The aim of this project is to investigate the proper response of theology to the Christian God who, as revealed through revelation, is Being-in-act. This project takes seriously the idea posited by Shakespeare, that totus mundus agit histrionem, and upon this stage ‘all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts.’ If, then, God’s Being is in act, and as so many have deduced, life and death are enveloped within the drama of everyday, then, might it be possible that our theological endeavours would prosper through a dramatic rendering? In light of this, the project seeks to illumine that it is beneficial for both the Church and society, to realise how drama can be, and is, fruitful for our theological endeavours. God is Being-in-act, and through His revelation, He invites humanity to enter into and participate in His action. In light of the aforementioned, then, theology must contend with the implications for its practices, which, as is being argued, are benefited most through a full embrace of the dramatising of theology. The thesis is situated in the recent movement of our theological endeavours that recognise the profundity of the dramatic and its ability to illuminate God’s action and call to action from theology, the Church and society. Moving forward from the seminal work of Hans Urs von Balthasar, and set forth in the context of the theologies of Balthasar and Karl Barth, this project argues that it is through the dramatising of theology that theology is best equipped to illumine God’s desire for humanity’s participation in His Theo-drama. The dramatising of theology is a natural response to God’s Being-in-act; it is the natural movement of theology’s response to God’s action which calls for an active response on our part. Current examples of today’s theological movement towards the dramatic can be seen in such authors as Max Harris, Trevor Hart, Stanley Hauerwas, Michael Horton, Todd Johnson and Dale Savidge, Ben Quash, Kevin Vanhoozer, Samuel Wells and N.T. Wright. This project hopes to contribute to the movement towards the dramatising of theology.

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The phenomenon of the decline in numbers in traditionally Afrikaans “sister churches” - in the midst of the complex South African society of the first decade of the 21st century - was researched in the light of the command that Jesus himself gave to his church (Math 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8). The Great Commission directed the aim of the research to evaluate this phenomenon hermeneutically and empirically in order to develop a reformed strategy in a practical theological way. The grounding of the investigation was the communicative action theory, which simultaneously integrates with a basic theoretical model developed from a combination of basic theoretical models as suggested by Dingemans, Heitink en Zerfass. To reinforce the exegetical/hermeneutical perspective of the basic theory, a historical study was conducted regarding the growth and decline of power basises since the Jesus movement until now. The interaction between perspectives was subsequently extended by metatheoretical perspectives, based on the research regarding the influence of schools of thought, as well as the influence of circumstances in the country, which determine the “sister church” praxis of the 21st century. The traditionally Afrikaans “sister churches” as a problematic ecclesiastical community of practice was further examined as part of the empirical perspective. On this basis an attempt was made to gauge the thinking of the “sister churches” in the intricate and problematic ecclesiastical praxis. The gauging was executed by means of a random test in one of the “sister churches”, namely the Reformed Church of South Africa (GKSA). It was found that this problematic church praxis is directed by strong institutional thinking. An adjusted practice theory, as well as a supporting practical theoretical model, were formulated in order to realise a reformed strategy for church growth as opposed to the decline in numbers. Considering the above mentioned interactive perspectives, the conclusion was reached that the praxis in the “sister churches” at the beginning of the 21st century, functions in an ecclesiastically imbalanced way. The imbalance lies in the fact that Christ-centred thinking, and thus also Christ-centred ecclesiology (as balancing thinking and balancing ecclesiology), does not manifest in “sister church” thinking. The unbalanced thinking as an all-encompassing factor in the church praxis, confirms and promotes the tendency of the decline in numbers. The proposed strategic perspective as the adjusted practice theory is thus a contribution to formulating an obedient, covenant-centred and reformed answer to declining numbers. This adjusted strategy can bring about the wonder of revival and growth in the “sister churches” by means of the basic theoretical truth elements, which were pointed out in this research. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The phenomenon of the decline in numbers in traditionally Afrikaans “sister churches” - in the midst of the complex South African society of the first decade of the 21st century - was researched in the light of the command that Jesus himself gave to his church (Math 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8). The Great Commission directed the aim of the research to evaluate this phenomenon hermeneutically and empirically in order to develop a reformed strategy in a practical theological way. The grounding of the investigation was the communicative action theory, which simultaneously integrates with a basic theoretical model developed from a combination of basic theoretical models as suggested by Dingemans, Heitink en Zerfass. To reinforce the exegetical/hermeneutical perspective of the basic theory, a historical study was conducted regarding the growth and decline of power basises since the Jesus movement until now. The interaction between perspectives was subsequently extended by metatheoretical perspectives, based on the research regarding the influence of schools of thought, as well as the influence of circumstances in the country, which determine the “sister church” praxis of the 21st century. The traditionally Afrikaans “sister churches” as a problematic ecclesiastical community of practice was further examined as part of the empirical perspective. On this basis an attempt was made to gauge the thinking of the “sister churches” in the intricate and problematic ecclesiastical praxis. The gauging was executed by means of a random test in one of the “sister churches”, namely the Reformed Church of South Africa (GKSA). It was found that this problematic church praxis is directed by strong institutional thinking. An adjusted practice theory, as well as a supporting practical theoretical model, were formulated in order to realise a reformed strategy for church growth as opposed to the decline in numbers. Considering the above mentioned interactive perspectives, the conclusion was reached that the praxis in the “sister churches” at the beginning of the 21st century, functions in an ecclesiastically imbalanced way. The imbalance lies in the fact that Christ-centred thinking, and thus also Christ-centred ecclesiology (as balancing thinking and balancing ecclesiology), does not manifest in “sister church” thinking. The unbalanced thinking as an all-encompassing factor in the church praxis, confirms and promotes the tendency of the decline in numbers. The proposed strategic perspective as the adjusted practice theory is thus a contribution to formulating an obedient, covenant-centred and reformed answer to declining numbers. This adjusted strategy can bring about the wonder of revival and growth in the “sister churches” by means of the basic theoretical truth elements, which were pointed out in this research. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Summary in German and English / Die vorliegende Arbeit widmet sich dem Gemeindeaufbau und der Mission von Pfingstgemeinden unter Russlanddeutschen in der UdSSR und der BRD. Leitend ist dabei die Frage, welche missiologische Praktiken und Prinzipien für den Wachstum dieser Gemeinden verantwortlich waren. Die historische Untersuchung beginnt mit der Entstehungsgeschichte der Pfingstbewegung unter den Russlanddeutschen in der UdSSR und BRD. Dabei werden vor allem die Gemeindeaufbaumethoden der Pfingstgemeinden, ihre geographischen Ausdehnung und ihre zahlenmäßige Ausweitung betrachtet. Der historische Teil der Studie bildet im weiteren Forschungsverlauf die Grundlage zur Entwicklung einer qualitative Studie der russlanddeutschen Pfingstgemeinden in der BRD. Dazu wurden mittels qualitativer Interviews Leiter aus 14 Gemeinden zu ihrer Glaubenspraxis, dem Gemeindeaufbau und ihrer Mission befragt. Auf Basis der Grounded Theory wurden die gewonnenen Daten ausgewertet, nach verschiedenen Wachstumsfaktoren geordnet und vor dem Hintergrund missionstheologischer Aspekte interpretiert. Schließlich werden die Ergebnisse aus der historischen und empirischen Untersuchung mit den gegenwärtigen missiologischen Konzepten verglichen und eine handlungsorientierte Perspektive eröffnet. Die vorliegende Studie soll als Diskussionsbeitrag zum Gemeindeaufbau und der Mission der russlanddeutschen Pfingstgemeinden in der Missiologie dienen / The present paper deals with the development and mission of the Pentecostal community of German- Russians in USSR and FRG (Federal Republic of Germany). The main purpose is which missiological practices and principles brought about the development of these communities. The historical investigation starts with the history of the origins of the Pentecostal movement among the German- Russian people in the USSR and FRG. The attention is paid to the methods of the establishment and development of the community, its geographical extension and also the numerical growth. Furthermore the historical research is the basis for the development of the qualitative study about the Pentecostal- communities of the German- Russians in FRG. Therefore leaders of 14 Pentecostal Churches were interviewed and asked about their religious practices, community development and mission. Based on the Grounded theory the collected data were classified in different growth factors and they were interpreted against the background of mission- theological aspects. Finally the results of the historical and empirical research are compared with current missiological concepts so that they open an action-orientated perspective. This study provides a basis for a debate for the community development and missionary of German- Russian Pentecostal Communities. Key Terms / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / D. Th. (Missiology)

The mission of the Church in the Presbyterian Community of Kinshasa is understood in its narrow sense of evangelism and church planting. Moreover the institutional and doctrinal conservatism, the maintenance mindset of the Church and its inadaptability to the challenges of a changing world, are some of the characteristics of the lack of mission awareness and mission spirituality. This dissertation is an attempt to impart mission awareness and mission spirituality within the Presbyterian Community of Kinshasa. The study of mission Dei and mission spirituality helps in understanding the divine origins of missions, the nature and identity of the Church. In addition, it unveils the Christian lifestyle that stems from the relationship with Christ and from the mission consciousness, and that is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Some strategies are proposed with the aim of updating and promoting a holistic, inclusive and integral understanding and practice of mission in the Church. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M. Th. (Missiology)

Text in English / The southern Appalachian mountain region is home to a sincere group of religious fundamentalists. They obey Jesus' last command that serpents should be taken up (Mark 16:17-18). They believe the Holy Ghost anoints them and gives them the power to handle serpents, drink poisons, handle fire, and to heal the sick. Nevertheless, they are fully aware that they may be bitten and may even die. Each church is autonomous. / Religious Studies and Arabic / M.A. (Religious Studies)

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)

This research pursues the use of the Bible in counseling. The focus is to identify the different theological paradigms in which the Bible is used and the different ways that counsellors make use of the Bible in therapy. It also pursues the experiences that the clients had of such counsellors in the use of the Bible. Therapists and clients from different theological backgrounds partake in this study. An overview is given of the shift that is taking place from a modern to a postmodern approach about reality, truth, and knowledge and the effect there of on the use of the Bible in therapy. The aim of the research is to explore if an evangelical christian in a postmodern context can make use of the Bible as the inspired word of God. The implication of this can be profound for pastoral therapy. A narrative paradigm is adopted to dicuss the discourses that evolved from the research. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M.Th. (Pastoral Therapy)