MTh Theses

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14194/2591

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Towards a Strategy for improving the Practice of Missions in the Divine Grace Church of God in the Chawama Compound, Lusaka, Zambia
(South African Theological Seminary, 2016) Shamuteya, Laban Kabunda; Light, Vernon
This thesis is based on the realisation that the Divine Grace Church of God (DGCG) seems to be lacking in its operative theology in relation to missions in its ministry context. The main objective of the thesis is to formulate a theologically-informed strategic plan to ensure that the praxis of DGCG with regard to missions is faithful to God and optimally relevant to its ministry context. The secondary objectives are: (1) to interpret the operative theology of DGCG with respect to missions; (2) to determine what faithful praxis in relation to missions would look like for DGCG in its ministry context, and (3) to develop a communicative and strategic plan to strengthen the praxis of DGCG in relation to missions. The research design and methodology employed in this study are based on Browning’s strategic practical theology (1991:55-74). It is a holistic approach that has four steps and each step covers a chapter in this thesis, except that steps 2 and 3 are included in one chapter. Both qualitative empirical and literary methods are employed to gather the needed data. The thesis begins with an analysis and interpretation of empirical data to determine the operative missions theology of DGCG (chapter 2). It moves on to consider a theological analysis with a view to forming theological perspectives and imperatives to guide the practice of missions in DGCG (chapter 3). This leads to the formation of appropriate programmes to embody these theological imperatives. The final chapter (4) considers ways of communicating and implementing these strategic programmes. The following are the findings of the thesis. First, though DGCG is found to have good programmes that seem to cover almost all areas of church life and witness, its operative theology in relation to missions is found to be lacking in holistic kingdom mission. The result is failure to adequately impact society by life, word and deed. Second, chapter 3 deals with this inadequacy by providing theological imperatives to inform beliefs and practices of missions which are more faithful to Scripture. Third, ways by which DGCG would effectively communicate and implement the resulting new praxis of missions are finally outlined.
Die Dringlichkeit der strategischen Konsolidierung junger Christen/Gemeinden bei Paulus exemplarisch im 1. Thessalonicherbrief (2,17-3,10), mit möglichen Implikationen für die Gemeindegründungs-, bzw. Gemeinderevitalisierungsbewegung: Eine exegetisch systematische Untersuchung.
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2022) Luz, Edgar 1972; Vogt, Titus; Vogt, Titus
In dieser Arbeit wird die Frage untersucht, welche Priorität der Apostel Paulus der Nacharbeit mit seinen jungen Konvertiten einräumt. Es wird erforscht, welche Dringlichkeit und Strategie hinter den uns offenbarten apostolischen Maßnahmen und Aktivitäten in seinen neuen Gemeinden stehen. Als Modell wählen wir die Gemeinde in Thessaloniki. Darin wird zuerst allgemein die Frage nach der Existenz einer Strategie bei Pls. aus verschiedenen Perspektiven erörtert. Anschließend werden die gängigen Ansätze in der aktuelleren biblisch-theologischen Fachliteratur auf die letztlichen Ambitionen des Apostels für die jungen Konvertiten in Thessaloniki analysiert und die Resultate in einer kurzen Synthese vergleichend aufgearbeitet. Hierbei sehen wir, dass die Ansätze weniger Alternativen als Komplementierung zueinander darstellen. Eine längere Einführung in den 1 Thess.-brief versucht, neben den allgemeinen Einleitungfragen, vor allem die Länge des Erstaufenthaltes und die genaue Abfolge der Nacharbeitsinitiativen festzulegen. Dieser folgt eine intensive Auseinandersetzung mit dem curricularen Inhalt der katechetischen Erstunterweisung, die Pls. der Gemeinde bei seinem ersten Aufenthalt in Thessaloniki gab. Dieser wird nachfolgend richtungsweisend in einen kurzen ersten Fazit zusammengefasst, wobei hier ein Schwerpunkt auf die „parakaleo“ Wortfamilie im 1 Thess.-brief gelegt und unter den drei Aspekten des integrierten Dienstes, inhaltlichen Dichte und intensivierten Dynamik kategorisiert wird. Hierauf folgt eine kurze textkritische Untersuchung unseres Modelltextes aus 1 Thess 2,17-3,10 mit dem Ziel, sich zu familiarisieren mit dem weiteren Kontext, inneren Aufbau, Sprache und Stil. Einer detaillierten dreiteiligen Einzelexegese folgt ein längeres Fazit mit der Analyse der in der Forschungsfrage wichtigen Aspekte auf dem Hintergrund der Details des Textes und seiner Auslegung. Diese wird tabellarisch aufgearbeitet und mit einem kurzen Schlussplädoyer abgerundet. Abschließend wird versucht, die erarbeiteten Prinzipien in einigen kurzen Thesen für die Missions- und Gemeindearbeit des 21. Jahrhunderts fruchtbar zu machen.
A Socio-Rhetorical Analysis of Paul’s Speech in Acts 17:16–34: Implications for a Missions Strategy Beyond the Ewes in the Global Evangelical Church in Ghana.
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2022) Sackitey, Francis Lawer 1967; Van Deventer, Cornelia; Van Deventer, Cornelia
The command Jesus gave the Church to make disciples of all nations in Matthew 28:16–20 calls for a missions strategy that takes into consideration the socio-cultural, religious, and linguistic backgrounds of those the Church reaches out to. The writer of the Acts of the Apostles narrates how in carrying out the mandate of the Great Commission, the Holy Spirit through the apostles, adopted various mission strategies to fulfil that mandate. The Apostle Paul’s speech in Acts 17:16–34 is one of the classic examples of how the early missionaries adopted the socio-cultural, religious, and linguistic background of their audiences to carry the gospel message across. This thesis adopts a socio-rhetorical analysis methodology to analyse Paul’s speech in Acts 17:16–34 with the aim of distilling implications of the speech for missions strategy which will take care of the socio-cultural, religious, and linguistic settings of the people the Church evangelises. Many scholars, having researched the Areopagus speech, have proposed that the gospel message must be contextualised into the cultural context of those evangelised. One major gap in those studies however is how the Church must articulate the gospel in a multicultural and linguistic context to distil theological and missiological truth(s) for the African (and, in this case, Ghanaian) context, where language planning and the accommodation of tribal distinctions are frequently undermined in the Church’s missions strategy. The research considered the context of the book of Acts, examined the socio-rhetorical context of Paul’s speech in Acts 17:16–34, undertook a socio-rhetorical analysis of the speech, and explored its significance for missions strategy. The practical significance of the socio-rhetorical interpretation of Paul’s speech in Acts 17:16–34 is the acquisition of handles for the Global Evangelical Church in Ghana and abroad to expand its missions plan beyond service to the Ewe people. The research revealed that though the early Church struggled to integrate Jews and Gentiles as worldviews, language practices, history, and other factors were anything but monolithic, the apostle Paul adopted a missions strategy that demonstrates a worthwhile attempt to bridge tribal and language barriers in his mission work.
Bible Translation as Mission: Towards an Assessment of the Use of Translated Scriptures and their Missional Impact in Bakossi, South West Cameroon
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Ngole, David Some 1970; Kipimo, Jesse F.; Kipimo, Jesse F.
This thesis entitled, Bible Translation as Mission: Towards an Assessment of the Use of Translated Scriptures and their Missional Impact in Bakossi, South West Cameroon, researches the impact of the mother tongue scriptures as an evangelistic tool for missions amongst the Bakossi people in the South West Region of Cameroon. This study attempts to ascertain the impact the Bakossi Bible Translation Project (BBTP) of the Cameroon Association for Bible Translation and Literacy (CABTAL) has had on the socio-cultural and spiritual lives of the Bakossi people. It tries to emphasize the importance of the local language and how it shapes people’s world views, as well as how it is a tool for Bakossi churches in carrying out the mission of God. This thesis traces the historical aspects that led to the translation of the Word of God into the Akoose language. The missionaries identified the local language as an adequate medium for gospel communication. The emergence of the churches and the Bakossi Bible Translation Project is a realisation of the dream to bring the Word of God to the Bakossi people in their heart language. Since the time missionaries brought Christianity in 1896 and promoted the use of the local language for gospel communication to the recent translation of scriptures in the Akoose language, great strides had been made towards this goal. The Bakossi Bible Translation Project has been operational in Bakossi since 1996, leading to the translation of the book of Ruth, 1 Samuel chapter 1 and 2, the New Testament (Melle Mekoole), Parables, the Jesus Film, an audio form of the New Testament and posters for scripture exhibition. Moreover, a literacy program is put in place to teach people how to read and write the mother tongue and a program to promote the use of the translated scriptures called “Scripture Engagement.” 7The author consulted other literary or academic works in order to decipher what others have written towards the importance of mother tongue scriptures for missions. An empirical study was done by distributing questionnaires to the clergy, lay preachers, Christians, and scripture engagement personel. This study analysed the contextual engagement of the mother-tongue Scriptures with its socio-cultural and spiritual impact within the Bakossi churches. To buttress this, the author looked at the theological relevance and significance of Bible translation as a tool for effective missions. He developed theological models for the promotion of the Akoose scriptures in the Bakossi churches and studied its implications for evangelism, discipleship, and church growth. The results showed that despite the presence of the local scriptures, there is an absence of proper strategies and a need for more work promoting their use for evangelism and discipleship. Thus, the author sought to devise strategies for the effective use and promotion of the mother tongue scriptures to fulfil the missional goal of effective evangelism and discipleship. Finally, the author offered recommendations and action plans to be implemented by church leaders, lay preachers, literacy teachers, scripture engagement promoters, and Christians to promote the translated scriptures in the effective transformation of lives and church growth.
The Strategic Role of Expatriate Married Female Missionaries in Muslim-Majority Communities
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Vermont, Betsy 1959; Smith, Kevin G.; Smith, Kevin G.
The main objective of this thesis is to establish what the strategic role should be of expatriate married female missionaries (EMFMs) in Muslim-majority communities (MMCs). Literature surveys, supplemented by the researcher’s experience as an EMFM in MMCs in both Southeast Africa and Southeast Asia, as well as two small-scale surveys, give insights from history, culture, theology, and field experience to inform a vision of the strategic role that EMFMs should play in MMCs. The results of the historical overview showed that women always played a role throughout church history. In addition, developments and trends in mission praxis since the 1980s, especially the orality and disciple making movements as well as research on fruitful practices, showed that EMFMs have a strategic role in MMCs. The cultural overview highlighted the importance of intentionally focussing on reaching Muslim women. The view of women in Islam and related cultural customs shows that the constant factor in most Muslim communities is the difference in gender roles between men and women. This difference has a profound effect on the role of EMFMs in MMCs. Even though EMFMs have many challenges to overcome, many opportunities exist for EMFMs to play a strategic role in MMCs. Practical-theological reflection showed that the missiological themes of incarnational ministry, critical contextualisation as well as the multiplication in discipleship are key factors for ministry effectiveness. In addition, these themes can guide EMFMs to define their roles in MMCs. In addition, the traditional roles of female missionaries from being evangelists and disciple makers are shifting to that of mentors and trainers, especially in disciple making movements. Lastly, results of the empirical component on the experiences of EMFMs in MMCs in Southeast Asia correlated well with existing literature on fruitful practices in Muslim ministry. The results also confirmed that EMFMs have a strategic role to play in such communities. From a strategic perspective this study highlights the need to envision, train and mentor EMFMs to play key roles in MMCs. In addition, mission organisations need to prioritise reaching the women of Islam and inspire EMFMs to take an active role in ministry in MMCs.
Perspectiva Histórica Y Horizonte Futuro De La Misiología Protestante En América Latinapor
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Scharenberg, Martin 1963; Roldán, Alberto F.; Roldán, Alberto F.
En esta tesis, el objeto de estudio es el desarrollo histórico de la misiología en América Latina, a partir del gran evento disparador que fue la Conferencia Misionera Mundial de Edimburgo de 1910, en la que América Latina estuvo virtualmente ausente. Es a partir de ese evento trascendental que comienza a visibilizarse la necesidad de que América Latina sea respetada como campo de misión, y especialmente, como gestor de una nueva forma de hacer teología. Su desarrollo no fue fácil, ya que cada paso hacia adelante significó una contienda de intereses sectoriales marcados por concepciones contrastantes ya sea de carácter teológico, misiológico, cultural y muy especialmente políticas. La realización misma del encuentro en Edimburgo estuvo marcada por estos debates. Estos conflictos han continuado a través de los años, y siguen presentes hoy en día en América Latina. Este trabajo parte definiendo los términos y conceptos que definen el mundo protestante en América Latina: el movimiento evangélico, el movimiento evangelical, y el movimiento ecuménico. Lo que parecería una tarea fácil, resulta ser extremadamente compleja por sus propias historias en su búsqueda de una identidad común. Este trabajo pretende también ayudar al lector a identificarse con alguno de estos sectores, para así tener una más acabada visión de los temas siendo debatidos actualmente. La presentación de los antecedentes históricos de los movimientos misioneros protestantes tiene como objetivo presentar la génesis del surgimiento de una teología regional distintiva. Edimburgo y los primeros congresos regionales de Panamá, Montevideo y La Habana marcan esos primeros pasos. Establecidos estos primeros pasos, el trabajo analiza con detalle a los dos movimientos identificados con una teología distintivamente latinoamericana: el movimiento evangelical y el movimiento ecuménico. El desarrollo del movimiento evangelical es analizado en profundidad, desde sus inicios en la organización del primer Congreso Latinoamericano de Evangelización de 1969, evento que a consecuencia de los conocidos debates teológicos que se dieron en su seno, dio origen a la creación de la que es conocida hoy como la Fraternidad Teológica Latinoamericana. Este trabajo se centra en los trabajos de la fraternidad, especialmente los de Samuel Escobar y de C. René Padilla, quienes con sus trabajos marcaron el punto de inflexión para el desarrollo de una teología distintivamente latinoamericana. La Fraternidad Teológica Latinoamericana marcó así el paso de una nueva forma de hacer misión, con la introducción de conceptos centrales como la responsabilidad social de la iglesia, la misión integral u holística, y la teología contextual. La fraternidad también definió el marco básico y compartido dentro del cual se debía dar esta nueva teología, definiendo así nuevos paradigmas eclesiológicos y misiológicos. El trabajo también considera la influencia del movimiento ecuménico, que también vio marcado su desarrollo regional por la influencia de la Fraternidad Teológica Latinoamericana. Se analizan sus congresos regionales, como así el surgimiento de ISAL como proyecto alternativo. Si bien este camino de cooperación fue ríspido y conflictivo por las posiciones políticas y culturales en pugna, con el tiempo estos dos movimientos aprendieron a colaborar positivamente en la prosecución de una verdadera identidad protestante latinoamericana. Hoy hablamos de una misma teologíalatino americana, muy variopinta, pero que es capaz de presentar al mundo una propuesta teológica innovadora, pero profundamente arraigada en la Palabra de Dios. La tesis plantea la centralidad del Reino de Dios como centro y motor de una teología comprometida con el aquí y ahora, en una región que está sumida en la pobreza, la violencia y la falta de justicia. La misión, en la teología latinoamericana, no es una teología de los claustros, sino quees una teología que las teólogas y teólogos viven ysufren en carne propia. Es una teología encarnada. En resumen, el desarrollo de este trabajo es la de presentar los grandes debates que el protestantismo latinoamericano ha tenido a través de los últimos sesenta años, y cuya finalidad no ha sido otra que la restauración de la integridad del hombre en su relación con Dios, su semejantey el mundo en que vive.
Towards a Ministry Strategy for the Copperbelt District Pentecostal Assemblies of God, Zambia for Urban Church Mobilization for Raising Rural Missional Churches
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Kalombo, Mulenga 1975; Light, Vernon E.; Light, Vernon E.
The passion to embark on this research was birthed from the realization that the Pentecostal Assemblies of God, Zambia, Copperbelt District (PAOG-Z, CD) appears to have a deficient operative theology regarding missions’ mobilization for founding and establishing rural missional churches. The primary objective of this study is, therefore, to formulate a theologically informed strategic plan to ensure that the praxis of the PAOG-Z, CD with respect to missions’ mobilization and mission are faithful to God and optimally relevant to its ministry context. This primary objective is achieved by dividing it into three secondary objectives, which are (1) to interpret the operative theology of the PAOG-Z, CD with respect to urban church resources mobilization for effectively raising rural missional churches; (2) to determine what a faithful praxis ought to look like for the PAOG-Z, CD in its context with respect to urban church resources mobilization for actually producing rural missional churches; and (3) to develop a communicative and strategic plan to strengthen the praxis of the PAOG-Z, CD in relation to urban church resources mobilization for effective raising of rural missional churches. The study commences with an analysis of the PAOG-Z constitution and other literary sources, followed by a small-scale empirical research project to determine whether the current operative theology of the PAOG-Z, CD with regard to rural missions and mission’s mobilization is faithful according to PAOG-Z’s position on missions and whether the praxis is successful (chapter 2). The study proceeds to chapter 3 where various theological perspectives on missions’ mobilization are established to formulate through integrative theology a normative theology of resources mobilization for rural missions contextualized for PAOG-Z, CD. The norms of the operative theology are then defended. This is followed by formulating a communicative and strategic plan for acceptance and implementation of the operative theology (chapter 4).
La Misiónde Jesús a la Luzde Juan 13 al 17: Implicacion Eseclesiológicas y Pastorales en e Lcontexto Español
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Polidura, Oscar Perez 1978-; Roldán, Alberto F.; Roldán, Alberto F.
None Supplied.
Towards a Missiological Evaluation of the Three-Selves Mission Theory as the Missional praxis of the Church of Pentecost in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Denteh, Vincent Anane 1970; Kipimo, Jesse F.; Kipimo, Jesse F.
The indigenous church mission principle has been the flagship missional praxis of The Church of Pentecost (CoP) since its inception, and that has culminated in the tremendous growth of the Church’s mission work across the globe. This thesis project examines the implementation of the indigenous church mission theory as a missional praxis of CoP in the Eastern Cape of South Africa and its general impact on the development of the Church in the nation. The research analyses the factors of growth, missional strategies, and praxis of the CoP. The historical trajectory of the development of the Church and its influence in shaping the Church’s missional praxis have been discussed. This thesis project raises serious concerns about the slow growth of the CoP among the indigenous South African believers as well as the rampant resignations of the indigenous leaders in the Church. During the study, structured interviews were conducted with some ministers, former missionaries, and officers of the Church in South Africa and Ghana. The findings led to the conclusion that there is the need for an improvement in the way the indigenous church mission principle is practiced by the CoP in South Africa. The research recommended, inter alia, that the Church must consider its missional praxis within the contextual realities of South Africa. Attention to urban mission, focus on effective and intentional discipleship in the local church, partnership between the mission-planted church and the mother church, and using indigenous leaders as strategic partners in the development of the Church are all parts of the recommendations of this thesis project. The study has also revealed that an effective way of implementing the indigenous church mission principle is fundamental to the self-reliance policy of the CoP. The research then concluded by recommending other areas of research for a significant transformation of the CoP’s missional praxis.
Diversidad y estilos de iglesiasen el Nuevo Testamento y sus desafíos para el tiempo presente; con especial referencia a la Unión Misionera Neotestamentaria
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) López, Esteban Samuel 1976-; Roldán, Alberto F.
El principio fundamental de la presente obra busca determinar el propósito de la iglesia para el tiempo presente, partiendo de la base de la declaración de Jesucristo: “edificaré mi iglesia; y las puertas del Hades no prevalecerán contra ella” (Mt. 16.18b), y entendiendo que la iglesia es un organismo y no una organización, con funciones prácticas, que naturalmente son limitadas o potenciadas según el contexto. Para el propósito de análisis, según diversidad y estilos, las referencias tomadas son las iglesias del Nuevo Testamento con mayor nivel de significación del término “iglesia”, presentes en el corpus paulino: Galacia, Filipos y Corinto; cuyas comunidades de fe han sido formadas y desarrolladas en contextos diferentes, tanto culturales, políticos, económicos y religiosos, bajo un mismo imperio dominante: el Imperio Romano. Considerando que el contexto mencionado ha influido o ha sido influenciado por la iglesia, se hace un breve recorrido histórico de las iglesias, para finalmente desembarcar en el contexto latinoamericano, con especial alusión a la Unión Misionera Neotestamentaria, escudriñando el tiempo actual y proponiendo cambios o ajustes con una mirada más global, buscando entender mejor las dimensiones del propósito eterno y de la gracia de Dios, y así llegar a apreciar las altas metas que Dios tiene para la iglesia.

MTh Theses

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