Abstract
The Netherdutch Reformed Church (Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika) finds itself in a precarious situation. It could be described as a watershed moment in the life of this denomination. The impasse developed due to various factors such as the loss of membership, the economic situation, ecumenical isolation and various other influences, which eventually resulted in a strong institutionalised organisation. Institutionalisation necessarily resulted in a shift of focus from the essence of being Church towards institutional continuation. As a result, the organic growth of the church suffered. This article investigates the institutionalism of the Netherdutch Reformed Church from an open (living) systems perspective, thereby identifying the dysfunctionality between form and function and ending with certain perspectives in respect of a change in focus by the church to realise the true essence of being Church of Jesus Christ.
Highlights
Description: This research is part of the project, ‘Contextualized Reformed Theology in South Africa’, directed by Dr Andre Ungerer of the Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria
This article investigates the institutionalism of the Netherdutch Reformed Church from an open systems perspective, thereby identifying the dysfunctionality between form and function and ending with certain perspectives in respect of a change in focus by the church to realise the true essence of being Church of Jesus Christ
Indien die bedoeling onderliggend aan die voorstelle geleë is in die soeke na ’n alternatiewe befondsingaanslag, sou ‘Kerkmodel’ waarskynlik verwys na die wyse waarop die besluite van die Algemene Kerkvergadering (AKV) befonds sou kon word
Summary
Affiliation: 1Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa. Description: This research is part of the project, ‘Contextualized Reformed Theology in South Africa’, directed by Dr Andre Ungerer of the Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria. Die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika’, HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies 73(1), a4719. The Netherdutch Reformed Church (Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika) finds itself in a precarious situation. It could be described as a watershed moment in the life of this denomination. This article investigates the institutionalism of the Netherdutch Reformed Church from an open (living) systems perspective, thereby identifying the dysfunctionality between form and function and ending with certain perspectives in respect of a change in focus by the church to realise the true essence of being Church of Jesus Christ. Besluit 74 en 75, beide vervat in die Agenda en Besluitebundel van die 70ste AKV
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