Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk Van Afrika Research Articles

Church History and Church Polity in the Faculty of Theology at the University of Pretoria

Theology has been an integral part of the University of Pretoria since its inception and Church History has been taught since the establishment of the Faculty of Theology in 1917. At that time, the Presbyterian Church of South Africa and the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHK) were partners. The Presbyterian link with the Faculty ceased in 1933. From 1938 the Nederduits Gereformeerde Kerk (NGK) joined the NHK and this remained the situation until 2002 when the Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa re-established its links with the Faculty. At the present time, the Department of Church History and Church Polity is staffed by representatives of all three partner churches.

Pastors as gewonde genesers: Outobiografiese pastoraat as heelmiddel vir emosionele verwonding en verlamming by pastors

Pastors as wounded healers: Autobiographical pastorate as a way for pastors to achieve emotional wholenessIn a previous article it was argued that pastors suffer from cognitive dissonance because of the paradigm shift from modernity to postmodernity, and the emotional woundedness that frequently results from their struggles to come to terms with the new world in which they have to live and minister. This article reflects on the way in which two further issues may exacerbate emotional woundedness in pastors. The one is church tradition, as it is reflected in several formularies used during church services in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA), as well as the Church Ordinance of the NHKA. The other issue is the way in which pastors view the Bible. The language and rhetoric used to reflect on these issues are discussed and evaluated. In its last paragraph the article reflects on the possibility of autobiographical pastorate as a way for pastors to achieve emotional wholeness.

Rick Warren, purpose driven en die 40 dae doelgerigte lewe veldtog

Rick Warren, purpose driven and the 40 days of purpose campaign
 More than 532 churches/congregations in South-Africa have already purchased “The purpose driven campaign kit” and completed the 40 days campaign or are planning to do so. The name Rick Warren is synonymous with “Purpose driven” and the popularity of his work as well as his influence in this country, justifie a study of this nature. This study wants to determine the effect of Rick Warren’s 40 days of purpose in the circuit of Klerksdorp of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika. Warren provides five purposes for a believer in the church in his book, A purpose driven life, which according to him is the church’s purpose of existence. The hypothesis of this study is that the 40 days of purpose is an excellent project for congregations to discover their purpose of existence, while it also strengthens the process of building the local congregation. Eight congregations participated in the research project.

Is strukturele eenheid tussen die Maranatha Reformed Church of Christ en die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika moontlik?

Is structural unity between the Maranatha Reformed Church of Christ and the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika possible?This article investigates the possibility of union between the Maranatha Reformed Church of Christ and the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika. It is the result of a letter from the Maranatha Reformed Church of Christ urging the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika to describe the nature and content of the relationship between them. It is within this context that union between the two churches is investigated.

Die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika as volkskerk: Oorsig en herbesinning

The Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika as “volkskerk”: Overview and evaluationThe Church Order of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA) states in Ordinance 4 that the NHKA is a “volkskerk”, meaning a Church that is ethnically based and focused on the ministry to Afrikaans speaking people. This article examines the history of the relationship between NHKA and Afrikaners that prevailed since the early 19th century. It argues that the establishment of separate and ethnically based churches in South Africa was, initially, the result of a specific understanding of Afrikaner nationalism and liberty. Only after the Second World War, due to criticism levelled at separate development and separate churches by the ecumenical movement, it was based on theological reflection. This article concludes that the term “volkskerk” has become theologically obsolete as well as practically unusable.

Die benutting van vraelyste met die oog op meer effektiewe toerusting tydens huweliksvoorbereiding

The utilization of questionnaires with the intent to make marriage preparation more effectiveThis study aims to promote the idea that questionnaires used as part of marriage preparation, could be a valuable tool. The article also attempts to identify some themes that should form part of the discussion between the pastor and a couple to prepare them for their marriage. Furthermore, the aim is to assist pastors, especially those in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika, utilizing questionnaires during marriage preparation.

Gemeentevergadering as eiesoortige verskynsel binne die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika: ’n Kerkhistoriese en kerkregtelike ondersoek

Parish meeting as a distinctive manifestation within the NHKA: A church historical and a church polity investigationThe parish meeting as a distinctive manifestation within the Neder-duitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika also had a distinctive form of development, a development that spanned the period from the national gathering on 8 February 1837 until the acceptance of a new church ordinance in 1997. It first served as an emergency measure during which the future existence of the NHKA was discussed and ensured by the gathering of the faithful. Systematically, from the perspective of church polity, the parish meeting achieved a basis that was also accountable in terms of the church ordinance. The parish meeting forms part of the Hervormde Kerk’s religious practice, that is a normal manifestation of the Presbyterian-synodical Church concept that is respected in the NHKA.

Preaching and culture

Before the new political dispensation in South Africa (1994), the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa (Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika) referred to the church as a “peoples church” (volkskerk). Owing to political changes the qualification “volkskerk” has created a certain degree of disturbance in the ranks of the church. The relationship between “church and culture” became a topical issue. Since 1994 the focus of the homiletical debate shifted to the question of the role of the church within a changing environment and again the answer to the question of “church and culture” was of utmost importance. Nowadays the reality of a multicultural society becomes a new challenge to the church. This article is an attempt to define the relation between culture and preaching from different hermeneutic perspectives, namely the cultural embedding of the biblical kerygma; the interwovenness of language and culture; and the necessity for contextuality in preaching.

’n Alternatiewe formulier vir die bevestiging van dienaars van die Woord

An alternative formulary for the investiture of church ministersThis study aims to present an alternative formulary for the investiture of ministers in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika. The new formulary reflects the author’s views that were initially outlined in part and verified by a number of church ministers and congregational members of the church. The article argues for the necessity of a rephrasing of existing formularies, given the current postmodern perceptions of the functions of the church over against the style of the current formulary. Current perceptions of the functions of ministers also necessitate an alternative formulary for the investment of church ministers.

Jac van Belkum (1851-1933): ’n Middelkonfessionele predikant van die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika

Jac van Belkum (1851-1933): An “intermediary” theologian of the Dutch Reformed ChurchIn this article the theological accents of Reverend Jac van Belkum (1851-1933), minister of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika from 1891 until his retirement, are evaluated. By means of an comparison between central themes of the theological mainstreams in the 19th century Netherlands and Van Belkum’s theological accents, the article argues that Van Belkum cannot be regarded as an adherent of the mainstream theological traditions, that is the “ethical” or the “confessional”, but must be regarded as an intermediary figure.

Die “voorwetenskaplike” geskiedsbewussyn en “vroeë wetenskaplike” geskiedskrywing in die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk

The “prescientific” historical awareness and “early scientific” historical writing in the Nederduitsch Hervormde KerkThe scientific practice of Church History within the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika commenced in 1920 with the submission of S P Engelbrecht’s doctoral thesis. The preliminary era can be typified as the “prescientific” historical awareness that started with an official “Pastoral Writing” by the Synod in 1855 and developed into the “early scientific” historical writing with the writing of Van Warmelo in 1881. This “early scientific” historical writing continued to develop until the early twentieth century. The aim of this article is to explore this era within the “Hervormde” church against the background of a reflection on the scientific nature of ecclesiastically historical research.

Kerkgeskiedenis: Perspektiewe vanuit die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika

Church History: Perspectives from the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika. The Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika has always regarded Church Hisory as a very important part of the theological curiculum. For that reason little attention has been given to metatheological quesions concening the subject, object, method and purpose of Church History. This article examines these questions, applying insights and contributions from several sciences such as Hisory, Philosophy of History, Theory of Science and Theology. This aricle reflects on questions as to why and how Church History can be regarded as a theological discipline

Die rol van predikante van die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika tydens die Tweede Vryheidsoorlog (1899-1902)

The role of the ministers Of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika during the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). This article indicates that the ministers of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA) played a consolidating role during the various phases of the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). The course of the war brought about a diferentiation of this role. The preaching of the gospel and the rendering of ambulance services were typical ofthe first phase ofthe war. The Concentration and Prisoner of war camps, brought about by the "scorched earth policy", introduced new aspects to the role of the ministers. Their support of Boer victims and polemics against the British authorities emphasised the unity between the NHKA and the Boer Republics.

Prof dr S J Botha: 'n Waardering van sy leween werk

Prof Dr S J Botha: An appreciation of his life and work. In this article the life and work of Prof Dr S J Botha are briefly considered. It focuses on his work as minister and pastor in parishes of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika and his work as church histoian and lecturer in Church History and Church Polity in the Faculy of Theology at the Universiy of Pretoia.

Kerklike eenheid tussen die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika en die Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Afrika<Sup>1<Sup>

Church unity between the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika and the Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Afrika. Church unity between the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA) and the Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Afrika (HKSA) was a (heme that was not even discussed in the past. The reason: the mission policy of the NHKA was that the HKSA should become an independent and separate church as quickly as possible. During the last years many things changed. Article III in the Polity of the NHKA was scrapped. The NHKA is now an open church. The ideology of apartheid, that the NHKA supported in many ways, has crumbled. The time has therefore arrived to start discussing the important theological theme of church unity between these two churches. In this article the view is represented that church unity is not primarily unity in organisation, but unity in faith, confession, teaching and theology. This unity in faith, however, must be made visible. Various forms of ecumenical unity are therefore proposed.

Die Proponentsondertekeningsformule van die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika

The formula which must be signed by candidate ministers of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika. This article presents research on the way the tradition of the Reformed Churches according to which candidate ministers have to sign a formula, found its way into the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church, and on the degree to which this tradition was upheld in the Church. Although the Church recently accepted a totally rewritten Church Order, the existing formula was maintained with only minor and non-essential changes.

Prof dr M J du P Beukes: In Terugblik op sy lewe en werk

Prof Dr M J du P Beukes: A review of his life and work. This aticle is an atempt to present a bird's eye view of the life and work of Prof M J du P Beukes. He served as a minister in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika from 1966 to 1989. In 1989 he was appointed Professor in the Faculty of Theology (Sec A) of the University of Pretoria, in the Centre for Theological Research and Instruction (STNT). His specific responsibility was the practical training of theological students, for the ministry. This training was integrated with their academic programme. Professor Beukes was also appointed part-time lecturer in the Department of Practical Theology. During his career he was an active researcher and published on a wide range of theological subjects. His work was closely linked to the Hervormde Kerk and the practical training of theological students.

In Nuwe belydenisskrif vir die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika?

A new confession for the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika? In this article the question is asked whether a new creed or confession is possible and in this point in time necessary. The answer is that there should always be room for new creeds and confessions. Although there might be many reasons for a new confession, the present time does not really seem to call for such a confession. But we must remain open for a new confession at any time. In the meantime we must actualise the old creeds and confessions, and we must consider subscibing to other Reformed confessions as well as confessions from this age that could be relevant and important to us.

Wortels en agtergronde van Hervormde teologie en kerkwees in Suid-Afrika

Roots and background of reformed theology and ecclesiastical being in South Africa. After investigating researches and publications on the ethical direction taken by Dutch theology in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, J A Loader came to the conclusion that this direction is an important - if not the most important - background to the theology of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika. and of its theological training at the University of Pretona, especially during the earlier years and at the time of its inception. In this article the outcome of the research undertaken by Loader is critically reviewed and seriously questioned. It is maintained that his evaluation of ethical theology is too rigid and its influence on the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk overemphasised. It seems that the prominent influence of Hoedemaker and confessional theology is overlooked by Loader.

Belydenis in kerkregtelike verband met besondere verwysing na die konsep Kerkorde 1997, Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika

Confession in the context of ecclesiastical polity with special reference to the concept Church Ordinance 1997, Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika. In essence the question under discussion is about the functioning of the confession in church polity and how it is phrased in the concept Church Ordinance (1997) of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika. This logically brings the very difficult question of doctrinal discipline up for discussion. The paper starts with a few remarks on the relation between scripture, confession and church polity. The tradition, forming the background of the concept, is traced from the time of the Reformation. After a short discussion on how doctrinal discipline was seen and put into practice in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika, final remarks are made on how this matter is handled in the concept.