Premarital programs have been in existence for over fifty years. A majority of the programs are church-based. The purpose of this study, using a random sample survey of Southern Baptist churches, was to compile a description of what these churches were doing in premarital preparation work; examine what effects, if any, church size had on the type of program offered, church program leader characteristics and topic coverage. Descriptive material was compiled. Churches were divided into five size categories. Statistical significance was detected based on size and type of format used. Larger churches were more likely to see couples in a group format setting versus individual or couple-only counseling. With consistency, larger churches were much more likely than the smaller to cover a broad range of topics in sessions. The pastor remained the primary individual to conduct the premarital program within their churches, regardless of church size.

The goal of psychotherapy and Biblical counselling is to change undesirable cognition, affect, and behaviour in the counselee. For the Biblical counsellor change entails more than mere behaviour change. He endeavours to facilitate inner Biblical change where the counselee can grow spiritually through sanctification by the power of the Holy Spirit. Change should occur from the inside and result in Godly living. The central theoretical argument is that pastoral counselling portrays certain unique features that can be used to bring about change in the core of the counselee's being, renewing the mind sufficiently to walk in holiness. The aim is to establish whether pastoral counselling can be used effectively to help the counselee change in his conscious direction to walk in holiness. The first objective was to establish what Scriptural perspectives exist on change. When the believer is set free from the law sin and death, the effect of sin remains. Sinful patterns have been habituated into his thinking and behaviour. Every Christian has to deal with unbiblical beliefs and behaviour which are not easily overcome. Although problems do not disappear at regeneration, God through His Spirit equips the believer to handle them, providing the necessary resources, directions, and power for the change He commands. The Christian life is not static; it is a life that is characterized by change. In the basis-theoretical perspective it has been established that change that is pleasing to God involves the repudiation of the former "old man" and the assumption of the "new man". The believer is also challenged to be transformed by the renewing of his mind. This Scriptural understanding of change is addressed in the epistles of Paul (Ep. 4:22-24; Col. 3:8-10; Ro. 12:l-2). The uniqueness of Biblical counselling and the different perspectives were explored in this study. The exposition of inner change in the life of the counselee rendered important information. If the counsellor ignores what is happening on the inside of the individual, he will be unable to help him change his overt behaviour in any meaningful way. The second objective was to explore what other relevant disciplines had to contribute to the issue of change. The meta-theoretical perspective on change established that psychology is concerned with changing undesirable behaviour, cognitions, and affect. Knowledge of mental processes are important because the mind represents that which needs to be changed. The psychoanalytic, behavioural-cognitive, and person-centred approaches concerning change were expounded. According to answers given in the research of this study, Biblical perspectives included the use of Christian values and spiritual disciplines (use of Scripture, prayer). In most instances counselling included the use of secular perspectives using the Word of God as a foundation from which they derived their own models. It has been indicated that theology and psychology can complement each other, each contributing to a better understanding of the complexities of human nature. The third objective was accomplished by utilizing the basis- and meta-theoretical perspectives in a hermeneutical interaction to formulate a model of change that can be proposed for pastoral counselling. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

The role of the father in post-modern times has changed dramatically and the new challenges posed to fathers due to these changes prompted this study. The aim of this study is to design a theory for a practice that could possibly be used by a Biblical counsellor or therapist to counsel and enrich fathers amidst the challenges of the post-modern world. The research was done on the basis of the practical theological model of Zerfass and contains the following structure: • A meta-theoretical evaluation of fatherhood in related subject areas revealed by literature studies. • The meta-theoretical evaluation was combined with an empirical research by means of interviews with fathers. An applicable questionnaire was used to research the conceptual understanding of fatherhood and practice of post-modern fatherhood with the fathers. . A basic theory on which Scriptural perspectives on fatherhood have been researched. The meta-theoretical research indicated that the main reason for the dramatic changes to fatherhood is not ideological based but due to practical changes in society. Due to the women's very successful entering of the workplace, a predominantly men's territory, many things have changed on the family front. Men were forced to share responsibilities in the practical care taking of children at home. A search for new models to post-modern fatherhood started. The old patriarchal model failed to provide ways of meaningful understanding and processing the new challenges of fatherhood brought on by practical changes in the society of a post-modern world. Linked to this search for new models of post-modern fatherhood is the feminist's struggle against patriarchy. The research indicated that the main pillar of patriarchy was the theological concept of God as Father. The feminist produced a lot of material on the ways and means to free God and society of patriarchy. The basic theory on which Scriptural perspectives on fatherhood have been researched took into consideration the results of feminist's studies. One benefit from the feminist's struggle was the emphasis put on the metaphorical character of theological discourse. God our Father is a metaphorical discourse, which bring into play the hermeneutic process of interpretation. Realising the metaphorical character of theological language we can enhance our understanding of God by reconstructing our concept of God's fatherhood. Through research we rediscovered many other complimenting metaphors of God in a parental capacity (God sometimes acts like a Mother, He gave birth to His people etc.) which can help the post-modern father to come to a better self-expression when it comes to the challenges posed to him today. Very often these new roles were traditionally restricted to the women's territory. The conclusion of the research is that through the process of pastoral hermeneutics the post-modern father can discover the cultured derived practice of his fatherhood and evaluate this post-modern fatherhood in terms of God's fatherhood as it has been revealed through the process of researching the Scripture. The interaction between his understanding of what fatherhood means and of God's fatherhood enables the father to come to a new and meaningful self-expression of his own fatherhood in post-modern times. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

<p> This project evaluates the effectiveness of life coaching and seeks to prove that coaching can be a better method of producing disciples who fulfill their ministry purposes than the methods currently being employed in small churches in the urban areas of Greater Cleveland. Specifically, this project will address three separate hypotheses that are all related to demonstrating the importance of the coaching ministry at Hope Alliance Bible Church (HABC). <b> Hypothesis 1:</b> The HABC coaching program will be successful in enabling spiritual transformation to occur within the eight participants. <b>Hypothesis 2:</b> The HABC coaching program will be successful in increasing church ministry training and/or church ministry participation for the eight participants. <b> Hypothesis 3:</b> The HABC coaching program will be successful in increasing participation in activities that connect with the community around HABC for the eight participants. </p><p> Chapter 1 gives the rationale for the researcher's interest in discovering how to best incorporate a coaching paradigm into the ministry environment of small urban churches. Examples from Scripture are given to support the importance of coaching in the process of bringing disciples to maturity and preparing them for ministry. Proof is given to show why the church should be involved in bringing positive change to the community. </p><p> Chapter 2 provides the literature review of the resources used in or relative to the study, and insights from previous research related to the subject of life coaching for urban leaders. The researcher presents a wide-array of excellent resources from accomplished practitioners in the areas of coaching, urban ministry, discipleship, and leadership development. Leaders who desire to become change agents in the church and community will need to stay abreast of current best practices in all of these areas, and the books and articles mentioned will prove to be of great assistance for growing leaders. </p><p> Chapter 3 is the record of the procedures and research methods used in this study. </p><p> A summary timeline is given to provide an overview of how the research was conducted from start to finish. Information is given to show how the participants were selected, and general information about each of them is also revealed. The topics of discussion are presented in chapter three, along with how they related to the objectives of the coaching sessions. A general description of how the sessions were conducted is also included, along with the assessment criteria from each session and why there were deemed significant in the outcomes of the three hypotheses. Individual and corporate coaching sessions were held twice monthly, using topics that would help the participants discover God's will and follow through on a life plan to fulfill the God-given purpose for their lives. </p><p> Chapter 4 provides the findings and results of the study, showing the hypotheses, accumulated data, and responses of the participants involved in the project. The objectives met by each participant are presented, how meeting those objectives contributed to the increased level of participation in the areas related to the three hypotheses, and how coaching was instrumental in those achievements. The data provides a record of the progress made by each participant. Evaluations were based upon the steps taken to continue spiritual growth, preparation for ministry, and involvement in ministry outside of the church. </p><p> Chapter 5 provides the Conclusions and Research Implications of this project. Results are given and conclusions drawn that show the value of performing life coaching for aspiring leaders in small urban churches. The coach compared the pre-assessment data with the post-assessment data, and the participants performed a self-evaluation at the end of the pilot period. Based upon the data, conclusions are given as to why the coaching program had low, medium, or high levels of effectiveness in the areas of spiritual transformation, church ministry involvement, and activities that connect with the community. Conclusive reasons are given to show why further research should be done in this area, using variables such as accumulating data from a longer period of time, coaching preachers only, and allowing the community to assess whether or not the church is making a difference in their lives.</p>

The goal of psychotherapy and Biblical counselling is to change undesirable cognition, affect, and behaviour in the counselee. For the Biblical counsellor change entails more than mere behaviour change. He endeavours to facilitate inner Biblical change where the counselee can grow spiritually through sanctification by the power of the Holy Spirit. Change should occur from the inside and result in Godly living. The central theoretical argument is that pastoral counselling portrays certain unique features that can be used to bring about change in the core of the counselee's being, renewing the mind sufficiently to walk in holiness. The aim is to establish whether pastoral counselling can be used effectively to help the counselee change in his conscious direction to walk in holiness. The first objective was to establish what Scriptural perspectives exist on change. When the believer is set free from the law sin and death, the effect of sin remains. Sinful patterns have been habituated into his thinking and behaviour. Every Christian has to deal with unbiblical beliefs and behaviour which are not easily overcome. Although problems do not disappear at regeneration, God through His Spirit equips the believer to handle them, providing the necessary resources, directions, and power for the change He commands. The Christian life is not static; it is a life that is characterized by change. In the basis-theoretical perspective it has been established that change that is pleasing to God involves the repudiation of the former "old man" and the assumption of the "new man". The believer is also challenged to be transformed by the renewing of his mind. This Scriptural understanding of change is addressed in the epistles of Paul (Ep. 4:22-24; Col. 3:8-10; Ro. 12:l-2). The uniqueness of Biblical counselling and the different perspectives were explored in this study. The exposition of inner change in the life of the counselee rendered important information. If the counsellor ignores what is happening on the inside of the individual, he will be unable to help him change his overt behaviour in any meaningful way. The second objective was to explore what other relevant disciplines had to contribute to the issue of change. The meta-theoretical perspective on change established that psychology is concerned with changing undesirable behaviour, cognitions, and affect. Knowledge of mental processes are important because the mind represents that which needs to be changed. The psychoanalytic, behavioural-cognitive, and person-centred approaches concerning change were expounded. According to answers given in the research of this study, Biblical perspectives included the use of Christian values and spiritual disciplines (use of Scripture, prayer). In most instances counselling included the use of secular perspectives using the Word of God as a foundation from which they derived their own models. It has been indicated that theology and psychology can complement each other, each contributing to a better understanding of the complexities of human nature. The third objective was accomplished by utilizing the basis- and meta-theoretical perspectives in a hermeneutical interaction to formulate a model of change that can be proposed for pastoral counselling. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

The role of the father in post-modern times has changed dramatically and the new challenges posed to fathers due to these changes prompted this study. The aim of this study is to design a theory for a practice that could possibly be used by a Biblical counsellor or therapist to counsel and enrich fathers amidst the challenges of the post-modern world. The research was done on the basis of the practical theological model of Zerfass and contains the following structure: • A meta-theoretical evaluation of fatherhood in related subject areas revealed by literature studies. • The meta-theoretical evaluation was combined with an empirical research by means of interviews with fathers. An applicable questionnaire was used to research the conceptual understanding of fatherhood and practice of post-modern fatherhood with the fathers. . A basic theory on which Scriptural perspectives on fatherhood have been researched. The meta-theoretical research indicated that the main reason for the dramatic changes to fatherhood is not ideological based but due to practical changes in society. Due to the women's very successful entering of the workplace, a predominantly men's territory, many things have changed on the family front. Men were forced to share responsibilities in the practical care taking of children at home. A search for new models to post-modern fatherhood started. The old patriarchal model failed to provide ways of meaningful understanding and processing the new challenges of fatherhood brought on by practical changes in the society of a post-modern world. Linked to this search for new models of post-modern fatherhood is the feminist's struggle against patriarchy. The research indicated that the main pillar of patriarchy was the theological concept of God as Father. The feminist produced a lot of material on the ways and means to free God and society of patriarchy. The basic theory on which Scriptural perspectives on fatherhood have been researched took into consideration the results of feminist's studies. One benefit from the feminist's struggle was the emphasis put on the metaphorical character of theological discourse. God our Father is a metaphorical discourse, which bring into play the hermeneutic process of interpretation. Realising the metaphorical character of theological language we can enhance our understanding of God by reconstructing our concept of God's fatherhood. Through research we rediscovered many other complimenting metaphors of God in a parental capacity (God sometimes acts like a Mother, He gave birth to His people etc.) which can help the post-modern father to come to a better self-expression when it comes to the challenges posed to him today. Very often these new roles were traditionally restricted to the women's territory. The conclusion of the research is that through the process of pastoral hermeneutics the post-modern father can discover the cultured derived practice of his fatherhood and evaluate this post-modern fatherhood in terms of God's fatherhood as it has been revealed through the process of researching the Scripture. The interaction between his understanding of what fatherhood means and of God's fatherhood enables the father to come to a new and meaningful self-expression of his own fatherhood in post-modern times. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Thesis (Th.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The objective of this practical theological study was to explore to what extent a pastoral accentuation of Christian teachers as role models can result in a new perspective on the teacher-learner relationship in the South African school context. For this purpose, a research question was formulated with the eye on identifying elements of pastoral knowledge and skills to equip the Christian teacher to lead learners by means of a metaphorical deployment of his/her function as a role model towards spiritual maturity. Basic theoretical guidelines were formulated from Scripture to describe the metaphorical functions in the pastoral role of Christian teachers. The function of biblical metaphors such as shepherd, servant, comforter, priest, prophet and king were described. A literary investigation was conducted to explain the educational milieu in which teachers in the South African schooling system operate. In this section of the study, as a result of investigations into related sciences, the following aspects came to light: the question regarding the essence of education; the role and function of the teacher; the role of the learner and also the role of the school as an educational institution. An empirical study was done to gain further perspective on the realities, with which teachers in South African schools are faced with on daily basis, and how they visualise their role in this context. A qualitative research method was done by interviewing Christian teachers. The methodological model of Zerfass was used as a framework, to establish hermeneutical interaction between basic-theoretical, meta-theoretical and empirical aspects. Thereafter my own model was designed to provide guidelines to the Christian teacher to fulfil his/her role, as a role model for learners. Research findings indicate that a Christian teacher?s metaphorical deployment of his/her function as role model can indeed play a vital role in the education situation in the context of the current South African school system. However, there seems to be some uncertainty in the midst of teachers about what exactly the metaphorical functions comprise and the need for further equipment in this regard proved to be necessary. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Thesis (Th.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The objective of this practical theological study was to explore to what extent a pastoral accentuation of Christian teachers as role models can result in a new perspective on the teacher-learner relationship in the South African school context. For this purpose, a research question was formulated with the eye on identifying elements of pastoral knowledge and skills to equip the Christian teacher to lead learners by means of a metaphorical deployment of his/her function as a role model towards spiritual maturity. Basic theoretical guidelines were formulated from Scripture to describe the metaphorical functions in the pastoral role of Christian teachers. The function of biblical metaphors such as shepherd, servant, comforter, priest, prophet and king were described. A literary investigation was conducted to explain the educational milieu in which teachers in the South African schooling system operate. In this section of the study, as a result of investigations into related sciences, the following aspects came to light: the question regarding the essence of education; the role and function of the teacher; the role of the learner and also the role of the school as an educational institution. An empirical study was done to gain further perspective on the realities, with which teachers in South African schools are faced with on daily basis, and how they visualise their role in this context. A qualitative research method was done by interviewing Christian teachers. The methodological model of Zerfass was used as a framework, to establish hermeneutical interaction between basic-theoretical, meta-theoretical and empirical aspects. Thereafter my own model was designed to provide guidelines to the Christian teacher to fulfil his/her role, as a role model for learners. Research findings indicate that a Christian teacher?s metaphorical deployment of his/her function as role model can indeed play a vital role in the education situation in the context of the current South African school system. However, there seems to be some uncertainty in the midst of teachers about what exactly the metaphorical functions comprise and the need for further equipment in this regard proved to be necessary. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.