Samples from two populations, community ministers and secular counselors, were surveyed to develop and analyze a description of the perceptions between and among these groups concerning their roles as counselors in the total community. Five questions were the focus of the research. The results of these questions may be summarized as follows: 1) both sample groups agreed that there seemed to be a need for additional ministerial counselors; 2) almost unanimously, the secular counselors indicated that they would welcome a more active ministerial counseling involvement within the total community setting, although a considerable portion (41%) of the ministers expressed doubts about the attitude of secular counselors; 3) ministers perceived an unsatisfactory level of intergroup communication, while secular counselors did not; 4) both ministers and secular counselors perceived a satisfactory level of cooperation between each other; and 5) neither group had a high regard for the counseling effectiveness of the other.

In the past, pastoral-therapeutic support was mainly approached only from the functioning of the left hemisphere of the brain. This implies that pastoral therapists mainly interacted with people in therapy at an intellectual-analytical level under modernistic influence. Since man's destitution and need changes along with time, it is essential for pastoral therapists/counsellors to supplement and adapt their modus operandi and strategies if they wish to remain relevant regarding their pastoral dealings with people. In this study the researcher attempted to formulate from the Scriptures a basis theory regarding the role of music as a whole-brain strategy in inner change. For the sake of a more holistic approach, a meta-theoretical investigation was also undertaken. To confirm the basis and meta-theoretical information, researcher entered the living reality of seven individuals during which a qualitative research was done. The results of the study, according to which the basis and meta-theoretical perspectives were placed in hermeneutical relation to one another, led to practice-theoretical guidelines within the subject domain of Practical Theology regarding the role of music as a whole-brain strategy in inner change. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The aim of this study was to do research to see whether the father is absent in the South African context and design a practical theory for possible use by a Biblical counsellor to help fathers that can't fulfil their role properly in the family. The role of the father can again be restored through Biblical counselling. This study is done on the basis of the following : a basic theory is set out on which Scriptural perspectives on the subject have been researched; a meta theoretical evaluation is obtained from the three disciplines - Sociology, Psychology and Social Work; empirical research by means of interviews and questionnaires. The empirical research indicated that sampling among women proved that they experience and live through the absent role of the father. According to the questionnaires and interviews it was remarkable that all eight women longed for Biblical counselling. The study further indicates that Scriptural perspectives show how the role of the father must be according to the original Fatherhood of God. Scripture use and prayer are the basis to set practical theoretical perspectives, specific as well as in general, in connection with the absent father figure. The Biblical counsellor, leader, minister and pastor can possibly use the guidelines to explain and set out the role of the father. The greatest responsibility the father carries in his family is the portrayal and modelling of Jesus Christ's attributes and example. The conclusion of this study is that the Fatherhood of God makes it possible for the father to fulfil his role and function within the family and live it out in the community. The father cannot be separated from the family, because the relationship wherein the father, mother and child stand, is indissoluble. / The aim of this study was to do research to see whether the father is absent in the South African context and design a practical theory for possible use by a Biblical counsellor to help fathers that can't fulfil their role properly in the family. The role of the father can again be restored through Biblical counselling. This study is done on the basis of the following : a basic theory is set out on which Scriptural perspectives on the subject have been researched; a meta theoretical evaluation is obtained from the three disciplines - Sociology, Psychology and Social Work; empirical research by means of interviews and questionnaires. The empirical research indicated that sampling among women proved that they experience and live through the absent role of the father. According to the questionnaires and interviews it was remarkable that all eight women longed for Biblical counselling. The study further indicates that Scriptural perspectives show how the role of the father must be according to the original Fatherhood of God. Scripture use and prayer are the basis to set practical theoretical perspectives, specific as well as in general, in connection with the absent father figure. The Biblical counsellor, leader, minister and pastor can possibly use the guidelines to explain and set out the role of the father. The greatest responsibility the father carries in his family is the portrayal and modelling of Jesus Christ's attributes and example. The conclusion of this study is that the Fatherhood of God makes it possible for the father to fulfil his role and function within the family and live it out in the community. The father cannot be separated from the family, because the relationship wherein the father, mother and child stand, is indissoluble. / Thesis (M.A. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

In the past, pastoral-therapeutic support was mainly approached only from the functioning of the left hemisphere of the brain. This implies that pastoral therapists mainly interacted with people in therapy at an intellectual-analytical level under modernistic influence. Since man's destitution and need changes along with time, it is essential for pastoral therapists/counsellors to supplement and adapt their modus operandi and strategies if they wish to remain relevant regarding their pastoral dealings with people. In this study the researcher attempted to formulate from the Scriptures a basis theory regarding the role of music as a whole-brain strategy in inner change. For the sake of a more holistic approach, a meta-theoretical investigation was also undertaken. To confirm the basis and meta-theoretical information, researcher entered the living reality of seven individuals during which a qualitative research was done. The results of the study, according to which the basis and meta-theoretical perspectives were placed in hermeneutical relation to one another, led to practice-theoretical guidelines within the subject domain of Practical Theology regarding the role of music as a whole-brain strategy in inner change. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The aim of this study was to do research to see whether the father is absent in the South African context and design a practical theory for possible use by a Biblical counsellor to help fathers that can't fulfil their role properly in the family. The role of the father can again be restored through Biblical counselling. This study is done on the basis of the following : a basic theory is set out on which Scriptural perspectives on the subject have been researched; a meta theoretical evaluation is obtained from the three disciplines - Sociology, Psychology and Social Work; empirical research by means of interviews and questionnaires. The empirical research indicated that sampling among women proved that they experience and live through the absent role of the father. According to the questionnaires and interviews it was remarkable that all eight women longed for Biblical counselling. The study further indicates that Scriptural perspectives show how the role of the father must be according to the original Fatherhood of God. Scripture use and prayer are the basis to set practical theoretical perspectives, specific as well as in general, in connection with the absent father figure. The Biblical counsellor, leader, minister and pastor can possibly use the guidelines to explain and set out the role of the father. The greatest responsibility the father carries in his family is the portrayal and modelling of Jesus Christ's attributes and example. The conclusion of this study is that the Fatherhood of God makes it possible for the father to fulfil his role and function within the family and live it out in the community. The father cannot be separated from the family, because the relationship wherein the father, mother and child stand, is indissoluble. / The aim of this study was to do research to see whether the father is absent in the South African context and design a practical theory for possible use by a Biblical counsellor to help fathers that can't fulfil their role properly in the family. The role of the father can again be restored through Biblical counselling. This study is done on the basis of the following : a basic theory is set out on which Scriptural perspectives on the subject have been researched; a meta theoretical evaluation is obtained from the three disciplines - Sociology, Psychology and Social Work; empirical research by means of interviews and questionnaires. The empirical research indicated that sampling among women proved that they experience and live through the absent role of the father. According to the questionnaires and interviews it was remarkable that all eight women longed for Biblical counselling. The study further indicates that Scriptural perspectives show how the role of the father must be according to the original Fatherhood of God. Scripture use and prayer are the basis to set practical theoretical perspectives, specific as well as in general, in connection with the absent father figure. The Biblical counsellor, leader, minister and pastor can possibly use the guidelines to explain and set out the role of the father. The greatest responsibility the father carries in his family is the portrayal and modelling of Jesus Christ's attributes and example. The conclusion of this study is that the Fatherhood of God makes it possible for the father to fulfil his role and function within the family and live it out in the community. The father cannot be separated from the family, because the relationship wherein the father, mother and child stand, is indissoluble. / Thesis (M.A. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

In the past, pastoral-therapeutic support was mainly approached only from the functioning of the left hemisphere of the brain. This implies that pastoral therapists mainly interacted with people in therapy at an intellectual-analytical level under modernistic influence. Since man's destitution and need changes along with time, it is essential for pastoral therapists/counsellors to supplement and adapt their modus operandi and strategies if they wish to remain relevant regarding their pastoral dealings with people. In this study the researcher attempted to formulate from the Scriptures a basis theory regarding the role of music as a whole-brain strategy in inner change. For the sake of a more holistic approach, a meta-theoretical investigation was also undertaken. To confirm the basis and meta-theoretical information, researcher entered the living reality of seven individuals during which a qualitative research was done. The results of the study, according to which the basis and meta-theoretical perspectives were placed in hermeneutical relation to one another, led to practice-theoretical guidelines within the subject domain of Practical Theology regarding the role of music as a whole-brain strategy in inner change. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

This thesis comprises four Sections: SECTION A An Introduction: This study has been done according to the article method. It consists of five articles in which the research results have been reported. All the articles form part of the overall objective and goals of the research project. Each article is a project in its own right as it also stands on its own; each one has its own research question, research goals, research methods, bibliography as well as unique content. At the end these articles along with the introduction at the beginning and the final conclusions at the end form part of the entire thesis. SECTION B Section B comprises the following articles: ARTICLE 1 is an expository approach on a selected core of Biblical references pertaining to the renewing of the mind. ARTICLE 2 discusses popular theoretical approaches pertaining to the renewing of the mind. ARTICLE 3 discusses the working of the human mind as well as provides information on left and right brain preferences and provides meta-theoretical perspectives on change. Good thinking (as a prerequisite of mind renewal) in order to ensure positive change is highlighted throughout the article. ARTICLE 4 is a qualitative empirical study existing of five interviews pertaining to the renewing of the minds in Christians. ARTICLE 5 Gives practice theoretical perspectives of the proposed model called Creative Practical Application (CPA) as a dynamic discipline in order to assist and support Romans 12:2 as an important paradigm for transformation/change in the Christian. SECTION C In this section the conclusions and further suggestions for related research have been stated. SECTION D Although each article has its own bibliography, a comprehensive bibliography of the whole research project has been given in this section. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

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.

This thesis comprises four Sections: SECTION A An Introduction: This study has been done according to the article method. It consists of five articles in which the research results have been reported. All the articles form part of the overall objective and goals of the research project. Each article is a project in its own right as it also stands on its own; each one has its own research question, research goals, research methods, bibliography as well as unique content. At the end these articles along with the introduction at the beginning and the final conclusions at the end form part of the entire thesis. SECTION B Section B comprises the following articles: ARTICLE 1 is an expository approach on a selected core of Biblical references pertaining to the renewing of the mind. ARTICLE 2 discusses popular theoretical approaches pertaining to the renewing of the mind. ARTICLE 3 discusses the working of the human mind as well as provides information on left and right brain preferences and provides meta-theoretical perspectives on change. Good thinking (as a prerequisite of mind renewal) in order to ensure positive change is highlighted throughout the article. ARTICLE 4 is a qualitative empirical study existing of five interviews pertaining to the renewing of the minds in Christians. ARTICLE 5 Gives practice theoretical perspectives of the proposed model called Creative Practical Application (CPA) as a dynamic discipline in order to assist and support Romans 12:2 as an important paradigm for transformation/change in the Christian. SECTION C In this section the conclusions and further suggestions for related research have been stated. SECTION D Although each article has its own bibliography, a comprehensive bibliography of the whole research project has been given in this section. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

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.