Magister Theologiae - MTh

The purpose of this study is focus on the relationship among the sense of calling, workload and work satisfaction. Using police officers as the research subject, this study also intends to discuss the concept and the importance of the sense of calling. The results of this study show that older and married male, with longer tenure and higher ranking, seem to display higher degree of the sense of calling. Furthermore, the results also indicate that the sense of calling is positively related to work satisfaction, and surprisingly, is positively related to workload as well, which may imply the opposite sides of the influences of the sense of calling. Considering the strong link among the sense of calling, workload, and work satisfaction, it is believed that the sense of calling might play a critical role in the working context. Also, the concept of the sense of calling may differ from the previous illustration under the Chinese culture and in the specific occupational context, i.e. police; therefore, it should be worth to discuss in the future studies.

In the last years, the amount of available data in the field of computational biology steadily increased. In order to be able to analyze these data, various algorithms have been developed by bioinformaticians to process them efficiently. Moreover, computational models were developed to predict for instance biological relationships of species. Furthermore, the prediction of properties like the structure of certain biological molecules is modeled by complex algorithms. Despite these advances in handling such complicated tasks with automated workflows and a huge variety of freely available tools, the expert still needs to supervise the data analysis pipeline inspecting the quality of both the input data and the results. Additionally, choosing appropriate parameters of a model is quite involved. Visual support puts the expert into the data analysis loop by providing visual encodings of the data and the analysis results together with interaction facilities. In order to meet the requirements of the experts, the visualizations usually have to be adapted for the application purpose or completely new representations have to be developed. Furthermore, it is necessary to combine these visualizations with the algorithms of the experts to prepare the data. These in-situ visualizations are needed due to the amount of data handled within the analysis pipeline in this domain. In this thesis, algorithms and visualizations are presented that were developed in two different research areas of computational biology. On the one hand, the multi-replicate peak-caller Sierra Platinum was developed, which is capable of predicting significant regions of histone modifications occurring in genomes based on experimentally generated input data. This algorithm can use several input data sets simultaneously to calculate statistically meaningful results. Multiple quality measurements and visualizations were integrated into to the data analysis pipeline to support the analyst. Based on these in-situ visualizations, the analyst can modify the parameters of the algorithm to obtain the best results for a given input data set. Furthermore, Sierra Platinum and related algorithms were benchmarked against an artificial data set to evaluate the performance under specific conditions of the input data set, e.g., low read quality or undersequenced data. It turned out that Sierra Platinum achieved the best results in every test scenario. Additionally, the performance of Sierra Platinum was evaluated with experimental data confirming existing knowledge. It should be noticed that the results of the other algorithms seemed to contradict this knowledge. On the other hand, this thesis describes two new visualizations for RNA secondary structures. First, the interactive dot plot viewer iDotter is described that is able to visualize RNA secondary structure predictions as a web service. Several interaction techniques were implemented that support the analyst exploring RNA secondary structure dot plots. iDotter provides an API to share or archive annotated dot plots. Additionally, the API enables the embedding of iDotter in existing data analysis pipelines. Second, the algorithm RNApuzzler is presented that generates (outer-)planar graph drawings for all RNA secondary structure predictions. Previously presented algorithms failed in always producing crossing-free graphs. First, several drawing constraints were derived from the literature. Based on these, the algorithm RNAturtle was developed that did not always produced planar drawings. Therefore, some drawing constraints were relaxed and additional drawing constraints were established. Building on these modified constraints, RNApuzzler was developed. It takes the drawing generated by RNAturtle as an input and resolves the possible intersections of the graph. Due to the resolving mechanism, modified loops can become very large during the intersection resolving step. Therefore, an optimization was developed. During a post-processing step the radii of the heavily modified loops are reduced to a minimum. Based on the constraints and the intersection resolving mechanism, it can be shown that RNApuzzler is able to produce planar drawings for any RNA secondary structure. Finally, the results of RNApuzzler are compared to other algorithms.

Every local church, although part of a greater denomination, finds itself in a unique context with unique ministerial needs. It is of the utmost importance for every local church to be contextual in its ministry, to eventually being effective in its ministry. To make this possible a Scriptural view of the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church, currently not existing, is a key factor. The primary goal of this research is to provide guidelines to churches to assure the contextualization of their calling and ministerial strategy. This is done by motivating the necessity thereof, and by providing Scriptural principles for the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church. The research is done according to the practical-theological methodology of Gerben Heitink (1 999). • The first part of the study consists of a hermeneutical process giving perspective on the current state of affairs in ministerial theory and practice, as well as providing Scriptural principles. Chapter 2 of the hermeneutical investigation wants to determine in what manner the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church is currently being recognized when a local church determines their specific calling and ministerial strategy. Furthermore a brief overview is given regarding the state of affairs in South Africa which has an effect on the climate in which ministry has to take place. This ensures the contextualization of the study. In Chapter 3 Scriptural principles are developed regarding the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church. In Chapter 2 a description is made of the situation that has to change and in Chapter 3 the principles are developed by which the change has to take place. The research in Chapter 3 focuses on the periscope of Acts 21:17-26 and related periscopes. • The second part of the study comprises of an empirical investigation of Afrikaans speaking reformed church members in Eastern Pretoria to determine how they view the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church. • The third part comprises the strategic perspective that integrates the research results of Chapters 2, 3, and 4 to develop a theory of practice. This practical theory provides guidelines to local churches to help them determine their specific calling and ministerial strategy in the light of the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church. The result of this study shows that the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church is a key factor in determining the specific calling and ministerial strategy of a local church to ensure their obedience to Gods calling. Beacons were developed in the light of the Scriptural interplay and presented as guidelines for the local church. The beacons are in short: 1 - Identifying the unique context; 2 - Ascertaining of the current interplay; 3 - Ascertaining of the Scriptural interplay; 4 - Breaking through traditions; 5 - Create balance in the interplay; 6 - Ensure unity in communal interest; 7 – ensure diversity, not in own interest; 8 - Accommodating each other. / Thesis (M.Th. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006

Thesis (M.Th. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Every local church, although part of a greater denomination, finds itself in a unique context with unique ministerial needs. It is of the utmost importance for every local church to be contextual in its ministry, to eventually being effective in its ministry. To make this possible a Scriptural view of the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church, currently not existing, is a key factor. The primary goal of this research is to provide guidelines to churches to assure the contextualization of their calling and ministerial strategy. This is done by motivating the necessity thereof, and by providing Scriptural principles for the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church. The research is done according to the practical-theological methodology of Gerben Heitink (1 999). • The first part of the study consists of a hermeneutical process giving perspective on the current state of affairs in ministerial theory and practice, as well as providing Scriptural principles. Chapter 2 of the hermeneutical investigation wants to determine in what manner the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church is currently being recognized when a local church determines their specific calling and ministerial strategy. Furthermore a brief overview is given regarding the state of affairs in South Africa which has an effect on the climate in which ministry has to take place. This ensures the contextualization of the study. In Chapter 3 Scriptural principles are developed regarding the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church. In Chapter 2 a description is made of the situation that has to change and in Chapter 3 the principles are developed by which the change has to take place. The research in Chapter 3 focuses on the periscope of Acts 21:17-26 and related periscopes. • The second part of the study comprises of an empirical investigation of Afrikaans speaking reformed church members in Eastern Pretoria to determine how they view the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church. • The third part comprises the strategic perspective that integrates the research results of Chapters 2, 3, and 4 to develop a theory of practice. This practical theory provides guidelines to local churches to help them determine their specific calling and ministerial strategy in the light of the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church. The result of this study shows that the interplay between the unity of the church, the diversity of the church and the fulfilment of the calling of the church is a key factor in determining the specific calling and ministerial strategy of a local church to ensure their obedience to Gods calling. Beacons were developed in the light of the Scriptural interplay and presented as guidelines for the local church. The beacons are in short: 1 - Identifying the unique context; 2 - Ascertaining of the current interplay; 3 - Ascertaining of the Scriptural interplay; 4 - Breaking through traditions; 5 - Create balance in the interplay; 6 - Ensure unity in communal interest; 7 – ensure diversity, not in own interest; 8 - Accommodating each other. / Thesis (M.Th. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006

The Prophet Joseph Smith stood in a unique position as the leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held positions of translator, prophet, seer and revelator. He was taught the responsibilities of his calling as he translated ancient scripture - the Book of Mormon and the Bible. He was further instructed concerning his calling as he received revelations contained in the Doctrine and Covenants. This study examines scriptural passages that surely influenced the Prophet's understanding of his own calling. It then illustrates Joseph Smith's view of his calling as evidenced by statements in his writings and discourses. It examines what he understood to be his duties in his position as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and head of the dispensation of the fullness of times.

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Since the fall of man, God in His grace has called specific persons and set them apart for a specific purpose. This calling can only be realised through the powerful working of the Spirit of God. However, this calling does not indemnify the called person against the stressful dispensation, where Satan still has influence and where people are still in a struggle with their own sin as well as the sin of others. The high stress levels which some ministers experience because of their calling can result in chronic stress, depression, bum-out and even early death. Research in this study made it clear that most ministers of the GKSA probably experience high levels of negative stress and show signs of burnout and depression. Ministers of the GKSA find themselves in a world where secularism reigns, among others because humanism, rationalism, individualism, pluralism and even relativism are emphasised and are gaining ground, as a result of the current popularity of the postmodem spiritual trend. The result is that people are inclined to elevate themselves and to question absolute spiritual truths, at the expense of the honest teachings of the gospels. An empirical study was conducted involving nine ministers of the GKSA in an in-depth study of stress by means of a qualitative research topic. A grounded phenomenological qualitative study method was chosen, since the study concerned people who were not a homogenous group and who could not be quantified. It is their perceptions of the world they are living in which are important here and which can give rise to high stress levels. The results indicate that ministers experience tremendous inner conflict to maintain a focus on God only in their ministry and not to succumb to the temptations and pressure of present-day worldly standards. In addition, they are in a constant conflict with secularism in their congregations, especially with regard to the tendency to compare, measure and manipulate the minister and his congregation according to worldly standards. Based upon the basis theory and the meta-theory, a practice theory was developed by outlining the contours of a model for pastoral guidance for ministers with high stress levels. On the one hand, factors giving rise to high stress levels among the ministers of the GKSA may be addressed by introspection regarding their relationship with their Creator, their own spiritual growth and the example they set for their congregations. On the other hand, they are also tasked with guiding the congregation in which God placed them to break away from their own sinful worldly nature and to direct them towards God and His promises. The ministers are important instruments in God's divine plan in which all of the chosen will be allowed to share in His salvation, when Christ will return and glorify God. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007

Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.