MTh Theses

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

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Subject: search.filters.subject.Pentecostalism

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    An Examination of the Holistic Ministry Approach of Classical Pentecostal Congregations in Amasaman, Accra, Ghana
    (Johannesburg South African Theological Seminary) Beddim, Jonas Bekpene
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    Christian African emerging adults’ epistemological understanding of the authority of the Bible with particular reference to contextual evangelism within a Lutheran, Catholic and Charismatic church in Mamelodi, Tshwane, Gauteng
    (South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Korner, Talitha Mathilda 1959; Semmelink, Willem; Joynt, Shaun
    The focus of this thesis is on Christian African emerging adults’ epistemic understanding of the authority of the Bible with particular regard to contextual evangelism within a Lutheran, Catholic and Charismatic church in Mamelodi, Tshwane, Gauteng. The primary objective of this thesis was to demonstrate that among the emerging adults of Mamelodi, Gauteng, South Africa, there appears to be a perceived lack of comprehension of the Bible’s authority which currently hinders the proclamation of the gospel in a significant and contextual manner. The goal was to develop practical strategies arising from the findings to help the broader church addressing the challenges facing emerging adults. Through semi-structured interviews, the researcher explored Christian African emerging adults’ epistemic understanding of the Bible, focusing on contextual evangelism. Fifteen participants (eight males and seven females) from three different denominations (Catholic, Charismatic, and Lutheran) participated in the study. The researcher conducts a case study to investigate her perception of a lack of understanding of the Bible’s authority. The researcher utilises Browning’s fundamental practical theology research methodology. The findings based on the interviews reveal a disturbing neglect in reading and understanding the Bible and applying biblical principles in participants’ lives. Although emerging adults still believe that the Bible is reliable and authoritative, and crucial to read, they lack a thorough epistemological understanding of it. This thesis concludes with a summary of a clearer understanding of the Bible's authority amongst emerging adults. After summarising findings, further research and recommendations are offered to assist the church's impact concerning emerging adults reading and studying the Bible, proclaiming the gospel of Christ effectively.
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    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).
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    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.
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