The premise of this research is that the local church is called to play a major role in the transformation process of the local community in which it is called to work. This call is rooted in its nature and mission. The outcome of this research is to develop a model of how to do theology in a local community context, what is described in these pages as “Community-Sensitive Church Model”. This premise is developed by revisiting the concept of church and social transformation, church engagement with society throughout history and through analyzing the community of praxis before attempting to develop the model that makes of a local church an agent of social transformation. Lofdal Community Church is presented as an implementation of this model in Maitland. Copyright / Dissertation (MA(Theol))--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

This research aims to construct a strategy for the support and care of students coping with entrance examination and academic stress within the South Korean Youth Ministry, through a relationship-oriented care ministry. For the purpose of this research, the researcher has adopted Osmer's practical theological methodology, and has used focus group interviews, in the context of qualitative research. The structure of this research is as follows: Chapter 1 defines essential concepts: it begins with a statement of the problem; it follows with the formulation of the problem and its purpose, the hypothesis of this dissertation, an outline of its structure, a description of various pertinent concepts and the various research tasks. Chapter 2 looks at university entrance examinations and their role in the education system in South Korean society, and the entrance examination stress that high school students are experiencing as a result of the pressure placed on them by the pressure to excel in the entrance examination. The chapter describes both young people in the local churches, and the life they are facing as a result of the pressure placed on them by entrance examinations in the context of Korean society. Chapter 3 describes the concept and characteristics of young people, and also provides a general theological foundation for an understanding of the youth ministry in the local church. The chapter also deals with the relationship between caring for and supporting young people, and the youth ministry, as part of the body of Christ, as it occurs in in the local church. Chapter 4 strives to heed the voices of the young people in South Korean churches who are experiencing some sort of anxiety related to Entrance Examination Stress Syndrome, in order to ascertain precisely what is taking place. The focus group interview results indicate that young people's identities include a belief in being called by God to take the university entrance examination. This interpretation is from a reformed worldview perspective, and was identified by means of dialogue with the social support theory. As a new theological concept, the researcher also establishes the important role of the congregation that cultivates friendship and open channels of communication within its youth ministry, to establish the youths' identity as being called by God to the entrance examination. Chapter 5 is a discussion of the pragmatic task, which is the last of the four tasks of practical theology presented by Osmer (2008): the process of strategic action. Here, the researcher has attempted to create strategies, based on the relationship-oriented care ministry, to support students facing entrance examinations. These strategies are based on the concept of youths' identity as involving being called by God, and the inclusive congregational approach presented by Nel (2000:77-98). / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / Practical Theology / PhD / Unrestricted

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-29T14:27:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Luiz Carlos Zotarelli.pdf: 1916594 bytes, checksum: b45de0d1b7cbb49061254e20786512de (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-12-07 / This work arises from a concern of this author, in relation to the Missionary Dimension of the Local Church in Piracicaba, in which it is an effective member and has priority for Missiology. In this area, stood out a project of Parochial Missionary Catechesis, with the purpose of awaking the missionarity of Jesus Christ´s disciples. During its applicability, two challenges emerged: 1) Religious issues - ignorance of the Missionaries Documents between the Ecclesiastical Documents and the general and specific Formation of the Pastoral Agents, Families and Believers in general. 2) Social challenges - Globalization, Culture, Ethnicity, Computing, New Paradigms, and New Areopagos that address today's action of the Church, front to the fidelity to the Master. Thus, it arises the hypothesis, if the Missionaries Documents are influencing the life of this Local Church and if they arrive at the evangelizing and pastoral bases. For this study, the methodology of numerical research and quantitative statistics were employed, showing indirect and hidden results, presented through a questionnaire to people representative of the practice of this Local Church. The results showed that there are failures in the Proceedings to Receive, to Spreading, in the Application and in the Review of the applicability of these documents, and also in the training of Pastoral Agents. Concluding, this study offers some proposals to contribute ecclesially with the Local Church in Piracicaba / This work arises from a concern of this author, in relation to the Missionary Dimension of the Local Church in Piracicaba, in which it is an effective member and has priority for Missiology. In this area, stood out a project of Parochial Missionary Catechesis, with the purpose of awaking the missionarity of Jesus Christ´s disciples. During its applicability, two challenges emerged: 1) Religious issues - ignorance of the Missionaries Documents between the Ecclesiastical Documents and the general and specific Formation of the Pastoral Agents, Families and Believers in general. 2) Social challenges - Globalization, Culture, Ethnicity, Computing, New Paradigms, and New Areopagos that address today's action of the Church, front to the fidelity to the Master. Thus, it arises the hypothesis, if the Missionaries Documents are influencing the life of this Local Church and if they arrive at the evangelizing and pastoral bases. For this study, the methodology of numerical research and quantitative statistics were employed, showing indirect and hidden results, presented through a questionnaire to people representative of the practice of this Local Church. The results showed that there are failures in the Proceedings to Receive, to Spreading, in the Application and in the Review of the applicability of these documents, and also in the training of Pastoral Agents. Concluding, this study offers some proposals to contribute ecclesially with the Local Church in Piracicaba / Este trabalho surge de uma preocupação deste autor em relação à Dimensão Missionária da Igreja Local de Piracicaba, na qual o mesmo é membro efetivo e possui prioridade pela Missiologia. Nesta área, destacou-se um projeto de Catequese Missionária Paroquial, com a finalidade do despertar à Missionariedade dos discípulos de Jesus Cristo. Durante a sua aplicabilidade, surgiram dois desafios: 1) Problemas Religiosos - desconhecimento dos Documentos Missionários entre os Documentos Eclesiais e a Formação geral e específica dos Agentes de Pastorais, das Famílias e dos Fiéis em geral; 2) Desafios Sociais Globalização, Culturas, Etnias, Informática, Novos Paradigmas, Novos Areópagos que interpelam hoje a ação da Igreja, frente à fidelidade ao Mestre. Assim, surgiu a hipótese, se os Documentos Missionários estão influenciando na Vida desta Igreja Local e se estes chegam às suas bases evangelizadoras e pastorais. Para tal estudo, foi empregada a metodologia da pesquisa numérica, estatística e quantitativa, com resultas indiretos e escondidos, apresentados através de um Questionário às pessoas representativas da práxis desta Igreja Local. Os resultados demonstraram que há falhas nos Trâmites no Receber, no Repassar, no Aplicar e na Revisão da aplicabilidade destes documentos, e também, na Formação Permanente dos Agentes de Pastorais. Finalizando, este estudo oferece algumas propostas para contribuir eclesialmente com a Igreja Local de Piracicaba / Este trabalho surge de uma preocupação deste autor em relação à Dimensão Missionária da Igreja Local de Piracicaba, na qual o mesmo é membro efetivo e possui prioridade pela Missiologia. Nesta área, destacou-se um projeto de Catequese Missionária Paroquial, com a finalidade do despertar à Missionariedade dos discípulos de Jesus Cristo. Durante a sua aplicabilidade, surgiram dois desafios: 1) Problemas Religiosos - desconhecimento dos Documentos Missionários entre os Documentos Eclesiais e a Formação geral e específica dos Agentes de Pastorais, das Famílias e dos Fiéis em geral; 2) Desafios Sociais Globalização, Culturas, Etnias, Informática, Novos Paradigmas, Novos Areópagos que interpelam hoje a ação da Igreja, frente à fidelidade ao Mestre. Assim, surgiu a hipótese, se os Documentos Missionários estão influenciando na Vida desta Igreja Local e se estes chegam às suas bases evangelizadoras e pastorais. Para tal estudo, foi empregada a metodologia da pesquisa numérica, estatística e quantitativa, com resultas indiretos e escondidos, apresentados através de um Questionário às pessoas representativas da práxis desta Igreja Local. Os resultados demonstraram que há falhas nos Trâmites no Receber, no Repassar, no Aplicar e na Revisão da aplicabilidade destes documentos, e também, na Formação Permanente dos Agentes de Pastorais. Finalizando, este estudo oferece algumas propostas para contribuir eclesialmente com a Igreja Local de Piracicaba

La naissance des Eglises locales en Afrique, disons-le, est sans conteste l’œuvre première de vaillants missionnaires parfois désintéressés. La mise en place des premières structures sociales et chrétiennes est là pour le démontrer. Dans le cas du Gabon, ce privilège revient au Père Jean Rémy Bessieux et à ses nombreux successeurs. A court, moyen ou long terme, le mission chrétienne devait laisser la place à une organisation autochtone. Toutefois, une lecture attentive de ce passage de flambeau nous laisse comprendre que le chemin a été long et difficile. Dans bien des cas, la mise en place de l’Eglise locale au Gabon s’est souvent avérée plus évidente dans les dires que dans les faits. Contrairement à une certaine historiographie édifiante et apologétique habituée à nous présenter la création du clergé local comme une volonté héroïque et sans conditions des missionnaires, les sources nous indiquent plutôt que les indigènes, avec la première génération de prêtres gabonais ont été des agents précieux dans cette entreprise. La splendide croissance de l’Eglise catholique au Gabon dès le milieu du XXè siècle a été couronnée par l’élévation de l’ancien vicariat en diocèse autonome en 1958 et l’ordination de plusieurs évêques nationaux, formant désormais la hiérarchie locale. En quelque temps, l’Eglise catholique connaissait un développement rapide. Cela était un fait remarquable à tous points de vue, même si en réalité des problèmes cruciaux persistent. Si on considère l’épiscopat de certains nationaux comme un fait indéniable de la croissance de l’Eglise, il ne faut cependant pas oublier d’autres faits comme l’augmentation du nombre de circonscriptions ecclésiastiques, la croissance du nombre de membres autochtones du clergé, de séminaristes et de candidats dans les instituts de vie consacrée, sans omettre l’extension progressive du réseau de catéchistes et de laïcs, dont on sait le rôle dans la diffusion de l’évangile parmi les population gabonaises. Certes, les sources nous décrivent une évolution progressive de l’Eglise locale, mais elles nous présentent aussi une Eglise face à un certain nombre de dangers. Dès 1970, on assiste à des problèmes liés aux revendications de plusieurs clercs locaux. Au début des années 80, c’est face à une Eglise parsemée de difficultés diverses que Sa Sainteté Jean Paul II rend visite en 1982. / The birth of the local churches in Africa is unquestionably the first work of brave sometime made lose interest missionaries. The setting of the first social and Christian structures is here to show it. Concerning Gabon, Father Jean Remy Bessieux and his several successors enjoyed this priviledge. In short; average or long term, the christian missions had to leave the place to an autochthonous organization. However, an attentive reading of this passage of torch lets us understand that the road was long and difficult. In many case, the setting of the local church in Gabon often turned out more evident in the statements than in the facts. Contrary to a certain edifying and apologetic historiography which used to show the creation of the local clergy as a heroic will, and without any conditions from the missionaries, sources rather point out that the native have been some very precious factors in this enterprise with the first generation of Gabonese priests. The magnificent growth of the Roman Catholic Church in the Gabon from the middle of the XXth century was crowned by the rise of the former vicariate in autonomous diocese in 1958 and the ordination of several national bishops, forming henceforth the local hierarchy. From all sides, it appeared as a remarkable fact, even if some crucial problems are persisting. If one considers the episcopate of some native as an unmistakable fact of the growth of the church, you should not however forget the other facts as the increase in the number of aboriginal members of clergy, of seminarists and candidates in the institutes of consecrated life. Moreover, one should not omit the progressive expansion of the catechists and laics, of which have knows the role mattering in the broadcasting of the gospel among the Gabonese peoples. Indeed sources are describing a progressive evolution of the local church, but also show a church facing a certain number of dangers. From 1970, we attend problems connected to the demands of several local clerks. In the beginning of the 80s, it is in front of one church strewed with diverses difficulties that his Holiness, Jean Paul II visits in 1982.

“The relationship between ministerial tenure and Identity development in local churches, in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa – Northern Free State and Lesotho District.” This thesis was born from my experience of two local churches I was serving simultaneously in Riebeeckstad and Odendaalsrus. After a year of being their minister I began to reflect on my experience in their midst especially because I had begun to recognize that they treated me, as their minister, very differently. Amongst other things I discovered that they had experienced vastly different clergy tenure over an extended period of time. The journey these reflections began, along with my passion for the local church, has led to this dissertation which investigates the relationship between clergy tenure and the development of Congregational identity in local churches. Strong and healthy local churches have a clearly defined and understood congregational identity that overcomes uncertainty, builds unity, provides guidelines and direction, and increases member participation, excitement and energy. This sense of knowing “who we are” and “why we are” generates great momentum and focus in the local church which translates into participation with the Triune God in making the Kingdom of God a reality. For this to happen, strong and capable leadership is required. But, more than that, building up a Local Church to participate in the work of God's Kingdom requires continuity in the leadership of the local church. Long-term clergy tenure over an extended period is a vital part of leading a local church into a fuller participation with the Triune God in making the Kingdom of God a reality. Sadly, the importance of long-term clergy tenure is not always recognized and the result is that not only the local church suffers, but ultimately, the work of the Kingdom of God struggles. As we consider this absolutely vital aspect of Building up the Local Church I hope that local church leaders are encouraged to think long-term and strive for continuity in clergy and lay leadership. It is my hope and prayer that greater numbers of my colleagues will recognize that their call to serve God and His Kingdom in pastoral leadership requires long-term tenure. Soli Deo Gloria. AFRIKAANS : “Die verhouding tussen die predikant se dienstermyn en die Identiteits ontwikkeling in plaaslike gemeentes in die Metodiste Kerk van Suidelike Afrika – Noordelike Vrystaat en Lesotho Distrik”. Hierdie verhandeling is gebore uit my ervaring van twee plaaslike gemeentes waar ek gedien het ter seldetyd in Riebeeckstad en Odendaalsrus. Na 'n jaar van bediening het ek begin nadink oor my ervaring by hierdie gemeentes deurdat hulle my as predikant, 'anders' behandel het. Onder andere het ek uitgevind dat hulle uiteenlopende ervarings gehad het van die dienstermyne van hul predikante oor 'n lang tydperk. Tesame met my voorliefde vir die plaaslike gemeente, het hierdie reistog begin waardeur ek die verhouding tussen die dienstermyn van die predikant en die ontwikkeling van Gemeentelike Identiteit in plaaslike gemeentes ondersoek het. Sterk en gesonde plaaslike gemeentes het 'n duidelik gedefineerde identiteit wat onder andere onsekerheid oorkom, eenheid bou, riglyne verskaf en rigting hou, ledetal verhoog; energie ontwikkel en entoesiasme bevorder. Hierdie kennis van “wie ons is” en “waarom ons bestaan” ontwikkel groot dryfkrag en fokus in the plaaslike gemeente wat vertolk word deur die meelewing saam met die Drie-Enige God in die werklikmaking van die Koninkryk van God. Sterk leierskap is nodig om hierdie ideaal 'n werklikheid te maak, maar selfs belangriker as dit, is die ononderbrokenheid van die dienstermyn van die leierskap van die plaaslike gemeente. 'n Verlengde dienstermyn is 'n kardinale aspek in die opbou van plaaslike gemeentes se volgehoue betrokkenheid om die Koninkryk van die Drie-Enige God 'n werklikheid te maak. Ongelukkig word die voordele van verlengde dienstermyn van 'n predikant misken en die plaaslike gemeente ly verlies, buiten dat die Koninkryk van God ook verlies ly. Terwyl ons nou die voordele van verlengede dienstermyn van die predikant bedink, hoop ek dat plaaslike gemeente-leiers aangemoedig sal word om dit te oorweeg om aaneenlopende dienstermyn van predikante en ander lidmaat leierskap te implementeer. Dit is my gebed en hoop dat 'n groot meerderheid van my kollegas sal besef dat verlengde termyn dienslewering vir God en Sy Konikryk 'n noodsaaklikheid is. Soli Deo Gloria Copyright / Dissertation (MA(Theol))--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

The purpose of this study is to reveal that local churches are in a declining state. It further proves there is a need for strategies to turn around decline in local churches, with an emphasis on a case of Second Bethel, African Methodist Episcopal local church. To address the possible causes of the decline in local church membership, this study was conducted. The participants provided data indicating the causes of local church membership decline. The participants agreed that as per chapter four report what were the cause for this decline in membership This study presented several reasons why churches are declining in membership and possible strategies to curb a decline in membership into growing churches. / MA (Biblical Studies/Theology)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2015.

The purpose of this study is to reveal that local churches are in a declining state. It further proves there is a need for strategies to turn around decline in local churches, with an emphasis on a case of Second Bethel, African Methodist Episcopal local church. To address the possible causes of the decline in local church membership, this study was conducted. The participants provided data indicating the causes of local church membership decline. The participants agreed that as per chapter four report what were the cause for this decline in membership This study presented several reasons why churches are declining in membership and possible strategies to curb a decline in membership into growing churches. / MA (Biblical Studies/Theology)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2015.

The objective of this thesis is to contribute toward an understanding of missionaries and missions of the west and the rising of the Chinese indigenous churches. There is a necessity to trace the historical protestant mission work since Robert Morrison in 1807. Through the inequality of treaties such as the Nanking Treaty of 1842, the door to missions was opened in China. Missions came in along with western colonialism and military force. The Chinese people and government built up their hatred and resentment of the west during this period. The Boxer Uprising was the beginning of an era of unrest and instability, which brought about greater government interventions that impacted the Chinese people. Missionaries and Chinese Christians were murdered and martyred. However, these tragedies did not stop missions from sending more missionaries. Chinese Christians and leaders opened their eyes. The new awakening started Chinese indigenous churches through a revivalist and spiritual emphasis. Speakers such as Ding Li-Mei, Wang Ming-Dao, David Yang, John Sung, Watchman Nee, and Calvin Chao were active during the period between 1925 and 1949. Indigenous churches like the True Jesus Church, Jesus family Church, Zei Li Hwey and Ling En Hwey came into being. This was a most challenging era in modem Chinese Church history. The results were great. Since 1949 and the "Liberation" the Chinese church has marched on without western missionaries. / Christian Spirituality, Church History, and Missiology / D. Th. (Missiology)

This study investigated the impact that a number of variables within the short-term mission experience had on the beliefs, attitudes and behaviours of Anabaptist young adult mission participants in 24 concepts related to their relationship with God, the Church and world around them. Study participants were drawn from five different Anabaptist denominationally connected short-term mission programs ranging in length from one month to one year. This study used a quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test, follow-up design with non-equivalent groups as well as a non-randomized control group. The 116 study participants filled out a quantitative questionnaire prior to their short-term mission experience, after they returned from their mission experience and again one year after they returned. This longitudinal aspect of the research design measured the relative impact of variables within the short-term mission experience on participants over time. Methodological triangulation was employed that allowed for a variety of quantitative and qualitative tools to be used in better understanding the comparative impact of the short-term mission experience. The questionnaire, short essay response and interviews all incorporated concepts related to the international and cross-cultural impact of the short-term mission experience that have not been systematically analysed in this kind of study before. Response rates remained very high throughout the three stages of data collection and produced a number of significant findings. These findings included the positive impact during the mission experience of: an extensive pre-trip training experience, longer assignments, cross-cultural assignment location, relationally focused assignments, supportive families and churches, and correlation between repeat assignments and strong interest in future full-time mission work. While the positive impact of the short-term mission experience was significant, the post-trip regression in participants' beliefs, attitudes and behaviours one year after returning from the mission experience was also significant. This regression indicates that inadequate attention is being paid to participant re-entry, debrief and follow-up. Short-term mission agencies, participants and local churches need to view the discipleship impact of the short-term mission experience as ongoing. It is counter-intuitive to invest discipleship resources on returning short-term mission participants; however, the data indicates that is where the most significant discipleship challenges are found. / Theology / D.Th.

Text in English / This thesis is an attempt to investigate how local churches (re)define their international orientation in response to the shockwaves of globalisation and their interpretation of the signs of the times. The analysis is guided by the key dimensions of interdependence, responsibility, and partnership. The local church is expected to have reached an increasing awareness of interdependence in her international relationships by the emergence of the postmodern systemic paradigm as never before in the history of the ecumenical movement. Consequently, this results in a sense of responsibility developing directly from a prophetic reading and an interpretation of the signs of the times as well as in a receptivity to be fertilised by international impulses. The local church is perceived by both individual Christians and pastors as direct platform for international responsibility. The wounds of the world, the needy and the suffering are suggested as inviting primary responses of local churches in the North. International church partnerships are investigated as practical attempts to live out interdependent relationships, to translate the sense of responsibility into action, and to receive fertilisation from the partner churches. Qualitative case studies from Reformed, United (Lutheran/Reformed) and Free churches present a status analysis of churches regarding the points under discussion. The tendency is observed that pastors inc~easingly look for ways alternative to the old ecumenical structures, which are characterised by rich/poor and donor/recipient relationships, thus operating their churches with free initiative and association. Studies regularly narrow down topics to interdependence, postmodernism, development, development politics, church development services, international partnerships, ecumenical learning, etc. Often recommendations for action are made based on the one single area of research presented. In this study, however, it is argued that pastors and churches do not derive their decisions and programmes from considerations of one single area, but they consider all these areas together. / Christian Spirituality, Church History & Missiology / D. Th. (Missiology)