Thesis (MTh (Practical Theology and Missiology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / This study is an attempt to gain an understanding of the al-ruh (Holy Spirit) from a Muslim perspective and a comparison with the Christian perspective. Chapter 1 is an introduction. Chapter 2 and 3 are textual study; the meaning and usage of the al-ruh (Holy Spirit) in the Qur’an will be examined, especially in Muslim Dictionaries, Encyclopaedias and Commentaries as compared with the meaning and usage in the Biblical and Jewish scriptures. Obviously, the Holy Spirit plays an active role with humankind in creation and in revelation; the al-ruh has evidently inspired all the prophets and even believers according to the Qur’an. The experience of Muhammad with respect to the al-ruh is also mentioned in the Qur’an even when he was not yet aware of the work of Holy Spirit as well as the person of the Holy Spirit, as the third person of the Trinity in Christianity. Chapter 3 carries on the findings from the Qur’an, and furthermore give explanations as well as evaluate exegeses and various commentators’ opinions regarding al-ruh. Moreover, there are some disagreements among various Muslim commentators as manifested in their interpretations. Such disagreement is discernable with respect to the doctrine of Holy Spirit as a Person in the Trinity. In addition to this, various issues are investigated like: ‘Where did the divisions and disunity come from?’ Is it possible to find a satisfactory answer? ‘Is al-ruh the angel Gabriel?’ since the angel Gabriel is only mentioned once (66:4). Nevertheless, most of the commentators indicate that the Holy Spirit and the Spirit as the angel Gabriel are the same. Is there a gap in understanding between Muhammad and commentators? Is there a gap between classical and contemporary commentators? Chapter 4 presents a report of the empirical fieldwork carried out through interviews. Questionnaires are designed based on findings in the Qur’an and what commentators have said. A cross section of Muslims in the Western Cape of South Africa as well as Muslims from other African countries presently in Stellenbosch is selected for interviews. Several Islamic sects (i.e. Sunni, Sufis) who are found in South Africa are included in these interviews along with relevant information obtained from Internet sources. An analysis of data provides the basic thoughts for the assessment and response from the Christian point of view in Chapters 5 and 6. Chapter 5 is a comparative study. The aim is to find out similarities in both Christian and Muslim religious concepts, thereby attempting to build up on common grounds; and to find out the differences in understanding about the Holy Spirit and to restore an agreeable understanding of the concept of the Holy Spirit. The ultimate goal is to use the idea of the al-ruh from Qur’anic and Islamic concepts in order to build a bridge to the understanding of the Holy Spirit in Christianity. Some concepts are common to both Christianity and Islam, i.e. spirit (ruh), soul (nafs) and conscience (fitrah). Some fundamental doctrines are essential for both religions. For instance, The Oneness of God is understood in Islam as Tahwid (i.e. Oneness of Allah), and in Christianity, as Trinity, the Godhead or Triune God. Besides, both religions in terms of this doctrine contain elements of the transcendence and immanence of God in relation to creation. The key issue investigated further is ‘whether the Spirit is created or eternal’ and ‘Is al-ruh the created Spirit or the creator Spirit’? The question of how a Christian explains to a Muslim that Jesus is ultimately the Ruh Allah (the Spirit of God) introduced in the next chapter. Chapter 6 is a Missiological approach which is based on the fundamental knowledge of the Holy Spirit and the Trinity in Systematic theology and Missiology. Certain topics are examined from a comparative religious point of view; firstly, a comparison of the natural human with the spiritual human to find out the function of the conscience and of spirituality from a Biblical point of view. Secondly, a comparison of Jesus with Adam and an angel in terms of the purpose for which God created the whole world is made with a focus on Jesus in humanity. Thirdly, a definition of the divinity of Jesus in terms of two aspects: Jesus as the first-born Son of God and Jesus as Messiah (the anointed one and saviour of the world), using a historical, traditional and Christological understanding. Fourthly, a Pneumatological approach is applied as an innovation to this study. Its endeavours generally explore the human religious experience, in order to initiate a ‘dialectical dialogue’; and subsequently to focus on the Trinitarian experience in Islam. An interesting example of martyrdom as an imitation of Christ on the cross can be found among Sufi Sunni Muslims. This is an evidence of the freedom of the Holy Spirit working wherever he wills. In brief, although the Person and the work of the Holy Spirit are not very obvious in the Qur’an, a careful study makes it increasingly apparent. Finally, the work of the Holy Spirit is still alive in all religions, not least in Islam, as the resulting evidence of my research suggests.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The dissertation sets out to explore the existing scholarly literature on the role of the church in economic development. The research report method will be in the form of a literature review and therefore will be exploratory in nature in the hope to inform the researcher of the views of scholars on the role of the church in economic development as well as possibly preparing the way for further research into investigating this role. Chapter 1 presents the research methodology that will be employed as well as the objectives that the research hopes to achieve, include: - To investigate what Biblical scholars understand about the role of the church with regard to economic development by reviewing the existing body of knowledge on the role of the church and economic development; - To discover what the most authoritative views and accepted definitions are on the concepts under study; - To make possible recommendations to the church based on the findings of current and previous literature. In Chapter 2 a literature study explores the views of scholars on the meaning of 'the church' in order to investigate or establish what is understood by the concept'the church'. This chapter will further explore what is meant by the mandate of the church, the missional and diaconal role of the church, the church as visible sign of God's saving work and the church and liberation role of the church. This study sets itself the task to investigate literature on the history and the context of the church as a constituent body in the world and then attempt to find a form of consensus on the role of the church. Chapter 3 will have a particular focus on exploring the views of scholars on the meaning of development and economic development. This literature review will take a multi disciplinary approach therefore this chapter will have a particular focus on the view of scholars in economic development studies. Chapter 4 examines the views of scholars on the role of the church in economic development. This chapter seeks to investigate if the church has a role to play in economic development as one of the role players in the fight against poverty, unemployment and the establishment of effective development programs. Finally, the overall summary, conclusion and recommendations are presented in Chapter 5. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die studie het ten doel om verkennend na literatuur te kyk wat handel oor die rol van die Kerk in Ekonomiese Ontwikkeling deur na te speur oor wat deur kenners geskryf is oor die rol van die Kerk in Ekonomiese Ontwikkeling. Die navorsingsmetode wat vir Hierdie studie gebruik sal word neem die vorm aan van `n literatuuroorsig en sal dus daarom verkennend van aard wees in die hoop dat dit die navorser sal inlig oor wat kenners skryf oor die rol van die Kerk in Ekonomiese Ontwikkeling sowel as om die weg te baan vir die moontlikheid om verder navorsing te doen oor die rol van die Kerk in Ekonomiese Ontwikkeling. Hoofstuk een spel aan ons uit die navorsingsmetode wat vir hierdie navorsingstudie gebruik sal word sowel as wat die beoogde doelwitte is wat die navorser hoop om te bereik na aanleiding van die kwessies soos: - Om na te vors wat Bybelkenners verstaan van die Kerk met betrekking tot ekonomiese ontwikkeling, deur na die beskikbare bronne te kyk wat handel oor die rol van die kerk in ekonomiese ontwikkeling; - Om vas te stel wat die mees gesaghebbendste sienings en aanvaarde definisies is oor die konsepte onder bespreking in die studie; - Om moontlike aanbevelings vir die kerk te maak gebasseer op die bevindinge voortspruitend uit die navorsing van die huidige en vorige literatuur. In Hoofstuk 2 word n literatuur studie gedoen wat verkennend kyk na standpunte van kundiges rondom die betekenis van 'kerk' ten einde te ondersoek en of vas te stel wat word verstaan deur die kosep kerk, die mandaat van die kerk, die missionale en diakonale taak van die kerk, die kerk as sigbare teken van God se reddened werk en die kerk en bevryding ten einde in staat te wees om `n moontlike verstaan daar te stel oor die rol van die kerk. Hierdie literatuuroorsigstudie volg `n multi disiplinêre benadering ten einde die navorser in te lig oor ekonomiese ontwikkeling. Hoofstuk 3 het `n spesifieke fokus om verkennend te kyk na wat kundiges verstaan ontwikkeling en ekonomiese ontwikkeling te wees. Hoofstuk 4 ondersoek die standpunte en sienings van kenners oor die rol van die kerk in ekonomise ontwikkeling. Hierdie hoofstuk wys onder meer uit dat die kerk tog op `n manier betrokke is in ekonomiese ontwikkeling as rolspeler in die stryd teen armoede, werkloosheid en die daarstel van effektiewe ontwikkelingsprogramme. Die algehele opsomming, slot en aanbevelings word in Hoostuk 5 bespreek.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Drugs are a very real problem in South-Africa. It affects health and is endemic to societal problems. Methamphetamine, popularly called “Tik,” is relatively cheap and easy to come by. Many young people use it and become addicted - with very bad repercussions for their families and society at large. In the Bellville South area most families suffer because of this scourge and are desperately looking for help. Faith communities have no option but to address the problem. The research focuses on the Bellville-South community where numerous families struggle with the scourge, desparately looking for help. As such faith communites are challenged to get involved and address tik-addiction and the related sociao-economic problems. The leadership of the Rhenish Church in Bellville took on the challenge to live up to the needs of families and society and to provide guidance for families. It is realistic to accept that there is no easy quick-fix solution to the problem. A holistic approach is needed. Thus the congregation has to do some real soul-searching and address its being functions, identity and calling in a time like this. How can the church be a safe haven for its members and the suffering community‟s parents and children? The research took an analytical look at the congregation, describing it from different angles. It also made a study of the drug problem, focussing on Tik. From a normative angle it looked at the essence of a missional church and asked how a missional church should address these challenges. It develops a strategy to guide leadership and congregation to support the families affected by the scourge. Eventually a missional ministry should be in place that will reach out in love and care to serve the community. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Dwelmmisbruik is ‟n geweldige probleem in Suid-Afrika. Hierdie probleem hou nie net gesondheidrisiko‟s in nie, maar veroorsaak ook ernstige en dikwels verwoestende sosiale probleme. Methamphetamine, populêr bekend as Tik, is redelik goedkoop en vrylik beskikbaar. Dit word deur talle jongmense gebruik met die gepaardgaande veelvuldige gevolge en verslawing. Dit affekteer individue, gesinne, en totale gemeenskappe. Hierdie studie fokus op die gemeenskap van Bellville-Suid waar talle gesinne worstel met die euwel en desperaat soek om hulp. Hierdie situasie van tikverslawing en gepaardgaande sosiale uitdagings daag veral die verskillende geloofsgemeenskappe uit om betrokke te raak by die aanspreek van die probleem. Ook die Rynse Kerk Bellville staan midde in die sosiaal-maatskaplik en sosio-ekonomies uitdagings en behoeftes. Die leierskap van die gemeente is soekend om hulself te bekwaam om op „n sinvolle wyse lidmate te begelei in hoe om veral die uitdagings rondom tikverslawing aan te spreek. Aangesien gesinne in besonder deur hierdie verskynsel geraak word, fokus hierdie studie op die behoeftes van gesinne. Die gemeente besef dat daar nie ‟n resep vir so iets is nie en dat die probleem holisties aangepak moet word. Die gemeente word dus verplig om baie ernstig selfondersoek te doen en na sy wese, sy identiteit en roeping te kyk. Hoe kan die gemeente ‟n veilige hawe vir sy lidmate en gemeenskap se ouers en kinders word? Die ondersoek beskryf die Rynse Kerk Bellville asook die probleem van tikverslawing in die families van die gemeente. Hoe sou daar in die lig van „n missionale teologie op die uitdagings gereageer word? ‟n Bedieningsplan word voorgestel om die leierskap en lidmate te bemagtig om ondersteunend betrokke te raak by geaffekteerde families. Die doel hiervan is om ‟n missionale bediening te vestig wat met barmhartigheid en liefde die gemeenskap dien.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Conventional HIV intervention strategies are based on the presupposition that scientific knowledge and appropriate information about HIV will curb the spread of the disease. The dominant approaches to the HIV debate and pandemic focus mostly on the medical, pedagogical and ethical dimensions of the pandemic. Governments are concerned with democratic and human rights and the juridical implications of HIV. This study proposes that a team approach should be followed, with the emphasis on a holistic model of prevention care. In this regard it is hypothesised that the spiritual dimension, emphasising our human quest for meaning, moral decision-making and virtues as related to the transcendent dimension of our being human, should play a substantial role. One of the most burning issues in the pandemic is the phenomenon of stigmatisation. This investigation is in search of an approach that can effectively penetrate the realm of prejudice, blaming, and discrimination. If spirituality can address stigmatisation, antistigma interventions must acknowledge the role of pastoral care with its emphasis on ‘soul care’, values and meaning. The study explores the possibility of extending the traditional understanding of theology as fides quarens intellectum, with its emphasis on knowledge (the rational), to fides quares imaginem, with its emphasis on imagination (the aesthetic dimension of life). Therefore the important presupposition that, due to the aesthetic dimension of faith, care to people living with HIV should include the aesthetic dimension. If one links fides quares imaginem to fides quarens visum new options can be created for Practical Theology. In this regard, the visual dimension of life as represented by media, and specifically film, should be investigated in a HIV prevention strategy. The study thus proposes that a specific form of art, namely film, has potential as an effective antistigma intervention. It is hypothesised that film inherently has a spiritual dimension. This spiritual dimension could be linked to issues that can determine the direction and meaning of life, as well as the understanding of human identity and dignity. In this regard the study wants to determine to what extent film can play a fundamental role in addressing the realm of attitudes, convictions and belief systems. Film is thus suggested as a medium for spiritual intervention in order to bring about change on the level of perceptions. Lesser-educated people are very vulnerable, especially in relation to HIV. The study wants to explore whether film can be an effective medium of addressing, educating and influencing such people at their level. In order to test this, an empirical study was done to assess the effect that film has on HIV stigmatisation within such a group of people. The aim of the empirical research was not to create statistical evidence, but to illustrate certain trends and tendencies. A group of people from Vlaeberg, a rural area outside of Stellenbosch, South Africa, was chosen for the study. In order to empirically explore the potential of film in addressing HIV stigmatisation it was decided to use the film Yesterday, the first South African film to be nominated for an Oscar. The film was chosen for the following reasons: a) it is set within South Africa, depicting vulnerable persons within a rural setting; b) it has a positive, though realistic approach to HIV; c) it depicts the cruelty of stigmatisation; d) it shows how you can assist those with HIV; and e) it is easily understandable. The film was positively received and able to influence the stigmatising perceptions, attitudes and convictions of the target group. The empirical study proved that film has a spiritual dimension and should be used as a medium for spirituality formation. Due to this, it has an important role to play in antistigma interventions. In this regard, the research showed that film can indeed play a decisive role in a HIV prevention strategy and an antistigma intervention. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Konvensionele MIV-ingrypingstrategieë word gebaseer op die aanname dat wetenskaplike kennis en geskikte inligting aangaande MIV die verspreiding van die virus sal kan halt. Die dominante benaderings tot die MIV-debat en –pandemie fokus meesal op die mediese, pedagogiese en etiese dimensies van die pandemie. Regerings is bemoeid met die demokratiese regte, menseregte en wetlike implikasies van MIV. Hierdie studie stel voor dat ’n spanbenadering gevolg moet word, waarbinne die fokus sal wees op ’n holistiese model van voorkomende sorg. Die hipotese is dat die spiritualiteits-dimensie ’n substansiële rol moet speel, aangesien dit ons menslike strewe na betekenis, morele besluitneming en waardes, soos dit in verhouding staan tot die transendente dimensie van ons menswees, in ag neem. Een van die kwellende vraagstukke van die pandemie is stigmatisasie. Hierdie navorsing soek ’n benadering wat effektief die gebied van vooroordele, beskuldiging, en diskriminasie kan penetreer. Indien spiritualiteit stigmatisasie kan aanspreek, moet antistigma-ingrypings die rol van pastorale sorg, wat klem lê op ‘sielesorg’, waardes en betekenis, erken. Die studie ondersoek die moontlikheid dat die tradisionele verstaan van teologie as fides quarens intellectum, met die klem op kennis (die rasionele), uitgebrei moet word na fides quares imaginem, met die klem op die verbeelding (die estetiese dimensie van die lewe). Daarom word die belangrike aanname gemaak dat, as gevolg van die estetiese dimensie van geloof, sorg vir dié met MIV die estetiese dimensie moet insluit. As ’n mens fides quares imaginem skakel met fides quarens visum word nuwe moontlikhede ontsluit vir Praktiese Teologie. In hierdie opsig moet die visuele dimensie van die lewe, soos dit uitgebeeld word deur die media en meer spesifiek film, ondersoek word in ’n MIV-voorkomingstrategie. Die studie stel voor dat ’n spesifieke vorm van kuns, naamlik film, potensiaal het as ’n effektiewe antistigma-ingryping. Daarom die hipotese dat film inherent ’n spirituele dimensie het. Hierdie spirituele dimensie kan geskakel word met kwessies wat die rigting en betekenis van lewe kan bepaal, sowel as ons verstaan van menslike identiteit en waardigheid. Gevolglik wil hierdie studie bepaal tot watter mate film ’n fundamentele rol kan speel in die aanspreking van houdings en oortuigings. Film word dus voorgestel as ’n medium vir spirituele ingryping om sodoende verandering te bring op die vlak van persepsies. Mense met minder opvoeding is baie kwesbaar en blootgestel, veral in terme van MIV. Hierdie studie ondersoek of film ’n effektiewe medium kan wees om sulke mense aan te spreek, op te voed en te beïnvloed. Om dit te bepaal is ’n empiriese studie gedoen wat moes vasstel watter effek film het op MIV-stigmatisering binne so ’n groep. Die doel van die empiriese studie was nie om statistiese bewyse te lewer nie, maar om sekere neigings en tendense aan te toon. ’n Groep mense van Vlaeberg, ’n plattelandse area buite Stellenbosch, Suid-Afrika, is gebruik vir die studie. Die film Yesterday is gebruik vir die empiriese ondersoek aangaande die potensiaal wat film het om MIV-stigmatisering aan te spreek. Yesterday is die eerste Suid-Afrikaanse film wat vir ’n Oscar benoem is. Die film is gekies om die volgende redes: a) dit speel af in Suid- Afrika en weerlose mense binne ’n plattelandse omgewing word uitgebeeld; b) dit het ’n positiewe, dog realistiese benadering tot MIV; c) dit beeld die wreedheid van stigmatisering uit; d) dit dui aan hoe ’n mens diegene met MIV kan bystaan; en e) dit is maklik verstaanbaar. Die film was positief ontvang en het die stigmatiserende persepsies, houdings en oortuigings van die groep beïnvloed. Die empiriese studie het bewys dat film ’n spirituele dimensie het en as medium vir spirituele vorming gebruik moet word. Dus het film ’n belangrike rol te speel in antistigma-ingrypings. In hierdie opsig het die navorsing gewys dat film wel ’n deurslaggewende rol in ’n MIV-voorkomingstrategie en ’n antistigma-ingryping kan speel.

Thesis (MTh (Practical Theology and Missiology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / The search for meaning, as a universal human quest, seeks to answer questions pertaining to the purpose in life. Preaching, as an ecclesiastical communicative tool, should be a platform from which to address such universal concerns. But how relevant are contemporary pulpit messages in light of this ongoing search and in light of the suffering experienced by many in our South African context with its unique history and ongoing challenges? Revisiting concepts such as meaning, hope and community are foundational components in our contemporary deliberations of the intention and practice of preaching today. If the homiletical intention is to instill hope, establish community and address humanities questions related to embracing the abundance in abundant life, then the praxis thereof should demonstrate a commitment to the relevance of people’s struggles. In the context of a post-apartheid South Africa, these questions are more pronounced as people experience the ongoing effects of poverty, prejudice, injustice and are confronted with the HIV/AIDS pandemic. For preaching to remain relevant it would need to extend its boundaries from the pulpit to the community. It will need to understand the plight of its people by addressing the questions that communities are asking, rather than providing messages far removed from humanities current experiences. In order to maintain this balance of hope, it will require an evaluation of the emphasis placed on representing both the social and spiritual aspects of the gospel. Social, with its focus on following the example of Christ on earth, and Spiritual, with its emphasis on both a realized and eschatological hope. Embracing this holistic message of the gospel should inherently contribute to personal and communal transformation as it is a message of good news for physical, emotional, socio-economic, psychological and spiritual realities. The language employed in this ongoing commitment requires constant renewal in order to synchronize the needs of the people with the message of hope. A message that is needed, longed for and inherently meaningful.

Thesis (MTh (Theology))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / Stigma is a social-identity devaluation due to a characteristic mark or feature. It imposes a discredited status, resulting in personal/social rejection and suffering. As a psychosocial construction, stigma reflects a systemic influence, as determined by the history and characteristics of the individual's psychological and social environment. This study explores the nature, variations, development, functions, processes, and justification of stigma and stigmatisation. It reflects on the experiential context of HIV/AIDS stigma/stigmatisation from the perspective of both the stigmatiser and stigmatised. Accounting for HIV/AIDS stigma are factors such as concealability, the unpredictability of infection, its terminal nature, and visible manifestations. The result is the multi-faceted suffering of internalised and external stigma, manifested by the prejudice, rejection, ostracism, discrimination, and condemnation of people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. An assessment of HIV/AIDS destigmatisation found that it represents a recent development in the struggle against the pandemic. Destigmatisation interventions have been mostly ineffective because they lack a systems approach. Destigmatisation interventions must be developed with cognisance of the societal context, cultural impediments, major causes and problems of the pandemic. It was argued and concluded that theology can play a major role in combating HIV/AIDS stigma and stigmatisation. Scripture provides both knowledge and existential direction to inform HIV/AIDS destigmatisation. Stigmatisation is sin because it robs the human being - as created in the image of God, reconciled, and redeemed through the cross and resurrection - from his God-endowed dignity and worth. A theology of HIV/AIDS, including a theology of affirmation and an inhabitational theology, is required to adequately address HIV/AIDS stigmatisation and destigmatisation. A theology of affirmation is appropriate because it confirms the eschatological ontology of the human being as a new creation, with a new, stigma-freed identity and status. An inhabitational theology reflects triumph over stigma through the empowerment of the indwelling Spirit. It was concluded that both a theology of the cross (reflecting the passion and compassion of God) and a theology of the resurrection is needed. A theology of the cross reveals our human condition of sin, guilt and guilt feelings, but also God's grace, our salvation, forgiveness and reconciliation. A theologia resurrectionis emphasises the power of God over sin, results in the transformation of the believer, which enables empowerment through the Spirit - who infuses the believer with courage, meaning, purpose, dignity and self-worth. Stigmatisation has made way for self-worth, victory, and charisma. The study concluded that the church has a major role to play in the destigmatisation of HIV/AIDS stigma. The church should contribute to the deconstruction of power and counter systemic injustices. Its should follow a holistic, systems approach, involving the proclamation of a theology of life, practicing pastoral care, participate in the missio Dei, and exhibiting a normative basis regarding destigmatisation interventions - especially with regard to marriage, gender and sex education. It should fulfil its calling of service, participate in the home-based care of the HIV/AIDS infected and affected (including children), and demonstrate the resurrection identity of hope and empowerment, as enabled by the Holy Spirit.

Thesis (MTh (Practical Theology and Missiology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die globale en plaaslike veranderende konteks van die kerk en die vermindering in die invloed van die kerk in die samelewing, noodsaak die kerk tot eerlike selfondersoek. Dit is vir die kerk belangrik hoe sy op hierdie verandering reageer, want dit het ‟n impak op die taak van die kerk in die wêreld. Hierdie navorsing wil help om ‟n gepaste reaksie te vind vir die VGK-Koelenhof op haar spesifieke konteks. Hoofstuk een gee ‟n uiteensetting van die navorsing wat die doel, motivering en metode betref. Hoofstuk twee lê die basis vir die hele navorsing wat gegrond is in die Drie-Enige God wat ‟n sturende God is (missio Dei). Daar word gevra hoe die lewe in die triniteit die roeping van die kerk bepaal en die gang van die wêreld beїnvloed. In hoofstuk drie word die kerk se verhouding tot die Drie-Enige God belig. Die kerk moet geloofsonderskeiding beoefen ten einde haar roeping te ontdek. Hierdie proses is ook belangrik vir die besluitnemingsprosesse van die kerk. Dit impliseer dat die kerk as gestuurde van God in ‟n persoonlike gemeenskap met Hom moet leef sodat die kerk sensitief genoeg kan wees vir sy stem en hul roeping kan ontdek vir hul spesifieke omstandighede. In die vierde hoofstuk word beklemtoon dat die kerk ook in verhouding tot die wêreld staan waarin sy leef. Om haar roeping werklik uit te leef, moet die kerk nie net na God se stem luister nie, maar ook na die konteks waarin die kerk haar bevind. Die kerk het in haar bestaan sedert Jesus Christus telkens voor nuwe uitdagings te staan gekom en het verskillend daarop gereageer. ‟n Gepaste reaksie van die kerk se kant vereis soms dat die kerk intern verandering benodig. Dit is die fokus van hoofstuk vyf. Daar word gefokus op die aard van hierdie verandering, veral die rol van die leierskap in die hele proses. Hierdie verandering behels in hoofsaak ‟n verandering van instandhouding na gestuur-wees. Die verandering of transformasie in die kerk kan nooit ‟n doel op sigself wees nie. Dit is met die oog op die transformasie van die samelewing. Die verandering moet die kerk help om teken en voorsmaak van die koninkryk van God te wees in die wêreld. En daarom is die titel van hoofstuk ses: Van missionale transformasie na gemeenskapstransformasie. Ten slotte word „n opsomming gegee van die resultate van hierdie navorsing. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Uniting Reformed Congregation of Koelehof on the road from maintenance to be missional: the development of sustainable farming communities. The changing global and local context of the church and the decline of the church‟s influence on society, call for a need of honest introspection. It is important how the church respond to these changes as it has an impact on the church‟s role in the world. This research aims to help the Uniting Reformed Congregation of Koelenhof to respond properly to its own context. Chapter one gives an outline of the research with regard to the goal, motivation and method. Chapter two lays the basis for the research which is grounded in the Triune God who is a sending God (missio Dei). The question here is how life in the Trinity affects the task of the church and destination of the world. In Chapter three the relationship between the church and God is highlighted. The church must exercise spiritual discernment to discover its missional vocation in the world. Spiritual discernment is also vital with regard to the decision processes of the church. This implies that the church, as a missionary of God, must have a personal relationship with Him so that the church can be sensitive enough to hear His voice. In chapter four the emphasis is on the church‟s relationship to the world in which she finds herself. For the church to really be faithful to her calling, she needs not only listen to God, but also to the context. Since the time of Jesus, the church has to face different challenges and has always react differently to each situation. A change of context often requires a change of heart. This is the focus of chapter five. What is the nature of these changes and especially the role of the church leadership in this regard? The answer is a transformation from being maintenance driven to being missionally inspired. This transformation is never a goal in itself. This transformation aims at the transformation of society. The transformation must enable the church to be an effective sign and foretaste of the kingdom of God. Therefore the title of chapter six is: From missional transformation to community transformation. In conclusion a summary is given of the results of this research.

Thesis (MDiv (Practical Theology and Missiology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / In the postmodern times people’s world changed a lot. A lot of sociological and ecclesiological paradigm shifts took place. These shifts weren’t limited to one area. Globalisation caused these shifts to take place the world over. During modernism the emphasis was mainly on knowledge and the cognitive aspect of man. Now the emphasis shifted to experience. The media provides in this need. Television, films and the internet are focused on giving an experience. The question is what influence these changes have on the church and what people want from the church. The answer is simple. People want an experience of God. The Dutch Reformed Church’s (DRC) emphasis on a rational understanding of God which crystalises in the preaching of the Word which takes a central role in the worship service, does not provide in people’s needs anymore and is out of touch with the experiences of everyday. The hypothesis is as follows: a rediscovery of the essence of reformed liturgy as continuing reforming liturgy has the potential to find a way between the extremes of set traditionalism and irresponsible experimenting where people of our generation can come home and find liturgical guidance for life.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2001 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Willow Creek's celebrated seeker-sensitivemodel ostensibly offers an alluring alternative ecclesiology for many congregations seeking a differentway to 'do chuch' viz an attractive communication ambience and an effective process of persuasion. It reflects both the strengths of evangelical entrepreneurial ecclesiolgy as well as the weaknesses of first generation independent ecclesiology. It espouses a pragmatic, populist approach, reliant on managerial, therapeutic and marketing techniques. Whilst there is much to commend in the Willow Creek model, uncritical imitation of the attempt to reach a secularized post-modern North American society results in unwitting theological reductionism and cultural accomodation of the gospel not least in the following respects: The temptation of image places a premium on performance and appearance. The allure of psychology distorts the ethical framework of Willow Creek. The stress on marketing and measurasble results unduly shapes the gospel. A 'user-friendly' canon within a canon results in a minimalist dualism. A marginalization of theology leads to baptised pragmatism and a deprecation of truth. The resultant re-imaged ministry model owes more to contemporary business methodolgy than it does to the historic theological magisterium of the church. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Willow Creek se beroemde soekersensitiewe model bied klaarblyklik 'n aanloklike alternatiewe eklesiologie vir baie gemeentes wat 'n anderrnanier van 'kerk-doen' soek, aan, te wete, 'n aantreklike kommunikasie ambience en 'n doeltreffende oortuigings proses. Oit weerspieel beide die sterkte van evangeliesgesinde ondernemingsekklesiologie so wei as die swakheid van eerste geslag onafhanklike ekklesiologie. Oit omhels 'n pragmatiese populis benadering vertrouend op bestuurs-, teraputiese- en bernarkinqsteqnieke. Alhoewel daar baie in die Willow Creek model is wat aanbevelings- I waard~g is, kan onkritiese navolging van die poging om 'n sekulariseerde post-moderne Noord Amerikaanse samelewingte bereik, eindig in 'n onbewuste teologiese reduksie en kult~rele aanpassing van die evangelie, ten minste in die volgende opsigte, te wete: die versoeking van beeld plaas 'n premie op vertoon en voorkoms; die aantreklikheid van sielkunde verdraai die etiese raamwerk van Willow Creek; die klem op bemarking en meetbare resultate vorm uiteindelik die evangelie; 'n verbruikervriendelike kanon binne In kanon lei tot 'n minimalistiese dualisme; die vermindering van teologie lei tot 'gedoopte' pragmatisme en afkeuring van die waarheid. Gevolglik het die nuwe beeld , r: van die bedieningspraktyk smId- meer te danke aan eietydse besigheidsmetodes as die historiese magisterium van die kerk.

Thesis (MTh (Practical Theology and Missiology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Language serves as a primary medium for humanity to find and communicate meaning. To use language in such a way that an experience of vitality becomes possible for people requires particular understandings of the nature and role of language as medium and framework that mediates the existence of man in the presence of God, rather than merely a consideration of language as medium of communication between persons. The study aims to defend a particular approach to language and language activity by exploring various subject disciplines with the purpose of mediating church practice of communicating the gospel in current contexts. The investigation is done with a practical theological approach and aims to prove as valid the spatial evolutionary understanding of language. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Taal dien as ‘n primêre medium waarin die mens betekenis vind en kommunikeer. Om te kan “taal” op so ‘n manier dat ‘n belewenis van lewenskragtigheid vir mense moontlik word, vra dat die aard en rol van taal op spesifieke maniere verstaan word.– veral dan op maniere wat getrou is aan die rol van taal as medium en raamwerk vir die eksistensiële integriteit van die mens voor die aangesig van God, eerder as slegs die oorweging van taal as medium van kommunikasie tussen persone. In die studie word gepoog om ‘n bepaalde benadering tot taal en taling te verdedig deur verskillende toepaslike vakdissiplines te verken met die oog daarop om die kerklike praktyk van kommunikasie van die evangelie in ‘n hedendaagse konteks te begelei. Die ondersoek word prakties-teologies aangepak en beoog om die ruimtelik-evolusionêre verstaan van taal en taling as geldig te bewys.