Theses and Dissertations (Practical Theology and Mission Studies)

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Narrative einer Friedenskirche. Eine praktisch theologische Studie gegenwärtiger täuferischer Selbsterzählungen im Lichte aktueller Narrativtheorien
Neufeld Kaethler, Bernd Fredrik (University of Pretoria, 2026-04-30)
This study engages with the widely used concept of “narrative” as a representation of events and as a form of expressing identity. In a first step, the author examines recent insights from narrative research in the fields of cognitive science and narratology in order to derive criteria and indicators that are decisive for the transformative potential and connectivity of narratives. In a second step, these indicators are applied to analyse the publications of the series “500 Years of the Anabaptist Movement 1525–2025” in order to interpret contemporary narratives of the German-speaking European Anabaptist movement with regard to its transformative potential. The analysis shows that the contemporary Anabaptist movement is characterised by a strong participatory narrative, which has undergone a shift from tendencies of separation towards inner-church and ecumenical dialogue. This shift is accompanied by a reconfiguration of roles that is currently less polarising, yet at the same time activates a lower level of affective intensity. The study concludes with a practical-theological reflection that outlines the implications of these findings for the communication of the gospel and demonstrates to what extent Anabaptist narratives continue to locate their primary emphasis in ethical practice.
Pastoral perspectives on lived pain in maternal bereavement
Tsautse, Thato Abegail (University of Pretoria, 2026-06)
This study explored the lived experiences of maternal bereavement within the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, focusing on the Dioceses of Pretoria, Natal, and Eswatini. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological methodology, the research sought to uncover how bereaved mothers interpreted and lived through their grief, and how their experiences resonated with theological traditions and cultural frameworks. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and written narratives and were analysed manually through iterative cycles of coding, use of the hermeneutic circle, and thematic reflection. Rigour was ensured through member-checking, reflexive journaling, and triangulation across diverse data sources. The findings revealed five central themes: the silence of the Church and pastoral neglect; the inadequacy of existing liturgical and ritual responses to maternal bereavement; the embodied and existential dimensions of grief, aligning with Heideggerian concepts of uncanniness, a disassembled world, and being-with; theological tensions involving faith, doubt, and divine providence; and the mediating role of cultural practices and community solidarity. Across the three dioceses, similarities emerged in mothers’ accounts of isolation and unmet pastoral needs, while contextual differences, such as geography, leadership styles, and local cultural practices which shaped bereavement experiences and coping strategies. Pastoral theological reflection highlighted the urgent need for the Church to re-imagine maternal bereavement care by extending support beyond the funeral, fostering communal and embodied practices of remembrance, and integrating Christological compassion with liturgical reform. The study concluded that maternal bereavement was both deeply disruptive and potentially transformative: a space where memory, lament, and resilience converged. A holistic pastoral response must therefore draw on interdisciplinary insights to accompany bereaved mothers with sensitivity, authenticity, and sustained care.
An autoethnographical witness on the long-term effects of child sexual abuse: a pastoral approach
Matseke, Sarah (University of Pretoria, 2026-05)
Child sexual abuse is not a new phenomenon, yet its occurrence remains hidden, with long-lasting effects that can impair many aspects of a victim’s life. Despite awareness of this human crisis, how victims carry permanent psychological, physical, psychosomatic, and spiritual scars is a subject rarely explored. This study aimed to examine child sexual abuse, its definitions and variations, as well as the long-term effects. Using an autoethnographic approach, the incidents of child sexual abuse, its long-term effects, and the environmental factors contributing to its incidence were investigated through the writer's personal story of CSA and validated against existing literature. By utilising Osmer's framework, this autoethnographic study goes beyond the personal narration of the story of child sexual abuse. The study serves as both an analytical and action-focused exploration of events that link individual experiences to broader systemic issues and possible solutions. This is conducted by examining the nature of the occurrences - what is happening, the underlying reasons - why it is happening, the standard approaches to the issues - what ought to be happening and providing practical solutions and actionable strategies - how might we respond.
A pastoral evaluation of the Chaplains' programmes of the SANDF : the impact of foreign deployment
Loate, Sebataolo Edia Elijah (University of Pretoria, 2025-10-01)
The research employing qualitative approach has been designed to pastorally evaluate the effectiveness of the chaplains’ programmes in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The chaplains’ programmes were designed during the scourge of HIV/AIDS to close the gap on matters of morality, ethics, and values. It became imperative that research of this nature be undertaken to quiz hypothesis of the assumptions made by some of the infantry deploying members. Designed chaplains’ programmes employed behavioral approaches, and methodologies applicable in socio-psychology environment. The conceptual approach that got used which carried pastoral tag, were not grounded on any of the pastoral theology theories. It was because it is within the environment of religious and spiritual milieu. Study research was designed to spell out the conceptual framework, reflecting on the office of the chaplain and the kind of attributes they carry to serve the military personnel in foreign deployments in particular. The key primary and secondary sources, as literature perused, uncovered the evolution of the chaplaincy. Its utilization within the biblical phases as in the matter of priest’s involvement in the Old Testament wars, military, and health environment and in the social settings like parish ministry. From the analysis of received data led to the use of thematic process of the participants responses on the questionnaire they dealt with. The emanation of themes and sub-themes from the participant’s responses showed that it was important to undertake this research. Prominent themes were understanding of chaplains, expectations to and from chaplains. How chaplains should deal with the holistic support being away from home. Respondents saw chaplains as the epitome of hope in foreign lands, thus, their programmes became challenged to consider the core of pastoral theology as propounded in practical theology as a discipline. Unique study undertaken to merge non-theological environment with practical theology and bring in the feeling of the imago dei perspective into the military. The recommendations and conclusions are showing versatility of the fact that if well implemented will in essence enhance the chaplaincy to interface with other disciplines.
Dual practices of worship: a pastoral challenge
Mnisi, Judith Raesetsa (University of Pretoria, 2026-04)
Dual practices of worship entail the practicing of both the Christian religion and an African traditional religion of ancestral worship interchangeably in a church as compatible religions. The truth is that the two religions cannot be compatible, and they differ in terms of their activities. Allegorical interpretation of scriptures becomes a normal church system and unquestionable by the congregants who are involved in dual practices, to them is a normal church service. This encourages the congregants to worship both God and their ancestors, hence they mention “Modimo le badimo” which means God and ancestors when they preach and pray. This kind of preaching creates confusion for the newly converted, they end up practicing dualism. One of the fundamentals of becoming a member of a congregation is based on their evangelism program. Members who have not given in to ancestral worship have been casualties of various threats from fractional Christians within that church, and the problem of ancestral practices is engrained among many Africans and disturbs all classes of people who are not into it. The aim of this research is to contribute information that was not examined by other researchers that created a gap in the existing literature on this topic.
A pastoral perspective on Bapedi widowhood in the Mamelodi township
Mnisi, Judith Raesetsa (University of Pretoria, 2026-04)
Widows across the globe share common experiences related to social and economic challenges. The Bapedi people, also known as the Pedi or the Northern Sotho, primarily reside in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. In their cultures, which are based on dialects, widows are often excluded, stigmatised, and mistreated, especially during mourning rituals that can be isolating and dehumanising. This reality stands in contrast to the principle of ubuntu, which teaches empathy and community support. Yet, widowhood customs frequently subject women to exclusion, suspicion (such as being blamed for their husband's death), and social control. This study adopted a qualitative approach. The sample included 18 widows from three different mainline or Protestant churches, with six participants from each church. In-depth interviews were conducted, along with a full observation of one widow’s experience. Additionally, unplanned and spontaneous conversations were held with two other widows, providing further insight into their lived realities. The findings revealed that widows face a range of socio-economic hardships. Widowhood rites widely regarded as traditional practices for bereaved women, mark a changeover status from being a wife to a widow. These rites differ across cultures, each carrying specific customs and values that deeply shape the widowhood experience. One significant cultural practice examined is levirate marriage, also known as widow inheritance, in which a widow is required to marry a male relative of her deceased husband, it often reflects cultural practices that impose such obligations. While this is viewed in some societies as a way of offering care and preserving family lineage, it often leads to the violation of the widow’s rights and personal agency. Many widows endure harmful and abusive treatment during this time. The researcher was able to validate information from various sources due to the methodology employed in data collection and analysis. Data were obtained from interviews that formed part of a broader study on widowhood issues in South Africa. The findings reveal that widows frequently encounter significant inheritance conflicts as well as emotional or physical abuse from their in-laws. While some participants accepted widowhood rituals as part of their cultural heritage, others expressed strong opposition to these practices. The suffering widows experience after the death of their husbands is frequently driven by societal expectations. Alarmingly, the Church at times appears to reflect traditional worldviews that consider women to be inferior to men, reinforcing gender hierarchies. This perception may be one of the reasons the Church has not consistently advocated for the protection and empowerment of widows. Based on the study’s outcomes, recommendations for further research and practical interventions were proposed to address the ongoing challenges widows face within both cultural and religious contexts.
Exploring leadership conflict among AFM pastors and congregants in Pretoria: a pastoral challenge
Mundhluri, Zephania (University of Pretoria, 2025-09-30)
This qualitative case study explores leadership conflict affecting Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) pastors and congregants in Pretoria and develops a pastoral-theological healing methodology to care for those wounded by such conflicts. The study investigates the causes and impact of leadership conflict, focusing on Zimbabwean pastors and congregants in South Africa who continue to be affected by the split in the AFM in Zimbabwe. Although living in Pretoria, these congregants carry the trauma of leadership conflict, much like children who suffer the effects of parental divorce regardless of their location. Participants included AFM pastors and congregants with direct experience of leadership disputes, making their lived experiences central to the inquiry. Guided by the research onion framework (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill 2019), the study adopts an interpretivist, qualitative, and inductive approach, ensuring coherence between research philosophy, strategy, and data collection methods. Using interpretive narrative analysis within the lens of Practical Theology, the research examined the relational, spiritual, and organisational dynamics underlying leadership conflict. Pollard’s Positive Deconstruction Model and Wimberly’s Narrative Theory provided the primary analytical tools for interpreting participants’ narratives, theological assumptions, and coping strategies. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews in the Better Life Network (BLN) region, with thematic analysis revealing patterns, causes, and effects of conflict. Findings indicate that leadership conflict often arises from competing visions, leadership styles, governance practices, doctrinal ambiguities, and struggles over authority and resources, compounded by inadequate conflict resolution mechanisms. Both pastors and congregants experienced profound emotional, relational, and spiritual strain, including guilt, fear of questioning leadership, mistrust, disillusionment, and weakened ecclesial identity. These findings reveal a significant gap in existing pastoral responses, particularly the absence of a biblically grounded and contextually sensitive conflict management approach capable of addressing both spiritual and organisational dimensions of conflict. In response to this gap, the study proposes a contextually grounded healing methodology integrating narrative storytelling, positive theological deconstruction, and structured pastoral care. Building on these foundations, the research constructively re-reads leadership conflict narratives in the Book of Acts, demonstrating how early Christian communities navigated disagreement through communal discernment, shared leadership, accountability, and Spirit-led decision-making. This Acts-based engagement is presented not as a prior framework but as a new pastoral-theological contribution emerging from the study’s findings, offering practical resources for healing, reconciliation, and leadership renewal. The study contributes an original healing methodology for African Pentecostal contexts by addressing leadership-related trauma, restoring ecclesial trust, and promoting resilient pastoral leadership among diaspora congregations navigating inherited institutional conflict.
Relocation of clergy and its impact on the family: a pastoral challenge
Nyandoro, Patricia (University of Pretoria, 2025-09-29)
This study explored the impact of clergy relocation on families within the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA), with particular focus on the experiences of clergy wives and adult children. Rooted in the Wesleyan tradition of itinerancy, relocation is often framed as an administrative necessity for mission and deployment, yet for clergy households it is also experienced as loss, disruption, and repeated grief. The research aimed to examine these experiences in depth and to propose a pastoral response that acknowledges both the pain and resilience of clergy families. A qualitative design, situated within an interpretivist and phenomenological paradigm, guided the study. Semi-structured interviews with clergy wives and adult children enabled participants to narrate their lived experiences. This approach captured the emotional, vocational, relational, and spiritual dimensions of relocation. Findings revealed themes of vocational disruption, loneliness, and unacknowledged expectations among clergy wives, alongside identity struggles, loss of friendships, and exclusion among clergy children. A common thread was the absence of sustained support from church leadership, leaving families to navigate relocation largely on their own. Theologically, relocation was interpreted as a repeated cycle of grief, drawing on Kübler-Ross’s stages, Worden’s tasks of mourning, and Schlossberg’s transition theory. Building on these frameworks, the research developed a pastoral intervention rooted in Wimberly and Wimberly’s story-sharing model, emphasising healing through communal narration. The study contributes to pastoral theology by highlighting the hidden costs of itinerant ministry in Southern Africa and by offering practical strategies for pastoral accompaniment and institutional reform.
Approaches to Children’s Ministry in the church of the province of Uganda: A focus on the Diocese of Kampala
Kamoga, Alex (University of Pretoria, 2025-09-16)
Uganda is considered a young nation, with more than half of its population under the age of 19. Children face numerous challenges, including poverty, HIV/AIDS, war, sexual abuse, drug abuse, and neglect in various aspects of life. Despite this reality, the Church of the Province of Uganda devotes only a small proportion of its manpower and financial resources to children’s ministry. This study aimed to address this gap by proposing a holistic approach that informs the Church of the Province of Uganda about who children are and their distinctive needs, with the aim of fostering effective engagement and holistic ministry with children, while also challenging traditions and cultures of exclusion and exploitation. The study adopted a qualitative research design, utilising documentary analysis as well as empirical qualitative data to comprehensively address the research questions. Documentary sources such as church publications, textbooks, journals, teaching materials, and records related to children’s ministry were analysed to provide historical and contextual perspectives. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with 28 respondents: 10 clergy and 18 non-ordained church leaders. These included Mothers’ Union members, parents, compassion-assisted project workers, and Sunday school ministers/teachers. Using purposive sampling, respondents were selected to represent key stakeholders in the Diocese of Kampala who are directly engaged in the spiritual nurture of children. Open-ended questions enabled an in-depth exploration of their experiences, perspectives, and practices related to children’s ministry. The findings revealed several critical challenges, including limited financial and human resources, a shortage of trained leadership, and lack of adaptation to local cultural contexts, with teaching materials and activities imported from other settings, which limited children’s engagement. The study stresses the significance of adopting culturally applicable methods, such as aboriginal storytelling, music, and peer-led initiatives, to make children’s ministry more engaging and relevant to children and their parents. Additionally, the study identified the intricacies of outreach to non-Christian children in a pluralistic Ugandan society. While outreach efforts typically focus on evangelism, based on the findings, this study advocates for a more inclusive approach that respects the cultural and religious backgrounds of non-Christian children while softly presenting them iv with the gospel of Christ. This approach nurtures open-mindedness and mutual respect to ensure meaningful engagement without estranging children from other faith families. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on child theology around the world from an African perspective by proposing a localised approach to the challenges and introducing innovative strategies. It accentuates the importance of equipping church leaders with skills and resources to bridge gaps in leadership and funding. This study, therefore, bridges a significant gap in African child theology. It challenges traditions of exclusion and exploitation, and equips the Church of the Province of Uganda with strategies to nurture children holistically. The findings have the potential to inform children’s ministry across Africa, to provide adaptable models that respect local cultures whilst advancing the church’s mission to serve today’s and tomorrow’s church effectively.
Bullying and social discourse: A pastoral response to the role of the faith community
Plaatjes, Judy G (University of Pretoria, 2025-08-29)
Bullying is a complex phenomenon that affects the emotional well-being of learners. This behaviour is characterised by intentional intimidation, harm, or the exertion of control over individuals. The behaviour includes verbal, physical, emotional, and cyberbullying, all characterised by a notable power imbalance. While most research focusses on supporting victims, the behaviours and motives of perpetrators are often overlooked. Schools’ responses have generally focused punishment measures; however, these strategies seldom address the fundamental psychosocial, cultural, and social factors that contribute to the continuation of bullying dynamics. The behaviour of perpetrators of bullying is examined through the sociological lens of symbolic interaction. In order to understand the causes of bullying behaviour, it is necessary to examine the social context of individuals who engage in such behaviour. The study will explore the phenomenon of bullying and the social discourse around bullying. Social discourse can inadvertently exacerbate the bullying problem by shaping perceptions, reinforcing negative stereotypes, and influencing people's reactions to bullying. The three commonly acknowledged frameworks of the parent-child relationship encompass attachment, social support, and family systems. Each one examines the aspects of the parent-child relationship which affect the child's emotional, social, and behavioural development. The study presents a spiritually centred, multidisciplinary framework that integrates narrative hermeneutics with holistic pastoral care and counselling. The aim is to promote restorative processes for both victims and perpetrators while nurturing lasting relational and communal renewal. Educative counselling plays an important role in holistic pastoral care and counselling. It combines the insights and methods of two pastoral functions, specifically education and guidance, to help people achieve the primary goals of healing and wholeness. This study proposes a spiritually-oriented, multidisciplinary framework integrating narrative hermeneutics with holistic pastoral care and counselling. The objective is to facilitate healing for both victims and perpetrators, which allows for restoration in relationships and communities.
Pastoral support for the flourishing of “in-between” families
Enang, Bolanle (University of Pretoria, 2025)
Globally, the institution of family is changing rapidly, and Africa is not exempt from these changes. The effects of globalization and urbanization have resulted in numerous families moving out of their communities of origin for economic, political, and social reasons. A consequence of migration is the loss of support systems traditionally provided by the extended family. The study focuses on pastoral support for the flourishing of in-between families. The study builds on the work of Vhumani Magezi (2016, 2018, 2019a) on in-betweenness and applies those insights specifically to families who live outside their communities of origin, referred to as in-between families. The study investigates the current pastoral support practices that faith communities provide, the challenges of current support, and inherent gaps. The methodological framework is Richard Osmer’s (2008) core tasks of a practical theological investigation. The study first explores what is going on in pastoral support in relation to family flourishing. An empirical investigation with clergy and in-between families was done following a mixed-method approach. Various theories were used to understand why it is going on. An inclusive congregational approach and the intergenerational solidarity model are useful for clarifying the role of faith communities in the lives of in-between families. Communal-contextual pastoral care explains that the support of people in faith communities is a collective responsibility. Family models provide insight into family ministry and how to best support families. Parenting styles have an impact on child development and the flourishing of children and families. Work on flourishing from the disciplines of theological and positive psychology provides insights for holistic individual well-being and the flourishing of families. As families and their dynamics are changing, so faith communities should evolve, in order to stay relevant to society and provide effective care. A point of departure of the study is that pastoral support has shifted from being the task mainly of professional clergy to including the community − care for the community by the community. The study presents a relational and inclusive framework for best practice for faith communities to support in-between families to flourish.
The evolution of pastoral care in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church of South Africa post COVID-19
Moyo, Talent (University of Pretoria, 2025)
This study investigates how South Africa's Seventh-day Adventist pastoral ministry responded to the COVID-19 pandemic's unprecedented challenges. The study focused on the Southern Africa Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (SAU), and traced the evolution of pastoral care over time, analysed the pandemic’s disruptions and challenges, and highlighted the creative ways pastors responded, especially through the use of digital platforms and heightened awareness of mental health. The study investigates the swift transition from conventional, face-to face ministry to digital and hybrid models of worship, care, and community involvement through qualitative interviews with pastors in both rural and urban settings. Study findings revealed that technology has made it possible for people to connect spiritually through new channels like WhatsApp devotionals, live-streamed sermons, and virtual small groups, but it has also revealed significant disparities in access to digital infrastructure. Low-tech alternatives were frequently used by pastors in under-resourced areas, illustrating the growing digital divide in ministry experiences. In addition to technological adaptation, the study found that pastors are becoming more willing to incorporate emotional support and mental health awareness into their theological framework. This change reflects a trend towards more psychospiritual, holistic care models that address the intricate realities of trauma, grief, and loneliness. According to the study, one characteristic of effective ministry during the crisis was the ability to be flexible while remaining faithful. In the end, the results add to more general discussions about how religious communities can adapt to the spiritual and emotional demands of a changing world while maintaining their theological foundation.
The Real as a portal to life-giving Poiesis
Earle, Karien (University of Pretoria, 2025-08-28)
This thesis seeks to unearth the promise of a form of wisdom deep-rooted in humanity’s Ur-wound— our irreducible trauma. To this end, it turns its gaze to the creation narrative in The Book of Genesis as re-imagined by poet John Milton in his epic poem, Paradise Lost (1667). Prominence will be afforded to the depiction of the creation of the sexes and their thirst for knowledge resulting in the Fall and Exile from Paradise. Milton’s rendition of the myth shall be analysed and interpreted through a Freudo-Lacanian psychoanalytic lens that considers sexuality as the domain in which the desire for knowledge emerges. This reading regards sexuality as the site of a rupture between ontology and epistemology, presenting a fundamental lack at the heart of Being (Zupančič, 2017:141). This lack, or primal wound, generates a perverse subjective and socio-political deadlock that simultaneously cradles the immanent and transformative potential for invention. For although this wound remains unchanging, beyond cure or symbolisation, it also serves as the wellspring for life-giving poiesis. Thus, borrowing from Marcus Pound’s (2009:1) interpretation of Jacques Lacan as “the great Christianiser of psychoanalysis,” I seek to illuminate the revivifying potential and fundamentally spiritual essence of our deepest impasse—the (im)possible Real.
Alternative family structures within the contexts of the Seventh Day Adventist Church : a pastoral approach
Records, Lydia Elizabeth (University of Pretoria, 2024-10)
This study focuses on providing a pastoral counselling approach for Seventh Day Adventist counsellors for supporting non-nuclear families. Alternative family structures, such as stepfamilies, adoptive families, and single-parent households, have been increasing for the last few years and this is no different within the SDA church. Despite this, the SDA church has not provided counsellors with an appropriate approach to support these families. This study suggests that SDA counsellors can support alternative families with the application of Attachment-Based Therapy and Family Systems Therapy. However, before this can be applied, an understanding of both families and marriage in the Bible, as well as, of the alternative family structures, is necessary. This study addresses this by, firstly, discussing what the SDA church considers the ideal marriage and how this ideal was not always practiced throughout the Bible. Secondly, the study discusses a few of the alternative family structures that are common today.
Verbindliche Gemeineinschaft – Eine empirisch-theologische Studie über die Motivation von Mitgliedern aus Familienkommunitäten und christlichen Lebensgemeinschaften
Fink, Julian (University of Pretoria, 2025)
In dieser empirisch-theologischen Studie wurde die Motivation zur verbindlichen Gemeinschaft von Mitgliedern aus christlichen Lebensgemeinschaften und Familienkommunitäten untersucht. Angesichts der vorherrschenden Individualisierung in der westeuropäischen Gesellschaft wurden Anknüpfungspunkte herausgearbeitet, wie Kirchen von der Motivation der Probandinnen und Probanden lernen und verbindliches Gemeinschaftsleben fördern können. Die Untersuchung orientiert sich im Vorgehen am empirisch-theologischen Praxiszyklus von Faix. Dabei wurden zunächst theoretische Grundlagen zur verbindlichen Gemeinschaft und der Motivation gelegt. Ausgehend von frühen monastischen Bewegungen bis in die gegenwärtige Zeit wurde die Entwicklung von Kommunitäten bzw. christlichen Lebensgemeinschaften dargestellt. Das Phänomen Motivation wurde mithilfe philosophischer und motivationspsychologischer Einsichten erforscht und theologisch reflektiert. Sodann erfolgt eine Darstellung des qualitativen Forschungsprozesses. Dabei wurden 13 Personen mithilfe eines halbstrukturierten Interviewleitfadens befragt. Die Interviews wurden entlang der Grounded Theory analysiert und die herausgearbeiteten Ergebnisse wiederum theologisch bewertet. Aus den Ergebnissen wurden sodann praktische Impulse für christliche Lebensgemeinschaften und christliche Gemeinden aufgezeigt. Diese sowie mögliche weiterführende Forschungsfelder werden zum Ende der Arbeit dargestellt. This empirical theological study examined the motivation for binding community among members of Christian living communities. Considering the prevailing individualization in Western European society, points of contact were identified as to how churches can learn from the motivation of the test subjects and promote binding community life. The study is based on Faix’s empirical-theological practice cycle. First, theoretical foundations for binding community and motivation were laid. Starting with early monastic movements and continuing to the present day, the development of Christian living communities was presented. The phenomenon of motivation was explored with the help of philosophical and motivational psychological insights and reflected upon theologically. This was followed by a presentation of the qualitative research process. Thirteen people were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were analyzed using Grounded Theory, and the results were in turn evaluated theologically. The results were then used to identify practical ideas for Christian communities and Christian congregations. These, as well as possible further fields of research, are presented at the end of the thesis.
Conflict between Junior and senior pastors in Neo-Pentecostal Churches in Pretoria: a pastoral challenge.
Oluwatuyi, Joshua Adeleke (University of Pretoria, 2025-04-26)
This research seeks to investigate the abuse of junior pastors by senior pastors in Pretoria Neo-Pentecostal churches. Objectives: • The research aims to accompany junior pastors on a pastoral journey, assisting them in healing their wounds and thereby breaking the cycle of violence and abuse. • The aim is to investigate how pastoral care can address the issue of abuse and create a pastoral framework that can assist in the rehabilitation of junior pastors. • We aim to devise a methodology that will streamline the process of facilitating journeys with abused junior pastors in Neo-Pentecostal churches in Pretoria. This qualitative research aimed to address the following inquiries, which are based on the previously discussed issues and the research background provided. • Why do junior pastors experience abusive dispositions from their senior pastors? • What causes the abuse of juniors by the senior pastors within the Neo-Pentecostal churches in Pretoria? • What are the triggers motivating the actions of abuse towards junior pastors? • What are the consequences of abuses in the context of missional expansion? • In what ways should counsellors or pastors who provide pastoral care intervene in this situation without aggravating it? Findings and Recommendations The study presented its findings and recommendations in the form of bullet points below. • Conflicts between junior and senior pastors in neo-Pentecostal churches are influenced by communication breakdown, different ministerial visions, and power dynamics. • Junior pastors feel ignored when decisions are made without their contribution, leading to resentment and decreased morale. • Senior pastors express frustration with perceived lack of initiative and monitoring among junior pastors. • The hierarchical nature of church leadership often marginalises junior pastors, leading to a reluctance to express innovative concerns or ideas. • Junior pastors often have a double role in mentoring, leading to conflicts with subordinate pastors seeking autonomy and expressive agency. • The concept of authority, perceived as divine by senior pastors, aligns with traditional ecclesiastical hierarchies, limiting the scope of subordinate pastors' engagement in the mission. • The cultural context of neo-Pentecostal churches often plays a central role in the formation of these mentoring dynamics. • The study recommends the implementation of Pollard's positive deconstruction methodology to reconstruct a more inclusive and collaborative ecclesiastical structure. • Feedback mechanisms should be established to allow continuous exchange of ideas between junior and senior pastors, promoting transparency and responsibility.
In search of urban shalom: assessing the impact of the urban studio in promoting community development in Mamelodi East: a black liberation theology perspective
Masiya, Nomuhle (University of Pretoria, 2025-12-01)
Scars caused by inequity and systemic injustice can be noted in the township of Mamelodi East. It is a space marked by the resilience of community members who continue to dream and hope for urban shalom (hope for wholeness, healing, justice, inclusion and dignity). This study journeys into the story of Mamelodi East by exploring how The Urban Studio has pursued community development through networking. Networking in this case is understood as bridging the gap and bringing together community organisations, community members and sharing resources in ways that make liberation attainable. Solidarity is realised through the practice of black Liberation Theology, which insists that God is always there amongst the oppressed and that faith finds expression in justice. Within this Black Liberation perspective, The Urban Studio’s work is examined to ask: How does networking contribute to urban shalom? Qualitative case methods were employed, and these include interviews and online questionnaires. The research found that collaborations with community organisations expressed how the networking promoted learning, amplified voices and created ways to access resources that might have remained out of reach. Dignity was realised amongst the various community organisations through being recognised, heard and empowered. The findings, however, reveal some challenges that come with overdependence on external funding. Using a Black Liberation Lens, the networks are more than a strategy because they embody praxis and act as resistance against the marginalised and an indication of God’s presence, which is liberating. This research contributes to theology and community development academic literature by giving a framework that links praxis, justice and faith. It focuses on investment in grassroots guidance, digital inclusion and participatory assessment. Overall, it confirms that fractured spaces, when community organisations join their efforts, are interwoven to form threads that form urban shalom for justice and peace to prevail. Liberation and justice are tangible realities stemming from networking in fractured spaces.
Conflict between African theology and Christian religiosity: a pastoral challenge
Chopho, Bonang (University of Pretoria, 2025-06-11)
This study investigates The Conflict between African Theology and Christian Religiosity: A Pastoral Challenge, focusing on the theological, cultural, and pastoral tensions arising from the intersection of African Traditional Religion (ATR) and Christianity, particularly within the South African context. While Christianity was introduced through colonial missionary efforts, many African communities have retained aspects of their indigenous spirituality. This has led to a complex interplay between the two systems, often resulting in internal conflict, divided religious identities, and pastorally challenging their lifestyle. Using a qualitative research approach as a way of interrogating pastoral elements for caring. The study is grounded in Pollard’s (1997) Positive Deconstruction model and Gerkin’s (1997) Shepherding Theory as frameworks for pastoral care. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with religious leaders and community members to explore how the blending or rejection of African and Christian spiritualties affects worship, identity, and ministry. The study employs an interpretivist paradigm and grounded theory to uncover emerging themes related to worship practices, theological education, and cultural rituals. Findings 6 indicate that a core source of tension lies in the contrasting cosmologies of ATR and Christianity. While ATR promotes ancestral veneration, communal rituals, and Ubuntu, many Christian doctrines regard these as incompatible with biblical teachings. This leads to spiritual confusion, cultural alienation, and inadequate pastoral responses. In response, the study proposes a five-pillar reconciliation framework: (1) affirming the value of African spiritual traditions, (2) reinterpreting theology through an African lens, (3) enhancing culturally sensitive pastoral care, (4) promoting dialogue between Christian and ATR leaders, and (5) incorporating African spirituality into theological education. Ultimately, the research advocates for a contextual theology that bridges African and Christian spirituality without compromising core beliefs. It calls on churches and pastoral leaders to embrace cultural hybridity, foster respectful dialogue, and promote holistic care for believers navigating dual spiritual identities. The study offers both theoretical and practical tools for addressing one of the most persistent challenges in African pastoral theology.
Missional church leadership : an African reformed perspective
Mosia, Mmoelo David (University of Pretoria, 2025-09-30)
Abstract This study examined contextual leadership within the context of the Uniting Reformed Church in South Africa (URCSA) framework of missional theology through a combination of the transformational paradigm of Wolfgang, Bosch and historical-based biblical, reformed, and African leadership paradigms. The research developed the extensive overview of the existing frameworks and identified gaps, especially with regards to the lack of empirical data devoted to the process through which leaders navigate various cultural landscapes and at the same time act as the embodiment of mission as transformation, incarnation, and holistic engagement. The study provides theoretical assumptions for practical application of the missional leadership theory, and lays the ground to further explore the theory within the context of modern leadership for ethically grounded responses to contemporary global and local situations. The study adopted the qualitative, critical-realist approach and utilized the Boschian analytical perspectives. The results indicate that the growing interest in the scholarship on missional leadership is one of the significant paradigm shifts in African contemporary Christian approaches which and less Western or hierarchical. The missional approach, and the introduction of intercultural models of participation place more focus on contextual flexibility and prophetic transformation as opposed to traditional and rigid approaches. Some of the significant thematic issues that emerged out this study are: (1) the dynamic interplay between mission and culture; (2) incarnational praxis in leadership; and (3) the emergent dialogic, dialectical forms of leadership. In re-pproapriating the lessons which emerged out this study, Chapter 5 engages with a Boschian framework of contextual leadership to highlight four fundamental features of missional leadership; such as contextual adaptability, missional integration, dialectical dynamics, and prophetic-transformative leadership. The study concludes by providing by tools of evaluation and implementation for real-world guidelines to leaders who work in various cultural environments. Constrained are highlighted before the possibilities for future research directions are suggested, among them, the need for longitudinal and cross-culture studies.
Die rouproses en groepsberading: 'n narratiewe pastorale benadering
Fourie, Lindi (University of Pretoria, 2025-08)
Afrikaans: Hierdie literatuurstudie ondersoek pastorale groepsrouberading vanuit ‘n postmoderne narratiewe benadering met ‘n epistemologie van sosiale konstruksionisme. Die doel was om die voordele van groepsberading vir mense in die rouproses te ondersoek. Insigte uit die vakgebiede van psigologie en sosiologie met betrekking tot die rouproses, rouberading, sowel as die dinamiek van groepe, is benut. Verskeie teorieë en modelle wat betrekking het op verlies en die rouproses is bespreek met die doel om insigte te verkry vir die ontwerp van die groepsberadingsprogram vir mense in die rouproses. Aangesien bestaande groepsrouberading programme in ander kontekste ontstaan het, en kultuur, taal en konteks ‘n belangrike rol speel as dit kom by ‘n diep ontwrigtende en emosionele aangeleentheid soos die dood van ‘n geliefde, het die studie ook ten doel gehad om ‘n program vir narratiewe pastorale groepsrouberading in Afrikaans, vir Afrikaans-talige persone in die Suid Afrikaanse konteks te ontwerp. English: This literature review examines pastoral group grief counselling from a postmodern narrative approach with an epistemology of social constructionism. The aim was to explore the benefits of group counselling for people in the grieving process. Insights from the disciplines of psychology and sociology with regard to the grieving process, grief counselling, as well as the dynamics of groups, were utilised. Various theories and models pertaining to loss and the grieving process were discussed with the aim of gaining insights for the design of the group counselling programme for people in the grieving process. Since existing group grief counselling programmes have emerged in other contexts, and culture, language and context play an important role when it comes to a deeply disruptive and emotional matter such as the death of a loved one, the study also aimed to design a programme for narrative pastoral group grief counselling in Afrikaans, for Afrikaans-speaking persons in the South African context.

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