The main problem, which this study aims to address is: what Biblical counselling can be given to Sotho Christian members who believe in Witchcraft? In addressing this problem the study will attempt to answer the following questions: What is the Scriptural message concerning witchcraft? What effect does the problem of limited cosmic good; fear and doubt about one's life-force have on Christians of the Reformed Churches in the resort of Synod Midlands? What guidelines can be developed to contribute in pastoral counselling for members who strongly believe in witchcraft? Therefore the aim of this study is to investigate and propose guidelines for counselling Sotho Christian members who believe in witchcraft. The study utilises Zerfass's model for research to form a basis theory, meta-theory and practical theoretical guidelines and methodology (Heyns & Pieterse, 1990:35-36). The study compares a Scriptural perspective about witchcraft practice with the practical situation that Sotho Christian members find in their daily lives. The following key words and phrases direct the focus of the study: limited cosmic good, fear, and doubt about someone's life-force. Scriptural perspectives and the key words are researched in detail, compared and evaluated Biblically. The conclusion provides guidelines from a Christian perspective to help Sotho Christian members who believe in witchcraft. These guidelines may only be effective when Sotho Christian members and Christian counsellors follow them. It is the duty of the Church of God to promote those Biblical guidelines and it is also the duty of the Sotho Christian members to apply them fully in their daily lives. / Thesis (M.A. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

The main problem, which this study aims to address is: what Biblical counselling can be given to Sotho Christian members who believe in Witchcraft? In addressing this problem the study will attempt to answer the following questions: What is the Scriptural message concerning witchcraft? What effect does the problem of limited cosmic good; fear and doubt about one's life-force have on Christians of the Reformed Churches in the resort of Synod Midlands? What guidelines can be developed to contribute in pastoral counselling for members who strongly believe in witchcraft? Therefore the aim of this study is to investigate and propose guidelines for counselling Sotho Christian members who believe in witchcraft. The study utilises Zerfass's model for research to form a basis theory, meta-theory and practical theoretical guidelines and methodology (Heyns & Pieterse, 1990:35-36). The study compares a Scriptural perspective about witchcraft practice with the practical situation that Sotho Christian members find in their daily lives. The following key words and phrases direct the focus of the study: limited cosmic good, fear, and doubt about someone's life-force. Scriptural perspectives and the key words are researched in detail, compared and evaluated Biblically. The conclusion provides guidelines from a Christian perspective to help Sotho Christian members who believe in witchcraft. These guidelines may only be effective when Sotho Christian members and Christian counsellors follow them. It is the duty of the Church of God to promote those Biblical guidelines and it is also the duty of the Sotho Christian members to apply them fully in their daily lives. / Thesis (M.A. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

South Africa, after ten years of democracy should have been a secure and peaceful place. It has however developed into a cesspool of violence. Violent crime is currently a common factor in everyday life. It is especially the severe nature of the assault and mutilation that makes violent crimes so traumatizing. The aim of this study is to identify the need for counselling of these traumatized victims of violent crimes and to design a future strategy for the possible application by pastoral counsellors and ministers to support and minister these violent crime victims. The method of approach according to which this study was done, is the practical theological model of Getz where the different perspectives was studied through lenses. From the above mentioned survey it became evident that violent crimes are still increasing and the subsequent trauma received very little attention up to now. Empirical research clearly suggested that although these victims needed pastoral counselling, they did not receive any form 293 of counselling. With the help of the pastoral counsellor these violent crime victims can overcome trauma. Pastoral counselling to the traumatized victim of violent crime is carried out by the counsellor, a called servant of God, using Scripturally founded pastoral skills in counselling, in this way creating a pastoral relationship. The aim is to lead the counselee towards growth in belief in God in order to handle this through faith. The conclusion reached after the research had been taken is that traumatized victims of violent crimes did not receive counselling from their ministers. The trauma that is caused by violent crimes has a fierce impact on victims and this research, with the aid of the pastoral model, might help victims to carry on their daily lives in honour of God. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

South Africa, after ten years of democracy should have been a secure and peaceful place. It has however developed into a cesspool of violence. Violent crime is currently a common factor in everyday life. It is especially the severe nature of the assault and mutilation that makes violent crimes so traumatizing. The aim of this study is to identify the need for counselling of these traumatized victims of violent crimes and to design a future strategy for the possible application by pastoral counsellors and ministers to support and minister these violent crime victims. The method of approach according to which this study was done, is the practical theological model of Getz where the different perspectives was studied through lenses. From the above mentioned survey it became evident that violent crimes are still increasing and the subsequent trauma received very little attention up to now. Empirical research clearly suggested that although these victims needed pastoral counselling, they did not receive any form 293 of counselling. With the help of the pastoral counsellor these violent crime victims can overcome trauma. Pastoral counselling to the traumatized victim of violent crime is carried out by the counsellor, a called servant of God, using Scripturally founded pastoral skills in counselling, in this way creating a pastoral relationship. The aim is to lead the counselee towards growth in belief in God in order to handle this through faith. The conclusion reached after the research had been taken is that traumatized victims of violent crimes did not receive counselling from their ministers. The trauma that is caused by violent crimes has a fierce impact on victims and this research, with the aid of the pastoral model, might help victims to carry on their daily lives in honour of God. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

This study was prompted by the remarkable need for pastoral counselling for wounded Rwandese women. Many women that survived the 1994 genocide in Rwanda had been widowed, raped and beaten, had cut their arms and legs, had been forced to kill their own children and were infected with HIV/AIDS during that time. They were emotionally, spiritually and physically wounded by the 1994 genocide. They do not have hope for tomorrow; they do not have peace in their minds because of what happened to them and to their beloved ones. In addition, some Christians left the church, saying that God is no longer there because more Rwandese died in the church than anywhere else, while thinking that it would be a safe place. The main question that this study aims to address, is: What pastoral guidelines can be given to wounded Rwandese women between the ages of 35-55 in Kibuye who suffered from the 1994 genocide? In addressing this question, the study attempts to answer the following questions: • What pastoral guidelines does the Bible provide with regard to counselling wounded people in a situation of genocide? • What do secular literature indicate with regard to counselling in a case of genocide? • What impact did the genocide have on the Rwandese women between ages of 35-55 in Kibuye? • What pastoral guidelines may be given to the wounded person? The aim of this study is therefore to find and formulate pastoral guidelines that can be used in counselling the Rwandese women aged 35-55 in Kibuye who suffered from the 1994 genocide. The study utilises Zerfass' model (1974:164-177) for Practical Theology. This method comprises the basic theory, the meta-theory and the praxis theory. Finally, the researcher utilises the Bible to formulate and propose some Biblical guidelines that would help wounded Rwandese women to cope with their wounds so that they may live a holy life even though their situation is bad. / Thesis (M.A. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

This study was prompted by the remarkable need for pastoral counselling for wounded Rwandese women. Many women that survived the 1994 genocide in Rwanda had been widowed, raped and beaten, had cut their arms and legs, had been forced to kill their own children and were infected with HIV/AIDS during that time. They were emotionally, spiritually and physically wounded by the 1994 genocide. They do not have hope for tomorrow; they do not have peace in their minds because of what happened to them and to their beloved ones. In addition, some Christians left the church, saying that God is no longer there because more Rwandese died in the church than anywhere else, while thinking that it would be a safe place. The main question that this study aims to address, is: What pastoral guidelines can be given to wounded Rwandese women between the ages of 35-55 in Kibuye who suffered from the 1994 genocide? In addressing this question, the study attempts to answer the following questions: • What pastoral guidelines does the Bible provide with regard to counselling wounded people in a situation of genocide? • What do secular literature indicate with regard to counselling in a case of genocide? • What impact did the genocide have on the Rwandese women between ages of 35-55 in Kibuye? • What pastoral guidelines may be given to the wounded person? The aim of this study is therefore to find and formulate pastoral guidelines that can be used in counselling the Rwandese women aged 35-55 in Kibuye who suffered from the 1994 genocide. The study utilises Zerfass' model (1974:164-177) for Practical Theology. This method comprises the basic theory, the meta-theory and the praxis theory. Finally, the researcher utilises the Bible to formulate and propose some Biblical guidelines that would help wounded Rwandese women to cope with their wounds so that they may live a holy life even though their situation is bad. / Thesis (M.A. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

The aim of this study was to do research to see whether the father is absent in the South African context and design a practical theory for possible use by a Biblical counsellor to help fathers that can't fulfil their role properly in the family. The role of the father can again be restored through Biblical counselling. This study is done on the basis of the following : a basic theory is set out on which Scriptural perspectives on the subject have been researched; a meta theoretical evaluation is obtained from the three disciplines - Sociology, Psychology and Social Work; empirical research by means of interviews and questionnaires. The empirical research indicated that sampling among women proved that they experience and live through the absent role of the father. According to the questionnaires and interviews it was remarkable that all eight women longed for Biblical counselling. The study further indicates that Scriptural perspectives show how the role of the father must be according to the original Fatherhood of God. Scripture use and prayer are the basis to set practical theoretical perspectives, specific as well as in general, in connection with the absent father figure. The Biblical counsellor, leader, minister and pastor can possibly use the guidelines to explain and set out the role of the father. The greatest responsibility the father carries in his family is the portrayal and modelling of Jesus Christ's attributes and example. The conclusion of this study is that the Fatherhood of God makes it possible for the father to fulfil his role and function within the family and live it out in the community. The father cannot be separated from the family, because the relationship wherein the father, mother and child stand, is indissoluble. / The aim of this study was to do research to see whether the father is absent in the South African context and design a practical theory for possible use by a Biblical counsellor to help fathers that can't fulfil their role properly in the family. The role of the father can again be restored through Biblical counselling. This study is done on the basis of the following : a basic theory is set out on which Scriptural perspectives on the subject have been researched; a meta theoretical evaluation is obtained from the three disciplines - Sociology, Psychology and Social Work; empirical research by means of interviews and questionnaires. The empirical research indicated that sampling among women proved that they experience and live through the absent role of the father. According to the questionnaires and interviews it was remarkable that all eight women longed for Biblical counselling. The study further indicates that Scriptural perspectives show how the role of the father must be according to the original Fatherhood of God. Scripture use and prayer are the basis to set practical theoretical perspectives, specific as well as in general, in connection with the absent father figure. The Biblical counsellor, leader, minister and pastor can possibly use the guidelines to explain and set out the role of the father. The greatest responsibility the father carries in his family is the portrayal and modelling of Jesus Christ's attributes and example. The conclusion of this study is that the Fatherhood of God makes it possible for the father to fulfil his role and function within the family and live it out in the community. The father cannot be separated from the family, because the relationship wherein the father, mother and child stand, is indissoluble. / Thesis (M.A. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Vooronderstellings by die Beradene - 'n Pastorale Studie is a doctoral dissertation which explores the proposition and find that identifying presuppositions ("core beliefs") and taking it into account enhances the effectiveness of the pastoral counselling process. The practical-theological model of Heitink is used as method to do research. It entails hermeneutical, empirical and strategic aspects: Hermeneutically 1. To show from Scripture some relevant perspectives on the research concept "presupposition", with the counselee in view. 2. To show from boarder sciences such as Philosophy and Psychology some relevant perspectives on the research concept "presupposition", with the counselee in view. Empirically 3. To determine if "presuppositions" play a role with counselees. Strategically 4. To formulate guidelines for effective counselling, identifying "presuppositions" of counselees and dealing with those "presuppositions". Given the understanding of "presupposition" as a belief that takes precedence over another and therefore serves as a criterion for another particular perspectives are shown from Scripture which narrow down basic concepts like "view of man", "perception" and "world and life view" pointing out that presuppositions of counselees should be taken into account. Jay Edward Adams's use of the word "presupposition" can be traced back via Cornelius van Til to the influential figure lmmanuel Kant. Van Til's use of the word is not the same as Adams though Adams associated himself with Van Til. Taking Idealism into account does not make Cornelius Van Til an Idealist. H.G. Stoker supplements Van Til's understanding and use of the word "presupposition". "Depth" and "coherence" come in this way to light with "symbiosis" regarding counselling. Aaron T. Beck's therapeutic model pertinently gives attention to and focuses upon the counselee, especially information processing by the counselee. Presuppositions ("core beliefs") can thus be clinically investigated, taken into account and be dealt with during counselling. An empirical investigation at Lydenburg, Mpumalanga, SA shows that the counselling process is definitely influenced by presuppositions of counsellees. It is therefore needed that counselling (by the Church) gives urgent and in-depth attention to presuppositions of counselees. From the classical reformed paradigm of doing theology Vooronderstellings by die Beradene - 'n Pastorale Studie formulates a therapeutic design called "Referential Therapy" and some preliminary guidelines to identify and deal with presuppositions of counselees. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The aim of this study was to do research to see whether the father is absent in the South African context and design a practical theory for possible use by a Biblical counsellor to help fathers that can't fulfil their role properly in the family. The role of the father can again be restored through Biblical counselling. This study is done on the basis of the following : a basic theory is set out on which Scriptural perspectives on the subject have been researched; a meta theoretical evaluation is obtained from the three disciplines - Sociology, Psychology and Social Work; empirical research by means of interviews and questionnaires. The empirical research indicated that sampling among women proved that they experience and live through the absent role of the father. According to the questionnaires and interviews it was remarkable that all eight women longed for Biblical counselling. The study further indicates that Scriptural perspectives show how the role of the father must be according to the original Fatherhood of God. Scripture use and prayer are the basis to set practical theoretical perspectives, specific as well as in general, in connection with the absent father figure. The Biblical counsellor, leader, minister and pastor can possibly use the guidelines to explain and set out the role of the father. The greatest responsibility the father carries in his family is the portrayal and modelling of Jesus Christ's attributes and example. The conclusion of this study is that the Fatherhood of God makes it possible for the father to fulfil his role and function within the family and live it out in the community. The father cannot be separated from the family, because the relationship wherein the father, mother and child stand, is indissoluble. / The aim of this study was to do research to see whether the father is absent in the South African context and design a practical theory for possible use by a Biblical counsellor to help fathers that can't fulfil their role properly in the family. The role of the father can again be restored through Biblical counselling. This study is done on the basis of the following : a basic theory is set out on which Scriptural perspectives on the subject have been researched; a meta theoretical evaluation is obtained from the three disciplines - Sociology, Psychology and Social Work; empirical research by means of interviews and questionnaires. The empirical research indicated that sampling among women proved that they experience and live through the absent role of the father. According to the questionnaires and interviews it was remarkable that all eight women longed for Biblical counselling. The study further indicates that Scriptural perspectives show how the role of the father must be according to the original Fatherhood of God. Scripture use and prayer are the basis to set practical theoretical perspectives, specific as well as in general, in connection with the absent father figure. The Biblical counsellor, leader, minister and pastor can possibly use the guidelines to explain and set out the role of the father. The greatest responsibility the father carries in his family is the portrayal and modelling of Jesus Christ's attributes and example. The conclusion of this study is that the Fatherhood of God makes it possible for the father to fulfil his role and function within the family and live it out in the community. The father cannot be separated from the family, because the relationship wherein the father, mother and child stand, is indissoluble. / Thesis (M.A. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Vooronderstellings by die Beradene - 'n Pastorale Studie is a doctoral dissertation which explores the proposition and find that identifying presuppositions ("core beliefs") and taking it into account enhances the effectiveness of the pastoral counselling process. The practical-theological model of Heitink is used as method to do research. It entails hermeneutical, empirical and strategic aspects: Hermeneutically 1. To show from Scripture some relevant perspectives on the research concept "presupposition", with the counselee in view. 2. To show from boarder sciences such as Philosophy and Psychology some relevant perspectives on the research concept "presupposition", with the counselee in view. Empirically 3. To determine if "presuppositions" play a role with counselees. Strategically 4. To formulate guidelines for effective counselling, identifying "presuppositions" of counselees and dealing with those "presuppositions". Given the understanding of "presupposition" as a belief that takes precedence over another and therefore serves as a criterion for another particular perspectives are shown from Scripture which narrow down basic concepts like "view of man", "perception" and "world and life view" pointing out that presuppositions of counselees should be taken into account. Jay Edward Adams's use of the word "presupposition" can be traced back via Cornelius van Til to the influential figure lmmanuel Kant. Van Til's use of the word is not the same as Adams though Adams associated himself with Van Til. Taking Idealism into account does not make Cornelius Van Til an Idealist. H.G. Stoker supplements Van Til's understanding and use of the word "presupposition". "Depth" and "coherence" come in this way to light with "symbiosis" regarding counselling. Aaron T. Beck's therapeutic model pertinently gives attention to and focuses upon the counselee, especially information processing by the counselee. Presuppositions ("core beliefs") can thus be clinically investigated, taken into account and be dealt with during counselling. An empirical investigation at Lydenburg, Mpumalanga, SA shows that the counselling process is definitely influenced by presuppositions of counsellees. It is therefore needed that counselling (by the Church) gives urgent and in-depth attention to presuppositions of counselees. From the classical reformed paradigm of doing theology Vooronderstellings by die Beradene - 'n Pastorale Studie formulates a therapeutic design called "Referential Therapy" and some preliminary guidelines to identify and deal with presuppositions of counselees. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.