A total change of culture is happening in the world and the church should take cognizance of it because people's religious experience is not detached from their cultural context. In the light of the changing contemporary culture and new challenges for the ministry, the research question was posed: why is a wellness ministry by AFM pastors in an urban context necessary and what should it entail in the guiding of people towards wellness?
The objective of the study is therefore to research a wellness ministry by AFM pastors in an urban context with the aim of proposing a model for such a ministry where people may be guided towards wellness. The study was done by using the practical-theological model of Zerfass as point of departure which comprises the following:
- a meta theory where material from other disciplines are studied;
- a basis theory where Scriptural perspectives on the topic had been researched;
- empirical research by way of interviews with pastors; and
- a practice theory where guidelines are proposed for a wellness ministry by AFM pastors in an urban context.
In the meta theoretical part of the study it became clear that the circumstances with which people are confronted in the contemporary culture, a change of focus necessitates from a lifestyle of only combating disease to one of promoting wellness. Research has shown that quite a number of wellness models already exist which are being applied in practice. The basis theoretical part of the investigation showed that Scripture provides numerous guidelines with regard to a wellness ministry for the whole person in connection with the body, soul and spirit. The results which surfaced from the empirical study, confirmed the meta- and basis theoretical research. Consequently the practice theory has been formulated from the hermeneutical interaction of the different components of the research in the format of a proposed model.
With reference to the research question, central theorical argument and the research reflected in chapters 2 through 5, the final conclusion states that a wellness ministry by AFM pastors in an urban context is necessary and should play an important part in the guiding of people towards wellness. A model where the strategy for such a ministry has been explained, is finally proposed. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/3674 |
| Date | January 2009 |
| Creators | Lovell, Louise |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Language | Afrikaans |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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