Hierdie studie handel oor gemeentebou en kerkgeboue. Die doel van dié studie is om in die lig van gemeenteboubeginsels riglyne vir kerkgeboue binne die Suid-Afrikaanse kerklike opset op die tafel te plaas, wat missionêr in fokus is en dit voor te hou as 'n alternatief ten opsigte van die huidige verstaan oor die in- en oprigting van kerkgeboue. Die metodologie van praktiese teologie word in drie konsepte weergegee, naamlik: verstaan, verklaar en verandering. Hierdie studie fokus op al drie konsepte – uitgedruk as die hermeneutiese verstaan, die empiriese werklikheid en riglyne vir die praktyk. Die hermeneutiese verstaan of teorie is met twee fokuspunte in gedagte nagevors, naamlik: die teologiese perspektief – waarin daar eerstens op die identiteit van die Kerk in Christus en tweedens op die roeping van die Kerk, uitgedruk in die missio Dei en dissipelskap gekonsentreer is. Die tweede fokus is op die Bybelse ideaal – soos dit in die Skrif voorkom, deur teologiese tradisies geïnterpreteer is en hoe die kerk dit histories in sy geboue tot uitdrukking laat kom het. Die tweede konsep is die empiriese meting ten einde te toets en te verklaar in watter mate hierdie hermeneutiese verstaan in die werklikheid, binne die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika, verdiskonteer is. Die derde konsep konsentreer op die verandering en is nagevors met die oog op die daarstel van teoretiese riglyne vir die praktyk. Hierdie riglyne is verwerk, tesame met wat die Bybel se siening oor die in- en oprigting van kerkgeboue is, sowel as die kerk se historiese verstaan daarvan. Die uiteinde is om nuwe riglyne vir die bedieningspraktyk daar te stel. / Thesis (PhD (Practical Theology))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

Many Christians, including Christian leaders, are spiritually blind. They do not understand the purpose and implication of Jesus' Coming for each of His followers. So often Christians seek self-interest and their own honour and are not in the least concerned about their fellow believers and fellow man. They do not live up to God's purpose with them. The main research problem of this study is: "What is the implication of the ? of Jesus in word and deed proclamation in the Gospel of Mark?" The main objective of this study is to determine what the implication is of the ? of Jesus in word- and deed proclamation in the Gospel of Mark. The specific question posed. in Chapter 2 is the following: "What research has been done with reference to the implication of the ? of Jesus in word and deed proclamation in the Gospel of Mark?" Research has shown that the disciples are portrayed negatively in the Gospel of Mark. Researchers offer different explanations for this negative portrayal of the disciples. There is concensus among researchers that this specific portrayal of the disciples should be explained from the angle of Christology and discipleship. This study examines the negative portrayal of the disciples focusing on the ? of Jesus and the discipleship of His followers. The intention is to propose an answer to the calling of each follower in the missionary church. Research has further shown that discipleship is not limited to the twelve disciples only, but includes all followers of Jesus. The specific question posed in Chapter 3 is the following: "What is the relevance of the socio-historic and literary context of the Gospel of Mark for this study regarding the implication of the ? of Jesus in word and deed proclamation in the Gospel of Mark?" The socio-historic context indicates that the adressees of the Gospel of Mark probably suffered persecution. The relevance of the socio-historic context can be read from the fact that the author of the Gospel of Mark encourages the adressees in their unique situation(s) en guides them on their response as followers. This corresponds with Jesus' discipleship calling to bear one's own cross. From the literary context it becomes clear that the central discipleship section in Mark 8:27-10:52 forms a structural unit in the Gospel of Mark. Christology and discipleship are central themes in Mark 8:27- 10:52. These two themes are directly related to the implication of the ? of Jesus in word- and deed proclamation in the Gospel of Mark?" The literary context also shows that the Gospel of Mark is a dramatic, apocalyptic, eschatologic narrative that is also a biography. As a biography of Jesus, the Gospel of Mark focuses on Jesus as Subject who serves, but also on his disciples who must deny themselves and serve God. The specific question posed in Chapter 4 is the following: "What is the relevance of the revelation-historic context of the "Son of man" enunciations in Mark 8:27-10:52 for the implication of the ? of Jesus in word and deed proclamation in the Gospel of Mark? In Chapter 4 it is shown that the "Son of man" enunciations should be understood within the revelation-historical relation between the Old and the New Testament. Jesus proclaims Himself, amongst other titles in the Gospel of Mark as the Son of man. The Son of man is a glorious and kingly figure (cf Dan 7:13 & 14), .but also a humble figure who suffers (cf Isaiah Jes 40-55; Sagaria; the Psalms). It is further more important to realize that there is a relationship between the Messiah and His servants in the Old Testament and the Son of man and his followers in the Gospel of Mark. The specific question, posed in Chapter 5 is the following: "What is the implication of the ? of Jesus in word and deed proclamation in the Gospel of Mark?" It is shown from Mark 8:27-9:1 that the ? of Jesus has redemptive, discipleship, as well as judgemental implication. Following Jesus means to serve Him as believer and saved person. Following Jesus is to serve Jesus and God with the same attitude as Jesus served His Father and people. It is shown from Mark 9:30-37 that humble and loving service is necessary between leaders and all followers. This service should be specifically aimed at the least ones in the community of faith. Humble service towards one another and the least ones is not degraded. It is extremely important work because it is at the same time service towards Jesus and God. At the feet of the least in church and society we receive the most humble Servant and our Supreme God, the most important of all. It is shown from Mark 10:32-45 that selfish behaviour and pride among leaders must be replaced with a humble attitude and submission to God, fellow believers and fellow man." This discipleship has its origin in the reconciliatory work of Jesus. It is shown from Mark 10:46-52 that Jesus sent people to the outsiders and sufferers along the road to call them to Him. His aim is to save them that they may join and serve Him and others. In Chapter 6 this study reaches its conclusion. God had according to the Gospel of Mark a specific purpose with the ? of Jesus in word and deed proclamation. Through His word proclamation Jesus reveals the will of His Father who sent Him to earth. This message of the Kingdom of God is a message of hope. Through His deed proclamation Jesus brings salvation to many people. The life of Jesus was a life of humble, sacrificing and loving service. His service makes their service possible. He calls all His followers to serve God until! He comes again. Every believer is a follower of Jesus and part of the missionary church as fishers of men. Each believer is sent out in the world with the sacrificing love of Jesus to serve God, fellow believers, his fellow man especially the least ones and those who suffer. Leaders and followers should live according to the same principle: Follow Jesus by serving God and your fellow man. Every follower is a servant not only at the feet of the least ones and those who suffer, but also at the feet of the greatest Servant and our Supreme God. / Thesis (Ph.D. (New Testament))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010

Many Christians, including Christian leaders, are spiritually blind. They do not understand the purpose and implication of Jesus' Coming for each of His followers. So often Christians seek self-interest and their own honour and are not in the least concerned about their fellow believers and fellow man. They do not live up to God's purpose with them. The main research problem of this study is: "What is the implication of the ? of Jesus in word and deed proclamation in the Gospel of Mark?" The main objective of this study is to determine what the implication is of the ? of Jesus in word- and deed proclamation in the Gospel of Mark. The specific question posed. in Chapter 2 is the following: "What research has been done with reference to the implication of the ? of Jesus in word and deed proclamation in the Gospel of Mark?" Research has shown that the disciples are portrayed negatively in the Gospel of Mark. Researchers offer different explanations for this negative portrayal of the disciples. There is concensus among researchers that this specific portrayal of the disciples should be explained from the angle of Christology and discipleship. This study examines the negative portrayal of the disciples focusing on the ? of Jesus and the discipleship of His followers. The intention is to propose an answer to the calling of each follower in the missionary church. Research has further shown that discipleship is not limited to the twelve disciples only, but includes all followers of Jesus. The specific question posed in Chapter 3 is the following: "What is the relevance of the socio-historic and literary context of the Gospel of Mark for this study regarding the implication of the ? of Jesus in word and deed proclamation in the Gospel of Mark?" The socio-historic context indicates that the adressees of the Gospel of Mark probably suffered persecution. The relevance of the socio-historic context can be read from the fact that the author of the Gospel of Mark encourages the adressees in their unique situation(s) en guides them on their response as followers. This corresponds with Jesus' discipleship calling to bear one's own cross. From the literary context it becomes clear that the central discipleship section in Mark 8:27-10:52 forms a structural unit in the Gospel of Mark. Christology and discipleship are central themes in Mark 8:27- 10:52. These two themes are directly related to the implication of the ? of Jesus in word- and deed proclamation in the Gospel of Mark?" The literary context also shows that the Gospel of Mark is a dramatic, apocalyptic, eschatologic narrative that is also a biography. As a biography of Jesus, the Gospel of Mark focuses on Jesus as Subject who serves, but also on his disciples who must deny themselves and serve God. The specific question posed in Chapter 4 is the following: "What is the relevance of the revelation-historic context of the "Son of man" enunciations in Mark 8:27-10:52 for the implication of the ? of Jesus in word and deed proclamation in the Gospel of Mark? In Chapter 4 it is shown that the "Son of man" enunciations should be understood within the revelation-historical relation between the Old and the New Testament. Jesus proclaims Himself, amongst other titles in the Gospel of Mark as the Son of man. The Son of man is a glorious and kingly figure (cf Dan 7:13 & 14), .but also a humble figure who suffers (cf Isaiah Jes 40-55; Sagaria; the Psalms). It is further more important to realize that there is a relationship between the Messiah and His servants in the Old Testament and the Son of man and his followers in the Gospel of Mark. The specific question, posed in Chapter 5 is the following: "What is the implication of the ? of Jesus in word and deed proclamation in the Gospel of Mark?" It is shown from Mark 8:27-9:1 that the ? of Jesus has redemptive, discipleship, as well as judgemental implication. Following Jesus means to serve Him as believer and saved person. Following Jesus is to serve Jesus and God with the same attitude as Jesus served His Father and people. It is shown from Mark 9:30-37 that humble and loving service is necessary between leaders and all followers. This service should be specifically aimed at the least ones in the community of faith. Humble service towards one another and the least ones is not degraded. It is extremely important work because it is at the same time service towards Jesus and God. At the feet of the least in church and society we receive the most humble Servant and our Supreme God, the most important of all. It is shown from Mark 10:32-45 that selfish behaviour and pride among leaders must be replaced with a humble attitude and submission to God, fellow believers and fellow man." This discipleship has its origin in the reconciliatory work of Jesus. It is shown from Mark 10:46-52 that Jesus sent people to the outsiders and sufferers along the road to call them to Him. His aim is to save them that they may join and serve Him and others. In Chapter 6 this study reaches its conclusion. God had according to the Gospel of Mark a specific purpose with the ? of Jesus in word and deed proclamation. Through His word proclamation Jesus reveals the will of His Father who sent Him to earth. This message of the Kingdom of God is a message of hope. Through His deed proclamation Jesus brings salvation to many people. The life of Jesus was a life of humble, sacrificing and loving service. His service makes their service possible. He calls all His followers to serve God until! He comes again. Every believer is a follower of Jesus and part of the missionary church as fishers of men. Each believer is sent out in the world with the sacrificing love of Jesus to serve God, fellow believers, his fellow man especially the least ones and those who suffer. Leaders and followers should live according to the same principle: Follow Jesus by serving God and your fellow man. Every follower is a servant not only at the feet of the least ones and those who suffer, but also at the feet of the greatest Servant and our Supreme God. / Thesis (Ph.D. (New Testament))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010

Die doelwit met hierdie navorsing is die identifisering van die kernkapasiteite waaroor ʼn predikant as missionale leier binne ʼn hoofstroomgemeente moet beskik ten einde die gemeente suksesvol te kan begelei in die vorming van ʼn missionale gemeentekultuur en bedieningspraktyk. Die navorsing word gedoen binne die konteks van die groot paradigmatiese skuiwe in die missiologie sedert die middel van die vorige eeu, soos dit deur Leslie Newbigin geïnisieer, deur David Bosch aangevul en versterk, en deur die Gospel and Our Culture Network verder gevoer en uitgewerk word. Die missio Dei vorm die vertrekpunt vir ʼn missionale ekklesiologie. Sending is nie ʼn aktiwiteit van die kerk nie, maar die handeling van God Drie-enig. Die funksie van die kerk is deelname aan die missio Dei in die wêreld en ganse skepping. Missionale leierskap setel nie in ʼn individu of amp nie, maar ontvang sy gesag van God en is gegee aan die geloofsgemeenskap. Sodanige leierskap vervul ʼn funksie radikaal verskillend van die tradisionele of kontemporêre definisie van leierskap. Missionale leierskap is in wese geloofsonderskeidend en geloofsvormend van aard en vorm binne die geloofsgemeenskap die kennis, vaardighede, houdinge en gewoontes ten einde die geloofsgemeenskap individueel en korporatief te bemagtig vir die onderskeiding van en deelname aan die missio Dei binne die daaglikse konteks waarbinne God die gemeente roep, vorm en stuur. Vanuit die rol wat histories en ampshalwe aan die predikant in ʼn hoofstroomgemeente toegeken word, vervul die predikant ʼn sleutelfunksie ten einde die gemeente suksesvol te kan begelei in die proses van aanpassende verandering en missionale gemeentevorming. ʼn Kwalitatief empiriese ondersoek by gemeentes binne die Suider-Afrikaanse Vennootskap vir Gestuurde Gemeentes (SAVGG) ondersoek die kernkapasiteite wat vir die predikant as missionale leier nodig is. Die ondersoek onderskei vier verskillende rolle vir die predikant as missionale leier: die predikant as apostel of gestuurde; die predikant as teoloog en taalskepper; die predikant as fasiliteerder en begeleier van die proses van aanpassende kultuurverandering; en die predikant as geestelike begeleier en mentor. Die navorsing onderskei voorts die verskillende kapasiteite (kennis, vaardighede houdinge, en gewoontes) wat kernbelangrik is vir die predikant vir die vervulling van hierdie viervoudige rol op weg na missionale gemeentevorming. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / gm2014 / Science of Religion and Missiology / unrestricted

The Church lives in times of change. In times of change Christ builds and equips his Church, through the Holy Spirit, to proclaim the gospel to the world and to make disciples. As part of the congregation, it is important to ask what the role of the youth and youth ministry plays in the building and equipment of the church, which Christ is busy doing. The aim of this dissertation is to examine the possibility that discipleship can be used as a model for ministry for congregation–building to the baptized members (13 to 18 years of age) of the Reformed Churches in South Africa. The following working method was used in order to reach this particular aim: * Firstly, a basis–theoretical investigation was conducted ascertaining the subject, object, aim and nature of congregation–building. * Secondly, a basis–theoretical investigation focused on discipleship was done. In this investigation the aim was to find a workable definition for 'disciple' and 'discipleship' as well as the aim and nature of discipleship. This investigation concluded by showing the relation between congregation–building and discipleship. * Thirdly, an empirical study was launched to determine the situation in the Reformed Churches in South Africa pertaining to youth and youth ministry. In this study the first priority was to determine the aim for youth ministry as determined by the Deputies for Catechesis and Youth nurture of the Reformed Churches in South Africa. The second priority is to determine the present tendencies under the youth in classis KwaZulu–Natal–North of the Reformed Churches in South Africa. The findings of this study were then weighed against the perception of the teachers of Catechesis in this particular classis. * Lastly, the findings of the basis–theoretical investigation and the empirical study was synthesised into a practical theory for discipleship as `n ministry model for church–building for the baptized members (13 to 18 years of age) in the Reformed Churches in South Africa. The finding of this study is that discipleship can indeed be applied as a ministry model for church–building for the baptized members (13 to 18 years of age) in the Reformed Churches in South Africa. Through this ministry model the baptized member can be equipped in a contextual–relevant manner to bring the gospel to the world, through his or her love for God to his or her neighbour, as a member of the faith community of the church. / Thesis (M. Th. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The Church lives in times of change. In times of change Christ builds and equips his Church, through the Holy Spirit, to proclaim the gospel to the world and to make disciples. As part of the congregation, it is important to ask what the role of the youth and youth ministry plays in the building and equipment of the church, which Christ is busy doing. The aim of this dissertation is to examine the possibility that discipleship can be used as a model for ministry for congregation–building to the baptized members (13 to 18 years of age) of the Reformed Churches in South Africa. The following working method was used in order to reach this particular aim: * Firstly, a basis–theoretical investigation was conducted ascertaining the subject, object, aim and nature of congregation–building. * Secondly, a basis–theoretical investigation focused on discipleship was done. In this investigation the aim was to find a workable definition for 'disciple' and 'discipleship' as well as the aim and nature of discipleship. This investigation concluded by showing the relation between congregation–building and discipleship. * Thirdly, an empirical study was launched to determine the situation in the Reformed Churches in South Africa pertaining to youth and youth ministry. In this study the first priority was to determine the aim for youth ministry as determined by the Deputies for Catechesis and Youth nurture of the Reformed Churches in South Africa. The second priority is to determine the present tendencies under the youth in classis KwaZulu–Natal–North of the Reformed Churches in South Africa. The findings of this study were then weighed against the perception of the teachers of Catechesis in this particular classis. * Lastly, the findings of the basis–theoretical investigation and the empirical study was synthesised into a practical theory for discipleship as `n ministry model for church–building for the baptized members (13 to 18 years of age) in the Reformed Churches in South Africa. The finding of this study is that discipleship can indeed be applied as a ministry model for church–building for the baptized members (13 to 18 years of age) in the Reformed Churches in South Africa. Through this ministry model the baptized member can be equipped in a contextual–relevant manner to bring the gospel to the world, through his or her love for God to his or her neighbour, as a member of the faith community of the church. / Thesis (M. Th. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

This study flows from an awareness of the crisis in the church, and specifically in the Dutch Reformed Church The Reeds, concerning the lack of faith identity as well as the lack of assimilation with the faith community after confirmation. The hypothesis chosen for this study, which also determined the opening argument, was that parental mentorship and involvement of parents in faith development assist in the development, understanding and living of children’s faith identity as well as their assimilation with the faith community after confirmation. The opposite of this is also made clear – a lack of parental mentorship and involvement of parents in faith development is the cause of the absence of faith identity and assimilation with the faith community after confirmation. From a perspective of building up the local church this hypothesis is examined theologically, psychologically and empirically. The study concludes that this hypothesis definitely holds ground. The role of the involvement or absence of parents in children’s faith identity and faith development is examined. The role of the faith community in supporting parents with their mentoring role is also probed and the results clearly indicate the need for an adjustment in the approach of the church’s youth ministry. Another meaningful finding is that there has been a shift in the past few decades (regarding where the responsibility for the development of children’s faith lie) from parents to the faith community. Parents were gradually shifted out of youth ministry, which caused the drop-off culture that currently exists. To ensure a generation that understands and live their faith identity and who are still actively involved in their faith community after confirmation, begs for definite action. To address this crisis, different strategies and action plans are proposed in order to move away from church-centred, home-supporting youth ministry to home-centred, church-supporting youth ministry. This implies long-term implementation and will result in parents once again taking primary responsibility for the faith development of their children. This further infers that faith communities must include parents in the ministry to children before and during their Sunday-school and catechism years. Copyright / Dissertation (MA(Theol))--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

AFRIKAANS: Hierdie studie het ten doel gehad om die ampsbegrip van die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA) te meet aan die “amp” of te wel bedieninge in die Nuwe Testament, en meer spesifiek Jesus se oproep tot dissipelskap in Markus 8:34. Daar is aangetoon dat die historiese Jesus steeds relevant is vir kerklike teologie in die opsig dat daar ʼn saaklike kontinuïteit bestaan tussen die historiese Jesus en die kerk van vandag. Die slotsom waartoe gekom is, is dat daar in Jesus se oproep tot dissipelskap in Markus 8:34 ʼn implisiete ampsbegrip teenwoordig is, waarvan diensbaarheid op grond van selfverloëning, kruis opneem en navolging, die essensie vorm. Omdat die kerk bestaan uit ʼn groep gelowiges en daar in die kerk ook leiding gegee moet word, is ook aandag gegee aan leierskap en die vorming van kleingroepe soos gesien vanuit die sosiale wetenskappe. As verdere rede hiervoor kan aangevoer word dat groepvorming een van die belangrikste eienskappe is van institusionalisering. Die resultate van hierdie gedeelte is toegepas op die beweging rondom Jesus ten einde te sien hoe charisma en institusionalisering daarvan in die beweging rondom Jesus gefunksioneer het. Verder is ook gekyk na groepsdinamiek in die beweging rondom Jesus op grond van die funksionering van charisma in hierdie groep. Vervolgens is daar gewys op die rol wat institusionalisering van charisma gespeel het in die Pauliniese-, deutero-Pauliniese- en Pastorale Briewe. Kontinuïteit tussen die vroeë kerk en die Jesussaak is ook onder die soeklig geplaas. Omdat die ampsbegrip van die NHKA onder andere baie sterk steun op die denke van die reformatore soos Calvyn, is Calvyn se ampsbegrip asook die invloed van ander Reformatore se denke op dié van Calvyn, aan die orde gestel. Opsommend is ʼn paar slotopmerkings gemaak oor die ampsbegrip van die NHKA soos verwoord in sy Kerkorde en bevestigingsformuliere. Die gedagte is dat hierdie opmerkings vir die NHKA as riglyn kan dien vir die vorming van ʼn eietydse ampsbegrip. Die opsommende opmerkings word gemaak op grond van die resultate van die studie van Jesus se oproep tot dissipelskap ten einde te verseker dat die NHKA sy dienswerk doen in ooreenstemming met die Woord van God. Hierdie dienswerk word verrig in ʼn wêreld wat ver verwyderd is van dié waarin Jesus geleef en gedien het. ENGLISH: This study aims to examine the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa’s (NHKA) understanding of church office and measure it by “office” or ministries in the New Testament, and specifically by Jesus’ calling to discipleship in Mark 8:34. The relevance of the historical Jesus for contemporary church theology is indicated by the “essential” (Sache) continuity that exists between the historical Jesus and the church today. The study concludes that there is an implicit understanding of office present in Jesus’ calling to discipleship in Mark 8:34. The essence of this calling is servitude based on self denial, the taking up one’s cross and the following of Jesus. Because the church consists of a group of believers, who needs guidance, a part of the study focuses on leadership and the forming of small groups as described by social sciences. Another reason why this focus is important is that group forming is an essential characteristic of institutionalization. The results of this part of the study are applied to the movement around Jesus, the purpose of which is to study the functioning of charisma and institutionalization in this movement. Attention is also given to the group dynamic in the movement based on the functioning of charisma. Subsequently the role of institutionalization in the Pauline-, deutero-Pauline- and Pastoral Epistles are shown. The continuity between the early church and the Jesus cause is examined as well. The NHKA bases it’s understanding of church office to a large extent on the thoughts of reformers like Calvin. Therefore Calvin’s understanding of church office, as well as the influence that other reformers’ thoughts had on Calvin, is examined. Consequently a few remarks are made on the NHKA’s understanding of church office, as described in the NHKA church ordinance and the formulary for the confirmation of office-bearers. The aim is for these remarks to serve as a guideline for the NHKA to form a contemporary understanding of church office. The concluding remarks are derived from the results of the study on Jesus’ calling to discipleship, with the aim of assuring that the NHKA serves and works in correspondence to the Word of God. This serving is done in a world very different from the one in which Jesus lived and served. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / New Testament Studies / unrestricted

The phenomenon of the decline in numbers in traditionally Afrikaans “sister churches” - in the midst of the complex South African society of the first decade of the 21st century - was researched in the light of the command that Jesus himself gave to his church (Math 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8). The Great Commission directed the aim of the research to evaluate this phenomenon hermeneutically and empirically in order to develop a reformed strategy in a practical theological way. The grounding of the investigation was the communicative action theory, which simultaneously integrates with a basic theoretical model developed from a combination of basic theoretical models as suggested by Dingemans, Heitink en Zerfass. To reinforce the exegetical/hermeneutical perspective of the basic theory, a historical study was conducted regarding the growth and decline of power basises since the Jesus movement until now. The interaction between perspectives was subsequently extended by metatheoretical perspectives, based on the research regarding the influence of schools of thought, as well as the influence of circumstances in the country, which determine the “sister church” praxis of the 21st century. The traditionally Afrikaans “sister churches” as a problematic ecclesiastical community of practice was further examined as part of the empirical perspective. On this basis an attempt was made to gauge the thinking of the “sister churches” in the intricate and problematic ecclesiastical praxis. The gauging was executed by means of a random test in one of the “sister churches”, namely the Reformed Church of South Africa (GKSA). It was found that this problematic church praxis is directed by strong institutional thinking. An adjusted practice theory, as well as a supporting practical theoretical model, were formulated in order to realise a reformed strategy for church growth as opposed to the decline in numbers. Considering the above mentioned interactive perspectives, the conclusion was reached that the praxis in the “sister churches” at the beginning of the 21st century, functions in an ecclesiastically imbalanced way. The imbalance lies in the fact that Christ-centred thinking, and thus also Christ-centred ecclesiology (as balancing thinking and balancing ecclesiology), does not manifest in “sister church” thinking. The unbalanced thinking as an all-encompassing factor in the church praxis, confirms and promotes the tendency of the decline in numbers. The proposed strategic perspective as the adjusted practice theory is thus a contribution to formulating an obedient, covenant-centred and reformed answer to declining numbers. This adjusted strategy can bring about the wonder of revival and growth in the “sister churches” by means of the basic theoretical truth elements, which were pointed out in this research. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The phenomenon of the decline in numbers in traditionally Afrikaans “sister churches” - in the midst of the complex South African society of the first decade of the 21st century - was researched in the light of the command that Jesus himself gave to his church (Math 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8). The Great Commission directed the aim of the research to evaluate this phenomenon hermeneutically and empirically in order to develop a reformed strategy in a practical theological way. The grounding of the investigation was the communicative action theory, which simultaneously integrates with a basic theoretical model developed from a combination of basic theoretical models as suggested by Dingemans, Heitink en Zerfass. To reinforce the exegetical/hermeneutical perspective of the basic theory, a historical study was conducted regarding the growth and decline of power basises since the Jesus movement until now. The interaction between perspectives was subsequently extended by metatheoretical perspectives, based on the research regarding the influence of schools of thought, as well as the influence of circumstances in the country, which determine the “sister church” praxis of the 21st century. The traditionally Afrikaans “sister churches” as a problematic ecclesiastical community of practice was further examined as part of the empirical perspective. On this basis an attempt was made to gauge the thinking of the “sister churches” in the intricate and problematic ecclesiastical praxis. The gauging was executed by means of a random test in one of the “sister churches”, namely the Reformed Church of South Africa (GKSA). It was found that this problematic church praxis is directed by strong institutional thinking. An adjusted practice theory, as well as a supporting practical theoretical model, were formulated in order to realise a reformed strategy for church growth as opposed to the decline in numbers. Considering the above mentioned interactive perspectives, the conclusion was reached that the praxis in the “sister churches” at the beginning of the 21st century, functions in an ecclesiastically imbalanced way. The imbalance lies in the fact that Christ-centred thinking, and thus also Christ-centred ecclesiology (as balancing thinking and balancing ecclesiology), does not manifest in “sister church” thinking. The unbalanced thinking as an all-encompassing factor in the church praxis, confirms and promotes the tendency of the decline in numbers. The proposed strategic perspective as the adjusted practice theory is thus a contribution to formulating an obedient, covenant-centred and reformed answer to declining numbers. This adjusted strategy can bring about the wonder of revival and growth in the “sister churches” by means of the basic theoretical truth elements, which were pointed out in this research. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.