The purpose for this research journey was twofold: (1) to discover the power of certain discourses in the charismatic church context and (2) to challenge disrespectful discursive practices in order to co-operate respectful, ethical and caring ways of being. Seven leaders in charismatic churches committed themselves to this qualitative research project. The research process resulted in a confirmation by the participants that some charismatic discursive practices can be abusive and also to the acknowledgement that they too have at times fulfilled the role of abuser, even in unknowingly. This research journey ended in Hope. Hope for more transparency and trust between leaders and members, resulting in more respectful practices. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M.Th. (Pastoral Therapy)

Text in German and English, summaries in German and English / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 144-154) / Diese theologisch-empirische Studie befasst sich mit einem ganzheitlichen Verständnis von Mission im pfingstlich-charismatischen Kontext und besteht aus zwei Untersuchungen. In der ersten wird Literatur zum Paradigma ganzheitlicher Mission und zur Pfingstbewegung missionstheologisch erforscht. Die zweite Untersuchung baut auf der Literaturanalyse auf und bezieht sich exemplarisch auf eine pfingstliche Freikirche aus der Schweiz namens BewegungPlus. Mithilfe von offiziellen Dokumenten der Bewegung und ihres internationalen Zweigs, wie auch in Interviewaussagen leitender Personen von Lokal kirchen der Bewegung, wurde das Missionsverständnis untersucht. Die Auswertung der Interviews orientierte sich methodisch an der Grounded Theory. Aus den Resultaten beider Untersuchungen wurden thesenartige Schlussfolgerungen gezogen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass der missionstheologische Paradigmenwechsel im pfingstlich- charismatischen Kontext rezipiert wird. Die Integration pfingstlicher und ganzheitlicher Mission ist am Beispiel der BewegungPlus zu beobachten, vor allem, wenn Mission und Eschatologie in einer Reich-Gottes-Theologie verbunden sind. Der im Rahmen dieser Arbeit erfolgte Beitrag aus pfingstlich-charismatischer Perspektive kann die aktuelle Missions diskussion erweitern. / This empirical theological study dealing with a holistic understanding of mission in an pentecostal context contains two studies. The first investigates literature focused on the paradigm of holistic mission and the Pentecostal Mission. The second study based on this literature analysis refers to an example of a pentecostal Church in Switzerland named „BewegungPlus“. The understanding of mission was investigated by examining official documents of the movement and by taking interviews with leading members of local churches. The evaluation of the interviews was methodologically based on the Grounded Theory. From the results of both studies theses-like conclusions were drawn. The results show that the mission theological paradigm shift is received in the pentecostal-charismatic context. In „BewegungPlus“ you can see the integration of both pentecostal and holistic mission especially when mission and eschatology are connected to a Kingdom of God theology. The pentecostal-charismatic perspective seen in this theses may contribute to the contemporary missional discussion. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M. Th. (Missiology)

Text in Afrikaans / In hierdie studie word die boodskap van Miga 2:1-13 binne 'n raamwerk van Pinksterhermeneutiek geplaas. In hoofstuk een is die probleem gestel, naamlik: dat Pinkstermense oor die algemeen alle tekste, ongeag die aard daarvan, vergeestelik. Die hipotese van hierdie studie is egter dat indien Pinksterhermeneutiek tot sy reg kom dit nie nodig is vir Pentekostaliste om van tekste met sterk sosiale ondertone weg te skram nie. In hoofstuk twee word gese hoe die Pinksterhermeneutiek funksioneer. In hoofstuk drie word 'n agtergrondstudie van Miga gedoen, met klem op die inleidingsproblematiek. Hoofstuk vier is die eksegese van Miga 2:1-13. Die sosiologiese metode is gebruik om die teks te eksegetiseer. In hoofstuk vyf word die boodskap van Miga 2:1-13 geartikuleer. In die laaste hoofstuk word die aard van Pinkster sosiale betrokkenheid bespreek. / In this study it is attempted to put the message of Micah 2: 1-13 in a Pentecostal hermeneutical framework. In the first chapter the problem is stated namely, that Pentecostals in general tend to spiritualise biblical texts irrespective of the nature of the text. The hypothesis in this study is that if Pentecostal hermeneutics are properly applied, it will no longer be necessary for Pentecostals to avoid texts with strong social elements such as Micah 2:1-13. In chapter two it is explained how Pentecostal hermeneutics function. In chapter three a study of the background of the book Micah is done, with special emphasis on introductory problems. Chapter four is the exegesis of Micah 2:1-13. The sociological method is applied in order to highlight the social issues in the text. In chapter five the message of the text is articulated. In the last chapter the nature of Pentecostal social involvement is discussed. / Biblical and Ancient Studies / M.A. (Bybelkunde)

In the first part of this dissertation I investigate whether the Pentecostal Churches in South Africa has a reductionist understanding of crucial missiological issues. Issues such as the definition of mission, motivation for missions, the role of the Holy Spirit in mission, mission as a quest for social justice, mission as anti-racism, mission as a quest for gender equality and mission as inter-religious encounter. In the second part of the dissertation I present a more contextual approach to these missiological issues, challenging the Pentecostal churches to move: towards the formation of a more relevant missiology. l finally present the 'cycle of missionary praxis' or 'the Pastoral cycle' as a tool that can be used to formulate a contextual missiology / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M.Th.

no abstract available / Practical Theology / M.Th.(Systematic Theology)

A misunderstanding or ignorance of the concept of worship resulting in a misuse of the word worship has necessitated clarification within the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC), an evangelical church denomination. Leaders of PAOC churches, colleges and the denomination have for the most part, received their ministerial training at PAOC theological colleges. In order for PAOC people (i.e. congregants and leaders) to correctly understand and practice biblical worship, those leading the denomination, colleges and churches require accurate teaching on the concept. Curriculum development (revision) within PAOC theological colleges may be necessary for this to take place. This thesis, therefore, studies the worship curriculum and instruction within PAOC theological colleges and clarifies the concept of Christian worship. The PAOC denomination, colleges and churches base their doctrine and practice on the principles of the Holy Bible. Therefore, laying a biblical-theological foundation when defining and teaching Christian worship is essential. If instruction in biblical worship is inadequate and/or optional in PAOC theological colleges, the accurate understanding and practice of worship by PAOC leaders and, in turn, congregants, is diminished. The vast majority of a sampling of PAOC theological college graduates and PAOC leaders believe that all students at PAOC theological colleges should be required to receive instruction in biblical worship. Since the biblical definition of worship relates more to Christians living all of life for God (or spiritual formation) than just to corporate gatherings within the church, it is recommended that worship instruction with this emphasis be required for all students at PAOC theological colleges. This instruction should take place within the biblical, theological and practical theology departments rather than the church ministry or music departments. However, since the purpose for the corporate gathering is to teach and foster whole-life worship, teaching on corporate worship should not be ignored. In order to assist church leaders in offering biblical teaching on worship to their congregations, accurate and thorough instruction at PAOC theological colleges is necessary. Included in this thesis are lesson outlines for whole-life worship instruction within spiritual formation courses or groups, and worship theology instruction within systematic theology or doctrinal courses. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Didactics)

Atonement theories have great implications for the soteriological paradigms associated with them, but their significance has not always been recognized in the formulation of theological systems, the lack of dogmatic definition by ecumenical council encouraging diversification and isolation from other doctrinal loci. The strongest coherence between an atonement model and soteriology can be seen in the reformed tradition, and its theory of penal substitution has become the standard accepted by many non-reformed protestant groups, including classical pentecostalism. Tensions persist in the theological system of pentecostalism because of its pairing of penal substitution with the soteriological paradigm of its foundational symbol of faith, the full gospel of Jesus as savior, sanctifier, baptizer with the Spirit, healer, and coming king. This vision of salvation is broader than that of protestant orthodoxy, which through its atonement theory deleteriously separates the death of Christ from his work in life and strictly limits the subjects and nature of salvation, specifically to addressal of elect individuals’ sins. It is proposed that this tension within the pentecostal system be relieved not through a reduction of its soteriology but a retrieval of the Christus victor model, the atonement theory of the ancient and Eastern church. As reintroduced to the Western church by G. Aulén, this model interprets the saving work of Christ along two lines: recapitulation, the summing up and saving of humanity via the incarnation, and ransom, the deliverance of humanity from the hostile powers holding it in bondage. In a contemporary, pentecostal appropriation of this model, aid is taken from K. Barth’s concept of nothingness to partially demythologize the cosmic conflict of the Bible, and pentecostalism reinvigorates the Eastern paradigm of salvation as theosis or Christification via the expectation of the replication of Christ’s ministry in the Christian. The study shows Christus victor can give a more stable base for a broader soteriology that is concerned with the holistic renewal of the human person. To demonstrate the developed model’s vigor and applicability beyond pentecostalism, the study closes by bringing it into conversation with the concerns of three contemporary theological movements. / Philosophy & Systematic Theology / D. Th. (Systematic Theology)

Text in English / This thesis is a study of several major motifs found in classical Pentecostal missiology in the North American scene. It is both a missiologically interpreted study based on the historical antecedents of Pentecostal mission theology and a Pentecostal interpretation of five major motifs germane to Evangelical and Pentecostal missiology in this present time. The intent and purpose of this study is to begin in chapter two with the Antecedents and Matrix of Pentecostalism per se and interpret them through missiological eyes. Topics such as the Holiness-Wesleyan roots of Pentecostalism which includes looking at such personages as John Wesley, Charles Finney, et al are studied. As well, the Reformed, non-Wesleyan roots of Pentecostalism are highlighted which includes Premillennialism, Dwight Moody, Reuben Torrey, A J Gordon, and A B Simpson, and Divine Healing. Finally, one arrives at the matrix of modern day Pentecostalism. The major emphasis is placed upon Charles Parham, William Seymour, the Azusa Street Mission, and on African American Pentecostals. The remaining chapters are an articulation, evaluation, and interpretation of five major Pentecostal mission theologies (practices) that emerged from the antecedents and appear to be in common with the majority of classical Pentecostal denominations. Chapter three deals with The Lostness of the Human Race. Topics included are lnterreligious dialogue, 'Life boat salvation', and the exclusiveness of Christ. Chapter four handles the concepts of Church Planting and Evangelism from perspectives of the Ecumencials, Evangelicals, and Pentecostals. In chapter five, the understanding of Indigenous Church Principles is studied from its origin to present- day application. Notable persons are Melvin Hodges and Morris Williams. Most relevant to present-day missiology is chapter six which deals with Social Responsibility and how Pentecostal missiology has responded to this need. Finally, Pneumatology as characterized by Pentecostal mission theology is studied. Emphasis is placed on Xenolalia, the Great Commission, Traditional Pentecostal Pneumatology, Pentecostal hermeneutics, and the Holy Spirit in missions. / Christian Spirituality, Church History & Missiology / D. Th. (Missiology)

Text in Afrikaans / Die kerk, in sy bree gesien, is tans in 'n 'nie-groei-kultuur' vasgeval. Daar is by min gemeentes 'n opregte las vir verlorenes te bespeur. Leiers het 'n gemaksone van professionalisme en instandhouding betree waar die groei van gemeentes me hoog op hul agenda geplaas word nie. Hierdie instandhoudingsingesteldheid en derhalwe 'n uitsluitlik na-binne-gerigte bedieningsfilosofie, het grootliks tot geringe groei en soms ook agteruitgang bygedra. Die omvangryke veranderinge in die samelewing gaan nie deur die kerk vrygespring word nie. Vandag kan kerke nie meer vanselfsprekend op die tradisionele ondersteuning en lojaliteit van mense sowel as die samelewing aanspraak maak nie. Die kerk is in 'n groot mate uitgeskuif en geniet nie meer dieselfde kollig as in die verlede nie. Groot 'kerklike grondgebied' is reeds afgestaan. Leiers is deel, en gevolglik ook 'n produk, van die huidige kerklike situasie waar belangeloosheid ten opsigte van gemeentegroei dikwels 'n algemene verskynsel is. Vanwee strukture soos die herder-kudde-model, is lidmate vir jare buite bedieningsgeleenthede gehou. Die bediening was as die verantwoordelikheid van leiers beskou. Die rol van lidmate is tans besig om groot veranderinge te ondergaan, aangesien gewone lidmate toenemend in dienswerk opgeneem word. Vrae wat reeds gevra word, is: Wat gaan die unieke rol van leiers in die toekoms wees? Wie is vir groei-inisiatief verantwoordelik? Die probleem waarmee leiers tans te make het, is hul behendigheid om die uitdagings en eise van 'n nuwe kerklike paradigma te ontmoet, veral in 'n mondering wat vir 'n uitgaande paradigma bedoel is. Baie kritiek word teen opleidingsmodelle gerig, maar wesenlik is die probleem in 'n gevestigde "mind-set" gesetel. Groeiende gemeentes wereldwyd toon dat hul leiers 'n sleutelrol in die groeipotensiaal van die gemeente speel en leiers van hierdie gemeentes het die voortou geneem om nuwe moontlikhede en modelle van leierskap uit te stal. Daar sal totaal nuut oor leierskap gedink moet word indien ons die groei van gemeentes ten doel het. In hierdie navorsing word leierskaptendense in die algemeen, asook leierskaptendense spesifiek in groeiende gemeentes, ondersoek. 'n Teorie vir 'groei-leierskap' word dan hieruit ontwikkel en aangebied. / The church is not experiencing a lot of growth at the moment. A number of congregations have no urge to find the lost ones. Growth is not a priority, due to leaders maintaining instead of expanding the congregation. This philosophy to maintain resulted into an inward practice which contributed to little growth, more seriously even a decline in total membership. The numerous changes experienced by the community at large will also fall the church to victim. The church has lost support simply because of a total lack in the so-called traditional loyalty and support. The church is no more the focus as in the past, it has been side-lined. The church has already lost greatly. Church leaders, as such products of the present day situation in the church, have been part of this culture of non-interest in the growth of the congregation. The typical evangelistic model of shepherd and flock left the ordinary members of the congregation out in the cold. The ministry was the responsibility of the church leaders, however the role of the ordinary members of the congregation is changing as they too are becoming more involved in ministry. Questions such as the following come to the fore: What is the unique role of church leaders going to be in future? Who's going to be responsible for growth inisiatives in the church in future? The problem facing church leaders of the day, is their total lack to meet the challenges and demands. The new evangelistic paradigm especially calls for an outgoing approach. Criticism has been given against the training of leadership but most probably the problem lies within their established mind-set". Globally, congregations which are experiencing large growth, has proved their leaders to play a paramount role in exploiting their growth potential. Such leaders were in the forefront of new leadership exhibiting the same qualities. If the growth of the various congregations is of importance, then the whole issue around leadership will have to be adapted and renewed. This research contains leadership tendencies in general, as well as leadership tendencies in growing congregations. A theory for "growth-leadership" will be developed and presented from this. / Practical Theology / Th.D. (Practical theology)

The subject of social involvement though, still under debate and being pursued by the Church of Jesus Christ even this time around has not wholly been appreciated by most Pentecostals. This is despite the fact that some of the early Pentecostals, including the early Church as seen from the ‘Acts of the Apostles’ chose to pursue social dimension of the gospel in addition to the Church’s mandate of ‘pure evangelism.’ Although social involvement has been at the very heart of Pentecostal theology, traditionally speaking, PAOG (Z), being one of the Pentecostal groupings has been seen to place much emphasis on ‘pure evangelism’, rather than ‘embracing’ both forms of missional dimensions. However, this trend is slowly changing as observed from the social involvements that some of its congregations and institutions are currently undertaking. This study views that part of the reason for the lack of an all-round social involvement’ by all the PAOG (Z) congregations lies in its theology of mission and thus critically examines it. The other aspect is the non-utilization or recognition of known professions of clergies that could normally enhance social involvement in most of its congregations. Next it makes an in-depth study of one PAOG (Z) - PAOC run projects and few congregations for the purpose of doing a social impact assessment, which has shown positive impacts in the communities that these projects are being undertaken. The study also reveals that the lack of clear constitutional guidelines concerning this has contributed to the absence of social programs in most of its churches resulting in not having a strong ‘social’ voice compared to the Catholic Church. The thesis uses a modified “praxis cycle” to structure its theoretical framework and research methodology. / Christian Spirituality, Church History & Missiology / D. Th. (Missiology)