M.A. / The church does not only exist for its own sake but it functions as an extension of God, in Christ, towards a world, which is getting lost. The understanding of the church as a missionary entity remains a core question (Net 1994:25). In response to this question different church models have tried to interpret their calling in a given situation in terms of metaphors. This has resulted in various patterns of ministry, describing to us the historical stature of the church. The Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa was established as a missionary endeavour coming from America. It had not been the intention to establish a church (Burger 1995:166). The passion for people who are getting lost was a feature of the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa in its early years. A unique pattern of ministry developed over the years, linked to a specific socio- historical history of origin. The pattern of ministry resulted in a Pentecostal tradition where the gifts of the Holy Spirit were regarded as the answer to the missionary calling of the church. Healing, glossolalia, prophecy and to a lesser degree also other gifts of the Spirit became an integral part of the liturgy. Conversion has been regarded as momentary and each service was characterised by a strong appeal to nonbelievers. Over the years the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Mission has experienced a definite tension between freedom and formalism in the liturgy.

The present thesis focuses on the way the seven selected writings of the Apostolic Fathers quote the texts of the Bible. Beginning with discussion of the term "Apostolic Fathers", the thesis turns to explaining the key expressions used in the next chapters, namely Quotation, Composite Quotation, Allusion, Paraphrase, Scriptural Language, Exemplum. The second part, the principal part of the thesis, contains close analysis of the quotations within the selected writings. Attention is also paid to the question, which books of the Bible were quoted by the individual authors, whereas the investigation concentrates primarily on how the quotations are used. For the purpose of unbiased comparison of the single writings' citation technique, the total number of quotations, the length of all quotations in total and the length of each writing was enumerated, the length of the writing being expressed in the count of standard pages. In this way, two significant quantities were achieved, namely proportional bulk of quotations in the writing and quotation frequency expressed in the number of quotations per standard page. Besides these figures, attention was paid also to the role of quotations in individual writings with regard to their genres. In the 1 Clement, the highest proportional bulk of quotations is found,...

M.A. / Money plays an important role in the everyday lives of church members. How church members view and engage with money has various implications. It concerns their theology, their well being and a number of other areas. In many cases the church has abdicated its responsibility to instruct and give guidance to church members and not provided adequate leading in the sphere of personal financial management. Diverse views on money are propagated through various media by both the secular world and the church alike. This Practical Theological study concerns the ethos of church members with regards to their personal financial management. It is a qualitative, phenomenological case study of the members of the AFM Taberna Dei assembly located in Polokwane, South Africa. This study is explorative and contextual. Qualified research subjects were selected by random sampling. Participants had to meet defined criteria, and data collection took place primarily through interviews with the chosen subjects. The probing question asked to participants is: “How do you approach your personal financial management?” Two main themes emerged during the coding and analytical phases of the research: theme A concerns religious beliefs influencing personal financial management and theme B non-religious beliefs and practices influencing the personal financial management of the participants. It is apparent that a general ethos of the personal financial management of members of Taberna Dei exists. This ethos is both defined and critiqued.

In the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa (AFM) there is a school of thought, which has a very simplistic viewpoint of the role of the Evil One in the suffering in this world. Satan is seen as a very definite adversary who has to be resisted by rebuke and positive confession of the promises in the Bible in order for man to have a life free of any suffering. The consequence of the extreme dualistic perspective is that Satan is regarded as an independent entity. Man, as God’s representative, is the one with the authority and responsibility to thwart the efforts of Satan to cause suffering in the world. All suffering is the result of the direct onslaught of Satan. The Bible paints a different picture in both Testaments. Satan is a rebel, but still a creature subjected to the supremacy of God. There is also no preoccupation with Satan. He is an elusive foe, focusing his subtle attacks on the relationship between God and man. The Old Testament shows his subtle and illusive nature by using images of human enemies, mythical monsters and the threat of death. The believer of both Testaments resists him by living a Godfocused life. The life and works of C.S. Lewis have been pivotal in changing the perspective of the writer of this dissertation. Lewis shows that God is using suffering as a scalpel as it were, to cut out the infection caused by evil contamination in the heart of man. Until the Kingdom of God finally arrives in fullness, this will be the situation. Suffering has not only one role-player. The situation is more often than not of a very complex and mysterious nature. It is suggested that the simplistic school of thought take notice of the insights of Lewis. This study has shown that the simplistic school of thought in the AFM lacks the depth and balance found in the Bible and ingeniously expounded by C.S. Lewis. / Dr. LP Mare

Magister Theologiae - MTh / This study focuses on the field of youth ministry as a sub-discipline of Practical Theology. It will offer a survey of current literature in the field of youth ministry in order to identify some of the current issues in this discourse as well as some of the approaches which may be followed in Christian ministry to the youth. This study focuses, more specifically, on an approach to youth ministry which seeks to integrate the role of families and family life in Christian ministry to young people

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study is about the practical theological challenges faced by the AFM of SA Fountain of life congregation in the Winterveldt community. The Fountain of life congregation has minimal involvement in the community of Winterveldt, a community plagued by numerous life threatening plights. The congregation is in a survival mode after stagnating for a number of years and with serious challenges of declining or even facing possible extinction. This study's goal is to develop a practical theological theory, strategy and process which the AFM of SA Fountain of life congregation would be inspired to implement in order to contribute towards arresting theological, social, economical and moral degradation in the community of Winterveldt. The researcher employed a practical theological methodology and explored areas that are vital for the answering of the research problem, "What can be done in the Fountain of life congregation to maximize the participation of all members to serve the community of Winterveldt as well as the larger society?" It is hypothesized that Practical Theology will give the AFM of SA Fountain of life guidance and equip this faith community and its leaders theologically to consider their vocation, to develop a practical theological ecclesiology, a way to be the true, faithful and effective local church which is the salt and light of the world, including Winterveldt. The study explored the "world" in which Fountain of life finds itself, in terms of its contextual as well as the congregation's identity analysis. The normative aspects of being a missional church which covered the missional identity, empowerment and involvement of laity, and missional leadership were elaborated, while spiritual discernment with areas particular to Fountain of life received attention in the normative aspects of spiritual discernment. It is recommended that the identity of Fountain of life be grounded in the mission of the Trinitarian God (missio Dei of the Trinitarian God). The missionary identity and character of Fountain of life should be built and developed upon the eight dominant patterns found in a missional church. The researcher strongly encourages the Fountain of life congregation to employ the missional leadership strategies while engaging in a total involvement leadership style, which integrates high concern for getting the task completed and a high concern for good people relationship. The leadership of Fountain of life is further encouraged to use the suggested laity empowerment strategies in order to empower, develop, and involve the laity. Missional transformation can only succeed if the laity is empowered and committed to deal with new realities. Leadership is key in engaging the laity. The pastor and the leadership of Fountain of life must teach, educate, lead, and engage the congregation, and also partner with other communities of faith and organizations especially the South African Partnership for Missional Churches (SAPMC) to succeed. Fountain of life should practice missional praxis theology, a holistic theological model that describes the methodology for congregations to develop their own contextual ecclesiology within the parameters of God‘s overall design for the Church. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die navorsing handel oor die prakties-teologiese uitdagings van die Apostoliese Geloofsending (AGS) in Suid-Afrika se Fountain of life gemeente in Winterveldt (Tswane metropolitaanse area). Fountain of life het minimale invloed in die Winterveldt gemeenskap, 'n gemeenskap wat gebuk gaan onder baie ernstige sosiale probleme. Die gemeente is net besig om te oorleef, dit is stagnant en staar agteruitgang of algehele ondergang in die gesig. Die studie poog om teorie, strategie en ʼn proses te ontwikkel wat die Fountain of life gemeente in staat sal stel om ʼn bydrae te lewer om die algehele agteruitgang op teologiese, sosiale, ekonomiese en morele gebied, aan bande te lê en selfs om te keer. Die navorser gebruik ʼn prakties-teologiese benadering ter beantwoording van die navorsingsvraag: "Hoe kan die Fountain of life gemeente deelname van lidmate maksimaal benut sodat hulle Winterveldt en die groter gemeenskap kan bedien?" As die Fountain of life AGS gemeente die prakties-teologiese uitdagings wat die gemeenskap in die gesig staar, kan ondersoek en verstaan asook maniere vind om dit aan te spreek kan hulle die lot en swaarkry van die gemeenskap se mense help verlig. Die navorsing ondersoek die gemeente se bestaanswêreld, haar meer onmiddellike konteks asook haar identiteit. Wat is die normatiewe basis van ʼn missionale gemeente? Wat is die implikasies daarvan vir missionale identiteit? Hoe word lidmate bemagtig en hoe raak hulle betrokke? Wat behels missionale leierskap? Verder word baie klem geplaas op die normatiewe beginsels van geestelike onderskeidingsvermoë en wat dit in die praktyk vir die gemeente beteken. Die studie stel voor dat Fountain of life haar identiteit in die sending van die drie-enige God (missio Dei) leer vind. Die agt kenmerke van ʼn missionale gemeente behoort die identiteit van die gemeente te bepaal. Die navorser voel sterk dat die gemeente missionale leierskap strategieë moet implementeer. Dit behels volle oorgawe aan die taak sowel as ʼn volledige betrokkenheid by mense. Die gemeente se leierskap word aangemoedig om lidmate te bemagtig, te help om geestelik te ontwikkel en om in die kerk en gemeenskap betrokke te raak. Missionale transformasie kan alleen slaag as lidmate betrokke is, bemagtig is en bereid is om nuwe werklikhede te hanteer. Leierskap moet hiertoe verbind wees. Die plaaslike pastoor en die gemeente se leierskap moet lidmate toerus, voorgaan en betrokke kry. Hulle moet ook met ander geloofsgebaseerde organisasies netwerk, in die besonder die Suid-Afrikaanse Genootskap van Gestuurde Gemeentes. Fountain of life gemeente word opgeroep om missionaal en holisties teologie op ʼn praxis styl te beoefen sodat die gemeente ʼn eie kontekstuele ekklesiologie binne die koninkryk se parameters van die missio Dei kan ontdek.

This dissertation is an analysis of differing Pentecostal experiences in Apostolic Faith Mission from its inception, with specific reference to the AFM of South Africa and AFM in Zimbabwe.The study examines: The brief history of the AFM. This begins with the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angels. Pentecostalism then spread to South Africa through John G. Lake with the founding of AFM of South Africa. AFM filtered into Zimbabwe where it faced stiff resistance from government authorities and established mainline churches. Theologies and spiritual gifts which make Pentecostalism different from other faiths. Main doctrines and tenets of faith discernible from the brief historical outline. A general outline of phases in Pentecostalism. An attempt will be made to determine whether these phases are applicable to AFM. This dissertation is a contribution towards reconciling diverging views concerning Pentecostalism in the AFM because various congregations of the same denomination behave and believe differently. / Systematic Theology & Theological Ethics / M.Th. (Systematic Theology)

Text in English / The objective of this thesis is to give a description of the theory and practice of theological education in the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa (AFM) from 1908 to 1996 in order to understand the current theory and practice and also to give guidelines for future implementation thereof. This is a literature study using a practical theological method of research. Three of the aspects that governed theological education in the AFM are racial relationships, the tension between spirituality and academic achievement and financial viability. These three aspects were the leitmotiv throughout the study. This study indicates that: * the AFM started as an interracial mission * within two years after its founding the AFM became a segregated church * racially divided theological education was practised throughout all the periods of development * initially, believers entered the pastoral ministry by means of the calling, anointing of the Holy Spirit and proven practical self-involvement in the ministry * the Church now believes that theological education must be added to the experience of the indwelling of the Spirit * there has been a gradual move from a focus on spirituality towards that of higher academic achievements * theological education should be offered at different academic levels and different tracks of ministry * financial support came mainly from the central funds of the Church via statutory funds from local churches * other contributors towards the cost of theological education are the students, donations from the public, churches, organisations, businesses and the state *the transformation of theological education from a predominantly White westernised enterprise to an African endeavour would require that the statutory contribution of the Church towards theological education be doubled. This thesis is a contribution towards the renewal of theological education in the AFM. A new practical theological theory is proposed that will make provision for a racially integrated theological education system. / Philosophy, Practical & Systematic Theology / D. Th. (Practical Theology)

Thesis (MMus) -- University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The AFM came into being as a result of the Pentecostal Movement, which in turn owes its existence to the worldwide revivals at the beginning of the twentieth century. The president of the AFM, Dr. Isak Burger, writes in his book concerning the history of the church: Die Geloofsgeskiedenis van die Apostoliese Geloofsending van Suid-Afrika, that the First Evangelical Awakening (18th century), the Second Evangelical Awakening (19th century), as well as the worldwide revivals at the beginning of the twentieth century, had a causal effect on one another. It goes without saying that the musical practices of these Awakenings would also, indirectly, influence that of the AFM. This study serves a twofold purpose. It is just as important to examine the origin and development of the AFM, as it is to examine internal and external factors that have influenced its musical practices. The music that has been used during different periods also receives due attention. In order to view the AFM in the correct perspective, Chapter 1 deals with the factors leading up to the origin of the Pentecostal Movement. However, the historical development within the AFM also receives attention, with special reference to those events which influenced the practice of church music directly or indirectly. Chapter 2 includes a history of Church Music since the Reformation, since the Reformers strove to get the congregation involved into the service of worship. Music practised during the First and Second Evangelical Revivals, as well as the subsequent revivals at the beginning of the twentieth century, also receives mention. The musical practice within the AFM forms the main theme of Chapter 3. Subdivisions of this chapter reflect historical events within the AFM, the influence of the Charismatic Revival Movement, the role and function of music during church services, the rendition of music items, as well as the leading figures who contributed to this practice. Chapter 4 provides a chronological summary of songbooks used by the AFM since 1908 until 1998, while Chapter 5 presents analyses of the music mentioned in Chapters 2,3 and 4. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die AGS het vanuit die Pinksterbeweging ontstaan, terwyl dié op sy beurt uit die wêreldwye Ontwakings aan die begin van die twintigste eeu tot stand gekom het. Die President van die AGS, Dr. Isak Burger, kom in sy boek: Die Geloofsgeskiedenis van die Apostoliese Geloofsending van Suid-Afrika, tot die gevolgtrekking dat vorige Ontwakings van so ver terug as die Eerste Evangeliese Ontwaking (18de eeu), die Tweede Evangeliese Ontwaking (19de eeu), sowel as die wêreldwye Ontwakings aan die begin van die 20ste eeu, in kousale verband tot mekaar gestaan het. Dit spreek dus vanself dat ook die musiekbeoefening tydens hierdie Ontwakings indirek 'n invloed op dié van die AGS sou uitoefen. Hierdie studie is dus tweërlei van aard. Aan die een kant word die nodige aandag aan die ontstaan, sowel as die geskiedenis van die AGS gegee, terwyl die ontwikkeling van die musiekbeoefening soos beïnvloed deur interne en eksterne faktore, asook die musiek wat tydens verskillende tydperke gesing is, ook onder die loep geneem word. Om die AGS as kerkgenootskap binne die regte perspektief te plaas, begin Hoofstuk 1 met die vooraf- en ontstaansgeskiedenis van die Pinksterbeweging. Daar word egter ook kortliks aan die geskiedkundige verloop van gebeure binne die AGS aandag gegee, veral wanneer die beoefening van kerkmusiek direk of indirek daardeur geraak is. In Hoofstuk 2 word so ver as die Hervorming teruggegryp m.b.t. kerkmusiekgeskiedenis, aangesien die Hervormers so 'n belangrike bydrae gelewer het om die gemeente d.m.v. die kerklied weer by die erediensgebeure betrokke te kry. Daar word egter ook kortliks na musiek van die reeds genoemde Ontwakings in die 18de, 19de, asook aan die begin van die 20ste eeue verwys. Die AGS se musiekpraktyk vorm die hooftema van Hoofstuk 3. Onderafdelings van hierdie studie sluit o.a. in: bepalende geskiedkundige gebeure binne die AGS, die invloed van die Charismatiese Herlewingsbeweging, die rol van begeleiers en die begeleiding t.o.v. gemeentelike same sang tydens byeenkomste en die lewer van musiekitems, asook belangrike persone wat as leiers na vore getree en belangrike werk verrig het. Hoofstuk 4 bied 'n chronologiese opsomming van liedboeke wat vanaf 1908 tot en met 1998 deur die AGS gebruik is, en in Hoofstuk 5 word ontledings gemaak van musiek wat in Hoofstukke 2, 3 en 4 bespreek is. In Bylae 1 word aangedui watter musiek deel van die belangrikste liedbundels, nl. Hymns for Life and Service, Nuwe Sionsliedere, Evangelieliedere en Deo Gloria uitgemaak het, terwyl Bylaes 2 en 3 volledige bladmusiekvoorbeelde van ontledings van onderskeidelik vroeëre en hedendaagse musiek bevat.

Scientists emphasise the fact that the global environmental crisis is a threat to all life on earth. The Bible and the church, and therefore also the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa, are blamed for the increasing predicament. The unilateral emphasis on biblical anthropocentrism is the direct cause of man’s dominance over creation and the exploitation of nature. This anthropocentristic way of life, in which nature is regarded to be no more than the stage upon which the human drama is enacted, and to have very little intrinsic worth, has caused animosity between the world of faith and the natural world. Man has come to believe that he has absolute tenure and that he can treat the earth as he likes. Theological interpretations have contributed to the problem by focusing on salvation theology which deals exclusively with saving humankind “from” the earth. This study aims at inculcating a biblically founded, practicable eco-awareness in the members of the AFM of SA by proving that salvation theology on its own leads to an impoverished, one-sided ethos, and that the negation of eco-equity in the Bible has far-reaching consequences in terms of sustainable development. The Bible can contribute towards restoring harmony with the earth, because the Bible has an indisputable “green” dimension. An analysis of the biblical text made the discovery of new “green” encoded values possible. In following the tracks of the new Earth Bible Series (NC Habel et al) the hermeneutics of suspicion and recovery were used to find eco-just values in the Bible. The quest for “green” encoded values yielded surprising eco-just principles that contributed towards the successful eco-friendly assessment of a number of biblical texts. The reconstruction of Israel’s nature and world view showed that Israel had indeed been aware of nature. Israel acknowledged her mutual bond with nature and her dependency on it as part of her responsibility to keep the covenant. Nature frequently acted as God’s messenger and Israel was compelled to act within certain parameters as far as nature was concerned. Israel was shaped by her environment. The use of metaphors and myths in biblical texts shows that a close bond existed with nature. God’s appearance in the form of theophanies imbued nature with intrinsic value. Israel’s broad value orientation with regard to nature can be regarded as a harmonious one. The AFM of SA was evaluated in the light of a biblically founded eco-justness and it was concluded that she has been ecologically insensitive up to the present. A closer investigation of the constitution of the church has indicated a lack of eco-justness. Furthermore an investigation into the agenda of the church during important church meetings has shown no important ecological interest. Reasons for this insensitivity could be found in the redemption theology of the church, in her doctrine concerning the hereafter and in the dualism that exists between the spiritual and the natural world. In an attempt to find solutions to the ecological paucity in the AFM of SA a first step would be to cooperate with scientists in order to achieve a greater understanding of the wonders of the biodiversity of the earth, and of its intricate cosmic design. Greater emphasis must be placed on the cosmic work of the Holy Spirit and the execution of God’s will on earth. Furthermore ecclesiastical practice could be more widely utilised in order to establish an eco-ethic. Public worship should allow for ecological responsibility. Eco-justness should be taken into account in shaping man in his totality. Social activities such as breakaway weekends and official gatherings are excellent opportunities for eco-justness to be promoted in the AFM of SA. Biblically founded eco-just knowledge will undoubtedly contribute towards a new eco-awareness in the AFM of SA. It will certainly make a difference in the country, as well as in the church and in the lives of her members. In advancing eco-justness the church will increase her influence, boost her public image and promote her contribution towards sustainable development. / Prof. H. Viviers