Spelling suggestions: "subject:"endeavor.""
1 |
Fracture reactivation and gold mineralization in the epithermal environment : structural evolution of the Endeavour 42 gold deposit, New South Wales, AustraliaHenry, Amber Dawn 11 1900 (has links)
The development of an open pit mine at the Endeavour 42 (E42) epithermal gold deposit, situated in the Junee-Narromine Volcanic Belt of the Ordovician Macquarie Arc, central New South Wales, has provided a 3D view of the structurally controlled deposit which was hitherto not available due to the paucity of outcrop in the region. Outcropping geological relationships present a complicated history of overprinting structural deformation and vein events, including the spatial characterization of the gold-mineralizing system. Host rocks consisting of interbedded sedimentary and resedimented volcaniclastic facies, trachyandesite and porphyritic andesite lavas and intrusions (coherent and autoclastic facies), intruded by a large diorite sill, were initially tilted and faulted, followed by the emplacement of multiple dyke phases along faults. Economic gold mineralization at E42 is restricted to faults, fault-hosted breccias, and veins, and was deposited over a period spanning two distinct structural regimes. Early gold-bearing veins are steeply dipping and interpreted as forming coevally along two sets of faults and dykes within a tensional stress regime. High grade fault-hosted, hydrothermally cemented breccia intervals are included temporally with early gold-bearing veins based on comparable mineralogy and steep, fault parallel orientations. Crosscutting the early steep gold-bearing vein sets are two populations of coeval inclined gold-bearing veins, dipping moderately to the southwest and northwest, respectively, which formed in a compressional stress regime with tension directed subvertically. The E42 epithermal deposit likely developed in the period of overall crustal extension, ca. 443-433 Ma, following Phase 1 of the Late Ordovician – Early Silurian Benambran Orogeny.
The generation of permeability, styles of fracture propagation, and the reactivation of pre-existing planes of weakness in the rock package are key factors in the development and current geometry of the E42 gold deposit. High grade veins and faults are commonly flanked by sericite-quartz ± carbonate alteration haloes, which exhibit consistent geochemical patterns for metals and pathfinder elements, both laterally away from structures, and vertically within the deposit. Au, Ag, As, Hg, Sb, Tl, Cu, Pb, and Zn, all display increasing concentrations towards high-grade structures, as well as higher up in the epithermal system, with varying dispersion haloes.
|
2 |
Fracture reactivation and gold mineralization in the epithermal environment : structural evolution of the Endeavour 42 gold deposit, New South Wales, AustraliaHenry, Amber Dawn 11 1900 (has links)
The development of an open pit mine at the Endeavour 42 (E42) epithermal gold deposit, situated in the Junee-Narromine Volcanic Belt of the Ordovician Macquarie Arc, central New South Wales, has provided a 3D view of the structurally controlled deposit which was hitherto not available due to the paucity of outcrop in the region. Outcropping geological relationships present a complicated history of overprinting structural deformation and vein events, including the spatial characterization of the gold-mineralizing system. Host rocks consisting of interbedded sedimentary and resedimented volcaniclastic facies, trachyandesite and porphyritic andesite lavas and intrusions (coherent and autoclastic facies), intruded by a large diorite sill, were initially tilted and faulted, followed by the emplacement of multiple dyke phases along faults. Economic gold mineralization at E42 is restricted to faults, fault-hosted breccias, and veins, and was deposited over a period spanning two distinct structural regimes. Early gold-bearing veins are steeply dipping and interpreted as forming coevally along two sets of faults and dykes within a tensional stress regime. High grade fault-hosted, hydrothermally cemented breccia intervals are included temporally with early gold-bearing veins based on comparable mineralogy and steep, fault parallel orientations. Crosscutting the early steep gold-bearing vein sets are two populations of coeval inclined gold-bearing veins, dipping moderately to the southwest and northwest, respectively, which formed in a compressional stress regime with tension directed subvertically. The E42 epithermal deposit likely developed in the period of overall crustal extension, ca. 443-433 Ma, following Phase 1 of the Late Ordovician – Early Silurian Benambran Orogeny.
The generation of permeability, styles of fracture propagation, and the reactivation of pre-existing planes of weakness in the rock package are key factors in the development and current geometry of the E42 gold deposit. High grade veins and faults are commonly flanked by sericite-quartz ± carbonate alteration haloes, which exhibit consistent geochemical patterns for metals and pathfinder elements, both laterally away from structures, and vertically within the deposit. Au, Ag, As, Hg, Sb, Tl, Cu, Pb, and Zn, all display increasing concentrations towards high-grade structures, as well as higher up in the epithermal system, with varying dispersion haloes.
|
3 |
Fracture reactivation and gold mineralization in the epithermal environment : structural evolution of the Endeavour 42 gold deposit, New South Wales, AustraliaHenry, Amber Dawn 11 1900 (has links)
The development of an open pit mine at the Endeavour 42 (E42) epithermal gold deposit, situated in the Junee-Narromine Volcanic Belt of the Ordovician Macquarie Arc, central New South Wales, has provided a 3D view of the structurally controlled deposit which was hitherto not available due to the paucity of outcrop in the region. Outcropping geological relationships present a complicated history of overprinting structural deformation and vein events, including the spatial characterization of the gold-mineralizing system. Host rocks consisting of interbedded sedimentary and resedimented volcaniclastic facies, trachyandesite and porphyritic andesite lavas and intrusions (coherent and autoclastic facies), intruded by a large diorite sill, were initially tilted and faulted, followed by the emplacement of multiple dyke phases along faults. Economic gold mineralization at E42 is restricted to faults, fault-hosted breccias, and veins, and was deposited over a period spanning two distinct structural regimes. Early gold-bearing veins are steeply dipping and interpreted as forming coevally along two sets of faults and dykes within a tensional stress regime. High grade fault-hosted, hydrothermally cemented breccia intervals are included temporally with early gold-bearing veins based on comparable mineralogy and steep, fault parallel orientations. Crosscutting the early steep gold-bearing vein sets are two populations of coeval inclined gold-bearing veins, dipping moderately to the southwest and northwest, respectively, which formed in a compressional stress regime with tension directed subvertically. The E42 epithermal deposit likely developed in the period of overall crustal extension, ca. 443-433 Ma, following Phase 1 of the Late Ordovician – Early Silurian Benambran Orogeny.
The generation of permeability, styles of fracture propagation, and the reactivation of pre-existing planes of weakness in the rock package are key factors in the development and current geometry of the E42 gold deposit. High grade veins and faults are commonly flanked by sericite-quartz ± carbonate alteration haloes, which exhibit consistent geochemical patterns for metals and pathfinder elements, both laterally away from structures, and vertically within the deposit. Au, Ag, As, Hg, Sb, Tl, Cu, Pb, and Zn, all display increasing concentrations towards high-grade structures, as well as higher up in the epithermal system, with varying dispersion haloes. / Science, Faculty of / Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of / Graduate
|
4 |
Spatial Distribution of Shallow Crustal Anisotropy from Shear Wave Splitting Measurements at the Endeavour Segment of the Juan de Fuca RidgeAraragi, Kohtaro, Araragi, Kohtaro January 2012 (has links)
We investigate upper crustal anisotropy of the Endeavour Segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge using shear wave splitting measurements of ~3000 earthquakes recorded during three years using the Keck seafloor seismic network. We apply a new cluster analysis of shear-wave splitting measurements to our database. The methodology reduces the use of subjective criteria and improves the accuracy of measurements in the presence of noisy data. Fast polarization directions at a given seismic station are constant and stable during the deployment; however, fast-polarization directions between stations vary significantly. We presume that the lack of consistency of shear wave splitting among seismic stations reflects the spatial distribution of anisotropy in the vicinity of the ridge axis. We infer that the variation of fast polarization directions and delay times is caused by spatial variations in shallow hydrogeological structures and the stress field. Local faults and fissures are unlikely to be the primary cause of this anisotropy since most of the fast polarization directions are not consistent with the ridge parallel trend of faults. Stress perturbations induced by magmatic injection into the axial magma chamber or spatial variation in the rates of a hydrothermal heat transfer may contribute to the observed heterogeneity in seismic anisotropy.
|
5 |
Intra- and inter-population diversity of the Gammaproteobacteria Endorifita persephone in vestimentiferan tubeworms from the eastern Pacific.Perez, Maëva 20 May 2016 (has links)
Vestimentiferan tubeworms of the eastern Pacific Ocean are often keystone species in vent communities. These polychaetes are host to intracellular Gammaproteobacteria symbionts. In this association, the siboglinid worms supply their symbionts with the compounds necessary to chemosynthesis while the sulfide oxidizing bacteria provide their host with the organic molecules necessary for their metabolism. The adult worms lack a digestive system and are therefore completely dependent on their symbionts for their nutrition. Given the obligate nature of the association for the host, it is surprising that the symbionts are not transmitted from parents to offspring but are acquired de novo from the environment at each generation. In other known cases of horizontally acquired mutualism (e.g. Rhizobium-legumes, dinoflagellates- corals), obtaining symbionts from the environment benefit the hosts by allowing for a degree of partner choice. According to the partner choice hypothesis, tubeworms that associate with the best-adapted partner(s) to a specific range of habitat conditions are in turn better adapted to this environment. Of course, this hypothesis assumes that there is diversity within the symbiotic partners. Phylogenetic analyses on the other hand seemed to indicate that nearly all species of vent tubeworms of the eastern Pacific were associated with the same species of symbionts: Candidatus Endoriftia persephone. However, these studies focussed on a few molecular markers.
In this thesis, I used in situ hybridization and next generation sequencing to characterize the symbiont diversity at the species and strain level, as well as within individual hosts and across host species. I found that the intra-host symbiont populations are likely composed of multiple strains or lineages of the same bacterial species, that the symbiont populations separated by mid-ocean ridge discontinuities are vicariant, and that other factors such as local environmental conditions or host specificity might participate in shaping the genetic make-up of these populations. / Graduate / 0410 / 0307 / 0715 / 0306 / 0416 / 0329
|
6 |
Geochemistry of hydrothermal sediments from the Endeavour Segment of the Juan de Fuca mid-ocean ridgeAttar, Armaghan 31 May 2016 (has links)
Sediment samples were collected during three Ocean Network Canada expeditions to three hydrothermal vent fields at the Endeavour segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge. The sediments were collected at variable distances (≤ 1340 m) from the vents fields by push core and, in some cases, by suction sampling from base of a chimney structure. The geochemistry of the sediments was investigated in order to understand their formation and the mass fluxes associated with these hydrothermal systems. Qualitative and quantitative approaches have been applied to deconvolve sediments bulk compositions into mass fractions of the different components that they are made up of. Qualitative analysis identified five different end-member components (hydrothermal plume particles, hydrothermal chimney fragments, terrigenous sediment, basalt fragments and organic matter). Using Q-mode factor analysis only three main components are identified. This is due to the geochemical similarity of (i) the hydrothermal plume particles and hydrothermal chimney fragments which are grouped together in this analysis, and (ii) the terrigenous sediment and basalt which are also grouped. Mass fractions of each component were calculated by using a numerical inversion procedure. The samples collected at the base of the chimney are composed of 20-40% plume particles and 56-72% chimney fragments with little contribution from other sediment sources. With increasing distance from the vent fields the contributions of these “hydrothermal” sources to the sediments drop rapidly to <50% within 90 m of the vents and <25% within 120 m from the vents. The mass fraction and chemical composition of the plume particles component, along with the estimates of the chemical flux out of hydrothermal vents and sedimentation rates in the area, are used to make a preliminary estimation of the chemical flux into the ocean. / Graduate / 0372 / 0996 / 0547 / armaghan.attar@gmail.com
|
7 |
Connectivity within a metapopulation of the foundation species, Ridgeia piscesae Jones (Annelida, Siboglinidae), from the Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents Marine Protected Area on the Juan de Fuca RidgePuetz, Lara 30 April 2014 (has links)
The natural instability of hydrothermal vents creates variable environmental conditions among habitat patches. Habitat differences correspond to phenotypic variation in Ridgeia piscesae, the only ‘vent tubeworm’ on the spreading ridges of the Northeast Pacific. Ridgeia piscesae that occupy high fluid flux habitats have rapid growth rates and high reproductive output compared to tubeworms in habitats with low rates of venting fluid delivery. As recruitment occurs in all settings, worms in the “optimal habitat” may act as source populations for all habitat types. Ridgeia piscesae is a foundation species in the Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents Marine Protected Area of the Juan de Fuca Ridge.
The objective of this thesis was to assess fine scale population structure in Ridgeia piscesae within the Endeavour vent system using genetic data. Population structure was assessed by analysis of the mitochondrial COI gene in 498 individuals collected from three vent sites of the Juan de Fuca Ridge; Middle Valley (n=26), Endeavour Segment (n=444) and Axial Volcano (n=28). Genotyping using microsatellite markers was attempted but all loci developed for closely related tubeworm species failed to amplify microsatellites in Ridgeia piscesae.
Sequence analysis identified 32 mitochondrial COI haplotypes; one dominant haplotype (68%), three common haplotypes (4%-7%) and the remainder were rare (<2%). Axial Volcano was differentiated from Middle Valley and Endeavour. Within Endeavour, genetic sub-structuring of Ridgeia piscesae occurred among vent fields (Clam Bed, Main Endeavour and Mothra) and habitat types < 10 km apart. Patterns of genetic variation and coalescent based models suggested that gene flow among vent fields moved in a north to south direction in individuals from high flux habitat but from south to north in individuals from low flux habitat. Tubeworms from low flux habitat had more nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes than those from high flux habitats. Estimates of the number of immigrants per generation moving from high flux to low flux subpopulations was four times higher than in the reverse direction. The effective population size was estimated to be three times greater in high flux habitat when the generation times for individuals from each habitat type were considered. Demographic tests for population equilibrium identified a recent and rapidly expanding metapopulation at Endeavour.
Models of gene flow in Ridgeia piscesae reflected the general oceanographic circulation described at Endeavour. Genetic data illustrate that dispersing larvae exploit the bi-directional currents created through plume driven circulation within the Endeavour axial valley and suggest that adult position on or near chimneys may influence larval dispersal trajectories upon release. Building on known ecological and biological features, this study also showed that Ridgeia piscesae from limited and ephemeral high flux habitat act as sources to the overall metapopulation and that asymmetrical migration and habitat stability sustain high genetic diversity in low flux sinks. The overall metapopulation at Endeavour experiences frequent extinction and recolonization events, differences in individual reproductive success, and source-sink dynamics that decrease the overall effective size and genetic diversity within the population. These factors have important implications for the conservation of a foundation species. / Graduate / 0307 / 0329 / 0369 / lcpuetz@uvic.ca
|
8 |
Giving voice to invisible women in developing countries rhetorical criticism of "FIRE" as model of a successful women's community radio /Gatua, Mary Wairimu. January 2007 (has links)
Thesis (M.A.)--University of Wyoming, 2007. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Feb. 26, 2009). Includes bibliographical references (p. 74-78).
|
9 |
An exploration of peer-mentoring among student teachers to inform reflective practice within the context of action researchArday, Jason January 2015 (has links)
In recent decades, reflective practice and mentoring have become vehicles for endorsing professional development and competency among student teachers during their induction into the teaching profession. This research study aims to explore the extent to which peer-mentoring can inform reflective practice among student teachers within a community of practice. The mentoring concepts illuminated within this study suggest a move away from hierarchical expert-novice approaches towards mentoring, in exchange for more reciprocal endeavour where power dynamics are removed and both participants become equal receivers and disseminators of knowledge regarding teaching and learning. A qualitative approach was employed through a four-phase, sequential data collection strategy to gather the narrative data collated. Interviews, reflective pro-formas, workshops and open-ended questionnaires were used as instruments to collate narrative data concerning the peer-mentoring experiences of four student teachers. The data was analysed utilising an interpretive phenomenological analysis approach. The student teachers involved in this study were selected from a purposive sample. Importantly, the participants selected demonstrated professional characteristics which resonated with the aims of this study. A conceptual framework was designed to capture and examine six dimensions of collaborative mentoring in which student teachers could explore aspects of their own teaching practice through action research. The findings generated within the study point towards a range of contexts and challenges concerning peer-mentoring. The findings revealed that the mentoring dimensions used to stimulate meaningful reflection influenced professional development, while the challenges presented issues concerning; trust, power and time. However, the findings also indicate that challenges to peer-mentoring are not insurmountable. This particular study contends that further research is recommended into: firstly, how educational institutions can create supportive, collaborative learning cultures; secondly, how can reflective practice be encouraged throughout professional teaching careers; and finally, how can the challenges of peer-mentoring be minimised in attempting to encourage such endeavour among student teachers.
|
10 |
Developing a sustainable missionary programme for black South African churches : an analysis of the role that churches in black community are playing in terms of their missionary obligationKhauoe, Jonas Molefetsane 01 April 2009 (has links)
The concern is often expressed that African churches in general seem to have failed to become self propagating churches – missional churches – that are not living up to the commandment of Jesus Christ to proclaim the gospel of his love to all people in the world. The thesis entitled: Developing a sustainable missionary programme for Black South African Churches, firstly sets out to test this notion, and then – against the backdrop of the mission history of the main Christian traditions in Africa – researches the missionary endeavours of a number of churches in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Learning from their experience, the researcher then develops his own model for missionary engagement, which may help to empower South African churches in their quest to be true to their missionary calling. In Chapter One the relevance of the thesis is discussed, together with the necessary information on the research problem, the hypothesis, the methodology employed, as well as the definitions of some of the more important terms used in the thesis. Chapter Two focuses on the close relationship that has developed between Church and Mission in the 20th century, taking special note of developments in the following church traditions: Catholic Churches, Mainline Protestant Churches, Orthodox Churches, African Initiated Churches, and Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches. African views on mission during the past centuries were also studied. The researcher further develops a holistic definition of mission which answers to the needs of the church to proclaim the love of Christ in a comprehensive manner, one that makes sense at the beginning of the 21st century. The following topics were defined: The Kerygmatic dimension in mission which involves evangelism, conversion, follow-up, and also reaching across the cultural divide, etc. • The dimension of Diakonia, which refers to poverty alleviation, quest for justice ministry in social issues, the church taking care of the HIV/Aids infected and affected etc. • The Koinonia dimension in mission that includes the planting of churches, ecumenical co-operation, and the nurturing and empowering of the saints for their ministry. • The dimension of Leitourgia in mission which refers to mission as, ultimately, an act of worship, bringing glory to God, and proclaiming His name over all the earth. In Chapter Three, the researcher conducted an empirical study in twenty selected churches in the Gauteng region; that is, in Pretoria, Alexandra, Soweto, Auckland Park, and Sebokeng and Sharpville. The findings in general, confirmed the hypothesis that indeed, for generations, African churches have been introverted, seemingly failing to rise to the challenge of becoming the sending churches in their own right. However, through the findings in this study, it was indicated that there were mitigating factors which prevented black churches from becoming involved in their missional obligation. The following reasons were identified. One issue which continued to stand out is that different views are harboured by the Catholic Churches / Mainline Protestant Churches and Pentecostal / Charismatic Churches with regard to the question: How does one become a Christian? The study indicated that Catholics / Mainline Protestant Churches hold the view that infant baptism, guiding the child towards future repentance and faith in Christ, is the right way, whereas Charismatic / Pentecostal Christians believe that baptism should be limited only to adults who can make an intelligent decision to confess their faith. According to literature review, this argument has existed for many centuries. Other questions that arise are: Do new members regularly join the local church? How are new members attracted to the church? Which difficulties do members have in sharing their faith with others? How practical is one’s faith in day to day activities, such as work, home, school, social life, politics, and etcetera? What is the Christian view of politics? Taking the answers to these questions into consideration, this study indicated that most Christians are not very effective in reaching out to the non-Christian communities within our broader community. Christians often do not reflect the light of Christ, and find it difficult to be the salt of the earth. Regarding the issue of mitigating circumstances that explain the Christian’s lack of missionary élan, a number of reasons were offered, in particular, a deficiency of information as to their calling to be witnesses of Christ, as well as an inadequacy of empowerment and equipment. For many, the notion that all believers share an obligation to be missionaries of Christ, was quite novel. Generally, it appears that involvement in a missionary ministry was open only for specially elected individuals or clergy. On the issue of empowerment of church members, Roman Catholics indicated a high score, but unfortunately, this was not related to a missionary focus. Regarding the question of the socio-political involvement of local churches and their members, the low score was alarming – although progress is being reported in Pentecostal / Charismatic Church circles. Some Christians, however, are still cautious with regards to the issue of their involvement in the socio-political issues of the day. Importantly, the submission that was made by The Evangelical Alliance of South Africa (TEASA) on behalf of the majority of Evangelical, Pentecostal and Charismatic churches to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (1997) was remarkable. This was a sign of true repentance. However, the question remains: has there been any improvement since that confession? As stated in the previous chapter, the church needs to be equipped for its socio-political witness and involvement. In terms of community service, such as combating unemployment and poverty, the churches indicated some measure of involvement, which is commendable. Many programs have been generated to help the poor, such as soup kitchens, or distribution of clothes to the needy. However, churches in this study realize that they should be more innovative in creating job opportunities in order to alleviate poverty and crime in their communities. With regards to the issue of ecological and environmental challenges, in contrast to the AIC churches, the minimal score of 7% among mainline churches was evidence that these churches are weak in maintaining their environment. It was clear, according to the present study, that as God’s stewards of that which God has entrusted to them, the church should restore and maintain God’s creation. In Chapter Four, a sustainable model which the researcher has developed to enlarge the missional involvement of the local church is presented. The researcher describes a number of strategies which the different mission organizations and churches in the country are employing in terms of kerygma, diakonia, koinonia, and leitourgia. Against this background, the researcher developed his own model / programme for a local congregation based on the findings discussed in chapter three. In the opinion of the researcher, one must differentiate between a missionary church and missional church. For example, the former refers to the traditional way of doing mission which involves a few church programmes and selected individuals who are involved in a local church. In contrast, in the missional church, every member of the church is involved, including the children’s ministry. It was highlighted that the church should return to her core fundamentals regarding the priesthood of all believers and renew her focus on missiology. The stewardship of giving to mission was also discussed. In as much as the churches under consideration indicated a fair amount of giving, it was clear from the ignorance of the respondents towards mission that the funds were geared towards other church related programmes apart from mission. Ultimately, the researcher addressed the needs of the local church by applying all four dimensions of mission in his planning and programmes. Furthermore, it was evident that the clergy and key members of church leadership need to undergo thorough training with regards to these models/principles, so that they in turn could continue the process of training their congregations. In this way a multiplication process takes place, and the church will honour her missionary obligation. Chapter Five summarizes the conclusions, findings, and recommendations for further research of this study. However, some churches indicated that their monthly budget will not allow any extra financial burden since they had to pay salaries to their pastors and cover other church related expenses. Kane (1981: 117) states categorically that all missions, denominational and non-denominational, experience the same common issues since they all find it difficult to raise funds to advance God’s mission. He considers that it is easier to raise support for candidates going into Foreign Service than for those going into home missions. For example, it is easier to raise funds for famine relief than for a missionary enterprise. Certain of the churches under consideration, who indicated their involvement in soup kitchens to the poor, for example, have developed social responsibility programmes that care for the needy of the church and the local community. Indeed, this is excellent, and covers the service dimension of mission. It is always easier to describe physical need – poverty, disease, malnutrition, hunger – than to depict spiritual need. It goes without saying that it is impossible to portray spiritual need in a visual way (Kane 1981: 117). In our South African context, in order to make a mark in our missionary obligation, the church will have to take stewardship seriously. The church should not wait until it is rich before giving towards mission. Church members generally should be faithful in tithing their total income. If one of the churches interviewed in this study is able to give between 50% and 80% of their budget to missions, a classical example, it is possible and can be done, if church leaders have vision and are committed to their missionary obligation. Kane (1981: 118) cautioned us that the churches must never reduce their commitment to world missions. The church will be greatly assisted in her resolve if she remembers, and really believes as the Scripture declares: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ (Acts 20: 35). Kane suggests that ‘[i]f every church member acted on that principle, our financial worries would disappear overnight’. There is a spiritual harvest to those who give sacrificially to the advancement of God’s kingdom. (Galatians 6: 8) states that, ‘he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting’. Olford (1972: 73) argues that this text actually means that as we respond to the indwelling Spirit in love, sacrifice, and stewardship, we shall be adding interest to the capital of eternal life which we already have in Christ. Bright, the late founder and president of Campus Crusade for Christ (a mission organization), who was concerned about believers who do not take their stewardship responsibilities seriously, asserted: I am amazed at the life-style of the average Christian, a life-style that differs little from that of non-believers in terms of attitudes, actions, motives, desires and words. Many Christians are experiencing financial difficulty, emotional turmoil, even physical illness as a result of the kind of seed they are sowing. Unlike Job, who suffered for the glory of God, they are being disciplined for sowing un-righteously, as was King David after he committed adultery and murder (1 Samuel 25). It should be noted that God controls the returns because he owns everything. He knows us and our motives in our giving, and he is the one who returns a harvest of blessing to us. Conversely, Scripture reveals that we can add to our spiritual capital by continual enrichment as a result of our generosity and the ministry of giving to God’s mission. Smith (1959: 61-62) used a ‘Faith Promise’ which he regards as a Pauline method of raising funds for mission. From the Scriptures, chapters 8 and 9 of 2 Corinthians (in Living Letters) are normally referenced in this regard. In terms of a ‘Faith Promise Offering’, the individual has to pray about it and ask God how much he/she would have to give, and then trust God for the amount. Month by month, the individual goes to God in prayer and asks Him for the amount promised, and waits upon the Lord until God provides the amount. Smith considers that this is the offering that brings blessings. One or two churches known to the researcher are still using this method to support their missionary work. Vargo (1995: 20) states that the failure of many churches is, unfortunately, due to a lack of budgeting, which results in frustration and distress for many church leaders. He further warns that, if budgeting is done correctly, it is time consuming, but the dividends are incomparable. It involves making numerous assumptions and obtaining considerable cooperation and promises from the people. Importantly, for the vast majority of churches, the benefits of sound budgeting will outweigh all the associated problems that may be anticipated. The following are the ten reasons why budgeting is important for any churches, since it: • Formalises planning; • Reduces emotion-charged discussion; • Is a basis for performance evaluation; • Is a basis for control; • Assists in communication and coordination; • Gets members involved; • Increases the commitment to giving; • Generates confidence in the church’s leadership; • Allows for continued operation when cash receipts and disbursements are mismatched; and • Allows time to lend or borrow prudently (Vargo 1995: 20-24). It is vitally important that churches prepare budgets for the smooth running of their financial operations. This is one area that cannot be ignored by the church as it forges ahead with its missionary obligations. Unfortunately, failure to budget has contributed to the death of many churches in our communities. The churches will be helped in doing their strategic planning as this is one of the findings in this study. Much time should be spend with church leaders in doing a strategic planning in view of developing their own goals and objectives which will guide their every action, especially their missional obligation. It is noted that without proper planning, goals are dreams, objectives are hazy, programmes are vague, priorities are confused, and evaluations impossible (Vargo 1995: 16). Callahan noted in his famous book entitled: Twelve Keys to an Effective Church that The first and most central characteristic of an effective, successful church is its specific, concrete, missional objectives…’specific’ refers to the fact that the local congregation has focused its missional outreach on a particular human hurt and hope – for example, by being in mission with alcoholics and their families, with housebound elderly, or with epileptics and their families. Missional outreach is not best accomplished by developing a purpose statement or some generalized approach to a given age group in the surrounding area. Nor is mission best accomplished by the church seeking to engage in helping everyone with everything. The church that does that ends up helping anyone with anything.…Objectives refers to missional direction stated in a sufficiently clear fashion that it is possible to know when they have been achieved … The local church that is effective … has moved forward toward the substantial accomplishment and achievement of very clear, intentional goals. The effective congregation is not engaged in wishful thinking with a generalized purpose or goal statement that just lists its sentiments to do something noble, worthwhile, and helpful (1983: 1-2). Vargo (1995: 17) argues that, as churches operate as non-profit sectors, and usually with a large cadre of volunteers who need focus, it is essential that they plan more effectively in order to reach maximum results. He further outlines his proper planning formula as follows: • Identify needs; • Stating goals – statement of intent, general purpose, or broad direction; • Stating objectives – the desired ends that are to be achieved in a specific period of time; • Being specific ( as opposed to generalizing); • Establishing priorities; • Being able to evaluate progress toward reaching goals and objectives; • Considering both short-term and long-term perspectives. My strategic planning process has been adapted from Athletes in Action (Campus Crusade for Christ Outreach Strategies to Sports). The strategy is user friendly and can be adapted to different ministries such as those in churches, university campuses, the field of sports etcetera. I argue that churches under consideration need a strategy as they focus on missionary endeavour. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Science of Religion and Missiology / unrestricted
|
Page generated in 0.1638 seconds