Research Articles (Practical Theology and Mission Studies)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/2563

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Investigating children's ministry in the Church of the Province of Uganda in the diocese of Kampala
Kamoga, Alex; Beukes, Jacques W. (University of the Free State, 2026-06-30)
The article examines current approaches to children’s ministry in the Church of the Province of Uganda, focusing on the Diocese of Kampala. Uganda has a predominantly young population, with 56.7 per cent below the age of 19 years (UBoS 2021), yet the church invests limited resources in children’s ministry. Both clergy and volunteers often lack formal training for effective spiritual nurture. The article aims to explore how children’s ministry within the church can be strengthened. It draws on documentary analysis and qualitative data from in-depth interviews with 28 respondents. Findings reveal significant challenges, including inadequate funding, a shortage of trained personnel, the marginalisation of children’s programmes, and a lack of standardised ministry practices. These limitations hinder the church’s capacity to provide holistic spiritual formation for children. The article highlights the need for intentional investment, structured training, standardisation, and strategic prioritisation to enhance effectiveness and sustainability.
The scalpel and the sword : Reason’s role in shaping safe religions in the post-secular age
Firth, Walter B. (AOSIS, 2026-04-07)
Many nations historically identifying as secular are now transitioning into post-secular societies in which multiple, competing religious and ideological voices shape public life. This shift creates the possibility that fanatical or extreme interpretations of sacred texts may gain influence within emerging cultural discourses. Consequently, urgent questions arise concerning how religious communities utilise sacred space and sacred texts as sources for communal identity, meaning-making and even legal or political reasoning. These developments necessitate renewed theological reflection on the processes by which Scripture is interpreted, authority is negotiated and communal life is ordered within fluid socio-cultural conditions. This article argues that the Anglican category of Reason remains essential for cultivating responsible interpretation, fostering social cohesion and resisting extremist or coercive religious expression. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : In public deliberation beyond explicitly ecclesial or religious frameworks, debates surrounding the use and interpretation of sacred texts remain persistent. As scrutiny intensifies concerning how such texts are disseminated, taught and invoked, it becomes increasingly vital to maintain a civic space capable of hosting disagreement, critical reflection and plural identities. This article contributes to Practical Theology in post-secular contexts by offering a framework grounded in biblical interpretation, historical analysis and the Anglican concept of Reason for navigating these contested cultural terrains.
Rethinking ecotheology as a practice of relationality
Biehl, Michael (AOSIS, 2026-05-07)
This article explores an ecotheological vision that reframes humanity’s relationship with the natural world, rooted in both biblical tradition and modern ecological insights. Human existence is deeply enmeshed in a cycle that sustains the entire biosphere. This is conceptualised as metabolising – a process shared by all living beings, wherein elements are exchanged, transformed and returned to the environment. This perspective challenges theological narratives that treat humanity as separate from or superior to the rest of creation. Instead, it invites a view of humans as one among many interconnected species. Anthropocentrism, the tendency to place humans at the centre of theological reflection and biblical interpretation, is critiqued. This approach has often reduced the environment to a mere resource for human self-realisation and creation as a backdrop for human salvation. Biblical texts, however, offer a broader narrative of interrelationality. The traditional reading of the dominion mandate in Genesis is reinterpreted as a call to decentring the human being in theology. This is set in parallel with recent approaches to recognising nature as a rights-bearing subject. The article argues for a theological reorientation that integrates ecological relationality as a core element of faith. This can foster a renewed spirituality that celebrates creation’s diversity and humanity’s humble yet meaningful role within it. Such a perspective invites a deeper understanding of the Creator’s intention for the flourishing of all life and to understand human practice as an adaptation to this intention. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : This article adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on ecumenical statements, secular development, religious discourse and biblical exegesis. It reexamines theological anthropology (European tradition) and brings it into conversation with contemporary legal efforts to recognise nature as a rights-bearing subject.
John Buchanan of Zomba : disgraced missionary or pioneer of ecotheology?
Ross, Kenneth R. (AOSIS, 2026-03-31)
This article notes that tree-planting and environmental stewardship were prominent during the early years of Blantyre Mission, particularly through the work of artisan missionary John Buchanan. His appreciation of the Malawi environment included both concern for sustainability and ambition to develop successful commercial enterprise. Although implicated in a scandal that led to his dismissal from Blantyre Mission, he continued his work at Zomba, where he developed a successful estate. His coffee plantation offered opportunities for the workers to attend both church and school, which many opted to do. The pioneering plantation was hailed as the fulfilment of the vision that David Livingstone had developed for central Africa. A determined opponent of the East African slave trade, Buchanan advocated increasing British influence and, as Acting Consul, declared the British Protectorate in 1889. He was also instrumental in encouraging European settlers to acquire land and establish plantations in Malawi, seeing this as a strategy to counter the slave trade and oblivious to the negative effects on the Malawian community of alienation of some of the best land in the country. After a decade in Malawi, he calculated that he had preached 1000 sermons and collected 1000 plants – a distinctive combination. His contemporary relevance lies in his role as a champion of Malawi’s trees. He understood that sustaining its tree cover was of vital importance to the environment and was active himself as a tree planter. Although lacking training in academic theology, he made the connection between his evangelical Christian faith and his sense of environmental responsibility. In this regard he can be considered a pioneer of ecotheology. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : This article draws on the disciplines of history, missiology and environmental science. It interrogates the understanding of faith that led to John Buchanan’s advocacy of environmental stewardship as an integral element in his understanding of Christian mission.
Kairos theology and church exclusion in Zimbabwe : COVID-19, suffering, and ecclesial agency
Chinhara, Blessmore; De Beer, Stephanus Francois (AOSIS, 2025-10-31)
This article critically examined the exclusion of the church from Zimbabwe's coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis management, focusing on the government's reliance on scientific and health expertise to the neglect of ecclesial contributions. Employing a liberative reconstruction methodology and guided by the Kairos liberation perspective, the study interrogated the implications of church marginalisation for public theology and social justice. The article broadens the theological discourse on suffering by engaging with the perspectives of Rudolf von Sinner and Zeferino on pandemic religion in Brazil, thereby positioning the Zimbabwean experience within a wider framework of contemporary theological reflection. The key findings reveal that government strategies reinforced the separation of church and state, weaponised the pandemic to silence religious critique and prompted the church to reassess its prophetic mission. CONTRIBUTION : This article critically explores ecclesial agency and theological responses to suffering during Zimbabwe's COVID-19 crisis, using the Kairos Liberation Perspective. It contributes to contextual theology by highlighting church exclusion and prophetic witness, aligning with the journal's focus on faith, justice, and the church's role in socio-political transformation.
Missio hominum echoing concursus divinus parallel to Missio dei
Thinane, Jonas Sello (Noyam Journals, 2025)
The notion of divine concurrence (concursus divinus) has been extensively examined within the broader context of divine providence, particularly concerning human freedom. This doctrine asserts that God actively collaborates with individuals while simultaneously preserving their ability to exercise free will. In essence, divine action occurs concurrently with human action, without undermining divine authority or restricting human autonomy. Consequently, the missio hominum operates in tandem with and enriches the missio Dei, creating a dynamic and reciprocal relationship. The missio hominum not only emphasizes humanity’s purpose but also demonstrates how God’s grace impacts redemptive endeavors (missio Dei) in a manner that honors human free will. Within the framework of missio hominum, human free will is oriented toward attaining salvation alongside missio Dei, rather than portraying a solitary missionary deity. This paper utilizes literary sources to analyze the doctrine of divine concurrence, with the objective of clarifying missio hominum as inspired by missio Dei. In this investigation, both “Free Willed – Missio Hominum” and “Free Graced – Missio Dei” are presented to illustrate the collaborative interplay between divine and human efforts on the path to human salvation.
Theological training in Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches : a necessity for discipleship
Prince, Ronele M.; Knoetze, Johannes Jacobus (AOSIS, 2026-02-20)
Theological education is downplayed by many Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches (PCCs), resulting in church leaders who lack theological proficiency. The lack of sound theological training means that discipleship may be inadequate in many PCCs since discipleship entails being taught profound knowledge of the Word of God and being taught to long for obedience to all that Christ instructed. Therefore, for discipleship to occur systematic, biblical learning (knowledge) must take place in the context of a faith relationship with God within the faith community. Pastors play an important role in the spiritual lives of their congregants by teaching and nurturing them in the ways of God. Theologically untrained pastors may be ill-equipped to adequately shepherd the congregants in spiritual maturity, and therefore biblical training must be prioritised for the believer to grow into the full stature of Christ. CONTRIBUTION : This article is a critical literature study within the theological fields of Practical Theology and more specifically congregational ministry, as well as in Missiology and more specifically discipleship and theological education. The article contributes to the discussion of youth ministry in South Africa by looking at the context of theological training of pastors in PCCs and how this impacts discipleship. It suggests a positive correlation of theological proficiency among church leaders with discipleship of the youth within the South African context.
Trans-generational trauma and tribal conflict among AmaNdebele and VaShona Pentecostal clergy
Msipa, Nomathemba Nontokozo; Masango, Maake J.S. (AOSIS, 2025-07-11)
BACKGROUND : This article explores the intersection of trans-generational trauma and tribal conflict among AmaNdebele and VaShona Pentecostal clergy in Zimbabwe, rooted in the historical context of the 19th-century AmaNdebele invasions of Mashonaland and the 1983–1987 Gukurahundi massacres. Through an intersectional framework, the study investigates how ethnicity, spirituality and historical memory shape identities and how unresolved collective trauma influences the spiritual, social and political dynamics within faith communities, despite Pentecostalism’s emphasis on healing, reconciliation and unity. OBJECTIVES : This article looks at Zimbabwean’s template of trans-generational trauma and tribal conflict within some Pentecostal clergy. METHOD : The study employed a qualitative approach using case studies of the ‘AmaNdebele and VaShona clergy’ lived experiences within the Pentecostal movement based in Bulawayo and Harare. RESULTS : There is an existential reality of tribal conflict within some Pentecostal churches, undergirded by leadership appointments and clergy deployments, often reflected by tribal affiliations rather than merit. Liturgical practices, including language use in services, were shaped by the dominant tribe or language within a congregation. There is no structured pastoral care approach to address tribal conflicts within the Pentecostal community. CONCLUSION : The study identified key themes, such as historical trauma, trans-generational trauma transmission and the need for justice, peace and reconciliation. CONTRIBUTION : This research contributes to the discourse on Pentecostal pastoral care by adopting an interpretive narrative framework by amplifying the voices of ‘AmaNdebele and VaShona clergy’ who experienced tribal conflict.
Reimagining theological education : identity, curriculum and pedagogy in African urban theology
Akatukunda, Emmanuel; De Beer, Stephanus Francois (AOSIS, 2026-01-12)
This article explored the urgent need to reimagine theological education in Africa by contextualising identity, curriculum and pedagogy for urban ministry, with particular emphasis on Kampala, Uganda. By situating theological education within the historical trajectories of both the city and the church, it demonstrates that theological education in Uganda – especially in Kampala – has not evolved in isolation, but has been continually shaped by wider political, ecclesial and social dynamics. Drawing on research conducted across eight theological institutions in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, the article examines the current state of theological education. The study identified three critical thematic gaps: urban detachment, epistemological dependency and pedagogical rigidity. Nevertheless, it also highlights several notable innovations that reflect the adaptive capacity of theological institutions within Kampala’s urban context. In response to the identified challenges, the article proposes a roadmap for reimagining theological education at the Kampala Evangelical School of Theology. CONTRIBUTION : This roadmap advocates for a repositioned institutional identity, the development of urban-oriented curricula, the adoption of problem-posing pedagogy and the establishment of an engaged research hub – each contributing to the formation, transformation and sustainability of innovative urban ministry praxes.
Relearning Pentecostal church leadership conflict management from the Acts of the Apostles
Mundhluri, Zephania (AOSIS, 2026-04-08)
Leadership conflict has remained an ongoing challenge in Zimbabwean classical Pentecostalism, often resulting in divisions, burnout and the fragmentation of congregations. The Acts of the Apostles present valuable lessons of Spirit-led and community-based conflict resolution strategies that are applicable to today’s Pentecostal church in Zimbabwe. This study draws from four episodes of leadership tensions in Acts (Ac 6:1–7; 13:1–3; 15:1–35; 15:36–41), employs qualitative exegesis and literature review. Findings include Spirit-led discernment, communal consultation, strategic delegation, mission-focused decision-making and graceful separation. In view of that, this article concludes that strategising spiritual discernment with inclusive and contextually feasible conflict management can resolve ecclesial leadership tensions in Zimbabwean classical Pentecostalism. ONTRIBUTION : This article fosters church leadership conflict management by integrating apostolic lessons with contemporary leadership in Zimbabwean classical Pentecostalism.
Authentic fakes and digital religion: comic-con, cosmology, and the re-enchantment of popular science in the Big Bang Theory
Apostolides, Anastasia (Routledge, 2026)
This article explores The Big Bang Theory (BBT) as a site of post-secular sacrality, where fandom, gaming, and cosmology perform roles traditionally associated with religion. Drawing on David Chidester’s “authentic fakes,” Heidi Campbell’s digital religion, Gordon Lynch’s cultural sociology of the sacred, and J.R.R. Tolkien’s notion of Recovery, it argues that BBT re-enchants the secular through humor, ritual repetition, and collective wonder. Close readings of episodes centered on Dungeons & Dragons, Comic-Con pilgrimage, and encounters with scientific prophets such as Stephen Hawking reveal how the series sacralizes play, science, and community. Laughter becomes liturgy; curiosity a form of devotion. The analysis contributes to religion and media studies by showing how popular entertainment functions as cultural scripture in a post-secular age, where transcendence endures through imagination rather than doctrine. Ultimately, BBT exemplifies how sitcoms, far from trivial, ritualize belonging and awaken gratitude for the ordinary.
Reparative justice for the herero : a missiological-diaconal perspective on healing historical injustice
Hambira, Rupert Tjitee Isaac; Knoetze, Johannes Jacobus (Sage, 2026-04)
This paper examines the Herero genocide (1904–1908) in German South West Africa (present-day Namibia) through a missiological-diaconal lens, advocating for reparations as a matter of biblical justice and healing. Beyond the mass killings, the genocide's legacy includes the enslavement of survivors, a historical injustice with enduring parallels to modern-day slavery. Critiquing the inadequacies of the Joint Declaration between Germany and Namibia, the paper emphasizes the necessity of inclusive, Herero-led reparative processes that address material losses, cultural erosion, and intergenerational trauma, including the ongoing impact of forced labour and dispossession. By drawing on scriptural mandates for restitution and acknowledging the Church's historical complicity, this analysis argues for a transformative role for the Church in advocating for truth, justice, and reconciliation. The Herero experience offers crucial lessons for the Church in confronting both historical injustices and contemporary forms of slavery, highlighting the imperative to reclaim dignity, address structural inequities, and foster solidarity.
Violent protest actions during COVID-19 in South Africa : a practical theological response
Buqa, Wonke (AOSIS, 2025-06-05)
South Africa is rated as one of the highest in violent crimes that result in murder, standing at number four in the world. In 2023, there were 27 000 people reported murdered, which amounts to 45 people per 100 000. Violent protest actions are also a contributor to the number of deaths. One particular protest in July 2021 claimed more than 300 lives during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has been met with strikes, violence, and protests despite policies against such crowd gatherings. The study argues that violent protests are a result of the corruption system, mismanagement, and poor service delivery in the post-apartheid government. The study seeks to investigate the phenomenon of violent protest action during the intense COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the study argues that political instability, social injustices, economic stress, societal uncertainty, and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated pre-existing toxic social norms and inequalities in South Africa. Therefore, this study affirms that violent protest is a forceful demonstration of an underprivileged group protesting for 'salvation' and 'liberation' from economic struggles. Furthermore, this study proceeds to a transversal interdisciplinary approach where practical theology and psychology as sciences can share their critical concern and voices through a literature review. In this situation, contextually, practical theology must contribute constructively to listening to people's needs and respond to violence cautiously by presenting hope and reconciliation to the devastated communities. CONTRIBUTION : This study contributes to the interdisciplinary discourse of theology and psychology on violence among the underprivileged of South Africa, who through their protest action, demonstrate that indlala nomsindo zinamanyala [hunger and anger are obscene], and they know no boundaries. This study is relevant for practical theology and psychology because both disciplines are concerned with the social welfare and well-being of the people.
Joining the Spirit : missio Dei and artificial intelligence in digital missional praxis
Niemandt, Cornelius Johannes Petrus (Nelus); Niemandt, Doret (AOSIS, 2025-05-31)
As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the digital landscape, can we discern the movement of the Spirit within this transformation? This research argues that AI developments, often seen as alien to spiritual mission, fall within the Triune God's realm and align with the missio Dei. By tracing the Gospel's historical adoption of evolving technologies - from the Incarnate Word to the Written, Proclaimed and now Digital Word - we propose AI as the latest iteration in God's unfolding mission. The study first examines the compatibility between missio Dei and AI, asserting that AI, as part of creation, invites missional engagement rather than retreat. Using Heyns' framework of various expressions of God's Word - creation, sustenance, redemption, incarnation, Scripture, proclamation and now the Digital Word - the research shows that AI is a natural extension of God's revelatory presence through innovation, and presents a way to participate in the mission of the Spirit. Next, the article explores AI's role in a rapidly globalising digital culture. This paradigm shift transforms self-perception and communication, creating opportunities and challenges for contextualised missions. The Gospel must be incarnated in ways that resonate with digital cultures, reflecting theology's ongoing adaptation to cultural shifts. Attention is given to Digital Ecclesiology, investigating how AI is reshaping church practices, virtual communities and online worship. The study also examines AI's intersection with mission and creativity, arguing that AI should serve rather than replace human creativity, fostering deep connection, beauty and truth. Artificial intelligence's potential as a tool for discipleship and formation is explored, assessing its role in personalised theological education, virtual fellowship and global outreach. CONTRIBUTION : The concept of mission from the margins provides a critical lens, calling for humility and attention to often overlooked voices. Those on society's edges offer insights into exclusionary structures, challenging AI's potential centralising tendencies.
Disciple-making : what is it all about?
Nel, Malan (AOSIS, 2025-09-05)
Many theologians, pastors included, are deeply aware that the church is challenged in many ways. It often looks like we have lost the script for being church. And sociologically it may very well be a dead-end road. Theologically, many agree that before that dead-end, there is a fork in the road. A choice to continue as is or go back to the original plan: ‘Go, make disciples of all the nations …’ (Mt 28:20). This article explores some of the reasons why, should we not see the choice of this fork, we may end up at the dead-end. And should we see the fork in good time and make the right choices, what would that imply? Or differently said: how did we lose the plan and what was the plan all about? The article refers to literature whose authors attempted to show the original plan and suggested transformational processes to get back what we have lost. A central departure point is a remark by Bonhoeffer that ‘Christianity without the living Christ is inevitably Christianity without discipleship, and Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ’ (see p 2 below). The article also focuses on what is meant by disciple-making1– accepting that churches in the reformational tradition would certainly, at the fork, choose the road leading to ‘Go, make disciples …’. CONTRIBUTION : In this article, the departure point is a practical theological one. The Biblical Sciences are presumed and so is Mission Studies. The importance of the Biblical Sciences, Systematic Theology and Congregational Studies is easy to recognise.
Roland reflects on the implications of generative artificial intelligence on homo-digitalis
De Bruin, Dieter (AOSIS, 2025-07-16)
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked theological debates about its potential to achieve consciousness and personhood. This article critically evaluates these claims, arguing that consciousness cannot emerge from computational systems as an intrinsic quality of living beings. Through philosophical analysis and theological reflection, it examines the fallacies in attributing agency or personhood to AI. CONTRIBUTION : These reflections are offered in a playful reflective tone, drawing on the form and content from two creative works by David Bentley Hart, where persons other than human beings are given voice to critique an algorithmic and mechanistic development of consciousness.
Reconciliation as mission : a classical Pentecostal reading of Isak Burger’s leadership in the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa
Mundhluri, Zephania (AOSIS, 2026-01-21)
BACKGROUND : The Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) of South Africa, although rooted in early classical Pentecostal revivalism, developed within a context marked by apartheid, segregation and theological polarisation. As a result, the church faced deep structural fragmentation and racial separation that mirrored national socio-political inequality. The presidency of Dr Isak Burger (1988–2016) marked a decisive turning point in which the AFM entered a process of reconciliation, cultural integration and ecclesial restructuring. This study examines how Burger’s leadership reflects a classical Pentecostal ecclesiology where spiritual empowerment, relational leadership and cultural plurality are understood as integral to the church’s mission. OBJECTIVES : The article analyses Burger’s ‘missiology of life’ and its role in transforming the AFM from a racially divided institution into a unified, diverse Pentecostal community shaped by reconciliation and shared identity in Christ. METHOD : A historical-theological and missiological research design is used. Primary sources – including AFM synod reports and Burger’s publications – are analysed alongside secondary scholarship to trace how his ecclesial reforms emerged and were implemented within post-apartheid realities and classical Pentecostal theological commitments. RESULTS : Findings of this study reveal that Burger’s leadership facilitated structural unification, intercultural leadership development and participatory worship grounded in Spirit-led relationality and the missio Dei. CONCLUSION : Burger’s presidency demonstrates that classical Pentecostal mission is not solely evangelistic but also deeply reconciling, communal and transformational. Contribution: This study offers a framework for leadership and mission in historically divided African Pentecostal churches, contributing to Practical Theology and global Pentecostal scholarship.
Publishing world Christianity locally and globally : opportunities and ethics
Ross, Kenneth R.; Crichton, Angus (Edinburgh University Press, 2025-11)
Publishing on World Christianity depends heavily on research completed in the Global South. Yet making the fruits of such research available to Global South communities through accessible publications has proved to be challenging. Either such scholarship is published in the Global North and rarely returned to the countries of origin, or scholarship is published within the country, but rarely makes it beyond its borders. One attempt to address this challenge is the work of the Kachere Series and Mzuni Press in Malawi. A striking example is The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian 1924–2024: A Centenary Assessment, edited by Kenneth R. Ross and Mwawi N. Chilongozi and published by Mzuni Press in 2024. Through co-publication arrangements, it has a print edition widely available in Malawi, another print edition available in the southern African region, a print-on-demand edition available in the Global North and an open access edition available worldwide. Taking inspiration from this example, we explore in this article ways and means by which research originating in the Global South can be published so as to become available to the communities from which it arises.
Framework for churches' response to pandemics : based on a case study on impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on Christians in Zvishavane, Zimbabwe
Matsveru, Florence; Matsveru, D. (Taylor & Francis Group, 2025-01-30)
Following the sudden lockdown measures taken by governments all over the world due to COVID-19, churches, as well as other institutions, were caught unprepared to deal with the pandemic. This study was conducted when Zimbabwe was under Level 4 COVID-19 lockdown to investigate its impact on Christians and propose a framework for responding to future pandemics. Using SurveyMonkey, twenty-one Christian residents of Ward 5, Zvishavane, Zimbabwe voluntarily participated in the study through WhatsApp. Results showed that during the lockdown, most participants accessed church services online, mainly via WhatsApp. Participants mostly missed physical praise-and-worship-related activities and pastoral visitations. Participants failed to access physical support from the church, especially when their family members died or fell ill. Most participants preferred a church building to other church settings. The results indicated that participants experienced spiritual, emotional/psychological, and social challenges due to the physical gap created by the lockdowns; thus, physical church attendance plays an important role in the well-being of Christians. Based on these findings, we propose a framework for use by churches in response to future pandemics. This study is significant as it provides a framework for churches to respond to future pandemics.
The struggles of imanyano yamadodana as a movement for evangelism : a case study of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa
Buqa, Wonke (AOSIS, 2025-09)
Imanyano yamadodana [fellowship of men {FOM}] was both an evangelistic movement and a sodality within the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA), established to evangelise and reach out to black people within their cultural context. This study aims to examine struggles that emerged within the FOM following the 1999 union between the black Reformed Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa and the predominantly white-dominated Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Drawing on primary sources from the UPCSA, a literature review, and academic articles, the study investigates these struggles as premised on former denominational lines. It argues that the incessant struggles within the FOM stem from the instability of the UPCSA union, a condition of spiritual acedia, and a crisis of black consciousness. Ultimately, the argument raised a challenge about the traditional values of the evangelistic movement and highlights the need to equip the contemporary generation of amadodana [men]. CONTRIBUTION : This study contributes to the mission of the UPCSA by calling imanyano yamadodana to re-centre African ecclesial identity and to reconstruct the evangelistic movement. It advocates for revitalising the black church’s mission through black consciousness and spiritual revival [imvuselelo].

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