Browsing by Author "Mzondi, Modisa"

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A Critical Investigation into the Prophetic Praxis within the Sword Embassy Ministry of Ondangwa, Namibia: A Congregational Study
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2023) Ngube, Lasarus 1984–; Mzondi, Modisa; Mzondi, Modisa
This study is a critical investigation of the doctrine of prophecy, which is one of the central themes of the scriptures and one of the core messages of the Sword Embassy Ministry Ondangwa, Namibia. This research investigated the concept and experience of prophecy in the Sword Embassy Ministry. It discusses how Sword Embassy Ministry members experience and interpret the concept of prophecy in response to their existential problems. It is noted that while church members in general embraced prophecy, there has always been a varied understanding on what prophecy is and ways in which it should be practiced. The study revealed that prophecy has been a subject which has been practiced throughout the Bible from the Old Testament, New Testament, Early Church, and indeed through to the twentieth century. The researcher discussed the concept of prophetic praxis which is one of the core beliefs of the church. The study further examines the biblical and theological concept of prophecy, and it reveals that biblical prophecy is a comprehensive and holistic concept that defines God`s delivering involvement in human affairs. It demonstrates that the delivering and revelation acts of God have been redefined to every generation in every nation in response to questions asked by contemporary people. Hence the researcher developed a practical five-steps strategy for the implementation of prophetic ministry at a congregational level. The strategy entails (a) prayer and fasting, (b) Bible centered prophetic ministry, (c) sensitive prophecy, (d) interactive prophetic ministry and (e) feedback and accountability. The last chapter gives a reflective summary of the thesis, recommendations, and conclusion.
A Pastoral Theology of Widowhood for the Word of Life Baptist Church in Mutale, Limpopo, South Africa
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Nenzhelele, Livhuwani Gladys 1967-; Mzondi, Modisa; Mzondi, Modisa
Widows in the Bible were frequently placed alongside similar people in need such as the stranger and the fatherless (e.g., Exodus 22:21–22; Deuteronomy 24:17–21). As we all know, we live in a fallen world where death destroys earthly friendships and relationships. The ministry of the present-day church is limiting its impact because it does not see widows as God sees them. This is why this study is important. This study is an examination of widows in the local church which reveals a growing percentage of widows in many churches today. It signifies a significant ministry need for widows in the church. Some widows sitting in churches, are not only suffering the grief and loneliness from their loss. Some have also lost their only income and sometimes feel neglected or a burden to others. It is a biblical mandate and it is imperative that the church, pastors, and counsellors take heed to the biblical command of ministering to the comfortlessness and insecurity many widows are facing in their churches. The objective of this study is to establish a biblical paradigm that would enable the researcher to propose pastoral theological strategies to assist the Word of Life Baptist Church (WOLBC) in Mutale, Limpopo, South Africa to care for its widows during and after the burial practices. The outcome of a small-scale research and the discussion on the following Scriptures helped the researcher to design contextualised strategies for caring for the widows of the WOLBC. The following Scriptures formed the core of the study: Exodus 22:22–23; Deuteronomy 10:18, 14:29, 27:19; Psalm 68:5, 146:9; Luke 2:36–37; and 1 Timothy 5:1–14. The findings from this study should encourage and promote a strong ministry for the widows in local churches. The work and motivation to establish ministries for widows, is at the discretion of the pastors of the churches. The pastoral theological strategies to care for the widows of the WOLBC were informed by Masenya’s concept of Bosadi (Womanhood) and Oduyoye’s understanding of African Womanhood. The strategies covered the Biblical basis for designing such strategies, establishing a WOLBC benevolence team to focus on the task of caring for these widows and suggesting ways to implement the strategies in the ten branches of the WOLBC.
A Theological Evaluation of the Ethics of Modern Contraception: Implications for the Pentecostal Church of Rwanda (ADEPR) in Kigali City
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Uwimana, Ange Victor 1982; Mzondi, Modisa; Mzondi, Modisa
The use of artificial contraceptives has been controversial among Christians. This study sought to understand and then to offer a bible-based, theological, and ethical model suitable for members of the Pentecostal Church of Rwanda (ADEPR) in Kigali City about the use of artificial contraceptives. The study began with an exegetical analysis of Psalm 127:3-5 which is among the most used biblical passages by the pro-natalists. The contextual analysis of Psalm 127 proved that the major theme is about trusting in God and not about supporting the pro-natalist view on the family. In addition, God is the ultimate giver of children who are the best blessings among the physical blessings that God gives to people. The study then proceeded with investigating the contextualization of the topic through the church history. Different views of theologians were critically analysed and compared. The study showed that the use of contraceptive methods has been largely rejected in the Church. Later, the Church’s position was challenged by the Enlightenment philosophy, scientific findings, feminist movements and Malthusian League in Europe. Protestant Churches have gradually embraced the supportive view on the use of modern contraceptives. Furthermore, the study found that female African theologians and feminists support the use of artificial contraceptives. The study investigated the validity of different views regarding artificial contraceptives. The author found that many anti-contraceptive arguments are unfounded. It explored the biblical view about children and parental responsibilities. The study found that contraception is not explicitly discussed in the Bible. The author deduced that the legitimate use of contraceptives does not contradict the Bible. The study also suggested some practical guidelines regarding the use of artificial contraceptives as an effective way to promote the welfare of Christian families and society in general.
Christening a nation: A critical theological investigation of declaring Zambia a Christian nation
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2023) Mumba, Gabriel; Mzondi, Modisa
Christening a nation: A critical theological investigation of declaring Zambia a Christian nation is a study contributing to the ongoing discussion concerning the theological implications surrounding the declaration of Zambia a Christian Nation, and how the Church in Zambia should respond to the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation? The study is shaped after Osmer’s (2008, 199—217) four tasks of practical theology namely: (i) the descriptive task (what is going on?), whose main objective was to have an all-inclusive consultation to understand the factors that influenced the declaration of Zambia a Christian nation, (ii) the interpretive task (why is it going on?), which helped to historically understand what related literature teaches about christening a nation, (iii) the normative task (what ought to be going on?), which discussed what the Bible and theologians teach, vis–à–vis christening a nation, and (iv) the pragmatic task (how might we respond?), which discussed some critical theological implications of declaring Zambia a Christian nation, and further offered a pragmatic response of the Church in Zambia. In this regard, the study used a qualitative explorative–descriptive approach. Christening Zambia and the subsequent declaration of Zambia a Christian nation aroused discussions among stakeholders like the religious mother bodies, government and other interested parties to understand its objective. Therefore, the declaration of Zambia a Christian nation presents some good prospects to the Church in Zambia of fulfilling the great commission of Jesus Christ, while at the same time it is a challenge when its biblical and theological basis is not properly considered.
Conspectus Special Edition 2018
(South African Theological Seminary, 2018-12-01) Smith, Kevin G.; Manyika, Batanayi I.; Keener, Craig S.; Nel, Marius; Mzondi, Modisa; Banda, Collium; Kipimo, Jesse Fungwa; Falconer, Robert D.; Asumang, Annang; Pretorius, Mark; Atterbury, Vincent E.; Brodie, Robert; Domeris, William R.; Erdey, Zoltan L.; Jabini, Frank; Kunhiyop, Samuel W.; Lessing, Pelham; Lioy, Dan T.; Mahlangu, Elijah; Malherbe, Johannes S.; Maré, Leonard; Peppler, Christopher; Pretorius, Mark; Smith, Kevin G.; Song, Arthur; Woodbridge, Noel B.; Du Toit, Philip; Erdey, Zoltan L.
Continuity or Discontinuity of Blessing Rituals in African Traditional Religion: Towards a Contextual Theology of Christian Faith Among the Meta’ People in North West Cameroon
(South African Theological Seminary, 2018) Fokwa, John Nji; Mzondi, Modisa
The mbàn (the Metaʼ family meeting house) is an institution unique to the Meta’ and Moghamo-speaking populations of the North West Region of Cameroon. Many rites of blessing are performed in this house. For instance, the blessing of a girl to be handed over in marriage, the blessing of a barren woman/wife in the family, the blessing of a sick or unfortunate child, the blessing of disputing parties after they have been reconciled, and the blessing of an entire family after the annual family gathering. The Meta’ speaking community called the mbàn: “the most important house in the compound,” “the original church” before the advent of Christianity, “the house of peace, love, unity, harmony, and reconciliation.” Unfortunately, Pentecostals among the Meta’ community have labeled the mbàn an evil place and a place where Meta’ people worship gods or idols. They vehemently state that the mbàn and the elements used for blessings should be thrown away or discarded. Data about the mbàn was gathered through interviews and questionnaires from different people among the Meta’ clan. In this study, therefore, I have attempted through interviews and questionnaires administered to participants consisting of thirty (30) Christians made up of ten (10) clergy and twenty (20) church members, ten (10) family heads, five (5) chiefs and two (2) regents, five (5) teachers, and five (5) university lecturers. This data was then used to propose a strategy for a contextualized use of the mbàn, its blessing rites, and tangible elements for local churches among Metaʼ Christians and others.
Continuity Or Discontinuity Of Blessing Rituals In African Traditional Religion: Towards A Contextual Theology Of Christian Faith Among The Meta’people In North West Cameroon
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg South Africa) Nji, Fokwa John; Mzondi, Modisa
The mbàn(theMetaʼfamily meeting house) is an institution that is unique to the Meta’and Moghamospeaking populations of the North West Region of Cameroon. Many rites ofblessing are performed in this house. For instance,the blessing of a girl to be handed over in marriage, the blessing of a barren woman/wifein the family, the blessing of a sick or an unfortunate child, the blessing of disputing parties after they have been reconciled, and the blessing of an entire family after the annual family gathering. The Meta’speaking community called the mbàn: “the most important house in the compound,” “the original church” before the advent of Christianity, “the house of peace, love, unity, harmony and reconciliation". Unfortunately, Pentecostals among the Meta’community have labelled the mbànan evil place and a place where Meta’people worship gods or idols. They vehemently state that thembànand the elements used for blessings should be thrown away or discarded. Data about the mbànwas gathered,through interviews and questionnaires, from differentpeople among the Meta’clan. In this study, therefore, I have attempted through interviews and questionnaires administered to participants consisting of thirty (30) Christians made up of (10) clergy and twenty (20) church members), ten (10) family heads, five (5) chiefs and two (2) regents, five (5) teachers, five (5) university lecturers. This data was then used to propose a strategy for a contextualized use of the mbàn, its blessing rites and tangible elements, for local churches among MetaʼChristians and others.
Equipping Christian Teenagers of Bhisho Community Church to Be Effective Witnesses and Disciples of Jesus Christ in the Bhisho Community in the Amathole District, Eastern Cape, South Africa
(South African Theological Seminary, 2018) Mayedwa, Mlungisi Gladstone; Mzondi, Modisa
This study focused on the involvement of Christian teenagers at Bhisho Community Church in the Amathole District, Eastern Cape, South Africa, in witnessing to their peers. The research problem focused on how the aforementioned church could enable its teenagers to be effective witnesses and disciples of Jesus Christ in the Bhisho community in the Amathole District, Eastern Cape, South Africa. In delineating and limiting the study, only Christian teenagers at Bhisho Community Church in the Amathole District, Eastern Cape, South Africa, were targeted. This enabled the researcher to interview only those teenagers who confirmed that they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Further, a literature review was conducted to explore research already done on teenage witnessing and discipleship. Since the focus of the research was on a real-life problem within the church, it was key that an empirical study be applied to solve this real-life problem. Consequently, questions were drawn up, and in-depth interviews conducted. The researcher drew a sample of eight teenagers (four males and four females) from a target population of seventy-two teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 years in the church. Data collected entailed the perceptions of the Christian teenagers of Bhisho Community Church regarding church teen activities, help by the church, witnessing, knowing Jesus, and the next step that one must take after having been introduced to Jesus. This has been an endeavor to identify areas in which the teenagers could be assisted. The research revealed that the church has done well in providing the teenagers with the help to tell their friends about Jesus Christ. Conversely, the church has displayed some weaknesses in that it did not supplement its teachings with practical witnessing opportunities. The recommendations state that the church should allow the Christian teenagers to craft a vision of their own that will focus on witnessing to Bhisho community’s youth. Further, focused teachings on witnessing and discipleship, and monthly outreaches should be part of the teenagers’ program in the church.
Establishing a model of ecclesiastical discipline in the Church of Pentecost, Ghana
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2023) Kumi-Woode, Benjamin Godson 1964–; Mzondi, Modisa
The Church of Pentecost–Ghana (CoP–Ghana) is a Ghanaian classical Pentecostal Church with a transnational reach. In this study, ecclesiastical discipline as practiced in the CoP–Ghana was researched using Robert Osmer’s method with the view to develop a model of ecclesiastical discipline for the church. Robert Osmer’s method of research outlines a four-step process which involves the descriptive-empirical task, the interpretative task, the normative task and the pragmatic task (Osmer 2008, 31–218). Thirty respondents each from ministers, presbyters and members were interviewed using semi- structured questions. Views of ministers, presbyters, and members interviewed about ecclesiastical discipline in the CoP–Ghana were that ecclesiastical discipline was relevant to the CoP–Ghana due to the necessity to show the church, Christ's bride, as holy and that discipline is an expression of God's love. Additionally, the purpose of ecclesiastical discipline is to uphold the church's reputation and help it carry out the divine mission of preparing individuals for God's kingdom. The major concerns raised by the participants regarding the application of ecclesiastical discipline in the CoP–Ghana include the absence of clear guidelines for ecclesiastical discipline, lack of counselling resources for both pre- and post-discipline phases, aggressive approach of the process, lack of confidence in the reliability of the investigative process, and lethargy in carrying out discipline due to criticism of the practice in contemporary times. For this reason, membership should be classified into new members, members, presbyters, ministers, and higher calling for purposes of ecclesiastical discipline, and disciplinary measures rated from leniency to severe sanctions in that order. Education on ecclesiastical discipline should be integrated into the church’s discipleship program to include new converts classes, pulpit ministry, Bible studies, lay leaders’ school, ministerial formation course and a manual on ecclesiastical discipline, as one the church’s key discipleship documents. Further, an objective means which considers maturity, nature of the offense, status of the offender, attitude of the offender, mode of disclosure of offense and type of offense should be prayerfully adopted in determining sanctions to be meted out to offenders, in such a way that the nature of the offense and the dynamics of the offender are considered in sanctioning. Finally, the church must deliberately ensure that sanctioned members are assigned mature believers or counsellors to assist in their reconciliation and restoration to fellowship. Recommendations made were that a systematic means and pastoral care to ensure reconciliation and restoration of offenders should be developed and adopted which involve clemency, godly counselling and ministry of love, and further research to be done to ascertain the extent to which previous offenders have been properly healed, reconciled, and restored after undergoing ecclesiastical discipline.
iThe Pastor and the Church’s (Financial) Support System: the Case of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Nkhoma Synod, Malawi.
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg South Africa) Baziwelo, Chrispin Joseph; Mzondi, Modisa; Mzondi, Modisa
This study aims at enhancing the pastor’s financial support systems in the ‘mission’ and indigenous congregations of the CCAP Nkhoma Synod, in Central Region of Malawi. This analysis reveals that there are both rural and urban mission and indigenous congregations who financially support their pastors in the CCAP Nkhoma Synod. However, the reality is that the support is minimal especially in some rural indigenous and ‘mission ‘congregations. Secondly, the analysis also reveals that the most common reason for the minimal pastor’s financial support is that pastors are perceived to be well-to-do in the community compared to the congregants, especially in rural congregations. This means that the root cause which prevents congregants from supporting their pastors to the maximum is lack of resources (poverty). Therefore, the main purpose of this thesis is to empower congregants to be self-reliant, and training those who have resources to support their pastors. Finally, the research proposes a New Testament-based approach to encourage members and leaders of the CCAP Nkhoma Synod ‘mission’ congregations to support their pastors financially. The approach provides two main practical strategies for pastors’ financial support for the entire CCAP Nkhoma Synod in Malawi, which is developing a biblical pastor’s financial support through a booklet called Bible Based Pastor’s Financial Support Booklet (BBPFSB),and a strategy to address existing church policies related to pastor’s financial support. To achieve the foregoing, Chapter two provides a literature review on the pastor’s financial support, focusing mainly on the local church pastor, related responsibilities, and the bases of a pastor’s financial support. In Chapter three, the study investigates the perceptions of some members and leaders regarding the main reasons why certain pastors’ support systems are less successful and less welcomed by some rural and urban indigenous and ‘mission’ congregations in the CCAP Nkhoma Synod. This is done by means of an empirical survey, which includes both quantitative and qualitative research: the collection of first-hand information through a questionnaire and audio-interview questions that require structured and semi-structured responses. The purpose was to present recommendations and conclusions once the empirical research has been completed. V Chapter four presents New Testament practices to encourage members and leaders to assume the responsibility for caring for their pastors, with reference to Matthew 10:9–14; 1 Corinthians 9:1–14; Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:15–16 and 1 Timothy 5:17. In particular, it deals with the introduction of the book, background and context of the passage and its implications fora pastor’s support. And finally, in Chapter five, we propose a New Testament-based approach to encourage members and leaders of the CCAP Nkhoma Synod ‘mission’ congregations to support their pastors financially. This approach was based on the findings from chapters two, three and four. The approach provides strategies which are concluded with a discussion on how to implement the biblical pastor’s financial support through a booklet called Bible Based Pastors Financial Support Booklet (BBPFSB) and suggest practical ways to change the identified policies
Ministry to Reduce Stress in Single Parents: Towards a Holistic Strategy for the Assemblies of God Church in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, South Africa
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Mphego, Julius 1963-; Mzondi, Modisa; Mzondi, Modisa
Single parents in the Assemblies of God Church Emalahleni, Mpumalanga South Africa experience emotional stress both in the church and at home, because there is no ministry to single parents and their children in the church. The church does not have programs to address the emotional needs of single parents and their children. As a result, single parents experience emotional stress. The objective of this study is to explore factors which affect single parents within the Assemblies of God Church in Emalahleni, and identify causes that prevent the church from ministering to the single parents. Accordingly, the study investigated the feelings of single parents in the church and further investigated pastors and the local church leadership’s understanding of ministry to single parents. To do this, the study interviewed sixty-two (62) respondents of whom thirty-five (35) were single parents, nine (9) were pastors and eighteen were elders, deacons and committee members respectively from nine assemblies of the Assemblies of God Emalahleni. The study utilized structured and unstructured open-ended questionnaires in in-depth interviews, which were scheduled for single parents, pastors and leadership members to provide in-depth information. Observation method was also used to elicit information concerning emotional stress in single parents. The study analysed data by using contents analysis which allowed the categories to emerge from the data. Data analysis began with the verbatim transcription of the transcript in isiZulu which was later translated into English. This was followed by the identification and definition of emerging themes and the development of a code list. The initial application of these themes on the transcripts was done manually to identify themes and subthemes. New themes that emerged during this process were defined and added to the code list. Transcripts were recorded if a new theme emerged or if a theme was redefined, and the final code list was then adapted. The study found that single parenting is difficult and there is no ministry catering for single parents in the Assemblies of God Church in Emalahleni, as a result, single parents experience emotional stress, and they do not communicate among themselves. Though there is no ministry to single parents in the Assemblies of God Emalahleni, single parents still survive. There is a need to teach about single parenting in the church. The study also found that single parents are uncomfortable about approaching the church leadership when they have challenges, because there is no structure responsible for single parents in the church, while on the other hand, there is discrimination and stigmatization of single parents in the church. Pastors need to use biblical principles to minister to single parents. The study further found that single parents are perceived to be a threat to married women in the church. Accordingly, the church should identify single parents in the church; the leadership should visit single parent homes and use some of the tithes offerings in the church to help single parents. The study concludes that there is no ministry to support single parents who are prone to emotional stress in the Assemblies of God Emalahleni. Therefore, the study recommends that the pastors and the local church leadership start teaching all congregants about single parenting and hold single parent services in their local churches. The study further recommends that a single parent seminar and single parent workshops should be organized at the district level to raise awareness about single parenting in the church. The findings of the study enabled the researcher to design a model called the Biblical Single Parent Ministry (BSPM) for the Assemblies of God Emalahleni.
Ordination of Women in the Pentecostal Assemblies of God–Zambia (PAOGZ), Eastern Province, Lundazi District
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2023) Kangwa, Kenny 1974–; Mzondi, Modisa; Mzondi, Modisa
This study discusses the ordination of women in the Pentecostal Assemblies of God – Zambia, Eastern province, Lundazi District, Zambia with regards to the local church’s cultural environment. The literature review was conducted on the teaching of the Pentecostal churches in which scholars’ systems and theories that shaped their theology regarding female ordination were unearthed. Nineteen local participants were interviewed in three separate focus groups of seven Lundazi Pentecostal pastors, six Lundazi senior males, and six Lundazi senior females, respectively. Each group aired their experiences, views, and feelings on the Lundazi cultural context regarding the role of women in society. Five lecturers from Eastern School of Mission and Theology were interviewed to share their views on the ordination of females in the Pentecostal Assemblies of God-Zambia in the Eastern Province of Zambia. A biblical analysis was conducted to determine what the Bible teaches regarding female ordination. Focus was placed on passages that teach some form of ordination, namely Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5 in relation to gender prophetic gifts (Acts 2:17). These and related passages were compared with 1 Timothy 2:12, which tends to teach on the exclusion of females from ruling local assemblies. Comparison and contrast of the literature, interviews and biblical analysis revealed that PAOGZ, Eastern Province, Lundazi District, Zambia operated in a patriarchal environment. Evidence showed that women who attempted to pastor local assemblies in the area faced rejection from local people. Recommendations were made in forms of theological implications and practical recommendations to help the local church improve its practices of female ordination by making them relevant to the culture of its people.
Placing the poor within the current [prophetic] ministry of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God of Zambia (PAOG (Z)) pastors
(South African Theological Seminary Johanessburg) Mumba, Gabriel; Mzondi, Modisa; Mzondi, Modisa
ABSTRACT The Pentecostal church in Zambia is steadily losing its understanding of the “prophetic ministry” as hundreds of prophets have surfaced and misplaced the “prophetic ministry” leaving the Pentecostal church in a limbo,as there is no correlation to the Early Church “prophetic ministry”. The Pentecostal Assemblies of God Zambia (PAOG (Z)) pastors have been affected by the emergence of Christian prophets who have no role model to look to for guidance to effectively address the plight of the poor under the New Covenant. Pastors are enticed bythe lure of wealth, power and prestige;they forsake their biblical understanding of “prophetic ministry” under the New Covenantand set out on a self-pleasure-seeking, materialistic expedition. In the end, they practice an unbalanced “prophetic ministry”(with no spiritual and social action) which is not informed by the practice of the Early Church.Still the question of how the pastors in the PAOG (Z) should place the poor within their “Prophetic ministry” under the New Covenant needs attention? For this reason,this thesis demonstrates that the “prophetic ministry” of the Early Church towards the poor as understood in Acts 11:19-30; II Corinthians 8:1-9:15; Romans 15:23-28 and Galatians 2:10 can stir pastors within the PAOG (Z) to consider a balanced “prophetic ministry” under the New Covenant essential to the ministry within the socio-economic and religious contexts of Zambia
A Strategy to Achieve a Christocentric Deliverance Praxis in the Churches of Matatiele and Maluti, Eastern Cape, South Africa
(South African Theological Seminary) Harrison, Gordon; Mzondi, Modisa
This small-scale empirical study, conducted in the forty-eight churches of Matatiele and Maluti, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, outlines normative Christocentric deliverance and highlights relevant ecclesial best praxis. It also reveals areas of disturbing abuse and identifies other non-optimal deliverance practices which need to be reviewed. Given that these churches arguably comprise a microcosm of the general South African Church scene, in terms of diversity and retrospectivity, it issues a clarion call for prayerful introspection on a broader scale, and in certain cases a conceptual paradigm shift. In the quest to mediate the Gospel message of deliverance to the African community, presenting Jesus as liberator of the poor and marginalised, rather than ancestor and traditional healer is paramount. Elimination of religious syncretism and abuse associated with deliverance will only be effected when church leaders follow the Christocentric biblical mandate, rather than relying on man-instituted denominational ritual and validation from historical Church precedent. The use of a self-regulatory diagnostic tool will assist in creating a more God-glorifying deliverance praxis, and negate the need for Church or State intervention.
Towards a Biblical strategy to counteract cultic practices among Neo-Pentecostal/charismatic churches: A case of the Restoration Embassy church in White-Hazy, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
(South African Theological Seminary, 2024-04-01) Hungwe, Ropafadzo; Mzondi, Modisa
In South Africa, cultic practises amongst some false prophets have trended all over social media platforms, national television stations and radios for making members eat rodents, eat grass, drink petrol and ordering church members to strip naked during healing services. This has caused Christianity which has had from the beginning of the activities of Missionaries, good repute, and having positive impact on social cultural lives of Communities, to be under disrepute. Christian values have been compromised. This thesis' main question described how members of the Restoration Embassy church in White-Hazy, Mpumalanga Province of South Africa could counteract emerging cultic practices in their local context using scriptures. The first subsidiary question covered what the current situation in the White-Hazy area was regarding cultic practises and movements, whilst the second highlighted the causes of the cultic practises and movements that emerged amongst them. The third subsidiary question focused on what the New Testament teaches about false teachers and their doctrines whilst the fourth proposed biblical strategies that could be employed to counter cultic practises among Neo-Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches. Data was gathered through interviews and questionnaires, from pastors and church members. Therefore, in this study, interviews and questionnaires were administered to participants who consisted of fifteen (15) pastors and also hundred church members, who were ten (10) members from each local church all adding up to hundred (100) members. This target population was randomly selected from the churches that are in the White-Hazy district. The area was purposefully chosen as a sample taking it from the fact that the researcher knew what was to be represented as characteristics and also to gain detailed knowledge from participants who met the research requirements. The response from the interviews showed that many prophetic churches with cultic tendencies are on the increase. Also, socio-economic conditions, materialism, greed and competition contribute to the increase of these churches in the area. This thesis also discussed what is taught in these churches and the reasons behind these teachings. From the findings, it was noted that some churches are still teaching true Bible doctrines. Lastly, there were proposed strategic approaches which can be employed to counteract cultic practises by Restoration Embassy Church. Community Bible study roadshow method was also suggested as a strategy for giving life teachings and biblical truths on false teachings and false prophets.