Integrating spirituality and rationality the long and arduous journey of the historical development of theological training in the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa

Marius Nel,Fika Janse Van Rensburg

doi:10.4102/ids.v50i2.1943

Abstract

The chequered path of the development of theological training in the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa (AFM of SA) started with animosity towards any form of training in favour of the presumed equipment provided by the anointment with the Spirit. Later it led to recognition of the need for better training in the form of Bible school equipment for ministering in assemblies. Finally, the need for proper theological training was acknowledged. The composition of the church’s membership and the way it was treated by other denominations influenced the way the Pentecostal Movement defined its stance towards theological training. In this article the AFM of SA’s journey and development of its viewpoint towards theological training will be discussed.Keywords: Theological training, AFM of SA, Bible school, Auckland Park Theological Seminary, North-West University

Highlights

On the matter of training, Warrington (2003:30) asks a question that is relevant from a Pentecostal perspective: ‘Would Jesus have sent his disciples to Bible school?’1 The question might seem nonsensical to reformed readers, but it is relevant in the Pentecostal Movement where theological training was initially seen as an obstacle to effective ministry
The Pentecostal Movement originated at the beginning of the 20th century with believers receiving what they perceived to be the baptism in the Spirit, with the accompanying speaking in tongues (Friesen 2009:43)
It is important to note that the early membership of Pentecostal assemblies did not consist of professional, academically trained people, but of peasants, artisans and labourers, along with other less fortunate people

Summary

Introduction

On the matter of training, Warrington (2003:30) asks a question that is relevant from a Pentecostal perspective: ‘Would Jesus have sent his disciples to Bible school?’1 The question might seem nonsensical to reformed readers, but it is relevant in the Pentecostal Movement where theological training was initially seen as an obstacle to effective ministry. It should not be a theological institution as in the case of the other churches, but its training should be concerned with understanding the Bible correctly (AFM of SA 1920b, Minutes of the Workers’ Council).

Results

Conclusion