Research Articles (Practical Theology)

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

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How do religious icons read-and-write?
(University of Stellenbosch, Department of Old and New Testament, 2025) Lombaard, Christoffel Johannes Stephanus; Joubert, Lisel
This contribution starts off with a broad understanding of icons and their communication, and the implications this has for religious discourse today. The focus then moves to icons within the Christian Orthodox traditions to indicate aspects of the interaction of text, image and presence. The final part returns to the implication of "seeing" icons for reading texts and hence for the possibility of again in our age encountering God in texts. Analysing the communicative dynamics of icons from the Reformed strand of Protestant Christianity, a tradition which exhibits a stronger inclination to biblical hermeneutics than to icons as operative faith impulses, combines these two interpretative traditions as a service to the unfolding post-secular intellectual and societal climate unfolding internationally.
Empowering challenges of missional ecclesiology and leadership at the grassroots level
(AOSIS, 2025-06) Knoetze, Johannes Jacobus; johannes.knoetze@up.ac.za
This article examines the work of Nelus Niemandt within both the academy and the church, with a particular focus on his understanding of missionality as shaped by his perspectives on spirituality, ecclesiology and leadership. It also explores key elements of discernment and service leadership. To have a better understanding of service leadership, attention is given to the diak- word-group in the New Testament. While some critiques suggest that Niemandt’s writings on ecclesiology and leadership lack practical application, this article highlights the tangible impact of his work at the grassroots level. Specifically, it considers outcomes within the Dutch Reformed Church, such as the adoption of a missional ecclesiology and the development of new ministerial pathways to equip and empower missional leaders. This article concludes with two examples from the development of the additional ministerial tracks. Two members who did the studies witness of how a missional ecclessiological understanding in the Dutch Reformed Church has made it possible for them to live their calling. It is also clear from these witnesses that in many congregations we still have a long walk in obedience and discernment to become more missional than institutional. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The article represents a critical engagement with the model of missional leadership in the field of missiology, focusing on church ministry at the grassroots level.
‘In step’ with the living God : rhythms and habits for churches faithful to their calling
(AOSIS, 2025-07) Smith, Thomas Jacobus; tom.smith@up.ac.za
This article reflected on the development of a congregational prototype called In pas met die lewende God [‘In step’ with the Living God], that aids congregations in the process of missional transformation. Although this prototype was developed and implemented by a diverse team, the influence of Nelus Niemandt in shifting the denominational culture towards a participation in the missio Dei was significant and was a precursor to the development. My own journey with this process has been deeply shaped by Niemandt’s theological imagination and mentorship, which continue to echo through the practices and movements described here. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The article outlined the origin of ‘In step’ and then described the structure of the instrument, with particular attention to its emphasis on cultivating rhythms and practices that embody the missional theology as well as the holding environment for ‘In step’. Finally, the article reflected on lessons learned in partnering with local congregations as they engage with the habits and rhythms proposed in the In step process. These lessons can be used for further research for missional ecclesiology and transformation.
Future(s) for the church on the corner : a proposed praxis of spatial justice for South African congregations
(AOSIS, 2024-11-20) Powell, Caroline Jane
South Africa, is a racially, economically and spatially divided nation, a legacy of our colonial and apartheid histories. Thirty years into democracy, discourse across all spheres of society around land, spatial and housing justice continues to provoke questions about the political and societal will for making access to land ownership and space for dignified, humane living an accessible reality for all who live in South Africa. All denominations are not and should not be separated from this discourse as they are an integral part of the colonial and apartheid land, spatial history and current reality of contestation. A study focusing on suburban churches in previous whites-only southern suburbs of the City of Cape Town was conducted in the few months before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdowns of 2020. An emancipatory approach explored the praxis of these churches in relationship to South Africa’s ongoing concern with land reform within the context of urban land (in)justice and put this into conversation with the questions of church-owned land and property usage. This article revisits the key findings of the study incorporating two key elements of a praxis-based approach: theological reflection and action towards transformation. The article connects the findings to the authors’ autoethnographic reflections and research on the unfolding praxis of (sub)urban churches during and post the COVID-19 pandemic. To conclude, South African churches are invited into an ongoing emancipatory approach to address the issues of urban land injustice, and embrace a praxis of spatial justice, which includes concrete steps towards creating faith-based ‘Just Housing’. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/ INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : This article presents a conversation on church and spatial histories, and current realities alongside emerging theologies that ’foster inclusive and just social imaginaries‘ and ’make room for utopic possibilities to play out‘.
Building welcoming and inclusive congregations : biblical hospitality as a theological paradigm
(AOSIS, 2024-04-04) Shirley, Timothy Wade; Nel, Malan; Meyer, Esias E.
This article addresses the question, ‘how can congregations that exhibit prejudice toward LGBTQQIA+ persons (different expressions of nonheterosexuality), overcome bias and discriminatory practices to become missionally holistic, hospitably welcoming, and inclusive of these individuals?’. The answer can be found in engaging an alternative biblical hermeneutic that emphasises the socio-historical context of a given narrative, thus creating a broader and deeper understanding of the principle of biblical hospitality as a fundamental theological premise inherent within the Judeo-Christian scriptures. Accomplishing transformative change demands intentionality by clergy equipped to engage the issues effectively. Pastoral ministers must cultivate the exegetical skills needed to guide local missional churches towards greater inclusivity, with the goal of creating more hospitably welcoming and inclusive faith communities. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/ INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : This article engages a dialogue between biblical and practical theology as missional praxis supporting congregational development as ecclesial reformational transformation to enable local churches to become hospitably welcoming and inclusive.
The Nicene Creed, the church, and Christian mission
(Wiley, 2024-11) Knoetze, Johannes Jacobus; johannes.knoetze@up.ac.za
This article critically examines the significance of the Nicene Creed for mission within the evolving missional context of 2025, particularly in Southern Africa. In an era defined by the globalized nature of mission, the church is no longer viewed as the sender but as the one being sent, reflecting the missio Dei framework. The article explores the role of the Nicene Creed in light of current shifts in mission: the dissolution of a binary view of Christian and non-Christian worlds, the inherently missionary nature of the church, and the importance of partnerships in mission. From a decolonized perspective, the author questions the ongoing relevance of the trinitarian God as professed in the creed, particularly within the diverse ecclesiastical landscape of Southern Africa, where independent churches are prominent. The article argues that the Nicene Creed, while not explicitly missional, remains foundational to the church's mission as it affirms the church's unity, catholicity, and apostolicity. In conclusion, the article advocates for a continued reflection on the Nicene Creed, recognizing its central role in shaping the mission, faith, and unity of the church, particularly in a decolonized and ecumenical context.
Returning the king and the women to the beginning of the song of songs
(Society of Biblical Literature, 2024-03) Fernandes, Gavin
The male lover portrayed in Song 1:2–4 was once ubiquitously considered to be a king. Recent interpreters, however, have understood the word “king” to be either a hypocorism (a nickname of affection) or an epithet for a “bridegroom.” Earlier interpretation also recognized a group of women in the opening scene, but this too is disappearing today. To address these exclusions, I present a close analysis of the grammar and offer an alternative perspective to what is identified as enallage (a substitution of one grammatical form for another) but which also inadvertently suppresses the women’s presence. Next, I investigate how the Song’s “king” became denuded of his royal meaning, including through a reliance on some dubious interpretations of Akkadian poetry. I also explore literary themes in the Hebrew Bible—women’s celebratory praise and a hitherto undiscovered case of subtle soundplay called “hidden paronomasia”—to show why the Song’s “king” should be understood as a royal personage. Finally, by comparing this scene in the Song to the Sumerian love poem Dumuzi-Inanna G, I show how the Song opens with a prominent ancient Near Eastern motif of love literature—the entrance or bringing of the royal consort into the palace, lauded by a group of rejoicing women.
What we can learn about mission from the conversion stories of unchurched seekers in Germany
(AOSIS, 2024-12-12) Dreiling, Nils
This article deals with the special challenges of Christian mission in an increasingly secular environment in Germany. The churches are facing new social groups, such as the growing groups of secular and religiously indifferent people, on whom the classic missionary methods of both mainline and free churches have little effect. This qualitative study examined 20 previously unchurched converts to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in West Germany to better understand how their conversion process unfolded and what conclusions can be drawn for future missionary efforts. The conversion process for the participants usually took place in four steps: (1) a biographically determined receptivity was addressed by a (2) suitable trigger, this match triggered (3) a study phase, and finally, it led to (4) a longing for community with like-minded Christians. It is striking that, contrary to many existing models of conversion, it was not usually other Christians who triggered and drove the conversion process, but instead about half of the participants experienced the process alone. While Christians were not essential for the beginning of the conversion process, it was the community of Christians that made faith firm and lasting. Finally, it became clear that conversion was a phenomenon of middle age. Apparently, a kind of critical self-reflection seemed to take place in this phase of life, which in some participants created a receptivity for conversion. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : This work can contribute to the development of new missiological approaches for a rapidly changing society.
The garden city as a commons : social-ethical perspectives on the new housing question
(AOSIS, 2024-11-20) Meireis, Torsten; Johrendt, Lukas
Europe faces a severe shortage in affordable housing. Even though the situation is less dire than in many cities of the Global South, rising rents and real estate prices affect the poorest hardest. Faith-based organisations, especially Christian churches, have monitored and tackled this problem for more than six decades. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The paper discusses this issue from a social-ethical perspective featuring the example of Germany. It depicts the role of the churches, scrutinises the causes of the shortage, explains the situation as a problem of justice and presents an urban vision inspired by Christian tradition, namely the garden city as a commons. In a mixed motives approach, it presents concrete policy suggestions to improve the situation.
Sustainable development goals through the lens of local churches
(AOSIS, 2024-12-10) Msebi, Mawethu; Beukes, Jacques
This article reports on the findings of the local churches' involvement in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Tembisa in Gauteng province of South Africa. The article employed Richard Osmer's model of the four tasks of practical theological interpretation, focussing on narrating and examining the situation in the Tembisa community. The article relied on documentary analysis and in-depth semi-structured interviews. The study findings revealed that local churches could significantly promote the SDGs within their local communities. The study identified essential factors such as human rights, gender equality, peace and justice, and biodiversity conservation as crucial for achieving developmental outcomes. The challenges that local churches face in implementing the SDGs were also discussed. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The study outlined principles for ensuring improved quality of life for all through effective implementation of the SDGs. Additionally, the study recommended further empirical research on the role of local churches in promoting SDGs, as well as similar studies in different regions or sectors.
Prokhanov’s missiology : a forerunner to Bosch’s emerging paradigm
(AOSIS, 2024-11-13) Knoetze, Johannes Jacobus; Lazuta, Dzmitry; johannes.knoetze@up.ac.za
This article examines the hypothesis proposed by missiologist Johannes Reimer that Ivan Prokhanov, the founder of the missionary movement in Russia in the early 20th century, anticipated and, to some extent, embodied the emerging missional paradigm articulated by David Bosch in 1991, approximately 60-70 years later. The article argues that Reimer's intuition was largely correct, as Prokhanov significantly aligned with at least 9 of the 13 elements identified by Bosch. Furthermore, it suggests that the correlation between the views of Prokhanov and Bosch can be explained by their shared epistemological orientation towards the New Testament missional paradigm, particularly the paradigm of Matthew, Luke and Paul, as described by Bosch. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : According to this hypothesis, Bosch's analysis of the historical development of missional theology traces the deviation from the apostolic paradigm established by these New Testament authors, with the emerging missional paradigm representing a partial return to that original framework. For Prokhanov, New Testament missiology was the foundational basis of his mission theology.
Size and the good life : tiny houses, social housing and the role of social imaginaries
(AOSIS, 2024-11-20) Wabel, Thomas
Among the key figures of global housing inequality is the average living space per person. Thus, it comes as no surprise that during the past decade, tiny houses have become an attractive option for some who want to set an example in an affluent society of the global north: free-standing, two-storey building with a total floor space of less than 30 m2. At the same time, in many countries of the global south, people are confined to a similar floorspace – not out of choice but out of need. In bringing together these two very different contexts, I am arguing that from a perspective of capability justice, the concept of home is more than just the need for shelter. In order to enable people to participate in societal life, housing solutions require processes of urban transformation, as well as careful planning and design for social housing. Even in a situation of hardship, living in a small-scale house can be a step towards a realisation of concepts of the good life within the given circumstances. Taking up Charles Taylor’s concept of social imaginaries and presenting architectural examples from the Mexican context (Apan housing laboratory and work done by Tatiana Bilbao), I am drawing some unlikely parallels between the effects that tiny houses, on the one hand, and suggestions for social housing, on the other hand, might have within their respective societies. In this, the concept of social imaginaries helps to see parallels between architecture as a medium of the social and the role of religion. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The article argues that in questions of housing justice, architectural solutions can fruitfully supplement considerations of justice.
Just housing : transdisciplinary perspectives from theology and the built environment
(AOSIS, 2024-11-20) Wabel, Thomas; De Beer, Stephanus Francois
In cities worldwide, housing is precarious. Local socio-economic environments can exacerbate existing social differences and exclusions, but can also contribute to alleviate these differences, and to foster high levels of social inclusion. This article introduces a special collection of articles asking how theology should contribute theologically to address the challenges of housing and human settlements. It derives from an assertion that theology and reflection on the built environment should engage each other, made concrete in this collection through exploring issues of housing justice. We explore the question of housing justice with reference to four related questions: (1) How can urban planning interventions enhance affordable, sustainable and aesthetically appealing housing for all? (2) What are the political, economic and legal conditionsimpacting on housing justice, and how can theologians engage in these spaces? (3) How can exclusionary or precarious conditions be addressed architecturally to contribute to ecological sustainability, aesthetics and affordability? (4) What are the dominant social imaginaries that mediate housing and settlement development, and how can theologians help foster inclusive and just social imaginaries? Examples from different countries, cities and socio-cultural contexts are introduced and reflected upon, seeking to identify conditions that enable affordable, sustainable and aesthetically attractive housing in an unequal and precarious world. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The article points out the relevance of a theological perspective on the housing problem. At the same time, the implications for architecture, urban planning and politics are addressed
Just housing : constructing a theological praxis-agenda in a (South) African city
(AOSIS, 2024-11-20) De Beer, Stephanus Francois; stephan.debeer@up.ac.za
Against the backdrop of Africa's urban revolution and the vastly unequal housing patterns in most African cities, this article argues for just housing to be a theological praxis-agenda. Drawing from a very local journey in one South African city, it considers David Korten's four generations of development as a possible framework to guide such a theological praxis-agenda in (South) African cities. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : It proposes simultaneous actions of relief, development, advocacy and global solidarity, grounded in an immersed faith, if the church is to contribute to housing justice in African cities.
Enhancing youth involvement in community development : a pragmatic strategy for local churches
(AOSIS, 2024-05) Msebi, Mawethu; Beukes, Jacques
This article reports on the findings of the Christian youth ministry involvement in community development in the Mayibuye community of Tembisa, in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The article employed Richard Osmer’s model of the four tasks of practical theological interpretation. These tasks have been used to understand better what is happening in youth ministry and community development contexts in the Mayibuye community by utilising documentary analysis and in-depth semi-structured interviews. The findings divulged that the Mayibuye community faces several socio-economic challenges. Most importantly, young people are the most affected. Furthermore, the findings exposed that youth involvement is limited in community development processes within local communities. As a result, the article proposes implementing a pragmatic strategy to enhance the youth ministry’s involvement in community development. Various principles of the youth ministry have been presented in the study as the essential principles that need youth leaders’ attention for functional youth ministry, and to achieve developmental outcomes. The study also recommended further empirical studies on youth culture, the importance of young people’s inclusion in leadership roles and the use of young people as catalysts for community transformation. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The anticipated outcomes of this research endeavour are poised to make a valuable contribution to the current corpus of knowledge in various academic domains, including Practical Theology, Youth Ministry, Theology and Development, Community Development, Congregational Studies, Missiology, Anthropology, and Sociology. This contribution suggests that adopting a pragmatic strategy is likely to yield positive outcomes for local churches, youth ministry, and community development as a whole.
Die rol van missionale teologie in die gesprek tussen teologie en filosofie
(AOSIS, 2024-12-10) Niemandt, Cornelius Johannes Petrus (Nelus)
The research starts with a brief and concise description of missional theology and missional ecclesiology. For the sake of the local context, the focus is on how the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa (NG Kerk) articulates these concepts. The broad ecumenical consensus on missional theology is described, including its relevance in discussions within mainstream churches in South Africa, with a brief discussion of denominations that have incorporated missional theology into their theological self-understanding and church praxis. Against this background, attention is given to the central concepts of trinitarian theology (missio Dei), namely incarnation, contextualisation, and inculturation in missional theology. It is attempted to indicate that missional theology intersects with philosophy in various ways, not only in terms of the origin of missional theology (which this research does not address) but especially regarding the nature of missional theology as being sent into the context (world and also philosophy) in which the church finds itself. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : This opens up an opportunity to highlight the importance of philosophy for missional theology regarding the following aspects of missional theology: (1) the importance of contextual insight and epistemologically reading the signs of the times; (2) the importance of contextualisation and thus understanding culture and philosophy [zeitgeist]; (3) the importance of a teleological orientation when missional theology inquiries about God’s preferred future; (4) the importance of the communities to which the church is sent and the language used in the conversation; (5) the key function of discernment. The research demonstrates that philosophy is an important and even indispensable conversation partner for missional theology.
Decolonial thinking and Europe : decolonisation between particularity and universalism
(AOSIS, 2024-05-31) Meylahn, Johann-Albrecht; johann.meylahn@up.ac.za
Colonisation continues to have a tremendous impact on large parts of the globe and not only on previously colonised countries. Many of the current geopolitical, economic and environmental challenges that the globe faces cannot be thought of without taking decolonial thinking into consideration. In his Preface to Fanon’s book, The Wretched of the Earth, Jean-Paul Sartre argues that this book is not written for Europeans, yet he challenges Europeans to read it. It is between such particularism and universalism that this article will engage with decolonial thinking in the context of the globe’s various geopolitical, environmental and political challenges. Europe’s colonial claim to universalism cannot be separated from Christendom. In this article, this Christian colonial universalism will be brought into conversation with an attempt at a decolonial theology. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The article is an interdisciplinary conversation between philosophy and theology.
African Initiated Churches and ecological sustainability : an empirical exploration
(De Gruyter, 2025-05) Stork, Juliane; Öhlmann, Philipp
While African Initiated Churches are increasingly recognized as actors of social development, little research has thus far elucidated their role regarding ecological sustainability. Responding to this gap, we explore African Initiated Churches’ views on ecological sustainability and their reaction to environmental destruction and climate change. We analyse to what extent environmental concerns are considered relevant, explore emerging environmental concepts and theologies, and highlight environmental actions taken. The analysis is based on a diverse set of qualitative and quantitative data focusing on leaders of African Initiated Churches from across Sub-Saharan Africa: interviews and focus groups, public lectures, and online survey data. The findings show an ecological turn in African Initiated Christianity. Unlike in mainline Christianity, where ecological engagement is often embedded in elaborated eco-theologies, African Initiated Churches’ engagement with ecological sustainability seems to be primarily driven by the increasing adverse effects of environmental degradation and climate change in their communities.
The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian 1924–2024 : a centenary assessment
(Unisa Press, 2024-08) Knoetze, Johannes Jacobus; Ross, Kenneth R.; johannes.knoetze@up.ac.za
By the early twentieth century African churches were emerging from the work of the three missions with a Reformed identity which were working in Malawi. In a two-stage process of union, the three young churches came together in 1924/26 to form the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP). In anticipation of the centenary celebration in 2024, Zomba Theological University hosted a research conference in April 2023, aiming to take account of the 100-year history. The conference recognised the remarkable growth of the church, which now has millions of members in Malawi and neighbouring countries. It has built up its own distinctive tradition of worship, spirituality, and witness. It offers a wide range of social services and is influential at national level in Malawi. The conference also identified points of stress and tension, especially the recurrent question of how to balance unity and diversity in the life of the church. While it has never completely broken apart, there has been a constant struggle to attain meaningful unity. The centenary may be an opportunity for assessment and action. Creating an instrument to give theological attention to issues facing the CCAP may be one way to discover and deepen its identity and unity.
The Dutch Reformed Church (1974-2024) : from dancing with the devil to waltzing to heavenly music
(Unisa Press, 2024-09) Van der Merwe, Johan
The jubilee celebration of Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae (SHE) reminds church historians of important events that have taken place during the past 50 years. This article gives an overview of important events that took place in the history of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC). Being the largest white Afrikaans-speaking church and the church which biblically supported the political policy of apartheid, the history of Christianity in South Africa cannot be understood without taking note of the DRC’s journey. For the DRC, 1974 was an important turning point in its history as the policy document Ras, Volk en Nasie en Volkereverhoudinge in die Lig van die Skrif (hereinafter Ras, Volk en Nasie) was approved by the General Synod of the DRC. This document explained how the church motivated apartheid from a biblical point of view. It was – metaphorically speaking – the official start of the DRC’s dance with the devil. During the past 50 years, the DRC has taken important decisions that ended its dance with the devil and started a new dance, waltzing to heavenly music. This happened when the church decided to take a new road to reconciliation which was the primary goal. The article revisits Ras, Volk en Nasie, but also some of the important milestones along the road to reconciliation. It concludes with an example of how a congregation of the former apartheid church succeeded in making a difference in the local community. This confirms the fact that the dance with the devil has indeed ended and that many congregations of the church are now waltzing to heavenly music.

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