The aim of this study is to indicate the necessity for training Christian workers and to formulate suitable criteria for undergraduate study. The central theoretical argument is that criteria regarding the effective training of Christian workers are lacking and should therefore be formulated. An increasing demand for healthy reformed-theological and ministry oriented undergraduate training of Christian workers, calls for an interesting and new challenge for the departments of Practical Theology at Theological Faculties in South Africa and worldwide. The first aim of this study was to determine which possible Scriptural perspectives exist on the intra- and interpersonal development of the believer. The basis-theoretical perspective showed a distinct relationship and interdependency between the development of emotive and spiritual skills. Both form an integral part of the believer's process of growth towards spiritual maturity and maturity of faith. The second aim was to examine the contributions of other relevant disciplines. Regarding the metatheoretical perspective, emotive training is considered increasingly important. Disciplines such as Sociology. Psychology, Psycho Neurology and Social Work contributes interesting perspectives on the intra- and interpersonal development of the individual. This knowledge has to be taken into account when a scientifically answerable training course for Christian workers is to be developed. Empirical research clearly showed the need for ministry oriented undergraduate training of Christian workers, which should include the development of intra- and interpersonal skills. The third goal was reached by integrating the basis- and meta-theoretical perspectives, and by laying down guidelines for this new field of practice. The researcher evaluated relevant study material of the above-mentioned disciplines and integrated the information into criteria for a new theo-psychosocial study course for undergraduate training of Christian workers. / Thesis (M.A. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006

Thesis (M.A. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

The aim of this study is to indicate the necessity for training Christian workers and to formulate suitable criteria for undergraduate study. The central theoretical argument is that criteria regarding the effective training of Christian workers are lacking and should therefore be formulated. An increasing demand for healthy reformed-theological and ministry oriented undergraduate training of Christian workers, calls for an interesting and new challenge for the departments of Practical Theology at Theological Faculties in South Africa and worldwide. The first aim of this study was to determine which possible Scriptural perspectives exist on the intra- and interpersonal development of the believer. The basis-theoretical perspective showed a distinct relationship and interdependency between the development of emotive and spiritual skills. Both form an integral part of the believer's process of growth towards spiritual maturity and maturity of faith. The second aim was to examine the contributions of other relevant disciplines. Regarding the metatheoretical perspective, emotive training is considered increasingly important. Disciplines such as Sociology. Psychology, Psycho Neurology and Social Work contributes interesting perspectives on the intra- and interpersonal development of the individual. This knowledge has to be taken into account when a scientifically answerable training course for Christian workers is to be developed. Empirical research clearly showed the need for ministry oriented undergraduate training of Christian workers, which should include the development of intra- and interpersonal skills. The third goal was reached by integrating the basis- and meta-theoretical perspectives, and by laying down guidelines for this new field of practice. The researcher evaluated relevant study material of the above-mentioned disciplines and integrated the information into criteria for a new theo-psychosocial study course for undergraduate training of Christian workers. / Thesis (M.A. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006