Thesis (M.A.)--Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, 1995. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 108-112).

Thesis (S.T.L.)--Catholic University of America, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 141-152).

Thesis (M.T.S.)--Trinity Western Seminary, Langley, B.C., 1994. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 182-197).

Thesis (S.T.L.)--Catholic University of America, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 141-152).

Thesis (M.T.S.)--Trinity Western Seminary, Langley, B.C., 1994. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 182-197).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--American University, 1978. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 280-284).

Thesis (M.T.S.)--Trinity Western Seminary, Langley, B.C., 1994. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 182-197).

Magister Artium - MA / The aim of the study was to establish why the sudden emergence of numerous storefront Neo-Pentecostal churches, in the suburb of Woodstock, Cape Town, were found to be attracting large numbers of members while mainstream churches were closing down or struggling to survive. Over and above the fact that the Neo- Pentecostal churches are flourishing, the sheer number of them, was a further cause for investigation into this phenomenon. The majority of these congregations proved to have sub-Saharan ties (Nigerian in particular) and attracted membership largely of a similar background. This study looks at this phenomenon from a thorough understanding of the history of liturgy and particularly Pentecostal customs and attempts to place these churches in their social and historical context. The main thrust of this thesis, however, is an analysis of the distinctive and very prominent material features of these churches and their worship services which not only sets them apart from other Pentecostal and mainstream churches, but may offer an explanation of their popularity in this community. This study is undertaken through the close analysis of the worship services of seven Neo-Pentecostal churches in Woodstock and application of Ninian Smart's dimensions of religious practice, with specific reference to what he calls the Material Dimension. At least one worship service in each congregation was recorded on video and great sensitivity was exercised here in the physical recordings and in obtaining the written consent of the leaders of these respective congregations to use the data obtained.

Preface: An attempt is made in this thesis to document the history of Pentecostalism among Indians in South Africa and to study and evaluate its religious character and main theological tenets. Obviously the peculiar socio-political situation of the Indians in South Africa has influenced the character of Indian Pentecostalism, which has in turn been able to address itself to the critical, cultural and religious disjunctions within this community. Hence an investigation of the dynamic tensions that obtain between crises in the Indian community and Pentecostalism will not only clarify the course of its history but will also explain its theological emphases. However, several studies on Pentecostalism in other communities have concentrated on the sociological dimension almost exclusively and many have even concluded that Pentecostalism is the spontaneous result of psychosocial; economic or cultural upheavals . This kind of reductionism has been largely the result of the uncritical use of 'functional-type' theories postulated by sociologists of religion. Indian Pentecostalism, while it has to be examined within the complex context of the South African community, cannot as we shall show, be adequately explained by any of the prevailing 'functional-type' theories because these theories reduce religion to a sociological function. Since the functional theory has the effect of limiting the perspective on religion to such an extent that the basis of religion, that is, the relation between the individual and faith, is either belittled or ignored, it has been jettisoned in this thesis for an approach free of any deliberately formulated 'theoretical framework'. However, it is necessary to critically examine some of the more popular 'functional-type' theories and the way they have been applied to the study of the Pentecostal movement here and elsewhere, so that by exposing the shortcomings of their application and the contradictions inherent in their assumptions, the approach adopted in this thesis could be clarified.

D.Litt. et Phil. / Africa has seen the convergence of many remarkable evangelism efforts from across the globe. As a result, Christianity has shown incredible growth in the entire continent of Africa during the past 100 years, becoming the religion of the masses, especially in Southern Africa (Johnstone & Mandryk 2001:21). It can be stated that the growth and success of Christianity in Africa have been nothing short of a miracle. This remarkable growth can only be ascribed to the extraordinary evangelism efforts in Africa during the past 100 years, and the favour of God on this work. The evangelism explosion in Africa has surely influenced many people; however, the Church still has various challenges pertaining to evangelism in South Africa. One of the problems that Christianity in South Africa is facing is that the quantitative growth of Christianity in a nation cannot be the only measurement of successful evangelism. The qualitative growth in a Christian‟s life is the sign of the strength of that person‟s Christianity. The long-term growth and sustainability of the Church and its potential to transform communities must therefore be carefully considered. Unless the Church deals with these quality issues, it could render all its evangelistic work worthless. Finding a balance between quality and quantity is imperative, as both are important to the development of the Kingdom of God. In addition to this, the low priority of training and discipleship in South Africa has caused the Church to develop a lack of leadership as well. Leadership development for Pastors, Evangelists and Churchplanters is imperative, as a lack of well-developed leadership will inevitably lead to a weak and shallow Church. The problem is that Christian leaders and evangelistic ministries 4 have not yet developed a comprehensive evangelistic approach that can present the Gospel in a relevant manner to the people of South Africa.This causes what I would term, the nominal “pre-Christianity” in Africa, and presents a major challenge to the Church in terms of evangelism and the completion of the Great Commission. I present the term “pre-Christian” as an expression of a person who considers himself a Christian without ever receiving the Saving grace of Christ, submitting that person‟s life under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and bearing the fruit of the Christian life. Africa therefore has many “Christians”, but very few born-again believers following Christ.