Doctoral Degrees (Practical Theology and Missiology)

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A biblical framework for sustainable development in the Reformed church in Zambia : the story of George Compound in Lusaka
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Ngoma, Alfred; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
The whole purpose of this research was to determine an appropriate approach to development in Zambia by the Reformed Church in Zambia (RCZ) under the theme: ‘A Biblical Framework for Sustainable Development in the Reformed Church in Zambia – The story of George Compound in Lusaka.’ George Compound located on the West of Matero Township, poverty manifests itself in many ways such as lack of good food, poor shelter, high illiteracy levels, lack of good road network, poor health, high crime rate, high levels of unemployment especially the youth who now spend most time drinking beer, high levels of prostitution, and poor sanitation. Holistic ministry has for some time now remained a great challenge for the church, the trend that was never the case with the early church as it took the issue of development seriously and effectively met needs of the poor and vulnerable people of that time. However, with time the church has either consciously or unconsciously allowed to be dictated by the Greek dualism theory (separating the spiritual from physical) in how to go about with ministry. This separation has taken such a long time that it has now become accepted by the church and secular world that the role of the church for humanity was only to concentrate on matters concerning spirituality, while leaving the social part to secular organisations. This is an affront to God who created humanity in His own image and likeness (Gen. 1: 26 – 29; 2: 7) and mandated to rule on His behalf; added to that it is in itself a distortion of Scriptures. Otherwise from the Biblical perspective humanity constitutes both the soul and body, thereby providing no justification for separating needs of the soul from those of the body because human life is a unit. The Scriptures have also revealed that at the time of creation, a living relationship was established between God and humanity, which includes the entire creation. The relationship between God and humanity is known as the vertical relationship (this involves worshipping God); while the relationship between humanity and the rest of the creation is known as the horizontal relationship (this involves caring for God’s creation). It is on record in the Scriptures that the good creation that was created by the good God was spoilt with the fall of humanity. It is the fall of humanity that has led to the unfortunate separation of responsibilities between the church and the secular world. It is in this context that the research wrestled with the question of how the RCZ could apply a Biblical framework for sustainable development in the country, but with particular attention to the story of George Compound in Lusaka. The researcher has argued that meaningful development will only take place when the church takes its strategic position in development and does it from the Biblical perspective that addresses humanity holistically. Development done from the Biblical perspective acknowledges God as the creator, sustainer and destiny of the whole creation and at the same time places humanity at the centre of it as the main objective. The hypothesis is based on the fact that poverty will be alleviated once the RCZ in the first place comes to terms with the reality of poverty and its impact on human life in the country, and then using its mandate to get involved in national development to transform people’s wellbeing. It is interesting that when missionaries from the Dutch Reformed Church Mission (DRCM) of the Orange Free State in South Africa started mission work in the Eastern Province of Northern Rhodesia then, they adopted a comprehensive approach to ministry and that enabled them to address both the spiritual and social needs of people. The DRCM missionaries passed on this understanding of development to the RCZ, but then one wonders why the RCZ after autonomy (self-governing) in 1966, gradually and without realising began to change its focus of doing ministry by concentrating so much on building people’s spiritual lives and neglecting their social needs. This research is challenging the RCZ to revisit its mandate for ministry which should lead to adopting the Biblical understanding for development. This kind of development is holistic in nature and results in transforming people’s living standards that are currently in deplorable condition. The research further suggests that for development to take place the RCZ needs to work towards transforming the world view of its members about poverty and development. This approach will invaluably help people gain better understanding on the actual causes and effects of poverty and what must be done to alleviate it, before reaching out in the communities.
Community development in the Baviaans municipality area : a challenge to a practical theology ecclesiology
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Jacobus, Denzil Edward; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Talking about community development is not an easy task because it is a broad term employed by academics, civic leaders, governments, concerned citizens, faith-based organisations and simply people with an interest in the well-being of others. Each of these groups may have their own interpretation of what they perceive community development to be. Currently many new voices speak out in favour of the upliftment of the marginalised, the periphery segment of the population. In government circles, we see an array of community development initiatives (of which integrated development planning is but one), aimed at empowering individuals to effect change in their own communities. The underlying principle is that within any community there is a wealth of knowledge and experience which, if used creatively, can be channelled into collective action to achieve the desired goals to benefit the community. Unfortunately, the majority of people who belong to the poorer segment of the population are still unable to access the full potential of these initiatives. Poverty and its many faces are still rampant, and the people feeling it most acutely are those living in “small towns”. The first part of this study attempts to address community development in one such small town; the Baviaans Municipal Area. It seeks to “give voice” to the people, in order for them to take charge of their own development as Chapter 4 attempts to show. The study also allows “small town” communities to break through the academic rhetoric of poverty to voice their own understanding of this social ill (Chapter 3). In this chapter ordinary people “unlearn to not speak”. The second segment of this dissertation builds on the empirical findings of the first segment by exploring how community development challenges the church to be church. It acknowledges the fact that the church has a long history as a pioneer in social involvement; and that the church, unlike any other “civil institution”, enjoys credibility and trust from the majority of people on the globe. This assumption strengthens the hypothesis that the church can be a reliable, worthy and valued catalyst for community development within the social development paradigm. This dissertation consciously avoids the naivety of ignoring the challenges that accompany this premise. Whilst Chapter 5 acknowledges the ceaseless involvement of the church in the development domain, Chapter 6 unpacks the theological impact of these challenges on the practical daily life and essence of the church. It seeks to demonstrate theologically what it means to be church in our day and age. Against the background of the preceding chapters, and mindful of the fact that no study can claim absolutism, Chapter 7 concludes this study by making some practical suggestions and recommendations that could be helpful for local government, the church and those with an interest in community development.
A creative tension between spirituality and physical needs : a theological Eccesiological evaluation of a food security programme for the council of churches in Zambia
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-12) Zulu, William; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Agriculture is the main stay for Zambia‟s economic growth and for enhancing household food security. But small holder farmers living in rural areas of Zambia are not able to command food resources because of their low per capita productivity to grow and store food to provide for their families throughout the year. The two three months prior to harvest (January, February and March) are the period of sufficient national deprivation for many rural households in Zambia. This scenario has created a serious food insecurity problem among most households living in rural Zambia as they cannot afford descent meals a day. Maposa community is one of the communities that is food insecure due to a range of factors which include poor agriculture practice, lack of farm inputs and civic awareness on matters that affect their livelihood. The Reformed church in Zambia (RCZ) has been implementing a food security project in Maposa community on the Copperbelt of Zambia from 2007 to 2010 whose main objective of this project is to empower household farmers with agriculture skills so that they can be able to produce food on a more sustainable way to feed their families. This study therefore, offers an ecclesiological evaluation of the Maposa Food Security Project implemented. Ecclesiological evaluation in this case implies using the Biblical theological perspective to assess the tools RCZ used in this food security. In addition, it is important to note that Reformed Church in Zambia (RCZ) belongs to an ecumenical body called the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ). The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) is an organ that unites all Christian Churches in Zambia and advocates on behalf of member churches all matters related to church registration and also provides guidelines to member churches how to implement community development programmes in line with the governments development plans on national building such as (5th National Development plan and vision 2030). Furthermore, Reformed church in Zambia (RCZ) and other CCZ member churches feed into the annual report of the Council of Churches in Zambia which meets once every year. Though this evaluation is focussed on the Maposa food security project implemented by Reformed Church in Zambia (RCZ), the Council of Churches in Zambia cannot be isolated since it is the mother body of all Christian Churches in operating in Zambia. The results of this research will be shared with both Reformed Church in Zambia (RCZ) and the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ). The researcher believes that the outcome of this research will help in improving the performance of both the Reformed Church in Zambia (RCZ) and the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) as they participate in transformational development. This study therefore, investigated the following four areas of transformational development in the food security project: Participation: to assess whether the farmer beneficiaries in the project have been involved in the planning of the food security project, have identified their own priorities for the project or have used their own resources to exercise control over their own economic, social and cultural development. Capacity building: to assess how the food security project implemented by RCZ has strengthened the capacity of the local people. This includes the transfer of skills through training for purposes of equipping people to engage in their own development. Local resource mobilization: to assess the community‟s participation in the mobilization of their own resources in the project implementation. Sustainability: to assess the long term viability of this food security project beyond the support of the RCZ. This study is answering the research question, „How can the church and its context participate in a practical way in transforming communities where there is poverty and food deficit?‟ This research argues that if the church can effectively participate in transformational development through the promotion of sustainable agriculture and food production, the majority of the people living in the rural areas of Zambia can be economically empowered and become food secure all year round. Poverty in this rural area is as a result of inability of households to meet basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing.
Development and culture : a theological engagement with the endogenous development of the Nsenga in Zambia
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Mwanza, Clement; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The topic of the research is, Development and Culture: A theological engagement with the Endogenous development of the Nsenga in Zambia. Development takes place in many forms. There is a need for a kind of development that meets the needs and people's aspirations in life. The question of this research is: what could the role of theology and the church be towards an endogenous development process that is culturally orientated to the Nsenga ethnic group of Zambia? The study is based on the working hypothesis that endogenous development provides the platform where the grassroots organisations and people become subjects of their own human development and transformation in life and society. The aim of the study is to investigate, examine and evaluate the place of culture in development, and to propose an endogenous base which is contextual. It also shows how a cultural driven development process stemming from the grassroots can be a better tool for human developments that are sustainable over time. An endogenous approach to development is proposed, an approach based on local strategies, values and innovations that encourages people in a given set-up to use their own resources, knowledge and initiative to develop new and better ways of doing things. A framework was developed for understanding the principles and practices of endogenous development among the Nsenga of Zambia. This study considers culture as an important aspect of development and as a means to understanding and achieving forms of development from which people can draw meaning and fulfillment in life. Models of development that cannot integrate culture are likely not only to fail but also to cause damage to people‟s well-being. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the study, both theoretical and methodological triangulations were employed. The methods of literature review, critical reflection, logical arguments and analysis were applied. Chapter 1 introduces the study, gives the motivation for studying culture and development and briefly describes the chosen research approach and methods. The focus then moves to the specific research topic, research problem, aim and purpose of the research, hypothesis and the contribution of the research to the Zambian community in the area of development and culture in the field of Theology and Development. Chapter 2 explores an understanding of development and culture through a review and survey of definitions and develops a concept of endogenous development which presupposes a kind of development which is born out of the local people‟s own initiative. The chapter argues that all models of development must be culturally oriented and should reflect perspectives of responses to problems faced by human societies in their contexts. Chapter 3 surveys the relationships between culture and development. The chapter claims that in the past theories of development disregarded cultural aspect in development. It is suggested that the culture and the people concerned in any developmental process must play a central role. Chapter 4 discusses the relationship between theology and development under five sub-themes namely (1) theology and development, (2) church and development, (3) the role of the church in development, (4) the church as a channel of development and, (5) people and development. Chapter 5 focuses on the ethnography and case study of the Nsenga in the three selected villages in Petauke district in the eastern province of Zambia. This chapter analyses the social economic status of people in Nsenga area and the practical implementation of endogenous development projects. Chapter 6 critically analyses the Nsenga‟s practical engagement with endogenous development as described in the theoretical and theological framework. Chapter 7 provides the conclusion and recommendations regarding the practice of endogenous development within the context of the Nsenga of Zambia.
Development-oriented leadership in post-military Nigeria : a sustainable transformational approach
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-12) Agbiji, Obaji Mbeh; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Although Nigerian church leaders have made important contributions to Nigerian society through education, the health services and other forms of social service, they have, nevertheless, had a minimal impact on the political and economic sectors which are the major sources of policy formation, infrastructure development, job creation, industrialisation, poverty reduction and the control of environmental hazards. Accordingly, this study, within the ambit of theology and community development, seeks to understand how, through development-oriented church leadership, the church in Nigeria may contribute more meaningfully to the sociopolitical and economic transformation of the postmilitary (democratic) Nigerian society, partcularly in the light of the poverty, underdevelopment, corruption and poor leadership prevalent in the country. In addition, the study seeks to ascertain what the main components of that social transformation agenda should be. In endeavouring to understand the causes of the poverty, underdevelopment, corruption and poor leadership in Nigeria and the means through which these factors have been perpetuated, the researcher studied relevant literature on the development, sociopolitical and economic body of knowledge as its relates to Nigeria and beyond. In addition, leadership trends within the global and Nigerian contexts from precolonial to present times were explored in order to understand both the contributing factors to the inadequate leadership within Nigeria and how existing trends may be reversed. In order to evaluate the contributions of church leaders to Nigerian society, the social and theological discourses of church leaders within the Nigerian context were studied. An empirical study of the leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Lagos Presbyterian church (1999–2010) has enabled the researcher to offer proposals regarding a more meaningful engagement on the part of church leaders while the discoveries emanating from the literature study were also tested. Based on the reflections on the empirical study, perspectives and recommendations have been presented in the hope of assisting church leaders to engage more meaningfully as catalysts of change in the social transformation of Nigerian society. The theoretical frameworks guiding this study include Robert Osmer‟s practical theological methodology, missional theology as premised on the missio Dei and the pragmatic ecumenical development debate. The study has shown that the persistence of poverty, underdevelopment, corruption and poor leadership in Nigeria are the result of the failure of successive sociopolitical, economic and religious leaders to forge the correct mindset among Nigerians as regards developing human, natural, economic, infrastructural, technological and theological resources within Nigerian society from colonial times to the present day. In an effort to meet these challenges, it is essential that Nigerian development paradigms should seek to incorporate the following elements: the conscientised, responsible self, value for the community and the stewardship of resources while the sustainable transformational approach to social transformation could guide the church‟s social ministry. In line with such an approach, the harnessing of the resources of the church, Nigerian society and the global community through the medium of church leaders should be underpinned by collaboration, innovation, stewardship and values. The aim of such an approach is to encourage individuals, both leaders and followers, as well as institutions and systems, to promote the wellbeing of all humankind and to uphold the created order and institutions/systems. This study found that it is within the power of church leaders in Nigeria to contribute more meaningfully towards ameliorating the condition of Nigerians than they have succeeded in doing thus far.
The diaconal role of the roman catholic church within the diocese of Lindi Southern Tanzania : an assessment of its transformational development
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-03) Kamwendo, John Francis; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research study addresses the assessment of the role of the Roman Catholic Church in addressing poverty within the Diocese of Lindi in Southern Tanzania. The study is interested in assessing whether the Roman Catholic Church in the Diocese of Lindi is fulfilling its mandated role of diakonia – the ministry of service, philanthropy (initiatives for communal good focusing on excellence of human life), and Christian love to ones neighbor and its role, commitment and application within the Diocese. In addition, this research will focus on the assessment of the fulfillment of the diocese‟s diaconal role of empowering the rural poor to “develop their capacity and skills so that they become competent decision makers with their confidence to act on their choices” (Roy and Hartigan 2008:67). In this study, efforts are made to study poverty from the reality experienced by the poor in the Diocese of Lindi. The component themes in this research study are: - The research design of this study and the literature review; relative to Diakonia; Catholic Social Teaching of the Roman Catholic Church; and Bryant Myers‟ framework for Transformational Development. - The experience of poverty, diakonia, Catholic social teaching and transformational development by the respondents, with specific reference to the selected parishes in the Diocese of Lindi. - A reflection of the reality of poverty from what emerged in literature with empirical qualitative research that is conducted among the poor. - This research study suggests a model of Diakonia, which is contextual, relevant and liberating. Focusing on the Scriptures, the social teachings of the Church, the literature and listening to the poor during interview process, this research proposes that the Diocese of Lindi implement a model consistence with Diakonia that takes the following seriously: 1. The role of the church is mandated to carry out as it ministers to the poor in deed and word, guided by Christian love, to enable the poor to lead a better life (Pieterse 2001:111). Also, an African worldview1, which focuses on communal and systemic approaches to life and its problems. 2. The Roman Catholic Church deals with social, economic and political issues (Zalot and Guevin 2008:46). Socio-economic and political dimensions of life, with the recognition that poverty is structural and if the problems of the poor are to be dealt with effectively, the socio-economic and political structures are also to be addressed and transformed. 3. The reflection of concern for seeking positive change in the whole of human life, socially and spiritually (Myers 1999:3, 14). The poor, as living human documents, should not only be read and interpreted, but also taken seriously and regarded as central to the process of community development. The poor are to play the central role in the transformation of society. They are to be involved in the “functional priesthood of all believers” (Stevenson-Moessner 2005:21). The local churches of the Diocese must take seriously the socio-economic and political structures that perpetuate poverty and other injustices in society. The proposed model of Diakonia described herein is offered as a contribution in the direction of community development.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) and poverty, with specific reference to semi-urban communities in Northern Namibia : a practical theological evaluation
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Niitenge, Gideon; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study is an evaluative study of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN). It is presupposed in this study that, although the ELCIN, since it became autonomous in 1954, has a long history of doing mission and diaconal work according to her Constitution, it has been recorded that, the Church is more and more lacking in the capacity to meet the challenges and needs of the Namibian post-independent society and subsequently cannot effect social transformation, yet it undoubtedly has the potential. This study focuses on the communities of the Ondangwa and Oshakati informal Settlements situated in the Oshana Region of northern Namibia, in the former homeland of “Owamboland.” The study is an overview of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) with regard to her public witness before Namibia’s independence that is during 1971 to 1989 and seeks a better understanding of her functionality fundamental to the Missio Dei. Throughout its history, the Church has been called to have a deep concern for the poor and oppressed. The post-Namibian socio-economic problems present a huge challenge to the church, thus raising questions such as: How well has the Church been responding to the challenges of our times? How helpful has it been to those who turn to it to seek social justice? How helpful has it been to those who seek economic and political justice? How helpful has it been to those seeking gender equality and to the marginalised? How helpful has it been to those infected, affected and afflicted by HIV/AIDS? In short, how helpful and relevant is the Church in addressing persons, laws, structures and institutions that degrade and oppress God’s people? These questions arise from concern regarding the emerging culture of corruption and crimes in the nation as well as questions concerning the prophetic task of the Church regarding socio-political and economic issues. It is argued in this study that the socio-economic challenges faced by the informal settlement inhabitants pose a challenge to the Church regarding poverty. A holistic approach to Church‘s mission in context should embrace radical discipleship, coupled with socio-political and economic involvement, integrating both economic, social, ecological, and spiritual change, and leading to healing and transformation. This means that the mission of God is as comprehensive, broad and deep as the needs and exigencies of human existence that is why spiritual and physical ministry cannot be done separately. A holistic mission approach will enable the Christian faith to penetrate and have its roots deep in the Namibian soil. The most adequate formulation subsumes the total mission of the church under the biblical concept of marturea (witnessing), kerugma (proclamation), koinonia (fellowship) didache (teaching) and diakonia (service). The context should indicate where the emphasis ought to be, and the circumstances dictate the way in which this witness has to be communicated. It is of cardinal (paramount) importance for the Church to continuously minister to the marginalised because of its concern and divine calling to the Missio Dei. The empowerment of people in development at the grassroots level is crucial to overcoming oppression and exploitation. The Church, particularly the Evangelical Lutheran in Church in Namibia (ELCIN), has a responsibility to foster and encourage self-reliance in order that, people can exercise their rights to determine their own future, rights which include sovereignty over natural resources, land, production and distribution. It is argued in this study, based on an analysis of the Church as a Community called by God that the essence of community development and the people-centred participatory development process, is that the Church as a Community-based organization is essentially best served in effecting social change by orientating itself according to the people-centred participatory development approach. The conclusion is drawn, among the key challenges identified, that there is a need for the church to evidence holistic theology and sustainable action with regard to social responsibility. Action remains, for the most part, in a dominant charity mode. Partnership, in its various forms, is identified as necessary and as the more sustainable strategy in a context of inequality. Recommendations for action are proposed at the end of this study in order to guide the ELCIN in areas such as Ondangwa and Oshakati, to become a meaningful role player in these communities.
Gender stereotyping in church and community : a Nigerian feminine perspective
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009-03) Onwunta, Ijeoma Esther; August, Karel Th.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
In the Nigerian church and society negative gender stereotyping is pronounced in every aspect of human activities. The basic premise of this study therefore is that the Nigerian church and society need to deal with these negative gender stereotypes which breed gender insensitivity and injustice. Those cultural, political and economic structures, those proverbs and myths that have hitherto hindered women from attaining their full potential have to give way to a new mind-set and a change in attitude in both men and women in order to bring the much needed transformation and gender partnership in Nigeria. The study in surveying the landscape highlights some important issues that women have to struggle with. Among other things, the low female literacy rate is one of the greatest hindrances women have today. This is due to the institutionalised structures and culturally created lenses that make some people still perceive men as more superior than women and therefore regard the education of women as a waste of resources. Although men are always perceived to be the better and more superior specie, this study does not advocate for gender bending. What is important is people being who God has made them to be and working with others as partners for a better human society. Women’s involvement in development is based on the theological premise that true development must have a holistic approach which more than building infrastructures, deals with the development of humans. A holistic approach to development implies a transformational development that is different from the status quo which is overshadowed by men’s voices and experiences. Women’s voices, experiences and potentials have to play a major role in this approach. The need to listen to women was further stressed by Powers (2003: viii) when he said: Unless we listen, any action we may take in this area, no matter how well intentioned, is likely to bypass the real concerns of women and to confirm female condescension and reinforce male dominance. Listening, in a spirit of partnership and equality, is the most practical response we can make and is the foundation for our mutual partnership to reform unjust structures.
In search of root causes of poverty testing a theological perspective in development dialogues
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Wyngaard, Jeremy Gregory; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Although there has been a significant improvement in terms of the quality of life for many South Africans since 1994, the reality for a significant portion of the population is still that of abject poverty. The South African government has made giant strides in terms of protecting the most vulnerable members of South African society through the Department of Social Development, the Department of Human Settlements, etc. The Church too, as a serious change-agent in civil society, continues to partner the government, the corporate world, and other institutions in helping to improve the quality of life for those who struggle with a daily poverty experience. In spite of the best efforts of many role-players, and the upward mobility of many people in the country, it would appear as though poverty is still a defining status for millions of South Africans. Accordingly, this study seeks to investigate the critical need for understanding the importance of the root causes of poverty as opposed to simply considering the consequences of poverty. This study therefore aims to understand how the actions of individuals (poor and non-poor) and also economic, social and political systems contribute to either poverty, or poverty eradication. The methodological framework of the study is guided by the practical theological methodology of Robert Osmer and the correlational-hermeneutic approach proposed by Jurgen Hendriks. Chapter 1 introduces the research, conceptualization and methodological orientation. Chapter 2, by means of the hermeneutical question, what is going on?, investigates and describes the socio-economic conditions in the world, Africa, South Africa, and the community of Factreton-Kensington in Cape Town, within a “quadrant” framework of economics, politics, religion and the natural environment. Chapter 3 builds on Chapter 2 and again asks the question: what is going on in the world of development? Chapter 3 also asks the question: why is it going on? Given the dialogical nature between theology and contemporary development discourse of this study, Chapter 4 asks the questions, what do the Bible and theological commentators say about poverty? and what ought to be going on? Chapter 5, building on the human rights approach of Chapter 3 and the ethic of love for one’s neighbour of Chapter 4, seeks to dialogically unlock the results that flow from Chapters 3 and 4. In Chapter 5, the questions are asked, Why is it going on? What ought to be going on? and How might we respond? Chapter 6 concludes with the researcher’s perspectives, shared themes in the theological-contemporary development discourse, and recommendations and conclusions based on the study. The central question here is around: How might we respond to poverty in South Africa? Findings indicate that a theological-contemporary development approach based on human rights and the ethic of “concrete” love for one’s neighbour, has much to offer concerning the eradication of poverty in not only South Africa, but in all poverty contexts around the world.
Interculturalisation as transforming praxis : the case of the church of Central Africa Presbyterian Blantyre synod urban ministry
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Abale-Phiri, Hastings Matemba; August, Karel Th.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: From within the epistemological framework of missional praxis in Participatory Development Theology, the researcher addresses ethnocentrism, poverty and regionalism in the historical contexts of the CCAP Blantyre Synod and Malawi. Over-against this condition, he advocates for a change in mindset to a hermeneutic of hospitality, respect and caring based on the construct of Interculturalisation in Development Theology. In accordance with his contextual and identity analyses’ and in line with participatory development challenges, he succeeds in designing a model for an intercultural missional approach which he argues would assist the CCAP Blantyre Synod to affect its calling and being as liberating, reconciling and transforming public entity. The thesis also includes thorough background information about Malawi such as of the early history, the geography and aspects of the economy. The role of the missionaries and the colonial administration is highlighted and there is a description of all the churches active in Malawi. ‘Interculturalisation’ has the potential to provide a forum where people of different ethnic, regional, denominational, cultural, national, religious and ideological backgrounds can meet and engage in a respectful intercultural dialogue because of its emphasis on hospitality and interdependence based on the Biblical anthropological principles and Kingdom values of acknowledging the other and the dignity of all human beings. Through intercultural-dialogue they can come to an understanding about the meaning of development as transformation, globally as well as locally. Interculturalisation therefore serves to facilitate and strengthen ecumenical formation and to nurture ecumenical consciousness. This mission model will enable people to concentrate on things that unite them rather than on those that divide them. Our submission here is that it is only with a united voice that other development partners can take the Church seriously. At present, however, the CCAP Blantyre Synod struggles with these issues because of the ongoing divisions among churches (particularly within the CCAP family) and churches not doing mission in unity. The result is that ecumenical work and addressing issues like poverty is difficult because there is no cooperation between denominations. The human dignity of all parties suffers and the gospel is neutralized. Ecumenism does not necessarily focus on individual development. The Church is both social and sacred; it is influenced by what happens outside as well as inside (cf. Heitink 1999: 9). We now live in a globalized world. The CCAP’s social task therefore is to be a missional transformation church – a church for all peoples regardless of class, race, ethnicity or culture. When she does that she will not need to have another social ethic because, by her life and witness, it will be clear that she is already that (Hauerwas 1983:104). White and black missionaries who established Blantyre Mission worked together– when working together, there was real progress, when not working together, there was no tangible progress. So let us also learn to live and work together as brothers and sisters created in the image of God and called into the kingdom of God, who should find our first and primary identity through our baptism into the one body of Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6). The “scandal of the disunity of the CCAP” family is very painful when we consider the church’s social task. This disunity exists in our time in the face of the alarmingly everincreasing proportions of unemployment, poverty, inequality. HIV/Aids, hunger, nepotism, corruption, women and child abuse, property-grabbing and lack of moral fibre adversely affecting the Church and society at large in Malawi. How can we justify the situation in which we who have been called to be the forerunners of God’s peaceable kingdom cannot, it seems, maintain unity among ourselves? Schreiter (1985:29) argues that, “if Christianity is alive at all in a situation, it will certainly change things about the culture. The Christian message, after all, is about change: repentance, salvation, and an eschatological reality to be realized. Therefore, to think that Christianity will not change the situation [in Malawi] is to rob the Christian message of its most important part”. The researcher refers to the fact that some of the earliest Scottish missionaries were culturally sensitive and respected all people. Everybody was treated with dignity. Where and when this was practiced, ethnocentrism did not take hold and the gospel reached across all boundaries. The church should follow this example. As brothers and sisters created in the image of God, we should find our first and primary identity through our baptism into the one body of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6; cf. Ephesians 2:14).
The Pentecostal church in the Congo/30 eme communaute : engaging in poverty eradication
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-12) Kakwata, Frederick; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Despite the excessive mineral wealth, the underground deposits of gold, diamonds, copper and cobalt and other valuable minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which are coveted by many countries, the majority of the population is still destitute and lives in dire poverty. However the country itself prospered during the colonial period 1885-1960 and it became the second most industrialized state in Africa after South Africa (Petit & Mutambwa, 2005). Unfortunately it is now ranked among the world's poorest countries in the world. Since the Democratic Republic of the Congo gained independence in 1960 it has not experienced development that benefits the whole population. The country is experiencing continuing and pressing problems of poverty and human suffering. Thus the purpose during this study is to analyse the position of the Pentecostal Church in the Congo (30ème CPCO) concerning the situation of poverty in the city of Lubumbashi and to design a pragmatic approach that can assist the denomination to find ways to effectively address the problem of poverty. Findings reveal that the city of Lubumbashi is riddled with complex socio-economic challenges, but the 30 ème CPCO is not equipped practically or theologically to address these challenges. Poverty in the city of Lubumbashi is pervasive, it is therefore structural and historical. It comes a long way, from the slavery, to colonization, to dictatorship, neo-colonization and globalization. Sin and lovelessness have been identified as the roots causes of poverty in the DRC in the sense that sin which is the opposite of love is the driving force behind the oppressive structures that have impoverished millions of people in the DRC and around the world. Furthermore findings also disclose that the understanding of the soteriology within the Pentecostal denomination theology is problematic. Salvation is understood as being spiritual only, the physical aspect is misapprehended. In addition there is a heretical prosperity gospel in the denomination which teaches that poverty is the result of personal sin and unfaithfulness to tithing. They believe that giving large amounts of money will release blessings and prosperity. This view has skewed the denomination's approach towards the eradication of poverty. As a result the 30 ème CPCO’s involvement in poverty eradication is described as rudimentary, it is limited to sporadic assistance to the poor. Although the 30 ème CPCO station of Lubumbashi as a whole has been sporadically giving assistance to the poor, there are many factors that have restricted its ability to effectively engage in poverty eradication amongst which is poor understanding of the root causes of poverty. This in fact is influenced by the perception of poverty which is subject to features such as the mentality of the people or the level of literacy, the environment, the world view, the circumstances, the culture etc. The inability of the 30 ème CPCO to address poverty is also due to lack of enough education, poor administration, financial issues, lack of partners to help with the development and cooperation between congregations.

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