A 'TIDCK DESCRIPTION' OF TWO BIBLE STUDIES BY THE LANGA BAPTIST GROUP

Abstract

Profile of the group This Bible study group was formed in the 1980's, with various leaders coming and going. It is associated to the local Baptist Church in Langa, Cape Town. It consists of a relatively . large number (30 or more) of young people who are roughly between the age of 15 and 35. The group is led by the local pastor's son, who has received theological training at the Baptist Theological College. The language of communication in the group is predominantly Xhosa, with several inputs also in English. As a result of the size of the group and the venue (the local church), the members of the groups sit in rows of chairs facing the leader. Although the seating arrangement puts the leader in a somewhat dominant position, the participation by the group members is quite lively. The socio-economic profile of the group is important. Many of the members are university or technicon students or people who have entered a first job following secondary or tertiary education. Although many of the members come from poor households (as reflected in the larger township of Langa), an "upward social mobility" can clearly be identified in the group. Some of the group members may still experience themselves as poor but there is for many in the group a realistic expectation of becoming more affluent.