Vad är en lovsång, hur låter det och vad kännetecknar soundet för en lovsång idag? Är det en egen genre som har egna kännetecken idag? Målet med detta projekt har varit att ta reda på och få en förståelse för hur en lovsång är skriven och producerad och utifrån de kunskaper och insikter jag fått under projektet skriva och producera en egen lovsång för att praktisera resultatet.

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.

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.

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 study is about a conceptual framework in order to assist a minister to ensure that the whole family (consisting of different generations) is addressed in the same family service. In many churches different services are held for different generations while, when the family attend a service, the children and teenagers mostly feel that they are not addressed. Children are part of the family of God and should attend the church service with their parents or caretakers. They are the child’s mentors in more than one way and should also guide them to live their lives as Christians. Church leaders increasingly realise that what is happening in the life of a child is directly related to what is happening, or not happening, at home. Leaders recognise that in order to pass on the faith from generation to generation, a new paradigm of ministry is needed – one that is holistic and connects children, youth, family, congregation, community and culture. The generation theory is a tool to help a minister to understand the family members better. It is not a mechanism to label people. It is more like a dipstick into a period of time that groups people who tend, generally speaking, to think and act in a similar manner under certain conditions. With understanding comes insight as well as vision, and problem-solving may follow. A sermon group where families are invited to discuss the Scripture reading as well as the message of the text before and after the sermon may help the minister to address the whole family. The sermon group will enhance communication and understanding. It may also help with the building of relationships between the different generations within the family as well as with the minister. Praise and worship plays an important role in the family service. Traditional worship is word-driven and punctuated by organ music. Contemporary worship is music-driven with pianos, drums and guitars. In order to accommodate all the generations an integrated style is a possibility to explore. This style integrates all the music instruments and songs of the different generations. In a family service worship should link each part of the liturgy in such a way that the reformed character of the service is not neglected. The sermon in a family service, as well as the whole service itself, should be short. The minister should use ample metaphors and visual material in the sermon. It is also important to use simple language (and seldom theological terms) in order to facilitate better understanding amongst the children and teenagers. The person of the minister plays an important role in a family-service. There is always a minister who conducts the service. An honest, transparent and trustworthy minister’s message will be accepted by all generations, even if he/she might not be the best orator. After studying the literature, empirical research was conducted. The original conceptual framework was enriched and broadened by the life-experience interviews of the families regarding the church service. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

This thesis tries to answer the question what Christians should be singing in worship and why. The situation in many congregations is one of conflict around music and worship styles. The question is how these can be bridged and how worship leaders can be guided to make responsible choices about what is sung in Sunday worship. It is argued that what is sung, strongly influences the theology and faith of congregants. The thesis locates the discipline of hymnology within a hermeneutical approach to practical theology and tries to develop a theory to answer the question how to determine quality in Christian songs. The current discussions in practical theology and hermeneutics are examined for their relevance to hymnology, particularly some of the insights of Habermas, Gadamer and Ricoeur. Here particularly the idea of “dialogue” and “fusion of horizons” becomes relevant for bridging the divides in the conflicts around worship music. The dissertation examines biblical and church historical answers to the question of whether and what Christians should be singing. It becomes clear that the answers have varied widely during the course of church history, sometimes swinging between extremes. The next chapter looks at songs in the context of the worship service, their function within various parts of the service, and particularly looks at the dialectical poles of worship which should be kept in balance. Musical perspectives are discussed looking at ways to help people not formally trained in music to evaluate tunes. This theoretical section leads to a catalogue of criteria for “Good songs”: These are criteria for quality, for “Good Text”, such as biblical and theological value, how easily it is understood, whether it takes human experience seriously and its poetic value. Criteria for “Good Tune” include its level of difficulty, how heavily it depends on accompaniment, and its balance between the familiar and the interesting and new. The third category of criteria evaluate the match between text and tune in mood, rhythm and climax. The last category looks at the balance in the song between different polarities, such as, amongst others, the balance of past and present, cognitive and emotive elements, between challenge and affirmation, and between universal and particular emphases. This list of criteria is then tested on three songs each of four different songwriters: two traditional and two contemporary: Paul Gerhardt, Charles Wesley, Graham Kendrick and Noel Richards. In each case a background is given, an overview of their work as a whole and a detailed analysis of each song. In the end the criteria themselves are evaluated as to their usefulness and user-friendliness. Suggestions are then made how these criteria can guide worship leaders in their choices of songs for the Sunday service. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Practical Theology / unrestricted

This thesis investigated the approach to, and the conducting of worship services in ten missional faith communities of the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa during the period 2004 – 2009. It investigated the shift in theological paradigm (towards mission) taking place in the Dutch Reformed Church from 2002 onwards, and the effects thereof on liturgy and music in the worship domain. In order to contextualise the liturgical developments emanating from the case studies, the history and liturgy of the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa were traced back to the early Dutch pastors arriving with the first settlers at the Cape Colony in 1652. The historical events leading to the Dutch Reformed Church being labelled as the state church and its sanctioning of the apartheid ideology were placed in perspective as a result of the successes of missionary work in South Africa. The missional paradigm was unpacked according to the missio Dei. God is the primal agent in mission and calls His church into mission, and sending the church to restore society. Created in the imago Dei, human beings have a responsibility towards contextual society in everyday life. Missional worship therefore becomes a paradigmatic way of life. God is the focal point in worship and liturgy: it is all about God. The core of the research revolves around the ten missional faith communities, eight of which were part of the initial Southern African Partnership for Missional Churches project. Unstructured interviews were conducted with pastors, musicians and persons involved in the focussed missional activities within these congregations. Having an insider's perspective on the project, the researcher included his own narrative in order to further underline the changes taking place in the worship domain. Liturgy in the faith communities under investigation was found to be shifting towards ecumenical models: the gathering, the service of the Word, the service of the Table, and the sending. A trend to celebrate the Eucharist/Holy Communion more frequently than the tradition dictated was also noted in the communities. In general, a more creative approach towards the planning and execution of liturgy has been observed – this freedom allowing for the Holy Spirit to move the faith community during worship, and was vastly different to the cognitive historical liturgy. The music ministry has developed into a new paradigm from the historical role of the organist. Music was found to become a focal point, manifesting as liturgical art, pointing towards God and enabling the faith community to meet God in worship. This led to the change in the role of the church musician in terms of scope and spiritual/religious value. The shift towards leading the liturgy and shaping the faith community through music has been noted – thus establishing a music ministry. The Eucharist/Holy Communion is presented as a metaphor, the underlying basis for a model in music ministry. Music ministry is now defined under the theological lens as being sacramental in nature. In closing, recommendations are made to address the re-education of church musicians and theologians to deal with the theological changes taking place in worship. / Thesis (PhD (Music))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

This thesis investigated the approach to, and the conducting of worship services in ten missional faith communities of the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa during the period 2004 – 2009. It investigated the shift in theological paradigm (towards mission) taking place in the Dutch Reformed Church from 2002 onwards, and the effects thereof on liturgy and music in the worship domain. In order to contextualise the liturgical developments emanating from the case studies, the history and liturgy of the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa were traced back to the early Dutch pastors arriving with the first settlers at the Cape Colony in 1652. The historical events leading to the Dutch Reformed Church being labelled as the state church and its sanctioning of the apartheid ideology were placed in perspective as a result of the successes of missionary work in South Africa. The missional paradigm was unpacked according to the missio Dei. God is the primal agent in mission and calls His church into mission, and sending the church to restore society. Created in the imago Dei, human beings have a responsibility towards contextual society in everyday life. Missional worship therefore becomes a paradigmatic way of life. God is the focal point in worship and liturgy: it is all about God. The core of the research revolves around the ten missional faith communities, eight of which were part of the initial Southern African Partnership for Missional Churches project. Unstructured interviews were conducted with pastors, musicians and persons involved in the focussed missional activities within these congregations. Having an insider's perspective on the project, the researcher included his own narrative in order to further underline the changes taking place in the worship domain. Liturgy in the faith communities under investigation was found to be shifting towards ecumenical models: the gathering, the service of the Word, the service of the Table, and the sending. A trend to celebrate the Eucharist/Holy Communion more frequently than the tradition dictated was also noted in the communities. In general, a more creative approach towards the planning and execution of liturgy has been observed – this freedom allowing for the Holy Spirit to move the faith community during worship, and was vastly different to the cognitive historical liturgy. The music ministry has developed into a new paradigm from the historical role of the organist. Music was found to become a focal point, manifesting as liturgical art, pointing towards God and enabling the faith community to meet God in worship. This led to the change in the role of the church musician in terms of scope and spiritual/religious value. The shift towards leading the liturgy and shaping the faith community through music has been noted – thus establishing a music ministry. The Eucharist/Holy Communion is presented as a metaphor, the underlying basis for a model in music ministry. Music ministry is now defined under the theological lens as being sacramental in nature. In closing, recommendations are made to address the re-education of church musicians and theologians to deal with the theological changes taking place in worship. / Thesis (PhD (Music))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Text in Afrikaans / Lofprysing en aanbidding, wat die kern behoort le vorm van elke erediens, omdat God sentraal staan daarin, en wat ook die middelpunt van die erediens van die !ewe behoort le wees, omdat dit die reaksie van dankbaarheid op God se goedheid is, word in die Gereformeerde tradisie heel dik els met groot skeptisisme bejeen. Deels gebeur dit omdat die begrippe "lofprysing" en "aanbidding" dalk nog nie duidelik gedefinieer is nie en daar dikwels baie subjektiewe betekenis daaraan gegee word. Dis 'n groat jammerte omdat dit baie van die vreugde, die hartlikheid en die warmte van byeenkomste van die geloofsgemeenskap ontneem. Verder het dit tot gevolg dat sommige lid mate - en veral jongmense - hulle heil elders gaan soek, waar hulle behoeftes aangespreek word. Aangesien hierdie 'n studie is wat fokus op die Skriftuurlike en teologiese begronding van lofprysing en aanbidding, asook die behoeftes van jongmense, word aandag geskenk aan belangrike tendense wat 'n invloed uitoefen op hulle behoeftes, voor- en afkeure en algemene lewensuitkyk. Sake wat aan die orde kom is onder andere kultuur - met verwysing na subkulture en pop-kultuur - die sogenaamde Generasieteoriee en spiritualiteitstipes. Laastens word aanbevelings gemaak oor hoe gemeentes en kerke, met in agneming van veral die behoeftes van jongmense, lofprysing en aanbidding op 'n Skriftuurlike en teologiese verantwoorde wyse kan beplan en aanbied, terwyl jongmense in die proses bemagtig word om mede-verantwoordelikheid daarvoor te aanvaar. / Praise and worship, central to every church service, as a grateful response to God's goodness and mercy, is frequently met with scepticism within the Reformed tradition. This is, partly, due to different definitions, resulting in a variety of subjective interpretations. It deprives the faith community of the joy and warmth expected to be experienced at gatherings. It furthermore results in youth having to seek alternative pastures for their specific needs. This research focuses on the Scriptural and theological foundation of praise and worship, as well as the needs of the youth, relevant trends influencing their needs, their preferences and dislikes as well as their attitude towards life in general. Aspects such as culture and the so called Generational theories and types of spirituality will come under scrutiny. Lastly recommendations are made for planning and presentation of Scriptural sound praise and worship, whilst, at the same time, empowering them to take joint responsibility. / Philosophy, Practical & Systematic Theology / M. Diac. (Jeugwerk)

Text in Afrikaans / Lofprysing en aanbidding, wat die kern behoort le vorm van elke erediens, omdat God sentraal staan daarin, en wat ook die middelpunt van die erediens van die !ewe behoort le wees, omdat dit die reaksie van dankbaarheid op God se goedheid is, word in die Gereformeerde tradisie heel dik els met groot skeptisisme bejeen. Deels gebeur dit omdat die begrippe "lofprysing" en "aanbidding" dalk nog nie duidelik gedefinieer is nie en daar dikwels baie subjektiewe betekenis daaraan gegee word. Dis 'n groat jammerte omdat dit baie van die vreugde, die hartlikheid en die warmte van byeenkomste van die geloofsgemeenskap ontneem. Verder het dit tot gevolg dat sommige lid mate - en veral jongmense - hulle heil elders gaan soek, waar hulle behoeftes aangespreek word. Aangesien hierdie 'n studie is wat fokus op die Skriftuurlike en teologiese begronding van lofprysing en aanbidding, asook die behoeftes van jongmense, word aandag geskenk aan belangrike tendense wat 'n invloed uitoefen op hulle behoeftes, voor- en afkeure en algemene lewensuitkyk. Sake wat aan die orde kom is onder andere kultuur - met verwysing na subkulture en pop-kultuur - die sogenaamde Generasieteoriee en spiritualiteitstipes. Laastens word aanbevelings gemaak oor hoe gemeentes en kerke, met in agneming van veral die behoeftes van jongmense, lofprysing en aanbidding op 'n Skriftuurlike en teologiese verantwoorde wyse kan beplan en aanbied, terwyl jongmense in die proses bemagtig word om mede-verantwoordelikheid daarvoor te aanvaar. / Praise and worship, central to every church service, as a grateful response to God's goodness and mercy, is frequently met with scepticism within the Reformed tradition. This is, partly, due to different definitions, resulting in a variety of subjective interpretations. It deprives the faith community of the joy and warmth expected to be experienced at gatherings. It furthermore results in youth having to seek alternative pastures for their specific needs. This research focuses on the Scriptural and theological foundation of praise and worship, as well as the needs of the youth, relevant trends influencing their needs, their preferences and dislikes as well as their attitude towards life in general. Aspects such as culture and the so called Generational theories and types of spirituality will come under scrutiny. Lastly recommendations are made for planning and presentation of Scriptural sound praise and worship, whilst, at the same time, empowering them to take joint responsibility. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M. Diac. (Jeugwerk)