According to research conducted in some of the Reformed Churches, it became clear that most of the Reformed Churches, especially in the black communities, are encountering similar or almost the same problems with regard to the youth. The numbers of young people that belong to the churches, attend church services and participate in church-related activities facilitated for them are declining. Many of those whose presence and participation can be observed are not successful at taking the responsibility for applying their faith on a daily basis as they live their lives on a daily basis. It was evident that there was room for improvement with regard to youth ministry and its effectiveness. The intention with this study was to focus on possible ways of improving youth ministry in the Reformed Churches, and more specifically in the context of black communities and congregations. The approach included a look at the hermeneutical interaction between the basis theory and the meta-theory. According to the results, findings and conclusions obtained in this way, a set of practical guidelines has been formulated in an attempt to render youth ministry more effective. Attention was paid to contributions made by church leaders, parents and the young people themselves. By applying the Biblical principles together with meta-theoretical principles ministry to young people can be made more effective while keeping in mind that the purpose is to be to the honour and glory of God. The study included interviews and a questionnaire to be completed by young participants from a few selected congregations in the Mid-lands Synod, South Africa. According to the findings it was possible to conclude that the young members of the church desire to feel that they have a place in the Church of Christ a.re indeed .p art of the body of Christ. It was also revealed that they desire to be equipped in such a way as would enable them to function as Christians in their daily lives and to spread the Gospel to the world outside. They need to feel that they are useful instruments in the faith community. It is true that every member of the body of Christ is unique and has a role to play, and that is also true of the young people. The church and church leaders also have to consider the cultural differences, the existing generation gaps and the development of good relationships between youth and all other members of church. The young people, however, will have to accommodate, apply and adhere to the Biblical principles. That which remains of main importance in the strife for righteousness is to glorify God according to his Word. / Thesis (M.Th. (Catechetics)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

According to research conducted in some of the Reformed Churches, it became clear that most of the Reformed Churches, especially in the black communities, are encountering similar or almost the same problems with regard to the youth. The numbers of young people that belong to the churches, attend church services and participate in church-related activities facilitated for them are declining. Many of those whose presence and participation can be observed are not successful at taking the responsibility for applying their faith on a daily basis as they live their lives on a daily basis. It was evident that there was room for improvement with regard to youth ministry and its effectiveness. The intention with this study was to focus on possible ways of improving youth ministry in the Reformed Churches, and more specifically in the context of black communities and congregations. The approach included a look at the hermeneutical interaction between the basis theory and the meta-theory. According to the results, findings and conclusions obtained in this way, a set of practical guidelines has been formulated in an attempt to render youth ministry more effective. Attention was paid to contributions made by church leaders, parents and the young people themselves. By applying the Biblical principles together with meta-theoretical principles ministry to young people can be made more effective while keeping in mind that the purpose is to be to the honour and glory of God. The study included interviews and a questionnaire to be completed by young participants from a few selected congregations in the Mid-lands Synod, South Africa. According to the findings it was possible to conclude that the young members of the church desire to feel that they have a place in the Church of Christ a.re indeed .p art of the body of Christ. It was also revealed that they desire to be equipped in such a way as would enable them to function as Christians in their daily lives and to spread the Gospel to the world outside. They need to feel that they are useful instruments in the faith community. It is true that every member of the body of Christ is unique and has a role to play, and that is also true of the young people. The church and church leaders also have to consider the cultural differences, the existing generation gaps and the development of good relationships between youth and all other members of church. The young people, however, will have to accommodate, apply and adhere to the Biblical principles. That which remains of main importance in the strife for righteousness is to glorify God according to his Word. / Thesis (M.Th. (Catechetics)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Magister Theologiae - MTh / Taking the recent history and the present situation of South Africa as my context, I have found that with regard to their ethical stance the Lutheran Church has been accused of taking the "cheap grace" (anti-nomian) option and the Reformed Churches have often been criticised (especially by Lutherans, although recently also by some of their own theologians e.g. Johan Cilliers, 1994) for propagating the salvation by "works of the law" (semi-pelagian) option. Both the above "accusations" need to be critically verified by an analysis of the two theologies and their functioning in South Africa. This analysis will be done by using sermons from both churches as its empirical basis. I have decided to use seven sermons from each tradition. The Lutheran ones were brought together by directly contacting my colleagues and asking them to help me in this project by sending their sermons (especially on Exodus 20, if possible) to me. The Reformed sermons used are taken from published sermon collections available in South Africa.

This research reviewed the neglect of cities in the mission work of the Reformed Churches in Southern Africa with a special reference to churches of Synod Soutpansberg. The biblical passage, Jeremiah 29:1-14 was used, as a representative of other biblical passages, to shed light on the role of cities in mission work of the church while addressing misconceptions and false theology about the cities and the role they played and still play in the mission work of the church. The same biblical message is confirmed by many missiology literature, including, "Cities, Missions' New Frontier" by R.S. Greenway and T.M. Monsma (1989); "City of God - City of Satan" by R.C. Linthicum(1991) and "Discipling the City" by R.S. Greenway (1992). The biblical message and the missiology literature mentioned above were the basis from which the neglect of the role of the cities in the history of the mission work of the Reformed Churches in Southern Africa was studied. From these basis, the causes, implementations and effects of such neglect in the mission work of the Soutpansberg churches was studied in Chapter 3. The empirical research was conducted using the interview questionnaire in Chapter 4. The empirical results and findings, which were presented in this research, can direct churches towards a remedy of the neglect of the cities in their mission work as far as the strategies is concerned. The neglect of the cities in the history of the mission work of the Reformed Churches in Southern Africa was studied with an aim that churches learn from it and hence avoid the past neglect in their present and future mission plans, strategies and programs. In other words, the lesson is important for churches to view the role of the secular cities as important instruments used by God to speed up not only the planting and growing big holy churches from those secular cities outwards, but also the biblical reformation of the rural - orientated theories, strategies and practice! / Thesis (M.A. (Theology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2008.

This research reviewed the neglect of cities in the mission work of the Reformed Churches in Southern Africa with a special reference to churches of Synod Soutpansberg. The biblical passage, Jeremiah 29:1-14 was used, as a representative of other biblical passages, to shed light on the role of cities in mission work of the church while addressing misconceptions and false theology about the cities and the role they played and still play in the mission work of the church. The same biblical message is confirmed by many missiology literature, including, "Cities, Missions' New Frontier" by R.S. Greenway and T.M. Monsma (1989); "City of God - City of Satan" by R.C. Linthicum(1991) and "Discipling the City" by R.S. Greenway (1992). The biblical message and the missiology literature mentioned above were the basis from which the neglect of the role of the cities in the history of the mission work of the Reformed Churches in Southern Africa was studied. From these basis, the causes, implementations and effects of such neglect in the mission work of the Soutpansberg churches was studied in Chapter 3. The empirical research was conducted using the interview questionnaire in Chapter 4. The empirical results and findings, which were presented in this research, can direct churches towards a remedy of the neglect of the cities in their mission work as far as the strategies is concerned. The neglect of the cities in the history of the mission work of the Reformed Churches in Southern Africa was studied with an aim that churches learn from it and hence avoid the past neglect in their present and future mission plans, strategies and programs. In other words, the lesson is important for churches to view the role of the secular cities as important instruments used by God to speed up not only the planting and growing big holy churches from those secular cities outwards, but also the biblical reformation of the rural - orientated theories, strategies and practice! / Thesis (M.A. (Theology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2008.

This research reviewed the neglect of cities in the mission work of the Reformed Churches in Southern Africa with a special reference to churches of Synod Soutpansberg. The biblical passage, Jeremiah 29:1-14 was used, as a representative of other biblical passages, to shed light on the role of cities in mission work of the church while addressing misconceptions and false theology about the cities and the role they played and still play in the mission work of the church. The same biblical message is confirmed by many missiology literature, including, "Cities, Missions' New Frontier" by R.S. Greenway and T.M. Monsma (1989); "City of God - City of Satan" by R.C. Linthicum(1991) and "Discipling the City" by R.S. Greenway (1992). The biblical message and the missiology literature mentioned above were the basis from which the neglect of the role of the cities in the history of the mission work of the Reformed Churches in Southern Africa was studied. From these basis, the causes, implementations and effects of such neglect in the mission work of the Soutpansberg churches was studied in Chapter 3. The empirical research was conducted using the interview questionnaire in Chapter 4. The empirical results and findings, which were presented in this research, can direct churches towards a remedy of the neglect of the cities in their mission work as far as the strategies is concerned. The neglect of the cities in the history of the mission work of the Reformed Churches in Southern Africa was studied with an aim that churches learn from it and hence avoid the past neglect in their present and future mission plans, strategies and programs. In other words, the lesson is important for churches to view the role of the secular cities as important instruments used by God to speed up not only the planting and growing big holy churches from those secular cities outwards, but also the biblical reformation of the rural - orientated theories, strategies and practice! / Thesis (M.A. (Theology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2008.

This diploma thesis, entitled "Eucharistic prayer and its reintroduction in contemporary Reformed churches," deals with the historical development and present form of Eucharistic prayer, as well as the possibilities of its application in liturgical orders to the Lord's Supper in the Reformed churches. The aim of the work is to explore the essence of the liturgical and theological contribution of the Eucharistic prayer for the eucharistic liturgy of the Reformed churches. The work consists of six chapters. At first, deals with the Eucharistic prayer as one of the possible elements of the liturgical renewal of the Lord's Supper in Protestant churches, whose liturgical orders do not include the Eucharistic prayer owing to historical development. It also discusses the historical development of the Eucharistic prayer from its Jewish roots, through the emergence of the Roman canon to its removal by the reformers from the liturgy of the Lord's Supper. The work also focuses on the comparison of two particular Reformed churches, the Reformed Church in America and the Reformed Christian Church in Slovakia, on their approach to the use of Eucharistic prayer and on the reflection of the contribution of Eucharistic prayer to the liturgical orders of the Reformed churches in general.

Music in the Afrikaans reformed churches has reached a cross-road. This is evident in the many articles written on the subject, workshops held on the issue and outcries for help from several organists in various congregations. Scholars all agree that research on the topic of responsible renewal in church music is necessary. Furthermore, it seems the organ is systematically being dismissed as a church instrument, especially in evening worship services. It seems the organ is (unjustly) thought of as an old fashioned instrument capable of playing only classical music and thus not able to cater for the musical needs of today’s postmodern churchgoer. This study aims to provide recommendations for the renewed usage of the organ in an aesthetic music environment that will assist churchgoers of various spirituality types to worship with conviction. This study is based on thorough research on three specific concepts: 1. Aesthetics: In order to use aesthetics as a valuable tool for music renewal, it must first be established that it is indeed a Biblical concept. Study into the concept of aesthetics in the Bible is undertaken. 2. Spirituality: Every person differs in his perception of worship and this is mainly determined by his spirituality type. The different musical preferences according to these spirituality types are investigated. 3. The organ: The organ has established itself as a versatile church instrument since the Middle Ages. It has adapted to the changing musical styles through the ages. It is reasoned that the church organ can still provide in the musical needs of all churchgoers today. This does not mean that the organ is elevated as the exclusive church instrument, but it is argued that the organ can successfully be used in conjunction with other instruments in worship today. After these three concepts are investigated, practical guidance is given in the usage of the organ in combination with other instruments according to the aesthetical requirements of the different spirituality types in today’s Afrikaans reformed worship service. / Thesis (DMus)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Music / unrestricted

In 1946 a rich gold reef was discovered on the farm Geduld in the vicinity of Odendaalsrus and approximately 3 miles (4, 8 km) from the town. At that stage it was recognised as the richest gold reef in the world. The discovery led to further and progressive explorations in the Goldfields and finally resulted in the coming of many people to settle in the area. As the mining sector developed, the need for certain infrastructure on socio-economic and the social precinct had deepened. The proceeding development of the mining sector had led to the establishment of Welkom, because Odendaalsrus could not comply with the expectations of mining magnates like Ernest Oppenheimer. Consequently, the establishment and layout of Welkom made provision for such requirements like infrastructure, etc. Likewise, with the surrounding mining industry of Anglo-American, Welkom had become the metropolis in the Goldfields. Thereby equal to the mining industry, secondary industry developed on an increasing scale in the Goldfields. Odendaalsrus played on the other hand an important role in the emergence and developing processes of the Dutch Reformed Churches, since the Volksraad of the O.F.S. gave distinct consent on the 26 April 1899 for the layout of the town on the farm of Kalkkuil. Inclusively, the founding and development of the Reformed Churches in South Africa (Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika), also started with their church activities during the early years of the gold discovery near Odendaalsrus. None the less, the Reformed Church of South Africa (Ned. Hervormde Kerk van Suid-Afrika) also had been founded and church activities escalated during the same time in the Goldfields, and more specifically in St. Helena, a well-known established suburb of Welkom. In the same way, it is necessary to emphasise the Evangelical Reformed Church of South Africa (Evangelies-Gereformeerde Kerk van Suid-Afrika) which founded on May 1960 in Welkom, although the members of the church were active with church activities in Welkom long before their congregation was finally established. The culminating factor of the economic power regarding the mining industry may not be overlooked in its influence on the emergence of the various church congregations in the Goldfields. The constant influx of mineworkers to the Goldfields made the existence of the church inevitable for its member’s spiritual well-being. Naturally, the church had to overcome major obstacles, namely: the expansion to new residential areas, the availability of finances, planning schemes for church amenities, the purchase of church estates, the need of ministers, knowledgeable church councillors and general encompassing assistance, etc. Furthermore, the church encountered during the pioneering years all sorts of social disorders, while the minister at times had the working load of approximately two congregations to handle at the same time. Accordingly, it was virtually impossible for the minister to cope with such a strenuous working load effectively, and consequently some issues were at times inevitably neglected in the congregation. The demands of the time and difficult circumstances without proper roads, communication networks like direct telephone systems, the lack of church buildings, manses, the long distances between the central point of worship and some visiting areas within the confinements of the congregation had necessarily complicated the task of the minister. Nevertheless, the church continued and gave concrete stature to its calling by virtue of the founding congregations for meaningful and efficacious spiritual care to its members. Herein, the church was successful because the focus of faith remained on God. All the praise and glory is due to Him. / Thesis (DPhil (Church History and Church Polity))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Church History and Church Polity / unrestricted

The main aim of this study was to investigate the prophetic calling of the Reformed Churches in South Africa (RCSA) in the moral regeneration of the South African urban community. The method of research followed in this study was to study primary and secondary sources, as well as appropriate biblical teachings and theological principles relevant to this study and to systematise the information. An analysis was provided of the main problems regarding moral decay besetting the South African urban community and the main challenges this moral decay poses for the RSCA were identified. A strategy the RCSA should implement in tackling these challenges was devised and a number of practical projects the RCSA could undertake at congregational level to concretise the strategy were discussed. The study confirmed that the Church has an important role to play as the driving agent for moral regeneration of the South African urban community. It was pointed out that the moral regeneration of the urban community in South Africa cannot be left to the government. The main reason is that morality cannot be legislated. However, when the love of God transforms the lives of people, it changes the heart, heals moral decay, provides strength to overcome temptation and gives the desire to reach out to people (friends, relatives’ neighbours, strangers and even enemies) in true love. The congregation’s main task with regard to moral regeneration is therefore to be clear about God’s mission, to discern what God is doing in the community and to serve his mission in practical ways. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Dogmatics and Christian Ethics / unrestricted