The subject of “unreached people” is still debated in Christian circles. Given the vast resources of the Church, it is difficult to understand that there are still people unreached by the gospel. This study views that part of the reason for this is that there is an unequal distribution of Christian mission resources. It thus critically examines the reasons that have been advanced to explain this unequal distribution. Next, it makes an in-depth study of one particular church in Zambia, namely the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (Zambia), which has more than 1400 congregations across the country, by looking at the initiatives it has taken towards reaching the unreached. Chapter 5 reveals that the lack of a clear mission policy and the autonomy of congregations contribute to an unequal distribution of mission resources in the PAOG (Z). The dissertation uses the “praxis cycle” to structure its theoretical framework and research methodology. / Christian Spiritual Church History and Mission / MTH (MSN)

The subject of “unreached people” is still debated in Christian circles. Given the vast resources of the Church, it is difficult to understand that there are still people unreached by the gospel. This study views that part of the reason for this is that there is an unequal distribution of Christian mission resources. It thus critically examines the reasons that have been advanced to explain this unequal distribution. Next, it makes an in-depth study of one particular church in Zambia, namely the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (Zambia), which has more than 1400 congregations across the country, by looking at the initiatives it has taken towards reaching the unreached. Chapter 5 reveals that the lack of a clear mission policy and the autonomy of congregations contribute to an unequal distribution of mission resources in the PAOG (Z). The dissertation uses the “praxis cycle” to structure its theoretical framework and research methodology. / Christian Spiritual Church History and Mission / MTH (MSN)

ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Die religiöse Ansprechbarkeit der Leipziger Bevölkerung in der Plattenbausiedlung Grünau ist bedingt durch den DDR-Sozialismus als ,,Ersatzreligion" gering. Doch stellt sich die Frage, inwieweit die politische Wende 1989 auch zu einer religiösen Wende im Leben der Menschen geführt hat. Für diese Erhebung habe ich zunächst die Geschichte, die sozialistische Prägung, die Rolle der Kirchen und die postmoderne Beeinflussung untersucht. Die aktuelle religiöse Ansprechbarkeit ließ sich im Zuge der qualitativen Sozialforschung mithilfe von Interviews mit den Kirchenleitungen Grünaus und der Kategorisierung religiöser Dimensionen von Charles Y. Glock eruieren. Dabei wurde nach den Ritualen, dem Sinn im Leben, dem religiösen Wissen, den Konsequenzen im Alltag und dem religiösen Erleben gefragt. Abschließend habe ich die Ergebnisse im Blickfeld der Kontextualisierung ausgehend von der Praxispyramide (Praxis-Zyklus) missionstheologisch evaluiert. Die Lage in Grünau entspricht grundsätzlich der in Gesamtostdeutschland: Konfessionslosigkeit, die sich vom bekennenden Atheismus durch die indifferente Haltung zum Glauben unterscheidet, bestimmt das Bild. Zahlenmäßig liegt die Summe der Kirchenmitglieder in Grünau (ca. 8%) sogar noch unter dem Gesamtdurchschnitt Ostdeutschlands. Aber die empirischen Ergebnisse lassen eine steigende religiöse Ansprechbarkeit nach der Wende erkennen, der mit kontextgerechten und mentalitätsadäquaten Maßnahmen, wie z. B. christlichen postsozialistischen Feiern, einem Grünauer Trabbi-Cafe, einem Plattenbaukino und anderen schöpferischen Aktionen begegnet werden kann. The religious receptiveness of the people of Leipzig, in the estate of prefabricated houses of Grünau, is low, due to GDR-socialism as an "alternative religion". However, the question arises, as to which extent the political turnaround in 1989, also brought about a religious turnaround in people's lives. For this research, I first of all analysed the history, the socialist influence, the role of the churches, and the post-modern influence. The current religious receptiveness was elicited by qualitative social research interviewing church leaders of Grünau, and by making use of the categorisation of religious dimensions by Charles Y. Glock. In the process questions pertaining to rituals, the meaning of life, religious knowledge, the consequences in everyday life, and the religious experience, were asked. Thereafter, I evaluated the results mission-theologically, in sight of the contextualisation of the so-called praxis pyramid (praxis cycle). The situation in Grünau basically corresponds with the situation in all of East Germany: Not belonging to a church which differs from confessed atheism because of the indifferent attitude towards faith dominates the picture. Numerically, the sum of church members in Grünau (approximately 8%) is even below the overall average of East Germany. However, the empirical results show an increasing religious receptiveness after the turnaround which can be met by measures fitting the context and the mentality, for example, Christian post-socialist celebrations, a "Grünau Trabbi-Café" (a coffee shop), a cinema on the housing estates, and other creative actions. / Christian Spirituality, Church History & Missiology / (M.Th.(Missiology))

Chronological Bible storying generally assumes a universality of the story teller's theological perspective in selecting and shaping Bible stories interculturally. This paper argues against this approach and proposes a method of crafting contextualized Bible stories which resonate with the worldview of a receptor culture. The influence of the theological and cultural presuppositions of the story teller is reduced through the utilization of the receptor culture's worldview assumptions - those values and beliefs through which the impact of scripture is experienced. The empirical research consisted of observing the responses of Sindhi Muslim men to a reading of John 13:1-10 and then interviewing them to generate cultural expressions which revealed a relationship between their culture and the scripture passage. Analysis of the data disclosed themes which have scriptural referents and can be used as the basis for selecting and crafting Bible stories that resonate with worldview assumptions. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M. Th. (Missiology)

This thesis is an endeavour to participate in the call for the African Renaissance from a missiological perspective. The study observes how the debate about this African ‗dream‘ persists in the domain of intellectuals and political leaders. It recognises as timely the opportunity to contribute theologically to the development of the renaissance concept. It also observes that ordinary people have jumped onto the African Renaissance bandwagon albeit for reasons that are mainly sentimental. Hence a two-fold appeal to protagonists of the African Renaissance movement: firstly, to be inclusive of all stakeholders especially ordinary people who should be both participants and co-beneficiaries; secondly, to consider spirituality as an indispensable factor in birthing this African ‗dream‘. To help arrive at a well-considered argument the study discusses a brief history of Africa‘s economic, social and political development. Central to this history is how the human factor, actively or inadvertently, and the natural factors have devastated the continent thus necessitating a rebirth. The study notes how especially the political economy and issues of good governance of African states are key concerns to the protagonists of the renaissance movement. It also notes the establishment of structures and policies in addressing these concerns. These interventions are hoped to improve the continent‘s image towards its global counterparts and to lift the hopes of distraught African peoples. The prospect of their success in terms of probabilities and/or perceptions is discussed and Missiologically critiqued. An overview of these endeavours has led to the observation of a lingering chasm of the absence or the apparent sidelining of African spirituality as a necessary component of the African Renaissance discourse. As a major thrust of this thesis the spiritual notion of ‗rebirth‘ is advanced. The basis for this argument lies in the ‗rebirth‘ concept that is inherent in many religions, faith formations and philosophies akin to African spirituality. It is on this understanding that a Missiological dimension is build. In introducing this spiritual dimension towards an African Renaissance a Missiological methodology of a seven pointed praxis cycle is proposed and unpacked. In deconstructing this methodology real models are presented as examples to illustrate Missiology‘s contextual life-long learning philosophy. / Christian Spirituality Church History and Missiology / D. Th. (Missiology)

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)

In order to illustrate, I begin this report with an account of some of my experiences as a bilingual teacher, instructing curriculum designed to elicit student reflections their language ideologies and engaging praxis. The data includes student responses to a writing prompt and interview which elicited their language ideologies. Some of the student comments were striking due to their recognition of the higher status of English. The student-collected data aided me in evaluating my curriculum and instruction and inform my future practice. My report ends with a proposal to investigate these issues more deeply by conducting a study on student language ideologies. / text

ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Die religiöse Ansprechbarkeit der Leipziger Bevölkerung in der Plattenbausiedlung Grünau ist bedingt durch den DDR-Sozialismus als ,,Ersatzreligion" gering. Doch stellt sich die Frage, inwieweit die politische Wende 1989 auch zu einer religiösen Wende im Leben der Menschen geführt hat. Für diese Erhebung habe ich zunächst die Geschichte, die sozialistische Prägung, die Rolle der Kirchen und die postmoderne Beeinflussung untersucht. Die aktuelle religiöse Ansprechbarkeit ließ sich im Zuge der qualitativen Sozialforschung mithilfe von Interviews mit den Kirchenleitungen Grünaus und der Kategorisierung religiöser Dimensionen von Charles Y. Glock eruieren. Dabei wurde nach den Ritualen, dem Sinn im Leben, dem religiösen Wissen, den Konsequenzen im Alltag und dem religiösen Erleben gefragt. Abschließend habe ich die Ergebnisse im Blickfeld der Kontextualisierung ausgehend von der Praxispyramide (Praxis-Zyklus) missionstheologisch evaluiert. Die Lage in Grünau entspricht grundsätzlich der in Gesamtostdeutschland: Konfessionslosigkeit, die sich vom bekennenden Atheismus durch die indifferente Haltung zum Glauben unterscheidet, bestimmt das Bild. Zahlenmäßig liegt die Summe der Kirchenmitglieder in Grünau (ca. 8%) sogar noch unter dem Gesamtdurchschnitt Ostdeutschlands. Aber die empirischen Ergebnisse lassen eine steigende religiöse Ansprechbarkeit nach der Wende erkennen, der mit kontextgerechten und mentalitätsadäquaten Maßnahmen, wie z. B. christlichen postsozialistischen Feiern, einem Grünauer Trabbi-Cafe, einem Plattenbaukino und anderen schöpferischen Aktionen begegnet werden kann. The religious receptiveness of the people of Leipzig, in the estate of prefabricated houses of Grünau, is low, due to GDR-socialism as an "alternative religion". However, the question arises, as to which extent the political turnaround in 1989, also brought about a religious turnaround in people's lives. For this research, I first of all analysed the history, the socialist influence, the role of the churches, and the post-modern influence. The current religious receptiveness was elicited by qualitative social research interviewing church leaders of Grünau, and by making use of the categorisation of religious dimensions by Charles Y. Glock. In the process questions pertaining to rituals, the meaning of life, religious knowledge, the consequences in everyday life, and the religious experience, were asked. Thereafter, I evaluated the results mission-theologically, in sight of the contextualisation of the so-called praxis pyramid (praxis cycle). The situation in Grünau basically corresponds with the situation in all of East Germany: Not belonging to a church which differs from confessed atheism because of the indifferent attitude towards faith dominates the picture. Numerically, the sum of church members in Grünau (approximately 8%) is even below the overall average of East Germany. However, the empirical results show an increasing religious receptiveness after the turnaround which can be met by measures fitting the context and the mentality, for example, Christian post-socialist celebrations, a "Grünau Trabbi-Café" (a coffee shop), a cinema on the housing estates, and other creative actions. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / (M.Th.(Missiology))

Chronological Bible storying generally assumes a universality of the story teller's theological perspective in selecting and shaping Bible stories interculturally. This paper argues against this approach and proposes a method of crafting contextualized Bible stories which resonate with the worldview of a receptor culture. The influence of the theological and cultural presuppositions of the story teller is reduced through the utilization of the receptor culture's worldview assumptions - those values and beliefs through which the impact of scripture is experienced. The empirical research consisted of observing the responses of Sindhi Muslim men to a reading of John 13:1-10 and then interviewing them to generate cultural expressions which revealed a relationship between their culture and the scripture passage. Analysis of the data disclosed themes which have scriptural referents and can be used as the basis for selecting and crafting Bible stories that resonate with worldview assumptions. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M. Th. (Missiology)

This thesis is an endeavour to participate in the call for the African Renaissance from a missiological perspective. The study observes how the debate about this African ‗dream‘ persists in the domain of intellectuals and political leaders. It recognises as timely the opportunity to contribute theologically to the development of the renaissance concept. It also observes that ordinary people have jumped onto the African Renaissance bandwagon albeit for reasons that are mainly sentimental. Hence a two-fold appeal to protagonists of the African Renaissance movement: firstly, to be inclusive of all stakeholders especially ordinary people who should be both participants and co-beneficiaries; secondly, to consider spirituality as an indispensable factor in birthing this African ‗dream‘. To help arrive at a well-considered argument the study discusses a brief history of Africa‘s economic, social and political development. Central to this history is how the human factor, actively or inadvertently, and the natural factors have devastated the continent thus necessitating a rebirth. The study notes how especially the political economy and issues of good governance of African states are key concerns to the protagonists of the renaissance movement. It also notes the establishment of structures and policies in addressing these concerns. These interventions are hoped to improve the continent‘s image towards its global counterparts and to lift the hopes of distraught African peoples. The prospect of their success in terms of probabilities and/or perceptions is discussed and Missiologically critiqued. An overview of these endeavours has led to the observation of a lingering chasm of the absence or the apparent sidelining of African spirituality as a necessary component of the African Renaissance discourse. As a major thrust of this thesis the spiritual notion of ‗rebirth‘ is advanced. The basis for this argument lies in the ‗rebirth‘ concept that is inherent in many religions, faith formations and philosophies akin to African spirituality. It is on this understanding that a Missiological dimension is build. In introducing this spiritual dimension towards an African Renaissance a Missiological methodology of a seven pointed praxis cycle is proposed and unpacked. In deconstructing this methodology real models are presented as examples to illustrate Missiology‘s contextual life-long learning philosophy. / Christian Spirituality Church History and Missiology / D. Th. (Missiology)