Recent changes in church and society have challenged the traditional ministry pattern of one-minister-one-parish. An arrangement which is being offered with increasing frequency as a possible alternative is team ministry, in which more than one minister - or ministers and (usually) full-time lay people - share in ministry to a congregation or group of congregations. Taking as starting-point a team ministry established in Craigmillar, Edinburgh, by the Presbytery of Edinburgh in 1970, the thesis explores the possibilities and problems inherent in this pattern of ministry. After an analysis of the situation which has brought about an increase in team work in Scotland and England, as well as in the Uniting Church in Australia, a detailed description is offered of the team based principally on two Church of Scotland congregations in Craigmillar, a housing estate to the south-east of Edinburgh. A comparison is then made with other corporate ministries in Scotland in existence at about the same time - in Greenock, Livingston, Drumchapel, Paisley and in the Gorbals area of Glasgow. The discussion about team ministry is then widened by an account of proposals made by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland's "Committee of Forty" (1971-78) of which the author was a member, and by a survey of reports, consultations and published literature relevant to the topic. In the light of this, team ministry is now explored under five headings - the potentially stronger role of the team in equipping and leading the congregation as well as attendant problems; advantages of team ministry in bringing the congregation and the wider community more effectively face to face; matters relating to the health of the team, including the questions of accountability and leadership; and forms of education which will better prepare ministers and others to work together in a team.

The Presbytery of Zimbabwe is faced with a very serious challenge of Tribalism/Racism and this is affecting the general membership. This research seeks to call for a paradigm shift in interpreting the gospel by a way of embracing everyone as equal partners. The dividing walls in terms of tribe/race have been in existence for too long and they must be pulled down. The church must be on the fore front in carrying the beacon of hope and to minister effectively to all those who believe. The research exposes the traumatic experiences that are caused by tribalism/racism in the church and how the affected respond as they seek to worship God in a challenging environment. Some of the affected stop coming to church and move their membership to other denominations that are accommodative. Those that remain in the church find it extremely difficult to be actively involved in the life and work of the church. This therefore affects their growth spiritually and worshiping God ends up being meaningless. The thesis explored the Shepherding model by Charles V. Gerkin to be used as a means of offering Pastoral care to the traumatized. In essence the traumatized need healing more than anything so as to restore their ‘dignity’ and ‘worthiness’ in the eyes of both God and the community of believers. The model includes counseling as one seeks to journey closely with the affected as well as the perpetrators. The Bible has been used as the basic book for this discussion as the author sought to show how the church ought to be in terms of existence within the community. The church has to stand up to her true calling of preaching the gospel of reconciliation. The image of the church has been discussed extensively as a way of bringing understanding to what the church represents. If the evil practice of tribalism/racism is to be allowed to continue in the church, ultimately the existence and relevance of the gospel will be questioned. / Dissertation (MA(Theol))--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

The focus for this research project was to explore the development of human trafficking mercy ministries within South Coast Presbytery. South Coast Presbytery consists of 21 churches belonging to the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), a Christian denomination with member churches throughout the United States. The study was conducted following a constructivist paradigm with a PCA church belonging to South Coast Presbytery to determine the role of the church and the presbytery in addressing human trafficking through the development of mercy ministries. Interviews were conducted with 11 church members. Five major themes emerged from analysis of the interviews: 1) Effects of the existence of human trafficking on participants; 2) The role of the church/presbytery in addressing human trafficking; 3) Service provision to victims of human trafficking; 4) Partnerships with outside agencies; and 5) Ministry development in South Coast Presbytery. An action plan was developed based on the following subthemes: raising awareness, teaming up, the need for specialists, and the need for oversight. The action plan includes the following: the development of a presentation to raise awareness, plans to visit each church of South Coast Presbytery to promote a shared vision, and building a database of available church resources to link with needs identified by service providers in the community.

The purposes of this work are to examine the development and functions of the church court which came to be known as the presbytery during the late sixteenth century and during the early seventeenth century in Scotland, as well as providing a more readily accessible primary source for further studies within the area. The development of a presbyterian polity in Scotland during the sixteenth century is attested to by the surviving records of its kirk sessions, presbyteries, synods and general assemblies. This study is concerned primarily with the record of the St. Andrews presbytery; it was among the first established, and its importance as the presbytery of which Andrew Melville was a member and in which he had significant influence marks it as a church court of unusual interest and marks its records as a valuable source for the study of the development of presbyteries. The introduction surveys the historical background and the evolution of church courts along with the extant records of the earliest presbyteries. Specific attention is given to the St. Andrews record and its condition, history and characteristics. Further analysis of the responsibilities of the presbytery is included along with comparisons to other contemporary records and the relationships between the presbytery and other ecclesiastical judicatories, as well as the effects of changing political circumstances. Textual notes are supplied as is a complete index of subjects, persons, and places.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Aberdeen University, 2009. / Title from web page (viewed on Aug. 26, 2009). Includes bibliographical references.

Edward Fisher’s <i>The Marrow of Modern Divinity</i>, first published in 1645 in England, was republished in Scotland in 1718 by Church of Scotland minister James Hog, quickly becoming the focal point of what would be known as the Marrow controversy.  Rival parties developed within the Church of Scotland, the smaller of which were the supporters of <i>The Marrow</i>, or the Marrow brethren.  In the context of the controversy over the book they formulated a defence of it, with particular reference to the doctrines of the atonement, saving faith, and the gospel offer: this was the Scottish expression of Marrow theology. Leading figures among the Marrow brethren included Thomas Boston, Ebenezer Riccaltoun, and Ebenezer Erskine.  In 1733, little more than a decade later, Ebenezer Erskine and several other Church of Scotland ministers separated from the church over the issue of patronage, forming the Associate Presbytery, the beginning of a new Scottish Presbyterian and Reformed denomination.  Historians and theologians, particularly in the 20^th century, have suggested that Marrow theology was characteristic of the Secession church movement; however, no thorough examination and analysis of existing historical evidence (ecclesiastical documents and the published sermons and theological writings of Secession ministers and theologians) supporting or challenging this claim have been made. This dissertation, based on research conducted through the years 2006-2009, argues there is evidence for both a general or thematic continuity of Marrow theology as expressed in the context of the Scottish Marrow controversy, and, at points, for direct historical dependence on the published works and distinctive theology and language used by the Marrow brethren.

The first chapter deals with the concept of mission history, the choice of research method, the phases of mission work in Sekhukhuneland and the establishment of the different congregations in the Presbytery of Burger. The second chapter contains the story of the Pedi and their country, as well as that of other groups like the Swazi and the Ndebele. From Chapter 3 the pioneering mission work of evangelists and missionaries is described. The role that evangelist Phillipus Mantsene played since 1875 until his death in 1915, as well as his supporters, Rev and Mrs AP Burger, laid the foundation for the involvement of the Transvaal Vrouesendingvereniging, which was established on 15th November 1905. This led to the calling of Rev and Mrs AJ Rousseau, who pioneered the first mission station in Sekhukhuneland, called BURGER, which was officially opened in 1929 (Chapter 8). This is followed by a description of the monumental work done by missionary Jacobus Murray Louw at Maandagshoek Mission Station from 1st April 1944 to January 1962. The first black missionary for this area, Rev EM Phatudi, was ordained with him on 27th March 1943 at Mphahlele, and for a few years the two worked together in Sekhukhuneland. Phatudi’s mother, who was the daughter of the late Kgoši Sekhukhune and his father, chief Mmutle III, saw to it that he became a special person in the history of the DRC Mission. He was one of the great leaders of the NGKA, as will be seen in Chapter 10. Since partnership is the theme that dominates in this research, ample space is given to the work of evangelists in the history of the DRC’s support mission in Sekhukhuneland. They were the missionaries’ partners in establishing the Kingdom of God among the Pedi, Swazi and Ndebele of Sekhukhuneland. With the help of Rev MJ Mankoe who served in the congregation of Burger (Chapter 26), I have been able to paint several life-sketches of the early pioneering evangelists who worked diligently and under difficult circumstances, shoulder to shoulder with the missionaries (Chapter 11). The history of each of the mission stations which functioned in Sekhukhuneland is dealt with in Chapters 12 to 14. The missionaries who pioneered these stations and their co-workers made a major contribution to the growth of the mission church and the forming of the Presbytery of Burger. The history of each of these mission stations, as well as the different congregations resulting from these stations, is described. The time came for consolidating the borders and the placing of black ministers. This was the work of the Planning Commission of the Presbytery of Burger in 1965 and 1966. Chapters 16 to 22 describe the borders, different wards and names of the congregations. The strategy behind this was to ensure that the missionaries, white and black, could occupy equal posts. Once this was completed, a new phase of partnership came into being, as described in Chapters 24 to 30. During this time the phasing out of evangelists took place, as is dealt with in Chapter 31. The two legs that carried missionary work up to this stage became weaker and weaker. Firstly, evangelists left or became full ministers, and secondly the need for a white minister or white missionary fell away. It has also been necessary to describe the circumstances, experiences, views and contributions made by missionaries to prepare the step-out and take-over stages of the phasing-out period from Church-Mission partnership towards full independence and Church-Church partnership. In Chapter 33 a bird’s eye view is taken of the phases of partnership in the DRC’s mission work in Sekhukhuneland. One has to conclude that the circumstances and conditions of the members of the NGKA were harsh. They were struggling against poverty, difficult living conditions, sickness and unemployment. The endeavour for unity among churches, the great topics of church growth and the development of their church to full financial independence could not receive their full attention. In conclusion, I reflect on post-1994 developments in a wider context, based on the study of the previous phases. I also look at the DRC since 1994, asking whether the DRC is still serious about mission work and the mission call. Another chapter was added to reflect on partnership, asking whether this was the answer to problems and tensions. A historical journey since Whitby (1947) is taken and the role the Ecumenical Movements have played since then in the young churches in South Africa is summarized. The great concepts of missio Dei, kerygma, diakonia and koinonia are evaluated in the light of partnership and obedience which was the theme of Whitby, but also the theme that caused continual dialogue, especially amongst the Evangelicals and the Ecumenical Movements. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Science of Religion and Missiology / unrestricted

This research study is based on investigating the conflicts between the Church Associations (also called This research study is based on investigating the conflicts between the Church Associations (also called iimanyano) of the UPCSA. These associations are essentially a group of people who gather together to achieve certain aims and objectives in serving God within the Church.anyano) of the UPCSA. These associations are essentially a group of people who gather together to achieve certain aims and objectives in serving God within the Church. The iimanyano are normally identified by means of a specific uniform, even though the UPCSA (as with the reformed Church tradition) does not generally wear a uniform. The uniform of the iimanyano therefore does not have any specific origin. However, Chapter One of this study traces the purpose of the iimanyano in that it was formed to evangelise and reach out to black people within a cultural ethos. The research embarks on narrative, qualitative interviews and follows a participatory approach in discovering the problems that led to the iimanyano deviating from their original focus. In Chapter Two, the amalgamation of The Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa with the Reformed Presbyterian Church of South Africa in 1999 is discussed. (The emerging of these two Churches formed the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.) The process of joining the iimanyano of the two former (PCSA and RPCSA) Churches resulted in dissatisfaction and caused several grievances. These tensions of the iiimanyano are a threat to the union of the UPCSA. The study investigates through narrative research why the problems still persist. In Chapter Three, the narratives of the co-researchers in the context of the Presbytery of Tshwane are presented. These helped to identify certain experiences that the remaining iimanyano in the UPCSA denomination still encounter. It is further indicated that some underlining issues may have been rushed or underestimated by the Special Commission on Union. An interesting observation is that the tension is mostly referred to by the black members of the former two churches. Furthermore, some members are suspicious of any outside influence perpetuating the problem. In Chapter Four the struggles within the body of Christ whereby the uniform issue among the women is discussed. In Chapter Five, a narrative reflection on the research findings and recommendations to the associations of the UPCSA are given. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

Christian life today has been influenced by countless influences from the external world. Although these external factors have a significant bearing on the church of Christ, the greatest challenge however manifests itself from within the latter. Where the core doctrine of the church constitutes issues of theological and Christian importance, they seem to slowly dissipate and the practices of the secular world seem to take ownership of the church of Christ. The Reformed church has within its confines the three marks of the church whose sole purpose is to ensure that the church of God remains and continues to be the true church of Christ. These Three Marks are: (a) the proclamation of the Word; (b) the correct administration of the sacraments, and (c) the correct exercise of discipline. Among the three marks, discipline acts as a catalyst that enables the survival and proper continuance of the other two marks and thus the true church of Christ. These Three Marks prescribe the basic fundamentals of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) as a Reformed Church and thereby serve as a primary tool for this church. Discipline, therefore, forms an intrinsic part of this church. However, as a controlling mechanism, its influence and/or instillation appears to be neglected. This quagmire may very well be attested to the overemphasis of democracy (of/or relating to majority rule doctrine) in preference to theocracy (God as the ultimate authority in our lives), where even matters of high religious stature are being compacted to human decision-making processes. These influences needless to say are key in the regression and/or progression of Christian life and life in general. However, their inclusion within the Christian doctrine should not be cumbersome to the latter. The Christian way of life and doctrines should be holistically adhered to without fear or favour. The main purpose behind the formation of these marks by the Reformed church was to sustain the true church of Christ and the only way to ensure this sustainability, was to be consistent in exercising these marks. The church therefore has an obligation towards God and its members to be consistent in carrying out its mandate from God through the scriptures as the creator and father of the church and the world at large. The premonition that forms the basis of this research is that within the three prevalent marks of the church, there appears to be certain discrepancies in that they are not all carried out in unison and are not consistent with each other. With the over-emphasis of one above the other, the church of God could be heading towards vanity, and all its efforts could be fruitless. It is also my conviction that the starting point for rolling out these three marks lie with the leadership of the church by the General Synod, Regional Synods, Presbyteries, Ministers and their church councils. If found that any of these key adherents are not protagonists of these marks, then they would have neglected their God-entrusted responsibilities and their accountability towards the entire community of believers. It is in this regard that this research seeks to implement a litmus test of where the URCSA stands in terms of executing its mandate with relation to the three marks of the church viz; proclaiming the word, administering the sacraments and more importantly, exercising exercising discipline as these marks form the sinew that binds the entire church together. The church of Christ as an entity is engaged in service, which is not to be haphazard in nature, but must be structured. This service begins with serving God, serving one another and finally serving the world at large. This will ensure that the church of God maintains its holiness. For this holiness to be ensured, the church of God has to be open to discernment and allow God take charge of His church. Such uncertainties can be verified only by looking into discipline as the sinew that brings these three marks together. The reason for this approach is that, the first two marks are prescriptive with more parameters than discipline has, whereas discipline can be easily influenced. It is to the benefit of this task that much attention be given to discipline as the last mark of the three, as it is prone to abuse, because it relies mainly on human behaviour, attitude and/or approach to the Christian life. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation is to outline the possible disintegration of discipline as the sinew that binds the three marks of the Reformed Church in general and URCSA in particular within the Southern Synod. important to note that discipline in the lower strata of the church is carried out religiously without question. The notion that prompted this topic is that contrarily, those who occupy the highest echelons of the church (leadership in the church, ministers and evangelists) do not appear to be enjoying the same reception regarding discipline. The challenge that faces the URCSA is how to maintain equal treatment of the three marks of the true church in a democratic society in the light of the service of God, one another and the world. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M. Th.(Systematic Theology)

Creating moralistic societies was a concern of the churches and the governments of Scotland and the American colonies of New York and New Jersey in the eighteenth century. However, church and state relations in Scotland and the American colonies were dissimilar and the differences manifested themselves in the various approaches taken by each body to suppress the immoral behaviour that existed in both countries. By examining the disciplinary procedures and cases in the parishes of the Presbytery of St Andrews and the Presbyterian churches in the colonies of New York and New Jersey, these divergences emerge and illuminate the relationship between church and state. The Church of Scotland was recognized as the established church by the state and was allowed to implement its own Presbyterian system of government and discipline according to its ecclesiastical doctrines and theological beliefs. The state utilized its legal systems to punish and correct immoral behaviour. In Scotland, the two systems had defined boundaries and complemented one another in their efforts to suppress immorality. However, not only did the American colonies lack a centralized state until 1776, but the colonies also lacked an established church. Alternatively, each colony had its own governing bodies, judicial systems, and a variety of church denominations. The Presbyterian Church, one of the many churches in the colonies of New York and New Jersey, utilised a Presbyterian system of ecclesiastical discipline in order to supplement the judicial systems' attempts to suppress immorality within the colonies.