M.A. / The church does not only exist for its own sake but it functions as an extension of God, in Christ, towards a world, which is getting lost. The understanding of the church as a missionary entity remains a core question (Net 1994:25). In response to this question different church models have tried to interpret their calling in a given situation in terms of metaphors. This has resulted in various patterns of ministry, describing to us the historical stature of the church. The Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa was established as a missionary endeavour coming from America. It had not been the intention to establish a church (Burger 1995:166). The passion for people who are getting lost was a feature of the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa in its early years. A unique pattern of ministry developed over the years, linked to a specific socio- historical history of origin. The pattern of ministry resulted in a Pentecostal tradition where the gifts of the Holy Spirit were regarded as the answer to the missionary calling of the church. Healing, glossolalia, prophecy and to a lesser degree also other gifts of the Spirit became an integral part of the liturgy. Conversion has been regarded as momentary and each service was characterised by a strong appeal to nonbelievers. Over the years the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Mission has experienced a definite tension between freedom and formalism in the liturgy.

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

In the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa (AFM) there is a school of thought, which has a very simplistic viewpoint of the role of the Evil One in the suffering in this world. Satan is seen as a very definite adversary who has to be resisted by rebuke and positive confession of the promises in the Bible in order for man to have a life free of any suffering. The consequence of the extreme dualistic perspective is that Satan is regarded as an independent entity. Man, as God’s representative, is the one with the authority and responsibility to thwart the efforts of Satan to cause suffering in the world. All suffering is the result of the direct onslaught of Satan. The Bible paints a different picture in both Testaments. Satan is a rebel, but still a creature subjected to the supremacy of God. There is also no preoccupation with Satan. He is an elusive foe, focusing his subtle attacks on the relationship between God and man. The Old Testament shows his subtle and illusive nature by using images of human enemies, mythical monsters and the threat of death. The believer of both Testaments resists him by living a Godfocused life. The life and works of C.S. Lewis have been pivotal in changing the perspective of the writer of this dissertation. Lewis shows that God is using suffering as a scalpel as it were, to cut out the infection caused by evil contamination in the heart of man. Until the Kingdom of God finally arrives in fullness, this will be the situation. Suffering has not only one role-player. The situation is more often than not of a very complex and mysterious nature. It is suggested that the simplistic school of thought take notice of the insights of Lewis. This study has shown that the simplistic school of thought in the AFM lacks the depth and balance found in the Bible and ingeniously expounded by C.S. Lewis. / Dr. LP Mare

Magister Theologiae - MTh / This study focuses on the field of youth ministry as a sub-discipline of Practical Theology. It will offer a survey of current literature in the field of youth ministry in order to identify some of the current issues in this discourse as well as some of the approaches which may be followed in Christian ministry to the youth. This study focuses, more specifically, on an approach to youth ministry which seeks to integrate the role of families and family life in Christian ministry to young people

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

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

Scientists emphasise the fact that the global environmental crisis is a threat to all life on earth. The Bible and the church, and therefore also the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa, are blamed for the increasing predicament. The unilateral emphasis on biblical anthropocentrism is the direct cause of man’s dominance over creation and the exploitation of nature. This anthropocentristic way of life, in which nature is regarded to be no more than the stage upon which the human drama is enacted, and to have very little intrinsic worth, has caused animosity between the world of faith and the natural world. Man has come to believe that he has absolute tenure and that he can treat the earth as he likes. Theological interpretations have contributed to the problem by focusing on salvation theology which deals exclusively with saving humankind “from” the earth. This study aims at inculcating a biblically founded, practicable eco-awareness in the members of the AFM of SA by proving that salvation theology on its own leads to an impoverished, one-sided ethos, and that the negation of eco-equity in the Bible has far-reaching consequences in terms of sustainable development. The Bible can contribute towards restoring harmony with the earth, because the Bible has an indisputable “green” dimension. An analysis of the biblical text made the discovery of new “green” encoded values possible. In following the tracks of the new Earth Bible Series (NC Habel et al) the hermeneutics of suspicion and recovery were used to find eco-just values in the Bible. The quest for “green” encoded values yielded surprising eco-just principles that contributed towards the successful eco-friendly assessment of a number of biblical texts. The reconstruction of Israel’s nature and world view showed that Israel had indeed been aware of nature. Israel acknowledged her mutual bond with nature and her dependency on it as part of her responsibility to keep the covenant. Nature frequently acted as God’s messenger and Israel was compelled to act within certain parameters as far as nature was concerned. Israel was shaped by her environment. The use of metaphors and myths in biblical texts shows that a close bond existed with nature. God’s appearance in the form of theophanies imbued nature with intrinsic value. Israel’s broad value orientation with regard to nature can be regarded as a harmonious one. The AFM of SA was evaluated in the light of a biblically founded eco-justness and it was concluded that she has been ecologically insensitive up to the present. A closer investigation of the constitution of the church has indicated a lack of eco-justness. Furthermore an investigation into the agenda of the church during important church meetings has shown no important ecological interest. Reasons for this insensitivity could be found in the redemption theology of the church, in her doctrine concerning the hereafter and in the dualism that exists between the spiritual and the natural world. In an attempt to find solutions to the ecological paucity in the AFM of SA a first step would be to cooperate with scientists in order to achieve a greater understanding of the wonders of the biodiversity of the earth, and of its intricate cosmic design. Greater emphasis must be placed on the cosmic work of the Holy Spirit and the execution of God’s will on earth. Furthermore ecclesiastical practice could be more widely utilised in order to establish an eco-ethic. Public worship should allow for ecological responsibility. Eco-justness should be taken into account in shaping man in his totality. Social activities such as breakaway weekends and official gatherings are excellent opportunities for eco-justness to be promoted in the AFM of SA. Biblically founded eco-just knowledge will undoubtedly contribute towards a new eco-awareness in the AFM of SA. It will certainly make a difference in the country, as well as in the church and in the lives of her members. In advancing eco-justness the church will increase her influence, boost her public image and promote her contribution towards sustainable development. / Prof. H. Viviers

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

M.Ed.

Prof. W.J. Hattingh Prof. H. Viviers