploratory study using in-depth literature studies as well as in-depth interviews and research into existing family counselling models. Participants to the study were social workers, ministers, pastors, counsellors and psychologist. The in-depth-literature study focused primarily on the theory and practice of a pastoral, narrative and family approach and secondly on the history of psychology and theology integration.Both the literature study, research into existing family therapy models and in-depth interviews confirm to the research questions: Is it possible to integrate a pastoral, narrative and family therapy approach? Is there a need for an integrated family therapy workbook?-in that - families do not only struggle to cope on a socio-economic level (lack of income and housing for example) but the lack of morals and values and “get together” also plays a vital role. In the voice of participants: “Families need to discover their own family belief and faith system and hear the voices of one another, they need to be understood in terms of their religion, culture, tradition, history and life story”.Many counsellors use one preferred approach in counselling. Harm can come to clients in counselling who are expected to fit all the specifications of a given theory. Practitioners need to challenge and tailor their theory and practice to fit the unique needs of clients/families. This requirement calls for counsellors to possess knowledge of various cultures, be aware of their own cultural heritage, and have skills to assist a wide spectrum of clients in dealing with reality. Each theory has its unique contributions and its own domain of expertise. By accepting that each theory has strengths and weaknesses and is, by definition, “different” from the others, practitioners have some basis to begin developing a theory that fits for them. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology with specialisation in Pastoral Narrative and Family counselling)

Text in Afrikaans / Skrywers oar die gesin kom al hoe meer tot die slotsom dat die gesin onvervangbaar is in die sosialiseringsproses van die mens. Die gesin is noodsaaklik vir die modeme mens se soeke na vastigheid, geborgenheid en identiteit. Die oorspronklike verhouding tussen ouer en kind binne die kerngesin is onvervangbaar. Die vraag wat in die studie aan die orde kom is of die modeme gesin wel so 'n belangrike plek inneem in die huidige samelewing. Is die gevolg van al die probleme waarmee die moderne gesin le kampe het en die wisselvallige wereld waarin ons lewe nie juis dat die gesin se plek as veilige hawe al hoe meer bedreig word nie? Daar moet altyd in die bediening aan die gesin onthou word dat die gesin 'n ontwikkelende sisteem is. Daar moet veral by die behoeftes in die verskillende lewensfases aangesluit word. ln God se handeling met. die mens vind ons dat daar 'n baie noue verband is tussen die gesin en die verbond. Soos tewens die hele gemeente, is die gesin ook "'n koninklike priesterdom . .. . . . die eiendomsvolk van God". (1 Pet. 2:9) Die kerk staan voor die wonderlike uitdaging om in die tyd waar daar 'n besondere behoefte aan sosiale verhoudings bestaan, die behoefte te vul met iets wat God self gee, iets wat veel grater as sosiale vriendskap is... . . . koinonia! Des te meer die kerk se invloedsfeer in die samelewing krimp en mense nie meer aktief by die instituut inskakel nie, des te belangriker word die gesin. In die gesekulariseerde samelewing word die gesin die konkrete kontakpunt waarmee die kerk op die plaaslike vlak sy invloedsfeer binne mense se daaglikse leefmilieu kan laat geld. Die studie vra vir 'n andersoortige bediening waarin die behoeftes van die gesin aangespreek word en waar die gesin primer die fokus is. Dit moet 'n bediening aan die gesin en 'n bediening deur die gesin wees. Die gemeente moet gesinne leer en aan hulle demonstreer wat God se doe! met die gesin is. Die kerk is by uitstek in die posisie om die wye verskeidenheid van gesinstipes in die samelewing te kan bedien. Die kerk kan ook gesinne help om aanpassings te maak in 'n veranderende samelewing. 'n Gesinsbediening kan 'n uitstekende nuwe fokus word vir die missie van die kerk. / Researches on the family came to the conclusion that the family is irreplaceable in the socialising process of a person. The family is necessary for the modern persons need for stability, security and identity. The original relationship between a parent and child in the family is irreplaceable. The question which arises in this study is whether the modern family is so important in the current society. Is the result of all the problems which the family faces and the changeable world not that the family as secure harbour is in danger? In the ministry it must always be borne in mind that the family is a developing system. Special attention must be paid so that all the different phases of life are included. In God's involvement with man, we find that there is a very close relationship between the family and the sacrament. As is the entire church, so is the family " ...... priests of the King, ..... God's own people" (1 Pet. 2:19). In a time where there is an exceptional need for social relationships, the church is faced with a great challenge to fill this need with something that is from God, something far more fulfilling than social friendships .... Kononia. The further the churche's influence declines in a society and people withdraw from involvement within the institution, the more important the family becomes. In a secularized society the family becomes the concrete point of contact through which the church can, at local level, use its influence within peoples daily life environment. This study calls for another type of ministry in wt)ich the needs of the family can be addressed and where the family becomes the primary focus.· It must b~ a ministry to the family and through the family. The congregation must educate families as well as demonstrate God's purpose with the family. The church is pre-eminently in a position to serve the various types of families in society. The church is also able to help families to make adjustments in a changing society. A family ministry can become an excellent new point of focus for the mission of the church. / Practical Theology / D.Th. (Practical Theolgy)

Text in Afrikaans / Die samelewing heleef tans groot veranderinge. Die kerk en gesinslewe word heide daardeur geraak. Al meer druk word op gesinslewe geplaas en daardeur verander gesinne se hehoeftes. Een van die grootste hehoeftes van gesinne is 'n hehoefte aan diepteverhoudings, medemenslike erkenning, emosionele sekuriteit en interpersoonlike intimiteit. Die kerk moet hierdie hehoeftes kan raaksien en aanspreek. Vir 'n hediening aan gesinne en deur gesinne, is dit noodsaaklik dat die gemeente opnuut weer God se plan met die gesin herontdek; die gemeente moet die gesin as 'n ekosistemiese eenheid verstaan en die ontwikkelingsfases en emosionele prosesse binne 'n gesinsisteem moet in ag geneem word. In hierdie studie word die selgemeente gehruik om moontlike antwoorde te hied vir die hehoeftes van gesinne. Die hevinding van hierdie studie is dat die selgemeente oor die potensiaal heskik om vir die gesin 'n ware tuiste te hied waar gelowige gesinne toegerus en opgehou kan word vir hulle roeping in die gemeente, die samelewing en die wereld. Die selgemeente kan 'n moontlike model vir 'n gesinshediening wees. / The church and family are both affected by the immense changes in society. Family needs change under the pressure of these changes. Among the greatest family needs are a relationship with depth, acknowledgement from fellow-man, emotional security and interpersonal intimacy. The church must recognise these needs and address them. A ministry to families must firstly rediscover God's plan for the family; secondly the family must be seen as an ecosystemic unity; thirdly development and emotional phases in the family must be understood and managed. I used the cell church model as a basis to develop a structure for family ministry. I found the cell church model to be essentially a relationship model. I came to the conclusion that the cell church model has the potential to be a genuine home for family; to be a basis from which the family can be built up and from which the family can be equipped for their calling. Thus, I found the cell church model to be a possible model for family ministry. / Philosophy, Practical & Systematic Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology)

Text in Afrikaans / Skrywers oar die gesin kom al hoe meer tot die slotsom dat die gesin onvervangbaar is in die sosialiseringsproses van die mens. Die gesin is noodsaaklik vir die modeme mens se soeke na vastigheid, geborgenheid en identiteit. Die oorspronklike verhouding tussen ouer en kind binne die kerngesin is onvervangbaar. Die vraag wat in die studie aan die orde kom is of die modeme gesin wel so 'n belangrike plek inneem in die huidige samelewing. Is die gevolg van al die probleme waarmee die moderne gesin le kampe het en die wisselvallige wereld waarin ons lewe nie juis dat die gesin se plek as veilige hawe al hoe meer bedreig word nie? Daar moet altyd in die bediening aan die gesin onthou word dat die gesin 'n ontwikkelende sisteem is. Daar moet veral by die behoeftes in die verskillende lewensfases aangesluit word. ln God se handeling met. die mens vind ons dat daar 'n baie noue verband is tussen die gesin en die verbond. Soos tewens die hele gemeente, is die gesin ook "'n koninklike priesterdom . .. . . . die eiendomsvolk van God". (1 Pet. 2:9) Die kerk staan voor die wonderlike uitdaging om in die tyd waar daar 'n besondere behoefte aan sosiale verhoudings bestaan, die behoefte te vul met iets wat God self gee, iets wat veel grater as sosiale vriendskap is... . . . koinonia! Des te meer die kerk se invloedsfeer in die samelewing krimp en mense nie meer aktief by die instituut inskakel nie, des te belangriker word die gesin. In die gesekulariseerde samelewing word die gesin die konkrete kontakpunt waarmee die kerk op die plaaslike vlak sy invloedsfeer binne mense se daaglikse leefmilieu kan laat geld. Die studie vra vir 'n andersoortige bediening waarin die behoeftes van die gesin aangespreek word en waar die gesin primer die fokus is. Dit moet 'n bediening aan die gesin en 'n bediening deur die gesin wees. Die gemeente moet gesinne leer en aan hulle demonstreer wat God se doe! met die gesin is. Die kerk is by uitstek in die posisie om die wye verskeidenheid van gesinstipes in die samelewing te kan bedien. Die kerk kan ook gesinne help om aanpassings te maak in 'n veranderende samelewing. 'n Gesinsbediening kan 'n uitstekende nuwe fokus word vir die missie van die kerk. / Researches on the family came to the conclusion that the family is irreplaceable in the socialising process of a person. The family is necessary for the modern persons need for stability, security and identity. The original relationship between a parent and child in the family is irreplaceable. The question which arises in this study is whether the modern family is so important in the current society. Is the result of all the problems which the family faces and the changeable world not that the family as secure harbour is in danger? In the ministry it must always be borne in mind that the family is a developing system. Special attention must be paid so that all the different phases of life are included. In God's involvement with man, we find that there is a very close relationship between the family and the sacrament. As is the entire church, so is the family " ...... priests of the King, ..... God's own people" (1 Pet. 2:19). In a time where there is an exceptional need for social relationships, the church is faced with a great challenge to fill this need with something that is from God, something far more fulfilling than social friendships .... Kononia. The further the churche's influence declines in a society and people withdraw from involvement within the institution, the more important the family becomes. In a secularized society the family becomes the concrete point of contact through which the church can, at local level, use its influence within peoples daily life environment. This study calls for another type of ministry in wt)ich the needs of the family can be addressed and where the family becomes the primary focus.· It must b~ a ministry to the family and through the family. The congregation must educate families as well as demonstrate God's purpose with the family. The church is pre-eminently in a position to serve the various types of families in society. The church is also able to help families to make adjustments in a changing society. A family ministry can become an excellent new point of focus for the mission of the church. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / D.Th. (Practical Theolgy)

Text in Afrikaans / Die samelewing heleef tans groot veranderinge. Die kerk en gesinslewe word heide daardeur geraak. Al meer druk word op gesinslewe geplaas en daardeur verander gesinne se hehoeftes. Een van die grootste hehoeftes van gesinne is 'n hehoefte aan diepteverhoudings, medemenslike erkenning, emosionele sekuriteit en interpersoonlike intimiteit. Die kerk moet hierdie hehoeftes kan raaksien en aanspreek. Vir 'n hediening aan gesinne en deur gesinne, is dit noodsaaklik dat die gemeente opnuut weer God se plan met die gesin herontdek; die gemeente moet die gesin as 'n ekosistemiese eenheid verstaan en die ontwikkelingsfases en emosionele prosesse binne 'n gesinsisteem moet in ag geneem word. In hierdie studie word die selgemeente gehruik om moontlike antwoorde te hied vir die hehoeftes van gesinne. Die hevinding van hierdie studie is dat die selgemeente oor die potensiaal heskik om vir die gesin 'n ware tuiste te hied waar gelowige gesinne toegerus en opgehou kan word vir hulle roeping in die gemeente, die samelewing en die wereld. Die selgemeente kan 'n moontlike model vir 'n gesinshediening wees. / The church and family are both affected by the immense changes in society. Family needs change under the pressure of these changes. Among the greatest family needs are a relationship with depth, acknowledgement from fellow-man, emotional security and interpersonal intimacy. The church must recognise these needs and address them. A ministry to families must firstly rediscover God's plan for the family; secondly the family must be seen as an ecosystemic unity; thirdly development and emotional phases in the family must be understood and managed. I used the cell church model as a basis to develop a structure for family ministry. I found the cell church model to be essentially a relationship model. I came to the conclusion that the cell church model has the potential to be a genuine home for family; to be a basis from which the family can be built up and from which the family can be equipped for their calling. Thus, I found the cell church model to be a possible model for family ministry. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology)