Basis-theoretical Perspectives Research Articles

Basis-teoretiese perspektiewe op dissipelskap en die verhouding tot gemeentebou

Basis-theoretical perspectives on discipleship and its relation towards congregation building. In recent times there has been a growing focus on the process of building up the local church in the Reformed Churches of South Africa. Congregation building should not only take place through growing numbers, but also through spiritual growth. In this article a few basis-theoretical perspectives will be explored through a study of applicable literature, regarding the definition of ‘disciple’ and ’discipleship’. It is also the purpose of this article to establish whether or not there is any relation between discipleship and congregation building. It is the premise of this article that discipleship, with the basis-theoretical perspectives in mind, can suffice as a ministry model towards congregation building for the church in the ever so changing times in which she finds herself when the kingdom of God is taken as the goal of discipleship, and love for God and your neighbour is taken as the underlying principle of discipleship.

Gesindheid as kommunikasiesteurnis (“geruis”) in die prediking: basisteoretiese perspektiewe vanuit die gelykenis van die saaier (Lukas 8:4-15)

Attitude as communication barrier (“noise”) in preaching the Word: basis-theoretical perspectives from the parable of the sower (Luke 8:4-15) Hearers’ attitudes in listening to a sermon still represent a very topical field of homiletical research. Within this extensive field the problem of communication barriers (“noise”) in the process of listening to a sermon is scrutinised in this article. At the outset three important concepts are defined: preaching, attitude and noise. The discussion of these aspects is followed by focusing on the parable of the sower. Outlined in particular is the way in which noise and attitude are expressed meta- phorically in this parable. As first step in the process of discussing the parable, Luke 8:4-15 is positioned within the macrostructure of Luke, and also within the microstructure of Luke 8. This specific positioning is followed by a closer exegetical delimitation of what hearers’ attitude as (possible source of) noise can imply. Negative aspects functioning as noise (barriers in receiving the message) are highlighted, including the evil presence of Satan in the listening process. Attention is also devoted to positive factors like spirituality in which the sower sows the seed of the Word in fertile soil. In conclusion basis-theoretical perspectives are formulated on hearers’ attitudes functioning as communication barrier (“noise”) in listening to a sermon.

Die pneumatologiese lied: basisteoretiese perspektiewe (uit Romeine 8:1-27) en empiriese gegewens

Pneumatological hymns: Basis-theoretical perspectives (according to Romans 8:1-21) and empirical facts In this article Romans 8:1-27 is investigated in order to trace basis-theoretical perspectives on pneumatological hymns and to determine empirically the scope and nature of pneumatological hymns in Psalmboek, Liedboek van die Kerk and Psalter Hymnal. The basis-theoretical investigation reveals that there is a pressing need for appropriate Scriptural hymns on the Person and work of the Holy Spirit. Characteristics and functions of the Spirit that are essential to the church and her creeds are not found in current versifications of certain parts of Scripture. New hymns on the Person and work of the Spirit can preserve and breathe new life into creeds on the Holy Spirit, protect the congregation against fallacies and touch the hearts of doubters and unbelievers in a unique way. From the empirical facts an idea is formed of the state of affairs regarding the hymnology on the Person and work of the Holy Spirit. An investigation into themes on the Person and work of the Spirit not present in current Scriptural hymns also leads to the conclusion that there is scope for new Scriptural hymns.

Die Woord van God – toepaslik <i>preek</i> of toepaslik <i>maak</i>? ’n Homiletiese ondersoek

The Word of God – made applicably or preached applicably? A homiletical investigation In this article the focus is directed to the homiletical element of application as utilised in sermons. In the course of the discussion that specifically highlights the aspect of applying biblical material to everyday experience, basis-theoretical material is developed. By way of illustration applications in sermons are scrutinised from material taken from Romans 12, Ephesians 4:17-6:9 and Hebrews 11, 12 and 13. It is indicated that although a general application does occur in these chapters, the most obvious phenomenon is that this general application is soon directed to practical elements related to the needs and situation of the congregation. If the application is scrutinised closely it is significant that the application organically originates from the explanation and in this way forms a unity. In view of the established basis-theoretical perspectives the applicability and possible implementation of the so-called “big idea”, as developed by Haddon Robinson and others, is investigated as a possible key to “unlock” the application from the text verses on which the sermon focuses. The “big idea” entails that every pericope (larger thought unit) selected to preach on consists of a subject (theme or topic), and that this subject is supported and motivated more closely by complementary elements. The “big idea” is initially formulat-ed in exegetical terms, but it should also be formulated in homiletical terms while keeping the needs and realities of the congregation in mind. In effect the application begins by formulating the “big idea” concretely. In this way establishing the “big idea” in the relevant text verses chosen to focus the sermon on, is a useful aid in applying the Word concretely.

Die predikant wat houe uitdeel – die gemeente as teiken

A minister inflicting wounds – a congregation as target In subject-related literature in the field of Practical Theology a certain emphasis is placed on studying the actions, spirituality and conduct of a minister. This article links up with this trend and attempts a closer investigation of the attitude and actions of a minister who unintentionally or intentionally wounds members of a congregation. In the article basis-theoretical perspectives from the Pastoral Epistles on the calling, requirements and spirituality of a minister are indicated. The metatheoretical research in this article is directed at investigating possible trends in contemporary society, the way in which a minister reacts to and copes with these trends and how his reaction may contribute to a situation where he hurts members of the congregation. This part of the investigation is followed by findings of established research on certain possible personality disorders that may contribute to a minister’s acts and attitudes of wounding a congregation. Special focus is placed on narcissistic, histrionic and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders. Finally, practice-theoretical perspectives on guiding future pastors are provided – especially as a means of sensitising them to the possibility of their own approach and behaviour being experienced as negative and that of someone inflicting wounds. In the final instance, the congregant experiencing the wounds as well as the minister inflicting the wounds should still be regarded as objects of God’s saving grace and the pastoral care of the community of faith.

Die erediens as instrument in gemeentebou – toegespits op die Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika

Worship service as instrument in congregation-building – focused on the Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika In this article worship service as an instrument in congregationbuilding is investigated – basis-, meta- and practical-theoretically. Congregation-building is defined as the unique ministry by which the community of believers is led to become what they as believers have already become through Christ. Congregation-building is concerned with growth in three relationships, that is, the relationship between the believer and God, the relationship between the believer and his fellow believers and the relationship between the believer and the world. It is concluded that worship service implies a meeting of God and his covenant people. Worship service therefore has a strong element of mutual building up and witness. Having undertaken a limited empirical study, it was found that the above-mentioned basistheoretical perspectives have not been fully realized in the practice of the GKSA. Even though worship service is experienced as a meeting with God, the dialogical and corporate character of the service, as well as the mutual building up and the relationship with the world, is neglected. Practice-theoretical guidelines are given to rectify this situation by bringing practice closer to theory. The equipping of the believer as well as of the pastor is identified as major concerns. The establishment of a liturgical service group is thus encouraged. The final conclusion is that worship service has a cardinal role to play in congregation-building.

Prediking en die gesindheid van hoorders. Basisteoretiese perspektiewe vanuit Hebreërs

Preaching and the attitude of hearers. Basis-theoretical perspectives from the Hebrews sermon The issue dealt with in this article is the extracting of certain basistheoretical perspectives from Hebrews, reminding preachers and hearers that preaching and attitude are interrelated concepts. Expressions in which preaching and attitude are stated explicitly are investigated, and concepts indicating certain dimensions of attitude as reflected in the Hebrews sermon are discussed. This exposition is followed by selected perspectives for the praxis of equipment in ministering the Word to the congregation.

Die prediker as toeruster van die gemeente: basisteoretiese perspektiewe vanuit Hebreërs

The preacher and his task of equipping the congregation: Basis-theoretical perspectives from the Hebrews sermon In this article an attempt is made to indicate that preachers should be conscious of their task of equipping the congregation. Expressions in which the preacher, his conduct, his relation to other people and his spirituality are stated explicitly are investigated. The authors deal with basis-theoretical material taken from Hebrews. In the Hebrews sermon the preacher is indicated as therapist, leader, minister and shepherd. The preacher is also perceived of as servant and mouthpiece in the liturgy of the congregation. This exposition is followed by perspectives for the praxis of equipment in ministering the Word to the congregation.

Oorvloedige liefde en konflikhantering: basisteoretiese perspektiewe uit Filippense

Abundant love and conflict management: Basis-theoretical perspectives from Philippians The management of conflict in the process of building the Lord’s church remains an issue in need of basis-theoretical guidelines based upon Scripture. The rhetorical analyses of Philippians during the past decade have brought about a better understanding of the structure and theme of the letter, but have failed to point out the performative effect of the paradigm “behind” the compilation of the letter. This paradigm (here referred to as “the abundant love of Christ”) is not only mentioned in the letter itself, but the method of discourse analysis used in this article also reveals the impact of this love illustrated by the way that Pauls deals with various kinds of conflict. A more detailed analysis of the introduction of the letter (1:3- 11, esp. v. 9-11) clearly underscores the existence and importance of Christ’s love in Paul’s writings and for the Philippians. Although the members of the Philippian congregation were partners in the furthering of the gospel, they missed Paul’s mindset of love to a great extent. Through excellent rhetorical techniques this letter inspires the reader of today to use Paul’s mindset in contemporary conflict management. The existence of such a mindset can be evaluated by means of empirical questions for the purposes of practical theology.