<p>This dissertation examines congregations' sponsorship of social services for people living with mental disorders. Using data from a nationally representative sample of U.S. congregations, the 2000 US Census, and the 2006 General Social Survey, I address three research questions: What proportion of congregations sponsor services for people living with mental disorders?; How do congregational characteristics affect the likelihood that congregations sponsor these services?; How do neighborhood characteristics and community assessments affect the likelihood that congregations sponsor these services?; Does being a member of a congregation that sponsors these services affect their members' support for government spending on mental health care? The findings indicate that 8% of congregations sponsor services for people living with mental disorders and that religious ideology affects whether congregations sponsor these services. Congregations located in neighborhoods with disadvantaged populations are more likely to sponsor services if they conduct a needs assessment study of their communities while congregations in neighborhoods with advantaged populations are less likely to sponsor services for people living with mental disorders if they conduct a needs assessment study of their communities. Belonging to congregations that sponsor services for people living with mental disorders does not have a direct effect on their members' support for government funding of mental health care. It does, however, have indirect effects. People who belong to congregations that sponsor services for people living with mental disorders and who pray frequently are less likely to support increased government spending on mental health care.</p> / Dissertation

Thesis (M.A.P.S.)--Catholic Theological Union at Chicago, 2003. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaf 75).

Although confirmation should be the zenith of a young person's personal attachment to God and the congregation of believers, the exact opposite of this seems to be true when one considers the large numbers of young people that leave the church directly after their confirmation. A literature study shows that attempts to solve this problem have thus far to a large extent focussed on the young people in the process of preparing for confirmation. The purpose of this study is to shift the focus to the community of believers, more specifically to the role of such a community of believers in the guidance of young people in the process of preparing for confirmation, in order to find a solution to the problem. The following research question arose as a result: What is the role of the congregation as a community of believers in the guidance of young members through the confirmation process? The method employed was as follows: Basis-theoretical principles were formulated from Scripture as a result of literature studies and exegesis of relevant passages of Scripture. Meta-theoretical perspectives came to light by utilisation of the auxiliary science, Sociology, amongst other things. The role of the community of believers as a socialising agent of the youngsters was examined. The actual situation regarding the role of the community of believers in confirmation was examined meta-theoretically by means of a literature study on the situation within the broader Reformed tradition of the three Sister Churches, together with an empirical analysis of the situation within the Reformed churches of South Africa. Practical-theoretical guidelines were given following the hermeneutical interaction between the basis-theoretical principles and the meta-theoretical perspectives. The final conclusion is that the congregation as a community of believers is one of the most important agents in the religious socialisation of young people and therefore plays a very important role in preparing them for and guiding them in confirmation. The responsibility of the community of believers lies on the following levels: The shaping of a Biblical vision of the church or congregation that the young people can commit to. The concretion of this vision by means of the persistent practice of the fourfold ministry (“Hebrew text”) while simultaneously involving the whole congregation (young and old) in order that everything the congregation is, says, prays and does, is in congruence. This approach will lend credibility to the community of believers and by doing this the young people will be drawn closer. Focused community pursuit with special attention given to the acceptance of the young people, self-sacrificing and loving service towards the youths, as well as the verbal and practical teaching and instruction of the youngsters. A change in perception and sometimes a change of attitude of heart regarding the inclusion and participation of young people in the congregation. The creation of a culture in which every member earnestly considers his personal religious commitment and is prepared to be held responsible for this commitment. Such a culture of personal religious commitment, together with accountability to that commitment will carry the youths through their own personal commitment within confirmation, while confirming the importance of such a commitment at the same time. / Thesis (M.Th. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 200

Several studies have already reported that ministers are experiencing high levels of stress due to career demands, role conflict and personal situations (Roux, 1992:227; Scholtz, 1996:134; Kellerman, 2000:28). Stress is detrimental to general health and is the primary reason why ministers leave the ministry (Andrew, 1997:15, Virginia, 1998:50; Swart et al., 2000:339; Bisschoff & Schoeman, 2003:52). Research showed that regular physical activity and maintaining a good level of physical fitness has positive effects on physical and psycho-emotional health (Paffenbarger, 1994:860; Margetts et al., 1999:97; Botha, 200237; Fourie, 2002:7). In this respect, it became clear that participation in physical activity may decrease the risk of developing coronary heart disease and other illness through it's likely buffering effect against the negative effects of stress (Barlow et al., 1990:392; Bouchard & Despres, 1995:270; Stofan et al., 1998: 1808; Le Roux, 2000:59; Schlebusch, 2000:50). The objective of this study was firstly to determine interaction of physical activity on the relationship between coronary risk index and happiness and quality of life of South African Dutch Reformed ministers. Secondly, to determine the interaction of physical activity with coronary risk index in respect of years of service, congregation size, co ministership and congregation type, and thirdly, to study the interaction of physical activity with happiness and quality of life in respect of the last mentioned demographic parameters. The subjects were 340 male ministers of the Dutch reformed church, who volunteered to participate in the study. The quality of participation in physical activity was determined with Sharkey's (1997:432) physical activity index. The risk of developing coronary heart disease was determined by Bjurnstrom and Alexiou's (1978:524-525) coronary risk index assessment, while happiness or quality of life was measured by using the Affectometer 2 of Kammann and Flett (1983:259). The mean index of physical activity participation was 33.81 ± 32.30 which could be classified as fair, although 32.2% of the subjects fell in the low activity group. The coronary risk index showed that 19.9% of the population indicated a high risk of developing coronary artery disease, while 48.9% indicated a low level of happiness and quality of life. Significant (p10.05) relationships between physical activity, coronary risk index, happiness and quality of life were found among the high activity and low activity groups. Physical activity indicated a positive effect on the coronary risk index, independent of happiness and quality of life, as well as years of service, congregation size, co-ministership and congregation type. Physical activity also indicated a positive effect on happiness and quality of life, independent of years of service, congregation size, co-ministership and congregation type. In most cases physical activity also showed a significant interaction on the relationships between coronary risk index and years of service, congregation size, co-ministership and congregation type, as well as on the relationships between happiness and quality of life and the last mentioned demographic parameters. This study indicated that the ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church who participated in this study operated in a danger zone regarding their happiness and quality of life. Physical activity can be regarded as a salutogenic and preventative modality on the interaction of physical activity among the relationships between demographic factors, coronary risk index, happiness and quality of life of Dutch Reformed ministers. It was also concluded that physical activity can be regarded as a salutogenic modality in the physical and psychological wellness of South African ministers of religion. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

The study investigates the spirituality of the Congregation of the Companions of Saint Angela Merici a Catholic women religious community. This religious Congregation was founded in 1954 in the diocese of Johannesburg, to serve the needs of the indigenous people. The person who founded this Congregation was Bishop William Patrick Whelan aMI, with the encouragement and support of Father Jean Verot aMI. At first the Catholic Church was a settler Church taking care of the needs of the settlers. It is only later that the Catholic Church became a missionary Church, outreaching to indigenous people. It is in the 1950's when the Congregation of the Companions of Saint Angela was founded , during the apartheid time. The history and the spirituality of the Congregation of the Companions of Saint Angela Merici are looked at. The first members of the Congregation of the Companions of Saint Angela Merici were trained and guided by the Ursulines, of the Roman Union in Munsieville, Krugersdorp. Some of the elements of the spirituality of this women 's religious Congregation that are explored are mutual love, hospitality, prayer life and education. The Sisters of the religious Congregation looked to Saint Angela Merici, their foundress and model , an Italian Saint who lived in the sixteenth century , and learned from her spirituality. The Sisters living In the twentieth century look at how relevant Saint Angela Merici's spirituality is to them, and how they as black women, in townships, can live this spirituality. Interviews were conducted to get some information about the religious Congregation of the Companions of Saint Angela Merici. A questionnaire was send to two Sisters who belong to this religious Congregation of the Companions of Saint Angela Merici but only Sister Mary Modise CSA responded positively to being interviewed. Father Thomas O'Dea, a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate gave some direct information that he remembered regarding this particular Congregation of the Companions of Saint Angela Merici. A final conclusion to be drawn from this study is that the Congregation of the Companions of Saint Angela Merici is faced with the challenge to inculturate some of the elements of this spirituality and re-Iook at their charism at some General Chapters. Lastly, some of the challenges that face the present Congregation of Sisters of the Companions of Saint Angela Merici are formation and a way of practically living the charism and their prayer life. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

The Night Nativity by Geertgen tot Sint Jans depicts the birth of Christ in a manner that emphasizes the role of the Virgin as mother and Christ as the enlightener of the world. In this paper, I will argue that the Night Nativity was directed primarily toward meeting the devotional needs and interests of the nuns of the Convent of Our Lady of the Visitation near Haarlem. This convent is of particular interest because it is associated with the Windesheim Congregation of the Modern Devotion, which was a religious movement that privileged certain forms of lay spirituality. In particular, the adherents of the Modern Devotion seemed to have preferred various forms of affective devotion often associated with “women’s spirituality.” Geertgen’s image, I believe, appealed to the women in the convent because it focuses on the role of the Virgin and, in doing so, activated well-known tropes of female spirituality.

Although confirmation should be the zenith of a young person's personal attachment to God and the congregation of believers, the exact opposite of this seems to be true when one considers the large numbers of young people that leave the church directly after their confirmation. A literature study shows that attempts to solve this problem have thus far to a large extent focussed on the young people in the process of preparing for confirmation. The purpose of this study is to shift the focus to the community of believers, more specifically to the role of such a community of believers in the guidance of young people in the process of preparing for confirmation, in order to find a solution to the problem. The following research question arose as a result: What is the role of the congregation as a community of believers in the guidance of young members through the confirmation process? The method employed was as follows: Basis-theoretical principles were formulated from Scripture as a result of literature studies and exegesis of relevant passages of Scripture. Meta-theoretical perspectives came to light by utilisation of the auxiliary science, Sociology, amongst other things. The role of the community of believers as a socialising agent of the youngsters was examined. The actual situation regarding the role of the community of believers in confirmation was examined meta-theoretically by means of a literature study on the situation within the broader Reformed tradition of the three Sister Churches, together with an empirical analysis of the situation within the Reformed churches of South Africa. Practical-theoretical guidelines were given following the hermeneutical interaction between the basis-theoretical principles and the meta-theoretical perspectives. The final conclusion is that the congregation as a community of believers is one of the most important agents in the religious socialisation of young people and therefore plays a very important role in preparing them for and guiding them in confirmation. The responsibility of the community of believers lies on the following levels: The shaping of a Biblical vision of the church or congregation that the young people can commit to. The concretion of this vision by means of the persistent practice of the fourfold ministry (“Hebrew text”) while simultaneously involving the whole congregation (young and old) in order that everything the congregation is, says, prays and does, is in congruence. This approach will lend credibility to the community of believers and by doing this the young people will be drawn closer. Focused community pursuit with special attention given to the acceptance of the young people, self-sacrificing and loving service towards the youths, as well as the verbal and practical teaching and instruction of the youngsters. A change in perception and sometimes a change of attitude of heart regarding the inclusion and participation of young people in the congregation. The creation of a culture in which every member earnestly considers his personal religious commitment and is prepared to be held responsible for this commitment. Such a culture of personal religious commitment, together with accountability to that commitment will carry the youths through their own personal commitment within confirmation, while confirming the importance of such a commitment at the same time. / Thesis (M.Th. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 200

Several studies have already reported that ministers are experiencing high levels of stress due to career demands, role conflict and personal situations (Roux, 1992:227; Scholtz, 1996:134; Kellerman, 2000:28). Stress is detrimental to general health and is the primary reason why ministers leave the ministry (Andrew, 1997:15, Virginia, 1998:50; Swart et al., 2000:339; Bisschoff & Schoeman, 2003:52). Research showed that regular physical activity and maintaining a good level of physical fitness has positive effects on physical and psycho-emotional health (Paffenbarger, 1994:860; Margetts et al., 1999:97; Botha, 200237; Fourie, 2002:7). In this respect, it became clear that participation in physical activity may decrease the risk of developing coronary heart disease and other illness through it's likely buffering effect against the negative effects of stress (Barlow et al., 1990:392; Bouchard & Despres, 1995:270; Stofan et al., 1998: 1808; Le Roux, 2000:59; Schlebusch, 2000:50). The objective of this study was firstly to determine interaction of physical activity on the relationship between coronary risk index and happiness and quality of life of South African Dutch Reformed ministers. Secondly, to determine the interaction of physical activity with coronary risk index in respect of years of service, congregation size, co ministership and congregation type, and thirdly, to study the interaction of physical activity with happiness and quality of life in respect of the last mentioned demographic parameters. The subjects were 340 male ministers of the Dutch reformed church, who volunteered to participate in the study. The quality of participation in physical activity was determined with Sharkey's (1997:432) physical activity index. The risk of developing coronary heart disease was determined by Bjurnstrom and Alexiou's (1978:524-525) coronary risk index assessment, while happiness or quality of life was measured by using the Affectometer 2 of Kammann and Flett (1983:259). The mean index of physical activity participation was 33.81 ± 32.30 which could be classified as fair, although 32.2% of the subjects fell in the low activity group. The coronary risk index showed that 19.9% of the population indicated a high risk of developing coronary artery disease, while 48.9% indicated a low level of happiness and quality of life. Significant (p10.05) relationships between physical activity, coronary risk index, happiness and quality of life were found among the high activity and low activity groups. Physical activity indicated a positive effect on the coronary risk index, independent of happiness and quality of life, as well as years of service, congregation size, co-ministership and congregation type. Physical activity also indicated a positive effect on happiness and quality of life, independent of years of service, congregation size, co-ministership and congregation type. In most cases physical activity also showed a significant interaction on the relationships between coronary risk index and years of service, congregation size, co-ministership and congregation type, as well as on the relationships between happiness and quality of life and the last mentioned demographic parameters. This study indicated that the ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church who participated in this study operated in a danger zone regarding their happiness and quality of life. Physical activity can be regarded as a salutogenic and preventative modality on the interaction of physical activity among the relationships between demographic factors, coronary risk index, happiness and quality of life of Dutch Reformed ministers. It was also concluded that physical activity can be regarded as a salutogenic modality in the physical and psychological wellness of South African ministers of religion. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

The church is not like any other institution or organisation in society. Although the church is primarily invisible and spiritual, it is a visible organisation in the world, and it spans across borders of nations, languages and countries. John Calvin strongly rejected the notion that the church is only a spiritual organisation of which the visible administrative side is downplayed. The fellowship of the church must not only be seen as a mystical relation with Jesus Christ. At the three-yearly synod of the GKSA, which was held in the year 2000, a report was tabled titled 'Preservation and Growth of the Church'. The report requested that all local congregations should develop and implement a congregational strategy that is applicable to their own unique environment. The congregational strategy's main purpose must be to guide the congregation to fulfil its biblical purpose. The fact that people are turning their backs on the traditional churches, including the GKSA who is losing about 2000 members per year, is an indication that it cannot be 'business as usual' for them in future. The purpose of this study is to design a framework for crafting and executing a congregational strategy for the local congregations of the GKSA. The study started with a literature study on the science of strategic management. This provided a theoretical foundation for the framework. Although the strategy of different organisations will differ vastly, the process to follow is much the same. The literature study indicated that the benefits of a well developed and executed organisational strategy are not limited to large profit making organisations, but is also useful to non-profit organisations such as government departments and church congregations. The literature study included a study on the essence and work of a congregation. The purpose of this part of the study was not to be a detailed theological study of the different views and types of church denominations, but only focused on the views of the GKSA. The literature study also tested the applicability of the strategic management theory on the nature and work of a congregation. An empirical study was performed in the congregations of the GKSA, which indicated that the majority of congregations do not have a congregational strategy. The main reason for not having a congregational strategy is that congregations do not have the knowledge and skills available to lead and facilitate the process of crafting and executing a congregational strategy. The empirical study also gathered best practices from congregations that are doing strategic management. These best practices were included in the proposed framework for crafting and executing a congregational strategy. The knowledge gained from the literature and empirical study was combined into a framework for crafting and executing a congregational strategy. This framework can be used by congregational leaders to guide them though their own process of crafting and executing their unique congregational strategy. The research concludes with a recommendation that the Theological School of the GKSA should consider including a course on strategic management in the training syllabus of aspiring ministers. The course should be developed specifically taking into account the background and circumstances of the GKSA, and should not be generic like the course that is included in the Baccalaureus Commercii curriculum. Because of the fast changing environment of the 21st century, the course should also be condensed and be presented to ministers already called in congregations. Because strategic management is a specialised management science, and external Strategic Management consultants tend to be expensive, the research also made the recommendation that the Administrative Bureau of the GKSA consider employing their own Strategic Management consultant for the GKSA with the specific assignment to assist and guide all congregations with their congregational strategy. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Business Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The church is not like any other institution or organisation in society. Although the church is primarily invisible and spiritual, it is a visible organisation in the world, and it spans across borders of nations, languages and countries. John Calvin strongly rejected the notion that the church is only a spiritual organisation of which the visible administrative side is downplayed. The fellowship of the church must not only be seen as a mystical relation with Jesus Christ. At the three-yearly synod of the GKSA, which was held in the year 2000, a report was tabled titled 'Preservation and Growth of the Church'. The report requested that all local congregations should develop and implement a congregational strategy that is applicable to their own unique environment. The congregational strategy's main purpose must be to guide the congregation to fulfil its biblical purpose. The fact that people are turning their backs on the traditional churches, including the GKSA who is losing about 2000 members per year, is an indication that it cannot be 'business as usual' for them in future. The purpose of this study is to design a framework for crafting and executing a congregational strategy for the local congregations of the GKSA. The study started with a literature study on the science of strategic management. This provided a theoretical foundation for the framework. Although the strategy of different organisations will differ vastly, the process to follow is much the same. The literature study indicated that the benefits of a well developed and executed organisational strategy are not limited to large profit making organisations, but is also useful to non-profit organisations such as government departments and church congregations. The literature study included a study on the essence and work of a congregation. The purpose of this part of the study was not to be a detailed theological study of the different views and types of church denominations, but only focused on the views of the GKSA. The literature study also tested the applicability of the strategic management theory on the nature and work of a congregation. An empirical study was performed in the congregations of the GKSA, which indicated that the majority of congregations do not have a congregational strategy. The main reason for not having a congregational strategy is that congregations do not have the knowledge and skills available to lead and facilitate the process of crafting and executing a congregational strategy. The empirical study also gathered best practices from congregations that are doing strategic management. These best practices were included in the proposed framework for crafting and executing a congregational strategy. The knowledge gained from the literature and empirical study was combined into a framework for crafting and executing a congregational strategy. This framework can be used by congregational leaders to guide them though their own process of crafting and executing their unique congregational strategy. The research concludes with a recommendation that the Theological School of the GKSA should consider including a course on strategic management in the training syllabus of aspiring ministers. The course should be developed specifically taking into account the background and circumstances of the GKSA, and should not be generic like the course that is included in the Baccalaureus Commercii curriculum. Because of the fast changing environment of the 21st century, the course should also be condensed and be presented to ministers already called in congregations. Because strategic management is a specialised management science, and external Strategic Management consultants tend to be expensive, the research also made the recommendation that the Administrative Bureau of the GKSA consider employing their own Strategic Management consultant for the GKSA with the specific assignment to assist and guide all congregations with their congregational strategy. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Business Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.