Abstract
Does Christ sustain the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa? The Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa (NRCA) that is situated in South-Africa is currently experiencing a serious decline in numbers. The question arises whether Christ will sustain the NRCA in the words of the Afrikaans Hymn 477 in the ‘Liedboek van die Kerk’ (Hymnbook of the Church): ‘Christ will maintain his church …’ Is it a matter of faith, or even more – a matter of obedience? The membership of the NRCA mainly consists of white Afrikaans-speaking people. Apart from the situation in the NRCA there is also a serious decline in the number of white people in South Africa. It raises the question about the sustainability of the NRCA if it continues to maintain a membership of predominately white Afrikaans-speaking people. The NRCA is very much institutionalised with a history that lacks missional intention and involvement in the community. This study investigates the possibility for a more applicable missional curriculum in the training of theology students to counter the lack of missional involvement. It also investigates new ways to reach the unchurched society with a missional approach. The Fresh Expression Movement that originated in the UK provides a new paradigm for the NRCA that will hopefully lead to a new way of thinking and doing. Will Christ sustain the NRCA? The answer lies in the willingness of the NRCA to show a missional heart for all the people of Africa, especially those in Southern Africa.Keywords: Missional; missional curriculum; missional ecclesiology; institutionalism; toxic organization; spiritual; church planting; fringes; Fresh Expressions
Highlights
Description: This research is part of the project, ‘Contextualised Reformed Theology in South Africa’, directed by Dr André Ungerer of the Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria
The Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa (NRCA) that is situated in South-Africa is currently experiencing a serious decline in numbers
The question arises whether Christ will sustain the NRCA in the words of the Afrikaans Hymn 477 in the ‘Liedboek van die Kerk’ (Hymnbook of the Church): ‘Christ will maintain his church ...’
Summary
Affiliation: 1Reformed Theological College, University of Pretoria, South Africa. Description: This research is part of the project, ‘Contextualised Reformed Theology in South Africa’, directed by Dr André Ungerer of the Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria. How to cite this article: Ungerer A.G., 2016, ‘Hou Christus die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika in stand?’, HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 72(3), a3205. Read online: Scan this QR code with your smart phone or mobile device to read online
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