O presente trabalho identifica as representações sociais à respeito de burnout em pastoras e pastores da Igreja Presbiteriana Independente do Brasil mediante o uso do Discurso do sujeito coletivo. A pesquisa parte de uma breve descrição de stress e burnout, em seguida relaciona a Síndrome de Burnout com pastores, e por fim caracteriza a profissão pastor. O estudo alcançou o objetivo e identificou tais representações sociais além de apontar diferenças supostamente relevantes diante das variáveis: gênero, cargo, trabalho em equipe ou sozinho e tempo de profissão. A análise qualitativa dos discursos foi feita através do método do discurso do sujeito coletivo, com identificação de expressões chaves, idéias centrais e categorização, que resultaram em 11 categorias que originaram os discursos coletivos. Em seguida as categorias foram agrupadas em macrocategorias relacionadas a cada dimensão da Síndrome de Burnout. A análise quantitativa foi feita à carácter de Estatística descritiva com a distribuição de sujeitos (), frequências percentuais, médias e desvios padrão em cada uma das categorias. para confirmar ou negar a importância das diferenças encontradas / The present work identifies the social representations regarding burnout in pastors of the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil through the use of the Discourse of the collective subject. The research starts from a brief description of stress and burnout, then relates Burnout Syndrome to pastors, and ultimately characterizes the pastor profession. The study reached the goal and identified such social representations as well as pointing out supposedly relevant differences in the variables: gender, position, teamwork or alone and time of profession. The qualitative analysis of the discourses was made through the discourse method of the collective subject, with identification of key expressions, central ideas and categorization, which resulted in 11 categories that originated the collective discourses. Then the categories were grouped into macrocategories related to each dimension of Burnout Syndrome. The quantitative analysis was made as descriptive statistics with distribution of subjects (), percentage frequencies, means and standard deviations in each of the categories

O presente estudo buscou: investigar sintomas vocais e laringofaríngeos, qualidade vocal, autorreferência a desconforto em trato vocal, e perfil de participação em atividades vocais de pastores evangélicos, comparando com os mesmos aspectos de homens não profissionais da voz; verificar a correlação entre o perfil de participação em atividades vocais e a qualidade vocal, autorreferência a sintomas vocais, sensações laringofaríngeas e desconforto em trato vocal, tanto para pastores quanto para não profissionais da voz. Foram avaliados 60 indivíduos, sexo masculino, divididos em grupos: experimental e controle. Foram aplicados os instrumentos: Condição de Produção Vocal (CPV) para caracterização da amostra e verificação dos sintomas vocais e sensações laringofaríngeas; Escala de Desconforto em Trato Vocal (EDTV) e Perfil de Participação em Atividades Vocais (PPAV), bem como a análise perceptivo-auditiva da voz dos participantes. Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente, considerando o nível de significância 5%. Pastores evangélicos referiram, em maior frequência que homens não profissionais da voz: pigarro (p=0.019), tosse com catarro (p=0.015), ardor na garganta (p=0.028), secreção/catarro na garganta (p<0.001), garganta seca (p<0.001), cansaço ao falar (p<0.001), esforço ao falar (p<0.001), e secura mais frequente (p=0.009) e mais intensa (p=0.006). Na comparação entre os grupos, os pastores referiram valores mais elevados no PPAV: escore total (p=0.032), total de limitação nas atividades (p=0.037), efeitos no trabalho (p=0.014) e limitação das atividades profissionais (p=0.005). Não houve diferenças na análise perceptivo-auditiva da voz e nos sintomas vocais. No grupo dos pastores evangélicos, houve correlações positivas: entre sintomas vocais não especificados e o escore total; o total de restrição nas atividades e as sessões comunicação diária e comunicação social do PPAV; entre desconforto em trato vocal e todas as sessões do PPAV; entre a análise perceptivo-auditiva da voz e o escore total, o total de limitação e de restrição nas atividades; as sessões autopercepção da severidade, comunicação diária, comunicação social e emoções do PPAV. Correlações negativas foram observadas: entre as sensações laringofaríngeas e as sessões autopercepção da severidade; trabalho e comunicação social do PPAV. No grupo dos não profissionais da voz, houve correlações positivas: entre o sintoma voz fraca, o escore total do PPAV e o total de restrição nas atividades; entre sensações laringofaríngeas e as sessões autopercepção da severidade, efeitos no trabalho, comunicação diária e comunicação social do PPAV; entre desconforto em trato vocal e as sessões autopercepção da severidade, restrição da participação na comunicação diária e emoções do PPAV; entre análise perceptivo-auditiva da voz e a sessão comunicação social do PPAV. Correlações negativas ocorreram: entre o sintoma falha na voz e a restrição de participação na comunicação social do PPAV; análise perceptivo-auditiva da voz e as sessões efeitos no trabalho e comunicação social do PPAV. Pastores evangélicos apresentaram elevada ocorrência de sensações na laringofaríngeas e maior percepção do impacto de uma alteração vocal na qualidade de vida, quando comparados a homens não profissionais da voz. No caso dos pastores, quanto maior o desconforto em trato vocal e a presença de uma alteração vocal, maior é o impacto percebido nas atividades vocais. / The present study sought to investigate the vocal and laryngopharyngeal symptoms, vocal quality, self-perception to vocal tract discomfort, and voice activity and participation profile of Evangelical pastors comparing the same aspects with non-professional users of the voice; to verify the correlation measure, both for pastors and for the control group, between participation profile between voice activity and participation profile (VAPP) and vocal quality, self-perception of vocal symptoms, sensations in the throat, and vocal discomfort. Sixty individuals were evaluated, male, divided into experimental and control groups. The following instruments were applied: Condition of Vocal Production (CVP) for sample characterization and verification of vocal symptoms and sensations in the throat, Discomfort in the Vocal Tract (VTD) and Voice Activity and Participation Profile (VAPP), as well as the perceptual voice analysis of the participants. The results were statistically analyzed with a significance level 5%. Evangelical pastors demonstrated a higher frequency than non-professionals: throat clearing (p=0.019), coughing up phlegm (p=0.015), burning in the throat (p=0.028), secretion/phlegm in throat (p< 0.001), dry throat (p< 0.001), tiredness when talking (p< 0.001), effort to talk (p<0.001) and dryness, more frequent (p=0.009) and more intense (p=0.006). In the comparison between groups, pastors reported higher levels at PPAV: total score (p=0.032), total limitation in activities (p=0.037), effects (p=0.014) and limitation of professional activities (p=0.005). No significant differences were found in the perceptual voice analysis and vocal symptoms. In the group of Evangelical pastors, there were positive correlations between vocal symptoms not specified and the total score; total participation restriction and daily communication and social communication sessions of the PPAV; between discomfort in the vocal tract and all sessions of the PPAV; between the perceptual voice analysis and total score, the total activity limitation and participation restriction, and the sessions: severity self-perception, daily communication, social communication and finally emotions of the PPAV. Negative correlations were observed: between the sensations in the throat and the self-perception of the severity; in job and social communication the PPAV. In the Group of non-professionals were positive correlations: between voice the voice weak and symptom the total score of the PPAV and total participation restriction; between sensations in the throat, as well as self perception of the severity, in job, daily and social communication of the PPAV; between discomfort in the vocal tract and sessions: the self-perception of severity, restriction participation in daily communication and emotions of the PPAV; between perceptual voice analysis and social communication session of the PPAV. Negative correlations occurred: between the failure in voice symptom and participation restriction and social communication of the PPAV; perceptual voice analysis and the effects in job and social communication of the PPAV. Evangelical pastors showed high occurrence of sensations in the throat and greater awareness in the impact of a vocal change in the quality of life, when compared to non-professionals. In the case of the pastors, the greater the discomfort in the vocal tract and the presence of a vocal change, the greater impact observed on vocals activities.

O presente estudo buscou: investigar sintomas vocais e laringofaríngeos, qualidade vocal, autorreferência a desconforto em trato vocal, e perfil de participação em atividades vocais de pastores evangélicos, comparando com os mesmos aspectos de homens não profissionais da voz; verificar a correlação entre o perfil de participação em atividades vocais e a qualidade vocal, autorreferência a sintomas vocais, sensações laringofaríngeas e desconforto em trato vocal, tanto para pastores quanto para não profissionais da voz. Foram avaliados 60 indivíduos, sexo masculino, divididos em grupos: experimental e controle. Foram aplicados os instrumentos: Condição de Produção Vocal (CPV) para caracterização da amostra e verificação dos sintomas vocais e sensações laringofaríngeas; Escala de Desconforto em Trato Vocal (EDTV) e Perfil de Participação em Atividades Vocais (PPAV), bem como a análise perceptivo-auditiva da voz dos participantes. Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente, considerando o nível de significância 5%. Pastores evangélicos referiram, em maior frequência que homens não profissionais da voz: pigarro (p=0.019), tosse com catarro (p=0.015), ardor na garganta (p=0.028), secreção/catarro na garganta (p<0.001), garganta seca (p<0.001), cansaço ao falar (p<0.001), esforço ao falar (p<0.001), e secura mais frequente (p=0.009) e mais intensa (p=0.006). Na comparação entre os grupos, os pastores referiram valores mais elevados no PPAV: escore total (p=0.032), total de limitação nas atividades (p=0.037), efeitos no trabalho (p=0.014) e limitação das atividades profissionais (p=0.005). Não houve diferenças na análise perceptivo-auditiva da voz e nos sintomas vocais. No grupo dos pastores evangélicos, houve correlações positivas: entre sintomas vocais não especificados e o escore total; o total de restrição nas atividades e as sessões comunicação diária e comunicação social do PPAV; entre desconforto em trato vocal e todas as sessões do PPAV; entre a análise perceptivo-auditiva da voz e o escore total, o total de limitação e de restrição nas atividades; as sessões autopercepção da severidade, comunicação diária, comunicação social e emoções do PPAV. Correlações negativas foram observadas: entre as sensações laringofaríngeas e as sessões autopercepção da severidade; trabalho e comunicação social do PPAV. No grupo dos não profissionais da voz, houve correlações positivas: entre o sintoma voz fraca, o escore total do PPAV e o total de restrição nas atividades; entre sensações laringofaríngeas e as sessões autopercepção da severidade, efeitos no trabalho, comunicação diária e comunicação social do PPAV; entre desconforto em trato vocal e as sessões autopercepção da severidade, restrição da participação na comunicação diária e emoções do PPAV; entre análise perceptivo-auditiva da voz e a sessão comunicação social do PPAV. Correlações negativas ocorreram: entre o sintoma falha na voz e a restrição de participação na comunicação social do PPAV; análise perceptivo-auditiva da voz e as sessões efeitos no trabalho e comunicação social do PPAV. Pastores evangélicos apresentaram elevada ocorrência de sensações na laringofaríngeas e maior percepção do impacto de uma alteração vocal na qualidade de vida, quando comparados a homens não profissionais da voz. No caso dos pastores, quanto maior o desconforto em trato vocal e a presença de uma alteração vocal, maior é o impacto percebido nas atividades vocais. / The present study sought to investigate the vocal and laryngopharyngeal symptoms, vocal quality, self-perception to vocal tract discomfort, and voice activity and participation profile of Evangelical pastors comparing the same aspects with non-professional users of the voice; to verify the correlation measure, both for pastors and for the control group, between participation profile between voice activity and participation profile (VAPP) and vocal quality, self-perception of vocal symptoms, sensations in the throat, and vocal discomfort. Sixty individuals were evaluated, male, divided into experimental and control groups. The following instruments were applied: Condition of Vocal Production (CVP) for sample characterization and verification of vocal symptoms and sensations in the throat, Discomfort in the Vocal Tract (VTD) and Voice Activity and Participation Profile (VAPP), as well as the perceptual voice analysis of the participants. The results were statistically analyzed with a significance level 5%. Evangelical pastors demonstrated a higher frequency than non-professionals: throat clearing (p=0.019), coughing up phlegm (p=0.015), burning in the throat (p=0.028), secretion/phlegm in throat (p< 0.001), dry throat (p< 0.001), tiredness when talking (p< 0.001), effort to talk (p<0.001) and dryness, more frequent (p=0.009) and more intense (p=0.006). In the comparison between groups, pastors reported higher levels at PPAV: total score (p=0.032), total limitation in activities (p=0.037), effects (p=0.014) and limitation of professional activities (p=0.005). No significant differences were found in the perceptual voice analysis and vocal symptoms. In the group of Evangelical pastors, there were positive correlations between vocal symptoms not specified and the total score; total participation restriction and daily communication and social communication sessions of the PPAV; between discomfort in the vocal tract and all sessions of the PPAV; between the perceptual voice analysis and total score, the total activity limitation and participation restriction, and the sessions: severity self-perception, daily communication, social communication and finally emotions of the PPAV. Negative correlations were observed: between the sensations in the throat and the self-perception of the severity; in job and social communication the PPAV. In the Group of non-professionals were positive correlations: between voice the voice weak and symptom the total score of the PPAV and total participation restriction; between sensations in the throat, as well as self perception of the severity, in job, daily and social communication of the PPAV; between discomfort in the vocal tract and sessions: the self-perception of severity, restriction participation in daily communication and emotions of the PPAV; between perceptual voice analysis and social communication session of the PPAV. Negative correlations occurred: between the failure in voice symptom and participation restriction and social communication of the PPAV; perceptual voice analysis and the effects in job and social communication of the PPAV. Evangelical pastors showed high occurrence of sensations in the throat and greater awareness in the impact of a vocal change in the quality of life, when compared to non-professionals. In the case of the pastors, the greater the discomfort in the vocal tract and the presence of a vocal change, the greater impact observed on vocals activities.

This ethnomethodological study focuses on the worldviews of Lutheran school principals and pastors. Essentially, these leaders in a Lutheran school provide direction and vision for the school learning community. The degree to which their worldviews coalesce will naturally result in positive or negative influences on the whole school community. These leaders within the Lutheran school can be seen as a hub for all kinds of learning experiences and interaction in the context of vital Christian communities in mission outreach and quality education. Any dissonance of worldview has potential for impact on school processes and relationships. The Lutheran Church has defined the role of the pastor in the school and the difference from his role in a congregation (Lutheran Church of Australia, 2002). Lutheran principals have a delegated authority from their school councils to be responsible for the complete oversight of the school’s direction, the observance of policies, and the assignment of tasks and duties of staff. The blurring of responsibility occurs over the pastor’s rightful responsibility in regards to a word and sacrament ministry. In a Lutheran school where the Gospel is to inform all learning, such tension can cloud school dynamics and transformation. The Lutheran church policy, Relative responsibilities of pastor and principal within the Lutheran school, identifies three critical areas of required mutual respect for the Principal and School Pastor: theological, professional and personal (Lutheran Church of Australia, 2001, p. 3). Thus, the ‘worldview’ dimensions considered in this research centre around the theological, the educational and the interpersonal domains. The school transformation themes of lifelong learning, postmodernism and curriculum, school organization and change, and school community relationships are used to challenge worldview dimensions of Principals and School Pastors through a series of online ‘stories’, or scenarios, backed by personal interviews and a document study. The identification of school leadership tension points brings about recommendations for action.

Research among ministers showed that they are experiencing high levels of stress due to career demands and having to cope with problems on their own (Grosch & Olsen, 2000:260). This has a detrimental effect on their health (Andrew, 1997:SO). Participation in physical activity have positive effects on the physical and psychological well being. Physical activity decrease work stress and increase work satisfaction and -stamina (Dreyer & Strydom, 1992:28). The objectives of this study was to determine the profiles of physical activity participation and the incidence of stress symptoms in relation to congregation type and congregation size in ministers, as well as the influence of physical activity on the relationship between stress symptoms and congregation demography (type and size). Congregation demography was divided into congregation type (location) as well as congregation size (number of church members). In this study a single cross sectional design that has been based on an availability profile has been used. The subjects were 340 ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church, who volunteered to participate in the study. The quality of participation in physical activity was determined with Sharkey's (1997:432) physical activity index The incidence of stress symptoms was determined with Burn's (1988) stress index and the congregation demography was determined by a self-reported questionnaire. The data was analysed by means of a one-way analysis of variance. From the data it is clear that the majority of the respondents were physically inactive and have a low incidence of stress symptoms in relation to congregation demography. The results of the stress symptoms may be attributed to the fact that religion and belief in God may play a vital role in the management of stress. Physical activity participation indicated a statistical significant (p≤0.05) influence on the relationship between stress symptoms and congregation demography. A highly practical significant difference (ES≥0.8) existed between high active and low active ministers working in congregations in rural areas. Physical activity participation also showed a moderate practical significant influence (ES≥0.5) on the relationship between stress symptoms and congregation demography (type and size). It was concluded that physical activity presented a salutogenic effect on psychological well-being among ministers and that congregation demography can influence physical and psycho-emotional health threats of Dutch Reformed ministers. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Literature generally acknowledges that ministers have a demanding job with unique requirements and unclear boundaries between their personal and professional lives. Since 1980, studies have been describing an alarming spread of burnout in the ministry, with three out of four ministers reporting severe stress, causing anguish, worry, bewilderment, anger, depression, fear and alienation. South African literature indicates ministry as a high-risk occupation with regard to burnout. As providers of help, ministers are exposed to demanding work situations, with unique job and client-related stressors that show high correlation with burnout. Burnout, according to Levert (et al, 2000) is a syndrome consisting of three dimensions: these are Exhaustion, Cynicism and lack of Professional Efficacy. Exhaustion refers to the depletion and draining of emotional resources and feelings of being overextended. Cynicism reflects a negative, cynical and callous attitude towards recipients of service, andlor extreme detached responses to aspects pertaining to the job. A lack of professional efficacy refers to the tendency to evaluate aspects negatively with regard to personal accomplishments and competence at work. Burnout in the human service industry is a growing phenomenon. The objectives of this study were to determine the reliability and validity of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) in the context of ministry, The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), and the Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced questionnaire (COPE), and to develop a measuring instrument to describe occupational stress of Pentecostal pastors in the North West Region of South Africa. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Availability samples (n = 100) were taken of qualified and ordained Pentecostal Pastors in the ministry. The Ministry Demands Survey was developed as measuring instrument, indicating internal demands/emotional input and relationship demands/demands with regard to calling, as reliable factors. Coping was described as being either Problem or Emotion-focused. Health of Pentecostal pastors was predicted by Internal Demands/Emotional Input, Exhaustion and Problem and Emotion-focused Coping. Recommendations for future research were made. / Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Research among ministers showed that they are experiencing high levels of stress due to career demands and having to cope with problems on their own (Grosch & Olsen, 2000:260). This has a detrimental effect on their health (Andrew, 1997:SO). Participation in physical activity have positive effects on the physical and psychological well being. Physical activity decrease work stress and increase work satisfaction and -stamina (Dreyer & Strydom, 1992:28). The objectives of this study was to determine the profiles of physical activity participation and the incidence of stress symptoms in relation to congregation type and congregation size in ministers, as well as the influence of physical activity on the relationship between stress symptoms and congregation demography (type and size). Congregation demography was divided into congregation type (location) as well as congregation size (number of church members). In this study a single cross sectional design that has been based on an availability profile has been used. The subjects were 340 ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church, who volunteered to participate in the study. The quality of participation in physical activity was determined with Sharkey's (1997:432) physical activity index The incidence of stress symptoms was determined with Burn's (1988) stress index and the congregation demography was determined by a self-reported questionnaire. The data was analysed by means of a one-way analysis of variance. From the data it is clear that the majority of the respondents were physically inactive and have a low incidence of stress symptoms in relation to congregation demography. The results of the stress symptoms may be attributed to the fact that religion and belief in God may play a vital role in the management of stress. Physical activity participation indicated a statistical significant (p≤0.05) influence on the relationship between stress symptoms and congregation demography. A highly practical significant difference (ES≥0.8) existed between high active and low active ministers working in congregations in rural areas. Physical activity participation also showed a moderate practical significant influence (ES≥0.5) on the relationship between stress symptoms and congregation demography (type and size). It was concluded that physical activity presented a salutogenic effect on psychological well-being among ministers and that congregation demography can influence physical and psycho-emotional health threats of Dutch Reformed ministers. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Literature generally acknowledges that ministers have a demanding job with unique requirements and unclear boundaries between their personal and professional lives. Since 1980, studies have been describing an alarming spread of burnout in the ministry, with three out of four ministers reporting severe stress, causing anguish, worry, bewilderment, anger, depression, fear and alienation. South African literature indicates ministry as a high-risk occupation with regard to burnout. As providers of help, ministers are exposed to demanding work situations, with unique job and client-related stressors that show high correlation with burnout. Burnout, according to Levert (et al, 2000) is a syndrome consisting of three dimensions: these are Exhaustion, Cynicism and lack of Professional Efficacy. Exhaustion refers to the depletion and draining of emotional resources and feelings of being overextended. Cynicism reflects a negative, cynical and callous attitude towards recipients of service, andlor extreme detached responses to aspects pertaining to the job. A lack of professional efficacy refers to the tendency to evaluate aspects negatively with regard to personal accomplishments and competence at work. Burnout in the human service industry is a growing phenomenon. The objectives of this study were to determine the reliability and validity of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) in the context of ministry, The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), and the Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced questionnaire (COPE), and to develop a measuring instrument to describe occupational stress of Pentecostal pastors in the North West Region of South Africa. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Availability samples (n = 100) were taken of qualified and ordained Pentecostal Pastors in the ministry. The Ministry Demands Survey was developed as measuring instrument, indicating internal demands/emotional input and relationship demands/demands with regard to calling, as reliable factors. Coping was described as being either Problem or Emotion-focused. Health of Pentecostal pastors was predicted by Internal Demands/Emotional Input, Exhaustion and Problem and Emotion-focused Coping. Recommendations for future research were made. / Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

A total change of culture is happening in the world and the church should take cognizance of it because people's religious experience is not detached from their cultural context. In the light of the changing contemporary culture and new challenges for the ministry, the research question was posed: why is a wellness ministry by AFM pastors in an urban context necessary and what should it entail in the guiding of people towards wellness? The objective of the study is therefore to research a wellness ministry by AFM pastors in an urban context with the aim of proposing a model for such a ministry where people may be guided towards wellness. The study was done by using the practical-theological model of Zerfass as point of departure which comprises the following: - a meta theory where material from other disciplines are studied; - a basis theory where Scriptural perspectives on the topic had been researched; - empirical research by way of interviews with pastors; and - a practice theory where guidelines are proposed for a wellness ministry by AFM pastors in an urban context. In the meta theoretical part of the study it became clear that the circumstances with which people are confronted in the contemporary culture, a change of focus necessitates from a lifestyle of only combating disease to one of promoting wellness. Research has shown that quite a number of wellness models already exist which are being applied in practice. The basis theoretical part of the investigation showed that Scripture provides numerous guidelines with regard to a wellness ministry for the whole person in connection with the body, soul and spirit. The results which surfaced from the empirical study, confirmed the meta- and basis theoretical research. Consequently the practice theory has been formulated from the hermeneutical interaction of the different components of the research in the format of a proposed model. With reference to the research question, central theorical argument and the research reflected in chapters 2 through 5, the final conclusion states that a wellness ministry by AFM pastors in an urban context is necessary and should play an important part in the guiding of people towards wellness. A model where the strategy for such a ministry has been explained, is finally proposed. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

A total change of culture is happening in the world and the church should take cognizance of it because people's religious experience is not detached from their cultural context. In the light of the changing contemporary culture and new challenges for the ministry, the research question was posed: why is a wellness ministry by AFM pastors in an urban context necessary and what should it entail in the guiding of people towards wellness? The objective of the study is therefore to research a wellness ministry by AFM pastors in an urban context with the aim of proposing a model for such a ministry where people may be guided towards wellness. The study was done by using the practical-theological model of Zerfass as point of departure which comprises the following: - a meta theory where material from other disciplines are studied; - a basis theory where Scriptural perspectives on the topic had been researched; - empirical research by way of interviews with pastors; and - a practice theory where guidelines are proposed for a wellness ministry by AFM pastors in an urban context. In the meta theoretical part of the study it became clear that the circumstances with which people are confronted in the contemporary culture, a change of focus necessitates from a lifestyle of only combating disease to one of promoting wellness. Research has shown that quite a number of wellness models already exist which are being applied in practice. The basis theoretical part of the investigation showed that Scripture provides numerous guidelines with regard to a wellness ministry for the whole person in connection with the body, soul and spirit. The results which surfaced from the empirical study, confirmed the meta- and basis theoretical research. Consequently the practice theory has been formulated from the hermeneutical interaction of the different components of the research in the format of a proposed model. With reference to the research question, central theorical argument and the research reflected in chapters 2 through 5, the final conclusion states that a wellness ministry by AFM pastors in an urban context is necessary and should play an important part in the guiding of people towards wellness. A model where the strategy for such a ministry has been explained, is finally proposed. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.