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

Abstract

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.