The megachurch and the missional church are on-going global phenomena. Under the premise that the church has to be missional, this dissertation analyses and describes if a megachurch can be missional in both theoretical and practical ways from a Korean perspective. The megachurch is not simply a very large church in membership or size of its building. It, by the influence of interaction of socio-cultural, historical and theological backgrounds, has its own missiological and ecclesiological perspectives. The megachurch understands that the growth of an individual church is the expansion of the kingdom of God, so that the church must be functional and structural to fulfil the church growth efficiently. Thus, it is a powerful tendency that can be found not only in large size churches, but from all churches trying to achieve by all means the quantitative growth of the church and world evangelisation, through the power and material obtained from growth. The Korean megachurches represented by the Poongsunghan Church obviously display the characteristics of this tendency. The missional church is not simply a mission-driven church sending many missionaries to other countries. It believes that all churches are sent to the world by God who wants to reconcile the whole universe to Him, so that the church has to restore its missional essence to participate in the mission of God wherever it is as the early church did. Thus, the missional church is a reforming movement to witness to God’s rule by recovering its apostolic nature. The characteristics of the movement is clearly activating in the Bundang Woori Church, one of the Korean missional churches. In this line of research, any churches that are not resisting the megachurch tendency cannot be missional. The Korean church, which is in crisis being marginalised from society, has to join the missional movement. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / tm2015 / Science of Religion and Missiology / MA / Unrestricted

This study looked at the journey towards becoming a missional church, using Beach Mission Presbyterian Church as a case study and explores the question of the missiological praxis of Beach Mission and UPCSA. Despite the fact that the church is not fundamentally the keeper of mission, it is however the sign, instrument, means of expression, and foretaste of God’s mission to the troubled, broken and traumatised world. I can affirm with equal validity that, mission belongs to God. Mission was not made for the church; the church was made for mission – God’s mission. The UPCSA must give careful attention to the processes by which it governs itself but the biblical and theological foundations will always be crucial than the specific structures implemented. These foundations will allow authentic relationships to develop simply because they assure people that they will be valued as those created in the image of God. Their wisdom and participation will be noticed and honoured. The church structures will give credence to God’s work of reconciliation. When church structures allow the biblical and theological foundations to order its life, the church will bring glory, praise and honour to God. Gibbs (2005:20) asserts that, the church of the twenty-first century needs missional thinkers and apostolic leadership. By missional leadership I mean leaders who can read the Scriptures with fresh eyes, relating the story of redemption to the human condition in its present cultural context – contexts that are increasingly multicultural and influenced by global trends. This poses a challenge to UPCSA. It was apparent that the Beach Mission Presbyterian Church approaches missional church conversation with a sense of hopefulness, and this was motivated by the strong belief that God is present and up to something wonderful. The Beach Mission Presbyterian Church’s case in point is heartening other congregations who intend in embarking on a journey towards becoming a missional church. The focus has been about God and his mission. The Beach Mission Presbyterian Church ought to comprehend the indisputable fact that it is just an instrument for missio Dei or to put it simply it is nothing more than a delivery means for the gospel. Wright (2010:31) asserts that, but at the end of the day, mission is a matter of loyalty. The ambassador must have complete loyalty to the government he or she represents. A trusted messenger will faithfully deliver what his sender said, not his own opinions. The church is a rejected community sent out to the world with a product (Jesus), to bring about transformation to the world. In essence, one wonders if the church does comprehend the world in which it is sent out to? Does it comprehend God, who has sent it? In the missional church, the theology is more than the self-serving what do you get mentality. Members comprehend that they are called to be the church rather than be served by it. / Dissertation (MA Theol)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Science of Religion and Missiology / unrestricted

The foundational hypothesis to this study is that congregations which have a healthy perception and a greater understanding of conflict will develop more effective responses to conflict that will translate into more effective conflict resolution and reconciliation. The process and sustainability of the development of a missional church, the context of the study, is pregnant with potential conflict. Untamed conflict has the propensity to retard, jeopardise or even destroy the development of a missional church. When conflict arises, it must be understood and dealt with theologically. The inherent problem is that conflict appears to be neither understood nor appreciated sociologically and theologically. This knowledge and praxis vacuum has the potential for conflict to translate into inappropriate or ineffective responses that do not always make for effective resolution and reconciliation. The research focuses mainly on an empirical study based on the four practical theological questions of Osmer (2008). Participants for this study were randomly selected from specific sectors of Methodist congregations in the wider Pretoria area. The research explores congregants’ perceptions, understanding and views of conflict; their responses to conflict; and some felt and observed outcomes of conflict. The presupposition is that the development of the local missional church would be more effective and efficient when the management and process of conflict resolution and reconciliation are well led and well managed. This study confirmed that conflict, despite its normalcy and necessity, carries a negative undertone and is mostly avoided in congregations. This is compounded by the evidence that there is little, if any, theological or scriptural understanding of conflict. There is also no indication that churches intentionally and purposefully educate their members to appreciate and understand conflict. In so doing, churches are harming their innate calling as the glory and manifestation of God’s divine grace through faith communities for the transformation of all peoples. Yet, the church understands the dangers of unhealthy conflict, and on occasion even expects conflict to arise, although deeming it inappropriate. Practical theological discernment is sought as to why this may be so and remedial action is proposed to address the problem of conflict within congregations. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / Practical Theology / PhD / Unrestricted

No description available.

The theological theme missio Dei functions increasingly as the paradigm for local faith communities to renew the self-understanding of their identity and purpose in a changing world. There is, therefore, great interest in theological publications and religious practices regarding the so-called missional church. The missio Dei does not only have implications for the local faith community to be missional, but also for the way in which these faith communities should act in relation to each other in light of their new self-understanding. The missio Dei should, therefore, also shape the relationship between faith communities. This is already happening, especially in missional church-planting networks, but these networks have not thoroughly been grounded theologically or researched empirically in the light of the missio Dei. The purpose of this study is to develop a Scriptural matrix for the establishment of the relationship between faith communities in light of the missio Dei. The research is done by way of the practical theological methodology of Gerben Heitink (1999). * The first section of this study is a hermeneutic process, seeking to put the current state of affairs into perspective and develop Scriptural principles. Chapter 2 of the hermeneutic inquiry seeks to understand the way in which the missio Dei functions in existing literature on the role of the missio Dei in the relationship between faith communities. Literature on existing missional networks are also included. In Chapter 3, an understanding is developed of the role of the Trinity in the missio Dei and of the fact that its elements should also be present in the relationship between faith communities that are participating in the missio Dei. This is done by way of grammatical-historical exegesis of John 17. Chapter 2, therefore, helps to understand what needs to be changed, and Chapter 3 helps to understand the preferred practice. * The second section involves an empirical research in Chapter 4 of four missional networks in the United States of America and in Canada to determine the role of the missio Dei in the practice of those networks. These networks are Redeemer City to City, Church Innovations, Acts 29 and Forge Canada. * The third section is the strategic moment and involves the integration of the research results from Chapters 2, 3 and 4 in a practice theory. In Chapter 5, a practise-theory matrix is eventually developed for the establishment of the relationship between faith communities in light of the missio Dei. This matrix may also have many useful applications, ranging from being used as an instrument for measuring and developing the missionality of local faith communities to the evaluation or even development of missional networks. The conclusion of the study is that the degree of insight into the role of the Trinity in the missio Dei determines the extent to which faith communities and missional networks function missionally. The nature, boundaries, function and purpose of the unity of the Persons of the Trinity determine the nature, boundaries, function and purpose of the unity of missional communities of faith in their relationship with each other. The better a faith community's understanding is of the role of the Trinity in the missio Dei, the better that faith community will be able to function missionally with other faith communities. The matrix that has been developed helps the assessment, adjustment, establishment and prediction of the effectiveness of missional relationships between faith communities. / PhD (Pastoral Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The GKSA seems to be in a weak condition concerning the Missio Dei. There is a drastic decline in membership, a weak impact on society and a crisis in following our calling. This study aims to explore the relationship between the Missio Dei and the missional church. The Biblical principles for aligning a church with the Missio Dei will be analysed. Eventually, I will propose a preliminary paradigm for transforming an ingrown church into a missional church. The question addressed in this study is what principles should a church follow to be a part of the Missio Dei and therefore become a missional church? / MTh (Missiology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

The theological theme missio Dei functions increasingly as the paradigm for local faith communities to renew the self-understanding of their identity and purpose in a changing world. There is, therefore, great interest in theological publications and religious practices regarding the so-called missional church. The missio Dei does not only have implications for the local faith community to be missional, but also for the way in which these faith communities should act in relation to each other in light of their new self-understanding. The missio Dei should, therefore, also shape the relationship between faith communities. This is already happening, especially in missional church-planting networks, but these networks have not thoroughly been grounded theologically or researched empirically in the light of the missio Dei. The purpose of this study is to develop a Scriptural matrix for the establishment of the relationship between faith communities in light of the missio Dei. The research is done by way of the practical theological methodology of Gerben Heitink (1999). * The first section of this study is a hermeneutic process, seeking to put the current state of affairs into perspective and develop Scriptural principles. Chapter 2 of the hermeneutic inquiry seeks to understand the way in which the missio Dei functions in existing literature on the role of the missio Dei in the relationship between faith communities. Literature on existing missional networks are also included. In Chapter 3, an understanding is developed of the role of the Trinity in the missio Dei and of the fact that its elements should also be present in the relationship between faith communities that are participating in the missio Dei. This is done by way of grammatical-historical exegesis of John 17. Chapter 2, therefore, helps to understand what needs to be changed, and Chapter 3 helps to understand the preferred practice. * The second section involves an empirical research in Chapter 4 of four missional networks in the United States of America and in Canada to determine the role of the missio Dei in the practice of those networks. These networks are Redeemer City to City, Church Innovations, Acts 29 and Forge Canada. * The third section is the strategic moment and involves the integration of the research results from Chapters 2, 3 and 4 in a practice theory. In Chapter 5, a practise-theory matrix is eventually developed for the establishment of the relationship between faith communities in light of the missio Dei. This matrix may also have many useful applications, ranging from being used as an instrument for measuring and developing the missionality of local faith communities to the evaluation or even development of missional networks. The conclusion of the study is that the degree of insight into the role of the Trinity in the missio Dei determines the extent to which faith communities and missional networks function missionally. The nature, boundaries, function and purpose of the unity of the Persons of the Trinity determine the nature, boundaries, function and purpose of the unity of missional communities of faith in their relationship with each other. The better a faith community's understanding is of the role of the Trinity in the missio Dei, the better that faith community will be able to function missionally with other faith communities. The matrix that has been developed helps the assessment, adjustment, establishment and prediction of the effectiveness of missional relationships between faith communities. / PhD (Pastoral Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The GKSA seems to be in a weak condition concerning the Missio Dei. There is a drastic decline in membership, a weak impact on society and a crisis in following our calling. This study aims to explore the relationship between the Missio Dei and the missional church. The Biblical principles for aligning a church with the Missio Dei will be analysed. Eventually, I will propose a preliminary paradigm for transforming an ingrown church into a missional church. The question addressed in this study is what principles should a church follow to be a part of the Missio Dei and therefore become a missional church? / MTh (Missiology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study is about the practical theological challenges faced by the AFM of SA Fountain of life congregation in the Winterveldt community. The Fountain of life congregation has minimal involvement in the community of Winterveldt, a community plagued by numerous life threatening plights. The congregation is in a survival mode after stagnating for a number of years and with serious challenges of declining or even facing possible extinction. This study's goal is to develop a practical theological theory, strategy and process which the AFM of SA Fountain of life congregation would be inspired to implement in order to contribute towards arresting theological, social, economical and moral degradation in the community of Winterveldt. The researcher employed a practical theological methodology and explored areas that are vital for the answering of the research problem, "What can be done in the Fountain of life congregation to maximize the participation of all members to serve the community of Winterveldt as well as the larger society?" It is hypothesized that Practical Theology will give the AFM of SA Fountain of life guidance and equip this faith community and its leaders theologically to consider their vocation, to develop a practical theological ecclesiology, a way to be the true, faithful and effective local church which is the salt and light of the world, including Winterveldt. The study explored the "world" in which Fountain of life finds itself, in terms of its contextual as well as the congregation's identity analysis. The normative aspects of being a missional church which covered the missional identity, empowerment and involvement of laity, and missional leadership were elaborated, while spiritual discernment with areas particular to Fountain of life received attention in the normative aspects of spiritual discernment. It is recommended that the identity of Fountain of life be grounded in the mission of the Trinitarian God (missio Dei of the Trinitarian God). The missionary identity and character of Fountain of life should be built and developed upon the eight dominant patterns found in a missional church. The researcher strongly encourages the Fountain of life congregation to employ the missional leadership strategies while engaging in a total involvement leadership style, which integrates high concern for getting the task completed and a high concern for good people relationship. The leadership of Fountain of life is further encouraged to use the suggested laity empowerment strategies in order to empower, develop, and involve the laity. Missional transformation can only succeed if the laity is empowered and committed to deal with new realities. Leadership is key in engaging the laity. The pastor and the leadership of Fountain of life must teach, educate, lead, and engage the congregation, and also partner with other communities of faith and organizations especially the South African Partnership for Missional Churches (SAPMC) to succeed. Fountain of life should practice missional praxis theology, a holistic theological model that describes the methodology for congregations to develop their own contextual ecclesiology within the parameters of God‘s overall design for the Church. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die navorsing handel oor die prakties-teologiese uitdagings van die Apostoliese Geloofsending (AGS) in Suid-Afrika se Fountain of life gemeente in Winterveldt (Tswane metropolitaanse area). Fountain of life het minimale invloed in die Winterveldt gemeenskap, 'n gemeenskap wat gebuk gaan onder baie ernstige sosiale probleme. Die gemeente is net besig om te oorleef, dit is stagnant en staar agteruitgang of algehele ondergang in die gesig. Die studie poog om teorie, strategie en ʼn proses te ontwikkel wat die Fountain of life gemeente in staat sal stel om ʼn bydrae te lewer om die algehele agteruitgang op teologiese, sosiale, ekonomiese en morele gebied, aan bande te lê en selfs om te keer. Die navorser gebruik ʼn prakties-teologiese benadering ter beantwoording van die navorsingsvraag: "Hoe kan die Fountain of life gemeente deelname van lidmate maksimaal benut sodat hulle Winterveldt en die groter gemeenskap kan bedien?" As die Fountain of life AGS gemeente die prakties-teologiese uitdagings wat die gemeenskap in die gesig staar, kan ondersoek en verstaan asook maniere vind om dit aan te spreek kan hulle die lot en swaarkry van die gemeenskap se mense help verlig. Die navorsing ondersoek die gemeente se bestaanswêreld, haar meer onmiddellike konteks asook haar identiteit. Wat is die normatiewe basis van ʼn missionale gemeente? Wat is die implikasies daarvan vir missionale identiteit? Hoe word lidmate bemagtig en hoe raak hulle betrokke? Wat behels missionale leierskap? Verder word baie klem geplaas op die normatiewe beginsels van geestelike onderskeidingsvermoë en wat dit in die praktyk vir die gemeente beteken. Die studie stel voor dat Fountain of life haar identiteit in die sending van die drie-enige God (missio Dei) leer vind. Die agt kenmerke van ʼn missionale gemeente behoort die identiteit van die gemeente te bepaal. Die navorser voel sterk dat die gemeente missionale leierskap strategieë moet implementeer. Dit behels volle oorgawe aan die taak sowel as ʼn volledige betrokkenheid by mense. Die gemeente se leierskap word aangemoedig om lidmate te bemagtig, te help om geestelik te ontwikkel en om in die kerk en gemeenskap betrokke te raak. Missionale transformasie kan alleen slaag as lidmate betrokke is, bemagtig is en bereid is om nuwe werklikhede te hanteer. Leierskap moet hiertoe verbind wees. Die plaaslike pastoor en die gemeente se leierskap moet lidmate toerus, voorgaan en betrokke kry. Hulle moet ook met ander geloofsgebaseerde organisasies netwerk, in die besonder die Suid-Afrikaanse Genootskap van Gestuurde Gemeentes. Fountain of life gemeente word opgeroep om missionaal en holisties teologie op ʼn praxis styl te beoefen sodat die gemeente ʼn eie kontekstuele ekklesiologie binne die koninkryk se parameters van die missio Dei kan ontdek.

Submitted by Filipe dos Santos (fsantos@pucsp.br) on 2017-12-19T11:29:22Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Raimundo Carvalho Gordiano.pdf: 1325151 bytes, checksum: 6974f44a3653906fe1f2574090f48495 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-12-19T11:29:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Raimundo Carvalho Gordiano.pdf: 1325151 bytes, checksum: 6974f44a3653906fe1f2574090f48495 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-11-30 / Adveniat / The Church has its origin, source and fullness in Trinitarian pericorese. The inner movement of divine communion is overflowing with life. The Church is involved in the creative and saving mission of God. This ecclesiological perspective was deepened and assumed in the Second Vatican Council. This research portrays a reading of the missionary nature of the Church in the Diocese of Coari. It points out three facets taken over and built during its fifty years of evangelization: ecclesiology, sociopastoral action and missionary life as evangelizing and pastoral reflection. The primary sources are the Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium, the Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes and the Ad Gentes Decree. The bibliographical sources, the texts of the Magisterium and the Tradition are based and help to indicate the perspectives of the mission of the Local Church and its inspirations for the communion of the People of God. The diocese is missionary and continues its construction. You always need to update your evangelizing action. Installed in the ambience of the traditional Amazonian culture, the presence of urban culture has a strong presence. Diocesanism invites us to think and update our mission in order to renew ourselves permanently as a Missionary Church / A Igreja tem sua origem, fonte e plenitude na pericorese trinitária. O movimento interno da comunhão divina é transbordante de vida. O Povo de Deus é envolvido na missão criadora e salvadora de Deus. Essa perspectiva eclesiológica foi aprofundada e assumida no Concílio Vaticano II. Esta pesquisa retrata uma leitura da missionariedade da Igreja na Diocese de Coari. Aponta três facetas assumidas e construídas ao longo de seus cinquenta anos de evangelização: a eclesiologia, a ação sociopastoral e a missionariedade enquanto vivência evangelizadora e reflexão pastoral. As fontes primárias são a Constituição Dogmática Lumen Gentium, a Constituição Pastoral Gaudium et Spes e o Decreto Ad Gentes. As fontes bibliográficas, os textos do Magistério e da Tradição fundamentam e ajudam a indicar perspectivas da missão da Igreja Local e suas inspirações para a comunhão do Povo de Deus. A Diocese é missionária e continua sua construção. Necessita sempre atualizar sua ação evangelizadora. Instalada no ambiente da cultura tradicional amazônida, tem diante de si a forte presença da cultura urbana. A diocesaneidade convida a pensar e atualizar a missão a fim de renovar-se permanentemente como Igreja Missionária