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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'RELIGION / Christianity / Methodism'
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1
Graham, E. Dorothy. "Chosen by God : the female itinerants of early primitive Methodism." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 1986. http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/4557/.
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Present day Methodists are often surprised to learn that ‘women in the Ministry’ is not a twentieth century phenomenon; that the Bible Christians and Primitive Methodists had the flexibility and foresight to make valuable use of female preaching talents. This research has concentrated on the women travelling preachers of Primitive Methodism, starting from the premise that there were doubtless far more than was immediately apparent; searching them out; looking at their life and work; their value and influence within the context of the movement itself and in relation to the strata of society to which it chiefly appealed. I have sought to weigh the contemporary arguments about the merits and demerits of female preaching; to look at the gradual decline and ultimate demise of the female itinerant; to see if an explanation for their disappearance could be found in the prevailing social conditions or if the answer lay within Primitive Methodism itself. As Primitive Methodism moved from enthusiastic evangelism towards consolidation so its emphasis shifted and its attitudes developed and changed. The female travelling preachers played a vital, though often little acknowledged, role in the Connexional evolution and it is this role which I have tried to explore and evaluate.
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Green, Tank. "Digging at roots and tugging at branches : Christians and 'race relations' in the sixties." Thesis, University of Exeter, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10871/24915.
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This thesis is a study of the ‘race relations’ work of Christians in the sixties in England, with specific reference to a Methodist church in Notting Hill, London. As such, it is also a study of English racisms: how they were fought against and how they were denied and facilitated. Additionally, the thesis pays attention to the interface of ‘religion’ and politics and the radical restatement of Christianity in the sixties. Despite a preponderance of sociological literature on 'race relations' and 'religion' in England, there has been a dearth of historical studies of either area in the post-war period. Therefore, this thesis is an important revision to the existing historiography in that it adds flesh to the bones of the story of post-war Christian involvement in the politics of 'race', and gives further texture and detail to the history of racism, 'race relations', and anti-racist struggles in England. Moreover, the thesis implicitly challenges the received wisdom of the decline of the churches in the sixties and shows an active engagement of Christians with politics. Using a wide range of private and public archives and interviews, the thesis takes a micro-study of the Notting Hill Methodist Church and places it within its wider contexts: how English Christians approached 'race' and 'race relations', what kinds of racialised political engagements existed in Notting Hill, and what kinds of racisms were expressed in England. The contextualised and detailed micro-study has enabled the thesis to capture the texture and depth which is needed to better understand 'race' and 'race relations' in post-war England. In doing so, the thesis sheds detailed light on some active 'civil rights' struggles in England and therefore challenges the received wisdom which views these struggles as being an American rather than an English (or British) story.
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Antonio, Matthew. "The Pragmatist and the Aesthete: Late Nineteenth-Century Religion and Theology in Harold Frederic’s The Damnation of Theron Ware and Ellen Glasgow’s Phases of an Inferior Planet." Scholar Commons, 2007. https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/606.
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A comparison between Ware, Forbes, and Soulsby from The Damnation of Theron Ware provides a glimpse into one aspect of the theological upheaval of the time. A comparison between Ware, Forbes, and Algarcife, from Phases of an Inferior Planet, however, hearkens forward to the alienation and questioning of identity so much a part of the Twentieth Century. By viewing Ware as a foil for Forbes and Soulsby in tandem with Algarcife, a more complete picture of the transition between nineteenth and twentieth-century religion and theology may be found.
Understanding the encounter between the traditional and the liberal clergy requires a close examination of the way Ware, Forbes, Soulsby, and Algarcife interact with religions and theologies and adjust their actions in order to maintain the balance between the two, and how each character's interaction with the figure of the aesthete aids in the negotiation.
Ware cannot aspire to the erudition of scholars like Forbes and Algarcife, nor is he able to understand the aestheticism, the "art for art," of Madden, from Damnation, and Musin, from Phases. He is unable to maintain a dogmatic theology in the service of religion like Soulsby. He is an anachronism, caught between centuries, caught between two religious, theological, and aesthetic historical moments.
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Scratcherd, George. "Ecclesiastical politics and the role of women in African-American Christianity, 1860-1900." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2016. https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:120f3d76-27e5-4adf-ba8b-6feaaff1e5a7.
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This thesis seeks to offer new perspectives on the role of women in African-American Christian denominations in the United States in the period between the Civil War and the turn of the twentieth century. It situates the changes in the roles available to black women in their churches in the context of ecclesiastical politics. By offering explanations of the growth of black denominations in the South after the Civil War and the political alignments in the leadership of the churches, it seeks to offer more powerful explanations of differences in the treatment of women in distict denominations. It explores the distinct worship practices of African-American Christianity and reflects on their relationship to denominational structure and character, and gender issues. Education was central to the participation of women in African-American Christianity in the late nineteenth century, so the thesis discusses the growth of black colleges under the auspices of the black churches. Finally it also explores the complex relationship between domestic ideology, the politics of respectability, and female participation in the black churches.
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Smith, Carolyn F. "The Origin of African American Christianity in the English North American Colonies to the Rise of the Black Independent Church." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1250628526.
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Firth, Richard. "Methodist worship : with reference to historic practice, the Methodist worship book, and current patterns in the Newcastle Methodist district." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2013. http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/4416/.
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Methodism, as a hybrid denomination, being neither Anglican nor Free Church, was endowed by the Wesley brothers, John and Charles, with worship characterised by a twofold practice, the liturgy of The Book of Common Prayer on the one hand and the free form preaching service on the other. The thesis traces the history and the development of this pattern on through the use of the different service books, the latest of which is The Methodist Worship Book published in 1999. How this book came about is explored and the response to its publication by Methodist ministers, churches and members is researched by the use of questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Developments in the shape of the preaching service are also considered. Greater variety in Methodist worship in general is then reviewed. Some pointers for the future are explored, as indeed whether or not today’s alternative patterns of worship may be regarded as essentially Methodist.
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Murton, Stoehr Catherine. "Salvation from empire : the roots of Anishinabe Christianity in Upper Canada." Thesis, Kingston, Ont. : [s.n.], 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1974/1324.
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This thesis examine the cultural interaction between Anishinabe people, who lived in what is now southern Ontario, and the Loyalists, Euroamerican settlers who moved north from the United States during and after the American Revolution. Starting with an analysis of Anishinabe cultural history before the settlement era the thesis argues that Anishinabe spirituality was not traditionalist. Rather it inclined its practitioners to search for new knowledge. Further, Anishinabe ethics in this period were determined corporately based on the immediate needs and expectations of individual communities. As such, Anishinabe ethics were quite separate from Anishinabe spiritual teachings.
Between 1760 and 1815, the Anishinabe living north of the Great Lakes participated in pan-Native resistance movements to the south. The spiritual leaders of these movements, sometimes called nativists, taught that tradition was an important religious virtue and that cultural integration was dangerous and often immoral. These nativist teachings entered the northern Anishinabe cultural matrix and lived alongside earlier hierarchies of virtue that identified integration and change as virtues.
When Loyalist Methodists presented their teachings to the Anishinabeg in the early nineteenth century their words filtered through both sets of teachings and found purchase in the minds of many influential leaders. Such leaders quickly convinced members of their communities to take up the Methodist practices and move to agricultural villages. For a few brief years in the 1830s these villages achieved financial success and the Anishinabe Methodist leaders achieved real social status in both Anishinabe and Euroamerican colonial society.
By examining the first generation of Anishinabe Methodists who practiced between 1823 and 1840, I argue that many Anishinabe people adopted Christianity as new wisdom suitable for refitting their existing cultural traditions to a changed cultural environment. Chiefs such as Peter Jones (Kahkewahquonaby), and their followers, found that Methodist teachings cohered with major tenets of their own traditions, and also promoted bimadziwin, or health and long life, for their communities. Finally, many Anishinabe people believed that the basic moral injunctions of their own tradition compelled them to adopt Methodism because of its potential to promote bimadziwin.Thesis (Ph.D, History) -- Queen's University, 2008-07-17 13:59:23.833
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Mannoia, Kevin W. "A Study of the Perception of Faculty Concerning Integration of Faith and Learning at Free Methodist Colleges." Thesis, North Texas State University, 1986. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc331950/.
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The problem with which this study is concerned is the perception of faculty members at Free Methodist colleges regarding the integration of faith and learning in the total environment of their institution. In order to study this problem, the entire population of faculty was studied at Greenville College, Greenville, IL.; Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester, N.Y.; Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA.; and Spring Arbor College, Spring Arbor, MI.
The purposes of this study are fourfold: (1) to identify and to validate statements which describe individual criteria which must exist if integration of faith and learning is occurring on Christian college campuses; (2) to use these criterion statements in evaluating the perception of faculty at Free Methodist colleges concerning integration of faith and learning at their institutions; (3) to study the effect of age on the perception of integration of faith and learning among faculty; (4) to study the effect of the undergraduate alma mater on the perception of integration of faith and learning among faculty.
An instrument containing forty-seven statements of criteria for integration of faith and learning was developed for this study and given to the faculty at the four institutions. Content validity was established by using nine experts in the Delphi Technique. Criterion-related validity was established by means of a discrimination study of faculty at Wheaton College and Southern Methodist University. A significant difference was found at the .01 level. A reliability coefficient of .93 was established through a test for internal consistency.
Instruments were sent to 298 faculty representing all full-time faculty at the four schools under examination. The response rate was 49.7% or 148.
Based on the findings of three hypotheses which were tested, it can be concluded that (1) age makes a difference in the perception of integration of faith and learning, (2) the four institutions under study are different in their effectiveness of integrating faith and learning, and (3) the undergraduate alma mater has no impact on the perception of integration of faith and learning.
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Booyse, Adonis Carolus. "The sovereignty of the African districts of the African Methodist Episcopal Church :a historical assessment." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2010. http://etd.uwc.ac.za/index.php?module=etd&action=viewtitle&id=gen8Srv25Nme4_6342_1298630360.
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This research project focuses on the relationship between the American and the African districts of the African Methodist Episcopal Church during the period from 1896 to 2004. It investigates the factors which led to the tensions emerged in the relationship between the American districts and the African districts. It specifically investigates the reasons for the five secession movements that took place in the 15th and 19th Districts of the AME Church in 1899, 1904, 1908, 1980 and 1998. The research problem investigated in this thesis is therefore one of a historical reconstruction, namely to identify, describe and assess the configurations of factors which contributed to such tensions in relationship between the AME Church in America and Africa. The relationships between the American and the African districts of the AME Church have been characterised by various tensions around the sovereignty of the African districts. Such tensions surfaced, for example, in five protest movements, which eventually led to secessions from the AME Church in South Africa. The people of the African continent merged with the American based AME Church with the expectation that they would be assisted in their quest for self-determination. The quest for self-determination in the AME Church in Africa has a long history. The Ethiopian Movement was established by Mangena Maake Mokone in 1892 as a protest movement against white supremacy and domination in the Wesleyan Methodist Church. However, the lack of infrastructure within the Ethiopian Movement and the constant harassment from the Governments of South Africa in the formation of black indigenous churches compelled Mokone to link with a more established and independent Black Church. The AME Church presented such an opportunity to Mokone. The parallels of subordination in the history of the Ethiopian Movement and the AME Church in America gave Mokone to hope that the quest for self-reliance could be attained within the AME Church...
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Booyse, Adonis Carolus. "The relationship between the congregations of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Dutch Reformed Mission Church in Piketberg, 1903-1972." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2004. http://etd.uwc.ac.za/index.php?module=etd&.
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This thesis investigated the factors contributing to the tense relationship between the congregations of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Dutch Reformed Mission Church in Piketberg during 1903-1972. It investigated the reasons why two congregations of colour in a small town as Piketberg were established. The problem that was investigated was a social, historical and religious one of determining which factors contributed to such tension.
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Walters, Wayne Berk. "From Nominal to Radical Discipleship: One Church’s Approach to Disciple Making." Antioch University / OhioLINK, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1306520280.
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Radford-Clark, Brittany. "Implementation of Anti-Racism Pilot Program in the United Methodist Church." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2018. https://dc.etsu.edu/secfr-conf/2018/schedule/10.
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Background:
Critical race theorist, Eduardo Bonilla-Silva (2014), states that the racial climate in the United States has shifted away from the more overt forms of racism towards a race-neutral and (Bobo, 2011; Lentin, 2011; Plaut, 2010; Smith et al., 2011) color blind ideology (Alexander, 2012; Emerson & Smith, 2000; Omi & Winant, 2014; Smith et al., 2011; Wise, 2010). According to Gushue and Constantine (2007), “The conscious or unconscious minimization, denial, or distortion of race and racism is known as color blindness” (Neville et al., 2000; Neville et al., 2001). This erroneous perspective is detrimental (Atwater, 2008) to the organizational structure of the United States (Emerson & Smith, 2000), especially the Christian [church] (Bonilla-Silva, 2002; Yancey, 2010). In the state of Mississippi, approximately 170,000 (UMData, 2017) Black and White individuals identify as United Methodist. This racial composition is unique to Mississippi because Blacks make up a large proportion of the population (Census, 2010). However, little to no research has been conducted to examine the colorblind racial attitudes of adults in The United Methodist Church (UMC) or to evaluate current anti-racism programs in Mississippi’s UMC. According to The UMC’s official website, no formalized evidence-based program exist that both teaches and trains its members to be engaged in racial justice. Therefore, the development of an intervention that investigates color-blind racial ideology (Neville, et al., 2013) from a critical race theory framework is needed.
Program Description: Counter Narrative is a faith-based program, set to be implemented spring of 2018 in The UMC. The program challenges three notions: racism is no longer a problem, Christians should be colorblind, and that the church is silent about racial injustices. It has three components: Revising the Narrative (anti-racism workshops), Rewriting the Narrative (cross-racial training program), and R2 (race relations task force).
Aim: Engage adults in constructive dialogue around race Explore and examine participants personal attitudes, behaviors, and language towards race colorblindness Educate participants about the historical context of racism and racial equity in America and The UMC Equip participants with the resources and skills to build authentic cross-racial relationships and to become racial justice advocates
Methodology:
Revising the Narrative—6 anti-racism workshops will be held in one year, for approximately eight hours each. Each session will be co-facilitated by individuals trained in anti-racism and will include a worship service, an overview of the social principles, history of the church’s commitment to eradicate racism, content knowledge, and processing exercises. Evaluation: Pretest/posttest survey will be administered with multiple follow-ups.
Rewriting the Narrative—31 sessions (Training, Social Events, Service Learning, and Diversity Workshop) will take place over one year. Evaluation: Pretest/posttest survey will be administered and focus groups will be conducted.
R2—12 meetings will be held, once a month for two hours. Also, participants will receive at least 14 hours of anti-racism training. Evaluation: Pretest/posttest survey will be administered and in-depth interviews will be conducted at the end of the year.
Long-Term Objective: Reduce racial colorblindness and racial tension between Black and White Christians.
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Evans, Robert Charles. "Reception-historical methods in biblical studies : an evaluation of the hermeneutics of some recent practice, with reference to reception of New Testament texts about subordination." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2013. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.669841.
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Pratt, Derek Alfred. "The Anglican Church's mission to the Muslims in Cape Town during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries : a study in the changes of missiological methods and attitudes." Thesis, Rhodes University, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007592.
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When Bishop Robert Gray arrived at the Cape in 1848, he was concerned at the large percentage of the former slave population who had been attracted to the Muslim faith. He appointed Michael Angelo Camilleri (1848-1854) as a missionary to the Muslims of Cape Town. Camilleri's tenure was short and he was frequently used to fill other ecclesiastical posts. From 1854 until 1911 the responsibility of mission to the Muslims was given to priests whose parishes had large Muslims populations. In 1911 a fulltime missionary was once again appointed. Thomas Fothergill Lightfoot, arrived at the Cape in 1858 and served at St Paul's, Bree Street until his death in 1904. His was a ministry of love and caring. He was greatly respected for his work by all sections of the population. John Mühleissen Arnold worked in the parish of St Mary's, Woodstock. His aggressive missiological technique broke down much of the religious tolerance which had existed. His publication of a pamphlet supposedly written by a Muslim, raises doubts about his integrity as a missionary and his ethical stance as a Christian. In 1907 the Diocesan Mission Board took control of the Muslim mission and in 1911 appointed Stephen Garabedian as director. Under Garabedian the policy of the mission was aimed primarily at preventing Christian women 'lapsing' from Christianity and becoming Muslims through marriage. After his resignation in 1922, the work continued under numerous women workers who concentrated on Muslim women and children through sewing guilds and childrens' clubs. In 1960, George Swartz was appointed as director. Swartz was the first Coloured and South African-born priest to hold the post of director. Swartz served as director until he was appointed to Bonteheuwel as parish priest. He subsequently chaired the board until it ceased to meet in 1976. Throughout its one hundred twenty eight years of active existence, the Anglican mission to the Muslims failed to attract a large number of converts. Initially this could be attributed to the attraction the Muslims had to those seeking a strong community life. Later, outside influences from the Islamic world strengthened the faith of the Muslim community against any Christian conversion attempts. During the latter part of the twentieth century the mission viewed its tasks as preventing the conversion of Christians who wished to marry Muslims and informing and educating Christians on the Islamic faith. In the late 1960s, the Board encouraged dialogue rather than confrontation. It changed its name to the Board of Muslim Relationship. Apartheid was seen as the common enemy of both Christians and Muslims and they worked together against its evils. The need for a Mission Board was seen as redundant and from 1976 it ceased to be active.
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Vander, Wiele Matthew Alan. "AN ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS' PERCEPTION OF BIBLICAL COMMUNITY WITHIN THE ENVIRONMENT OF DIGITAL MEDIA: A MIXED METHODS STUDY." Diss., 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10392/4875.
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ABSTRACT
AN ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS' PERCEPTION OF BIBLICAL
COMMUNITY WITHIN THE ENVIRONMENT OF DIGITAL
MEDIA: A MIXED METHODS STUDY
Matthew Alan Vander Wiele, Ed.D.
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2014
Chair: Dr. Troy W. Temple
This study is an examination of teen perception regarding their understanding of biblical community within the environment of digital media. The study also examines the principles, essentials, or characteristics of biblical community regardless of environment.
The researcher surveyed a sample of teens that attend classical, open enrollment, and closed enrollment Christian schools of various denominations as well as no denomination. A survey presenting a list of the essential principles of biblical community, regardless of environment, including questions for each objective was sent to the sample. The respondents were asked to participate in a quantitative Lickert-scale survey. An expert panel was utilized to validate and approve the principles of biblical community that were used in the student survey. The validation by the experts regarding the literature review was then used to form objective questions regarding the principles or characteristics of biblical community regardless of environment. Triangulation was utilized as the principles reviewed in the literature review, validated by the expert panel, were formulated into a survey to measure perception.
The researcher analyzed the data in light of the principles or essentials of biblical community reviewed in the literature review and validated upon by the experts to demonstrate a need to better measure the effectiveness of biblical community within a particular environment. Also, the research demonstrated a need to educate parents and students alike as to what makes a community biblical. The benefit of the expert panel allowed for the findings to be validated in order to then create an instrument that measures student perception. The researcher sought to answer the question: Do teens, that attend Christian high schools, perceive their online relationships to facilitate the principles or essentials of biblical community? The more commonly asked questions concerning the effects of digital media on one's face-to-face relationships cannot adequately be answered until the above question is answered.
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Sprong, Jenette Louisa. ""For healing and transformation" : a feminist ecclesiological study on the gap between gender policy and practice in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA)." Thesis, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/7869.
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The main premise of this study is that while gender justice is enshrined in the Constitution of South Africa and in the declared statements of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA), in practice gender justice receives minimal attention in this church. The existing ‘gender policy’ of the MCSA, which is a mere recommendation, endorses an equitable representation of women, youth and men at every level of Church governance. Since this ‘policy’ is couched in the language of ‘recommendation’, this study argues that a gap continues to exist between policy and practice in the MCSA. Using Letty Russell’s (1993) ‘Table Fellowship’ analogy in her book Church in the Round – Feminist Interpretation of the Church, and Musimbi Kanyoro’s subsequent (1997) In Search of a Round Table: Gender Theology and Church Leadership, the discussions in this thesis focus on ‘the Table’ of the Church.
The research question this study seeks to address is: Why does the MCSA continue to marginalise and exclude women, even though its mission is to be a church of healing and transformation and its gender policy is meant to prevent such marginalisation and exclusion? Hence, the objectives of this study are firstly, to demonstrate the ways in which the MCSA continues to be patriarchal in its ecclesiological practices and secondly, to analyse the reasons why the MCSA remains steeped in patriarchy.
In order to respond to the research question this study utilises a feminist ecclesiological theoretical framework, which examines and analyses the MCSA’s source documents, its liturgies and its hymns.
The theoretical framework is also used to consider the stories of five Methodist women from a narrative perspective. The Wesleyan Quadrilateral – Sacred Scripture, Church Tradition, Human Reason and Personal Experience – was engaged in this research, when deemed relevant.
Transformative models of being church, that will enhance and enable the healing and transformation that the MCSA has declared to be its mission, are proposed in the conclusion, thus fulfilling the third objective of this study. It is here where the hope for gender-healing in the MCSA is expressed, along with a dream that this study will be ‘one more voice’ that is heard.
Key Terms: African Feminist Theology; African Feminist Ecclesiology; Gender Justice; Gender Policy; Women in Ministry; Church Women’s Organisations Community; Healing and Transformation; Women’s Narratives; Feminist Leadership Principles; Ecclesiological Practices; Alternative Models of Being Church; Circle Leadership Styles; The Methodist Church of Southern Africa.Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.
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Prochaska, JoLynn. "The effect of the death of an immediate family member on a child's perception of God: a mixed methods study." Diss., 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10392/5181.
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The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between children’s grief and their perceptions of God by utilizing children’s drawings. This research was conducted by partnering with Christian counselors and teachers who interviewed two groups of children to collect data. Counselors interviewed the experimental group of children who were between the ages of 6-12 and had experienced the death of an immediate family member. Teachers interviewed the control group of children who were between the ages of 6-12 and had not experienced the death of an immediate family member. Both groups were asked specific questions in efforts to ascertain if children in the midst of grief perceived God differently.
A multilevel triangulation design was used in this study with the first phase being qualitative and the second quantitative. In phase one, both the experimental group and control group of children were each interviewed and asked to respond to these questions by drawing their answers. Upon completion of the drawings, each child was asked a series of follow-up questions in efforts to provide explanations for their drawings. Select demographic information was also collected as a part of the interview process. Phase 2 utilized a quantitative approach. A panel of raters was assigned with the task of looking for specified, coded patterns or images in each child’s drawn or verbal response. Each panel member received a description of characteristics for which to look, as well as a Thurstone scale to assess the frequency of the characteristics. Upon evaluation, this data was sent back to the researcher for anecdotal analysis.
The qualitative data was collected and the results were analyzed utilizing two statistical analyses methods including a Mann-Whitney test and a four-way ANOVA. While the Mann-Whitney was used to determine the correlation between death and a child’s perception of God, the ANOVA was performed to analyze the role demographics played in children’s perception of God after they experienced a parental or sibling death. Findings from the analyses are discussed in terms of implications for future research as well as possible applications for the research.
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Thompson, Matthew Scott. "Adoption Rates Among Evangelicals: A Mixed Methods Study." Diss., 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10392/5072.
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ABSTRACT
ADOPTION RATES AMONG EVANGELICALS:
A MIXED METHODS STUDY
Matthew Scott Thompson, Ed.D.
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2015
Chair: Dr. Anthony W. Foster
The purpose of this study was to examine the adoption rates of evangelical
Christian adoption agencies and to determine what factors, if any, contribute to the
current adoption rates. A mixed methods approach, consisting of both quantitative and
qualitative elements was used for completion of this study. The quantitative section of
the research utilizes historical, numerical data from select adoption agencies to determine
the pattern of adoption rates. The qualitative portion of the research utilizes an electronic
survey, which contains simple answer questions, Likert scale questions, and open-ended
questions to determine potential factors that have an effect on the adoption rates. The
data was reviewed and analyzed to determine the conclusions of the research study.
KEYWORDS: Adoption, Adoption Agency, Adoption Rates, Evangelical, Foster Care, Orphan Care
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Ndlovu, Isaiah Sipho. "The theology of peace and reconciliation as manifested in the ministry of Rev. Dr. Mmutlanyane Stanley Mogoba of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa." Thesis, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/6811.
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Horner, Jeffrey Michael. "Christian Curricular Emphases and Academic Rigor: A Mixed Methods Study." Diss., 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10392/5248.
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This study explored the relationship between Christian curricular emphases and academic rigor among Christian secondary schools. It used convergent data transformation methods to analyze published curriculum descriptions in relationship to published academic data. This study correlated the two sets of variables while controlling for the influence of family income on these academic performance metrics.
A review of the precedent literature first presented foundations for Christian education. It then examined studies of both Christian curriculum and academic rigor. It reviewed studies of curriculum, both theoretical and practical, and introduced the term “Christian curricular emphases” for discussing intentional assertions of Christian principles. It also reviewed studies examining selected criteria (AP courses, SAT scores, and acceptance into top universities) as measures of academic rigor. Few published studies examined both strands together.
The convergent data transformation research design consisted of both qualitative and quantitative analyses consisting of four phases. The study required a population which could demonstrate both Christian curricular emphases and academic rigor, hence the selection of CESA schools. The first phase collected published qualitative curricular data and quantitative academic rigor data. The second phase gathered both tuition and family income data to control for possible confounding variables. The third phase coded schools’ course descriptions for integration of faith and learning (IFL) language, which was then transformed into quantitative data for analysis. The fourth phase performed a multivariate analysis of variance with covariates (MANCOVA) on all collected data.
Overall, this study found that CESA schools provided rigorous academics when compared to other categories of schools. Controlling for family income levels strengthened all academic rigor measurements. Increasing years of required Bible courses correlated with lower measures of academic rigor. Higher frequency of IFL language in science course descriptions correlated with higher academic rigor measures, while higher frequency of IFL language in English or social studies courses did not. No school used IFL language in math course descriptions.
Evaluating CESA schools’ Christian curricular and academic rigor data confirmed the added clarity of controlling for income data. Additionally, this study provided a new methodology for correlating Christian curricular emphases and academic rigor in Christian secondary schools.
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Leleki, Msokoli William. "The Methodist Church and society in Transvaal (1948-1976)." Diss., 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/24546.
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This work seeks to describe and analyze the origins, growth, development, and main features of what can be termed the Methodist Church in the Transvaal Area. Faith in God was the only thing that kept some Christians and Methodists in particular going during those difficult times. Despite a high price to be paid in the struggle, some church groups found it imperative to fight for human liberation as a sign of being obedient to God. This thesis specifically aims at tracing the role played by the Methodist Church in the broader society in the Eastern Transvaal and Swaziland area presently known as the Highveld and Swaziland District looking specifically at the period between 1948 to 1976. The interest is to discover out the Methodist Church's reaction to the introduction and implementation of the apartheid systems. In 1948 the National Party came to power in South Africa bringing with it the formulated policy of apartheid. Any church felt challenged and denied an opportunity to put into action gospel imperatives. During this period the Methodist Church was caught between practicing Gospel imperatives to remain true to herself and being obedient to those in authority to allow herself to be divided along racial lines. For the Methodist Church to claim to be "one and undivided" called for risking to loose properties and being a church without white membership. Interesting enough it was again in the Transvaal in Soweto on the 16th June 1976 when the black students riots marked the turning point in the struggle against apartheid. The social witness of the Methodist Church in the Transvaal during the prescribed period was met with mixed feelings depending as to which side of the fence one found yourself.Dissertation (MA (Theology))--University of Pretoria, 2006.
Church History and Church Policy
unrestricted
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Kisaalu, Rogers Ndawula. "A critical theological analysis of the HIV and AIDS policy of the Methodist Church in Swaziland." Thesis, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/1445.
Full textAbstract:
Swaziland is one of the countries most affected by HN and AIDS on the entire globe. The impact of the pandemic on the country is enormous with a prevalence of 42.6%. This has been so far the highest in Africa and possibly in the whole world. Due to this unbearable situation, a number of organizations, Church bodies, government and some individuals in the country are trying hard to counter the pandemic. This dissertation therefore seeks to outline the HIV epidemic in Swaziland and understand particularly the response of the Methodist Church to the epidemic. In dealing with the problem, the Methodist Church of Swaziland is using the Methodist Church of Southern Africa's (MCSA) HIV and AIDS policy document. In evaluating the MCSA HN and AIDS policy document, the thesis seeks to investigate the impact of the MCSA's response to HIV and AIDS. It also seeks to reflect theologically on the content of the policy document of the MCSA and to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the document and to establish whether it is relevant to the Swaziland context or not. In general the thesis looks at the HIV and AIDS situation in Swaziland, the Shalom concept as well-being, the document summary and also presents a critical analysis in which it discovers that there are good things in the policy document. However due to the theological gaps in the document, there is need for a solid theological foundation for it to be used as a necessary tool or a sine qua non instrument. Conclusively, to strengthen the policy document the thesis recommends a number of things which include also a more solid theological base.Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007.
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Iyakaremye, Innocent. "The Free Methodist Church of Southern Africa and it's response to HIV and AIDS in Southern KwaZulu-Natal : postulating a reclamation of Wesleyan Healthcare Response from a gender perspective." Thesis, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/9839.
Full textAbstract:
This study will explore and investigate the response of the Free Methodist Church of Southern Africa (FMCSA) to HIV and AIDS in the Southern KwaZulu-Natal region. It will also reflect on how the Wesleyan Healthcare Response (WHCR) can be used as an inspiration for this Church to fulfil its mission in engaging with HIV and AIDS from a gender-sensitive perspective.
With reference to the knowledge that religions possess assets for addressing HIV and AIDS and gender inequality, the study argues that the FMCSA possess the necessary resource to address these interconnected challenges which it is not profitably employing currently. This resource is
the theological and practical healthcare response developed by the founder of Methodism, John Wesley, during his lifetime. Using the missio Dei theory to explain the mission of the church in the world, and considering
Jesus‘ healing ministry as patterns of the missio Dei‘s materialisation in times of health crises, the study suggests that the FMCSA as a Christian church is expected to respond to HIV and AIDS, a contemporary health crisis in South Africa. The study also hypothesises that Wesley‘s
healthcare response is a legacy to the Free Methodists that the FMCSA can appropriate as an effective asset to fulfil missio Dei in time of HIV and AIDS and its gendered nature in the South African context. Therefore, the question responded to in this study is: how can the Wesleyan
Healthcare Response inspire the FMCSA to respond to the HIV and AIDS pandemic from a gender-sensitive perspective? The following objectives were formulated in order to respond to this question: 1. to explore the discursive account of HIV and AIDS and its gendered nature in South Africa
and the response of the FMCSA; 2. to critically reflect on WHCR as FMCSA‘s potential resource for missio Dei's fulfilment in time of HIV and AIDS; 3. to examine the attitude and concrete response to HIV and AIDS pandemic in the Free Methodist Southern KwaZulu-Natal (FMSKZN); 4. to assess the extent to which WHCR has been used as a resource for addressing HIV and
AIDS by the Free Methodist Southern KwaZulu-Natal; 5. to suggest insights to make WHCR a resource to respond to HIV and AIDS within the
Southern KwaZulu-Natal context. The data for the study was collected using empirical and non-empirical research methods. Therefore, in addition to the written sources, individual interviews with selected church leaders
and caregivers and focus group discussions with ordinary adult and youth church members in five circuits of the FMSKZN were conducted. In examining the attitudes and concrete responses to HIV and AIDS in the FMSKZN, the study realised that this Church failed to learn from WHCR in order to fulfil missio Dei during this pandemic in terms of gender issues. It therefore postulates insights from WHCR that will help fill the gaps identified in the response of this Church to HIV and AIDS and its gendered nature.Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.
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Murekezi, Francois Ferdinand. "Poverty, environment and church : a Christian contribution to the earth crisis as a key to poverty eradication : a Zambian perspective." Thesis, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/2557.
Full textAbstract:
The environmental crisis and the poverty crisis, are among the major challenges the Church in Zambia is facing. In this work I argue that poverty and the ecological crises are interrelated. However, a major problem has been that many programmes carried on by the Churches or church-based organizations seem to focus on poverty
alleviation not recognizing the linkage between poverty and the ecological crisis. For this reason, this study represents the situation of poverty in Zambia and indicates its links to the environmental crisis.
The aim of this dissertation is to remind the Free Methodist Church in Zambia and the Church in Zambia in general, that as Christians we are mandated to respond to these social issues of poverty and ecological degradation. We have the theoretical and theological contributions necessary to address the above two challenges, if we are keen to transform and build up the community we are ministering to. What is needed is to put into practice our beliefs. I argue that unless adequate environmental awareness is carried out, and that Christians understand the relationship between poverty and the ecological crisis we will not manage to break the cycle of poverty in the community. The Church efforts to carry out environmental awareness based on biblical and theological foundation teachings are a unique contribution that Christians can offer to respond to the earth crisis as well as to contribute to poverty eradication.Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.
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Sigaba, Avis Lumka. "A marriage enrichment programme : a study of the proposed contribution of a modern pastoral care and counselling model to urbanised Xhosa communities with special reference to the congregants at Umtata Methodist Church, Eastern Cape." Thesis, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/3359.
Full textAbstract:
This study was done to explore how modern Pastoral Care and Counselling models could be in dialogue with some valuable Xhosa traditional practices in the urbanised context around Umtata in the Eastern Cape. The intention is to provide a marriage enrichment programme to the congregants of the Methodist Church in this region.
This has been offered in response to increase in the rate of divorce, separation and emotional distress experienced by many couples in the area.
Chapter one offers the methodological framework for the entire theoretical and practical study. The second chapter explores various concepts of the family systems theory with particular focus on Murray Bowen's systems theory. This should bring
forth a clear understanding of behavioural patterns which manifest in marriage when the system loses equilibrium. Grounded in the family systems theory is the concept of normal family processes. The third chapter looks into the understanding of normal family processes as brought across by various American authors. The chapter takes the interpretation further by looking into normal family processes in the original Xhosa cultural communities. The reason for the exercise is to bring awareness about what is normal before one can address what is abnormal. This is for widening the horizons so that what is culturally normal should not be labelled as abnormal. The fourth chapter prepares groundwork for the establishment of intervention and counselling strategies specifically within the Xhosa communities around Umtata.
This chapter is field work done through interviews so as to gain an awareness about what the people of this region presently think, feel and say about marriage and family life experiences. The fifth chapter looks into the minister's uniqueness in marriage enrichment in comparison with his or her colleagues in medical, social work and family therapy or psychotherapy fields. A theological exploration is dealt with in the sixth chapter with
a view to contend with biblical principles applicable to marriage. Chapter seven discusses a training model for a lay team of twelve members to promote the concept of the priesthood of all believers. The views of authors like Switzer, Clinebell, Colilns, Herbert Otto and others are consulted and opened to dialogue with Xhosa Traditional practices offered by oral sources. Chapter eight focuses on premarital education. Within this eduGative counselling, a hand-out on marriage contracts is prepared in both English and the vernacular
language. Interdisciplinary work has been included through the engagement of resource personnel from the medical, financial and legal fields. Chapter nine actually presents the Marriage Enrichment Programme in a workshop form. Within the programme, theoretical and practical work is done in contextual bible study, communication and conflict resolution exercises as well as
conscietisation about valuable Xhosa traditional marriage practices. The contextual model on marriage enrichment is offered to a group of forty-four congregants. The evaluation forms provide a positive result of this marriage enrichment model. The results express a need to address marital problems in our communities. This does give support to the Hypothesis that was tested. Modern pastoral care and counselling models can be adapted to traditional context with positive results. Lay involvement promotes maximum participation of the People of God in care giving. However, further results will be achieved with more workshops or retreats. More effectiveness will also come with the training of more lay teams. This demands large
sampling in lay training, more interviewing and more involvement of the rural community elders for more information on traditional practices.Thesis (M.Th.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2000
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Mbona, Michael. "The response of the Roman Catholic, Anglican and United Methodist churches to HIV and AIDS in Manicaland, Zimbabwe (1985-2007)." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/9311.
Full textAbstract:
This study focuses on the history of the Roman Catholic, Anglican and United Methodist churches reaction to HIV and AIDS in Manicaland province, Zimbabwe between 1985 and 2005. It attempts to document and analyse what the three so called ‗mainline‘ churches did and failed to do in responding to a new epidemic. The findings that culminated in this work were obtained mainly from primary written and oral sources that were collected between 2009 and 2011. These comprise oral testimonies of Christians from the Roman Catholic, Anglican and United Methodist churches including bishops and lay members of the churches. In addition, information from medical personnel serving at the churches‘ healthcare as well as that from officers serving in the National AIDS Council (NAC) and the Zimbabwe Association of Church-Related Hospitals (ZACH) were incorporated. Primary written sources include statements issued by the church leaders, the synod and annual conference resolutions, the minutes of parish council meetings, the ad clerums, reports by the church HIV and AIDS structures among others.
The study establishes that HIV and AIDS, which emerged in Zimbabwe in the early 1980s, definitely affected the church and also seeks to show that the churches‘ reactions in turn had an influence on the epidemic. The state came out to publicly acknowledge AIDS in Zimbabwe in 1985 and two years later the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops‘ Conference became the first ecclesiastical body to issue a statement on HIV and AIDS in 1987. In 1989 the churches issued a collective statement under the Heads of Christian Denominations (HOCD) in Zimbabwe, which publicised their views on the Christian response to AIDS. The messages were largely moralistic in nature and the churches maintained this stance throughout the period of study. However, it has also been established that the church healthcare centres were involved in accessing condoms to people living with HIV (PLHIV) and other members of the public. Throughout the twenty-two years covered by this study the church healthcare system made an impact on the epidemic through offering treatment to PLHIV. The input of the church healthcare system underwent a three phased evolutionary process: the complementary stage between 1985 and 1994, the church paralleling of the state healthcare system from 1995 to 1999, and replacement of the responsibility of the government in healthcare between 2000 and 2007. Generally, the responses have been subdivided into three phases, which were the early years: from 1985 to 1994, the middle years lasting between 1995 and 1999 and finally the later years falling between 2000 and 2007.
The individual churches appear to have been involved in responding to HIV and AIDS with the same motive of serving humanity starting with their followers and moving beyond. Within the Roman Catholic Church the intervention such as care of PLHIV and orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) became a national and diocesan priority that witnessed the birth of the Mutare Community Home Care project in 1992. The new initiative grew stronger over the years and expanded from nine to nineteen stations covering the province. The Anglican Church launched its institutional AIDS care initiatives between 1999 and 2006. The main thrust was on training of Anglicans in responding to the epidemic and the establishment of AIDS care and treatment centres in selected rural areas. Within the United Methodist Church, the thrust was on care of orphans and vulnerable children and home-care at the station, circuit and annual conference levels. All the three churches received donor funding for HIV and AIDS interventions and this became important at a time when the state healthcare and welfare systems were unable to provide care and support to people infected and affected by the epidemic.
The study argues that indeed HIV and AIDS like other earlier epidemics such as Black Death in Europe and influenza in Southern Africa is a historical phenomenon which received mixed responses from the community including Christians. It brought to light some of the negative reactions such as denial, stigma and discrimination and yet the epidemic also drew in Christian communities, individuals and institutions to show compassion by caring for people affected and infected by HIV and AIDS. At the institutional level bishops were in a dilemma of maintaining the moral teaching of the church on sexuality and yet they were also expected to be flexible in finding practical ways of preventing HIV. There were other dynamics such as culture, which prevented people from using condoms. The church followers made a very essential contribution in mitigating the effects of the epidemic by being the army of caregivers to people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. Despite their unique dedication to caring for AIDS clients, women were the most affected by the epidemic because of the patriarchal nature of the churches and the cultural perceptions of gender and sexuality. It is hoped that the churches will draw on this history to shape future HIV and AIDS interventions.Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.
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Bosch, Louis Carl. "The ethical implications of the concept of faith as freedom from society in the theology of John Wesley." Thesis, 1995. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/15569.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis is an analysis and examination of the concept of Faith as
understood, experienced, and held by John Wesley: Throughout this study, the
question, "Is this Faith possible" lingers, depicting the serious quest of heart and
mind to understand Wesley's theology and his empirical view of Faith, as found
in the eighteenth-century Revival in England and in Methodism. The problem
of the usage of Faith, and the confusion of Freedom, in the life of the "true
Christian" in Society, forms the basis of this discussion.
The concepts Faith, Freedom, and Society are each examined in this work:
The Spirit of the Age, as depicted by the thought of Kant the "transcendentalist"
in Europe; of Locke the English empiricist; and of Edwards the Calvinist in
America, give insight into the struggle in the pursuit of Freedom. These
difficulties are met by the unique ministry of Wesley, who would not compromise
man's "unalienable right" to be Free, especially in the light of "salvation by faith."
In this analysis and consideration I look at Wesley's concepts of Faith,
Freedom, and his understanding of Society, in the light of his theology and ethics,
as well as the milieu of the eighteenth century; the implications of these are
considered, taking note of, the influence and the impact of Wesley's ministry and
writings upon almost all of the eighteenth-century English population, as well as
the overflow of the same into the wider world.
What happened through his ministry stresses the truth that, what he knew
as Faith, was very different from the orthodox and traditional views. More than
ever, this needs to be understood today. Wesley's experience of Faith, in his
Freedom with regard to Society, is as relevant today as it was then. This thesis
sets out to clarify some of the problems: What Wesley had found, history
cannot deny.Philosophy, Practical & Ststematic Theology
D. Th. (Theological Ethics)
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Ngandu, Kahakatshi Basua. "Contextual evangelism of the United Methodist Church in Bemba culture : a missiological perspective." Thesis, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/27261.
Full textAbstract:
The thesis demonstrates that the first Methodists missionaries to their arrival in Mulungwishi, unlikely did not penetrate the culture of the Bemba people and merely rejected everything that they could not understand because it was considered as heathen. As result, the missionaries’ contempt of the Bemba’s worldview and their fundamental values led to the proselytism and the syncretism. The study figures out the tension between the Gospel presented by the United Methodist Church and the Bemba Culture. Evidently, God (Supreme Being, Creator) had been known and worshipped before the expansion of the first missionaries in Mulungwishi and in the Democratic Republic of Congo at large.
Much has been said and done on the contextualization venture through different models and assumptions. Arguably, this missiological study agrees with the eminent scholars’ stream that defends the pre-eminence of the word of God toward all cultures. This led the study to evaluate the missional tools and strategies used by the United Methodist Church missionaries to touch the culture of the people in depth and empower the Christian mission in Mulungwishi.
Least has been done for the community development facing the unstable economic, social, and political context of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Church still have a long way to go on the social mandate. The solution is to be originated in the theology of reconstruction (Kalemba 2008; Mugambi 1999, 2003; Maluleke 2002; Kä Mana 1999, 2002, etc.) which works out that it is possible to rebuild the Congolese society explicitly to its best image by teaching the gospel that touches the roots of the evils and lead the people to the proper change of mentality. Then, the thesis underlines the necessity of contextualisation of gospel and missional theology for good accomplishment of Christian mission everywhere.Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
PhD. (Theology)
29
Reed, Linda Marie. "Theological and Practical Ministry Training for Women in Complementarian Higher Education: A Mixed Methods Study." Diss., 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10392/5470.
Full textAbstract:
This explanatory sequential mixed methods study reviews the programs and academic courses for women at complementarian schools of Christian higher education. The literature review historically unfolds the egalitarian and complementarian debate. Choosing the complementarian path, I advocate theological or practical ministry training for complementarian women, and review other recent research pertinent to this field.
The initial quantitative phase utilizes content analysis from catalogs on institutional websites. In a second qualitative phase, twelve purposively selected directors were interviewed at exemplar complementarian schools such as Cedarville University, Covenant Seminary, Dallas Theological Seminary, The Master’s University, Midwestern Seminary, Moody Bible Institute, Reformed Seminary, Southern Seminary, Southeastern Seminary, Southwestern Seminary, and Westminster Seminary. The analysis includes quantitative and qualitative data revealing consistency and variation among these institutions in order to provide insight and example for other institutions and educators in Christian higher education.
30
John, Simon Karingottazhikathu. "The origin and development of the Pentecostal Churches among the Dalits in Kerala : a critical evaluation of the missionary methods of Robert F. Cook (1913-1950)." Thesis, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/3819.
Full textAbstract:
The following work is a humble probe into the background and history of the Dalit Pentecostal churches and critically evaluates the mission methods of Robert F. Cook. The word Dalit means the oppressed or broken victims and refers to people who are deprived and dehumanized. In India the so-called outcastes or untouchables have recently taken the name Dalit. The modern usage of Dalit began in nineteenth century with Mahatma Jyotirao Phule (1825-1890), a Marathi social reformer who worked for the upliftment of oppressed class. The Harijans, Backward classes, Scheduled castes, Outcastes, Untouchables, Panchamas and Chandalas were known by the common name Dalilt. Since the inception of the Pentecostal movement, the Dalits have formed an integral part of the Pentecostal churches. From the very beginning the Pentecostal church in Kerala attracted members from the Dalit communities. This was from the time of Robert. F. Cook (1914). Through Robert F. Cook's ministry the Dalits accepted Pentecostalism and gained liberation from their oppression. This is the first attempt to trace the history of Dalit Pentecostals in Kerala. However the readers will find a description of the beginnings and the characteristics of Pentecostalism that attracted the marginalized to Pentecostalism, and provided them with a liberative force. An evaluation of the origin and development of the Dalit Pentecostal churches is essential for the self-understanding of the community of believers and for the articulation of its mission in the world. I hope that the reading of this thesis will open the present day Pentecostals to restore the early characteristics of the movement so that it will challenge social evils that Pentecostalism once did so ably.Thesis (M.Th.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2005.
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Asante-Danquah, Eric. "Pursuing discipleship for church growth: a practical theological study about the relational dynamics of pastoral leadership in three circuits of the Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana." Thesis, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/27348.
Full textAbstract:
Bibliography: pages 170-189Relational discipleship is found to hold a great potential for church growth. The Methodist Church Ghana uses Small Groups, referred to in the Methodist tradition as the Bible Class as effective tool for relational discipleship for church growth. Bible Class has been used from the inception of the church for exponential growth of the church. However, the rate of growth in recent years have been below targets. This study explored the factors affecting the positive outcomes of the utilization of the Bible Class meetings as effective tool for relational discipleship and for church growth. This study explored the participants’ knowledge and use of the structural arrangements put in place to help pastors and leaders to foster relational discipleship towards church growth (the numerical and spiritual growth and commitment of the church members); and the leadership and discipleship styles employed by the pastors and class leaders in pursuance of the goal of the church. Five (5) Societies in the Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana located in Accra, the capital city of Ghana, were involved in the study. Mixed Method Research that combined both qualitative (in-depth interviews and Focus Groups) and quantitative (structured questionnaires) research methodologies were used to explore the perspectives about the structural arrangements put in place to help pastors and leaders to foster relational discipleship, leadership/discipleship styles of the leaders; the benefit and usefulness of the Bible Class as a relational discipleship tool; their participation in church programmes and activities and the challenges they faced. The qualitative research consisted of 20 in-depth interviews and eight (8) focus groups with some church members, ministers and church leaders. The focus group discussions revealed that church members knew about the structural arrangements put in place to assist leadership of the church to foster closer relationship with their members in pursuance of discipleship. The study also revealed there were many challenges associated with the participation in the Bible Class Meetings and other church programmes and activities. The Bible Class meeting was cited as having been put in place for discipleship making and could be used to strengthen relationship between the church leadership and members. The findings from the qualitative phase were tested at the quantitative stage. The quantitative research method employed structured questionnaires administered to 650 church members, ministers and church leaders. The participants comprised 419 (64%) females and 231 (36%) males. Their ages ranged between 18 and 79 years with the majority (55%) between 18 and 40 years. The participants completed the questionnaires by themselves at the premises of their churches. The response rate was 100%. Three hypotheses were tested. The findings of the research suggest that the extent to which pastors and church leadership directly get involved in the affairs of their members with the view to making disciples and monitoring their spiritual growth influences church members’ interest in church activities and commitment to the church. It was also noted that leadership’s participation in church activities encourages members’ participation in church activities and programmes. Similarly, pastors and lay leaders who utilized the Bible Class or Small Group to build relationships with their members had greater numbers of members attending small group meetings and that pastors’ involvement makes the church members perceive class meeting as beneficial. However, only Interpersonal Leadership Style of Discipleship was positively associated with knowledge about church activities and participation in church activities and programmes. The more members know about Church activities, the greater their participation in those activities. There was no association between the other discipleship styles (e.g. serving, testimonial, intellectual) employed by leaders to foster relational discipleship. The discussions and conclusion of this study were based on these three studies (In-depth Interview, Focus Groups Discussions and the Structured Questionnaire Survey).
Practical Theology
D. Phil. (Theology)
32
Van, Loggerenberg Maria Catharina. "Die roeping van die Christen-Afrikaneronderwyser in 'n moontlike nuwe onderwysbestel in die RSA." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12809.
Full text
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Van, de Laar Deborah Jane. "Insiders or outsiders? Pastoral care with Christian gay women in a Methodist congregation." Diss., 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/1227.
Full textAbstract:
This qualitatively oriented Practical Theology research project was based on a narrative inquiry into the spiritualities of six gay women who are related to Northfield Methodist Church, which is situated in Benoni, Gauteng. These conversations occurred within a small group context, and were aimed at co-authoring preferred ways of being both gay and Christian. Toward the end of the research journey, I asked each participant to prepare a written text that would summarise their experience of being simultaneously gay and Christian, so that by hearing their own stories of their journey, they would be able to find a voice. As these women are usually marginalised in the Methodist Church, I invited various groups to audience their stories. This research report records the beginning of my journey into working towards the complete acceptance of gay and lesbian Christians into the Methodist Church of Southern Africa.Practical Theology
M. Th. (Pastoral Therapy)
34
Black, Helen. "Sere dina ni Lotu Wesele e Viti : "True Songs" The history, culture and music of Fijian Methodist Indigenous liturgy." Phd thesis, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/109706.
Full textAbstract:
In 1835 Fijian society was a complex web of discrete social groups, connected either by common ancestry or political affiliation, ruled by chiefs with varying degrees of authority. The largest and most powerful were the political matanitu (confederations) whose paramount chiefs ruled through turaga bale kei Viti, a powerful chiefly system sustained through tribute, approbation and reciprocity. Maintaining their power was a paramount force at the time of missionary contact when constant warfare embroiled all Fijian societies to a greater or lesser extent. The Methodist evangelists, first Westemers to make an impact of consequence on Fijian society, realised the overwhelmingly challenging task of introducing Christianity to so complex a society: tyranny of distance, deified chiefs, rigid mores, dialectic differences, diverse religious beliefs, priests with a vested interest in maintaining power; all these strands omnipresent in an ancient society with limited Western contact. Acceptance of the Christian God would challenge fundamental tenets of chiefly authority and power, as well as Fijian spiritual belief and worship. Making meaningful progress involved the missionaries acknowledging Fijian authority, working within the Fijian social system and, of paramount importance, training and providing Fijian Christian acceptors with the tools for their work of evangelisation. Most effective of all the tools of written language, single dialect, literacy and education, was the utilisation for a Christian liturgy of the meke. Meke, all indigenous sung poetry, is the repository of Fijian oral culture and the one unifying factor in Fijian societies at the time of missionary contact. Events of consequence, past and present, are recorded in the music text known and sung by all indigenous Fijians. Here then was the vital tool for imparting the principles of Christian theology in the semiotics of their first language. Known as taro (catechism), same and polotu, these compositions together with Methodist prayers gave Fijians a complete theological framework in the tradition of their music. This thesis examines the pivotal role of Christianised meke as an evangelising tool in the introduction of Christianity. The text of this music spoke directly to Fijians in their oral tradition. Understanding the impact of that contact is to know the elements constituting Fijian society at the time of missionary contact, to be studied with the ethos of the missionaries and the process of adjoining Methodist theocracy to a polytheistic society. Examination of the music and text of the liturgy will show how an indigenous form so completely and uniquely accommodated a rubric for Christian worship.
35
Venables, Heather Elaine. "Women and empowerment: strategies to achieve the liberation of women from oppression." Diss., 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/17796.
Full textAbstract:
Women today continue to struggle against male-dominated values and
norms, and male prejudices, both in society and the Church. This balance of power needs to be altered to free women from the domination of men. The strategies proposed in this dissertation are based on the Christian ethic of justice and equality. Their implementation, I argue, would empower women to resist oppression, independently of men, to achieve liberation and equality so that male-dominated ideologies and structures could no longer oppress. A case study of women ministers in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa revealed discrimination against, and the limitation of the ministries of women clergy. The ethical dilemma of the Church appearing to follow, rather than to lead society on such issues was noted. The attainment of the liberation of women is dependent solely upon themselves and the extent to which they are prepared to take responsibility for their own lives.M.Th. (Theological Ethics)
36
Mashoko, Fannuel. "The need for contextualization in inter-cultural communication of the Gospel." Diss., 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/1934.
Full textAbstract:
This dissertation explores the need for contextualization from a missiological perspective. It seeks to validate the needs for contextualization in the Epworth Community near Harare, Zimbabwe, where a number of cultures are represented. The subject of contextualisation is first explored in a general sense, i.e. relating to how it has been presented in key missiological publications and in different contexts, particularly in Africa and Zimbabwe. The dissertation explores the need for identification in intercultural communication, and also analyses the context of Epworth and the history of the Churches of Christ in Zimbabwe. A chapter on theological reflection surveys the issue of contextualisation in the Old and New Testaments. The study concludes with practical recommendations on how the issues raised in the study can be applied to a field wider than the Epworth Community.Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
M.Th. (Missiology)
37
Guzana, Zukile Wesley. "How can the Young Men's Guild (YMG) respond to the needs for the prevention of HIV (MCSA) : with special reference to King William's Town circuit." Thesis, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/2107.
Full textAbstract:
This research undertook to establish how the YMG in KWT circuit become fruitfully involved in the prevention of HIV and AIDS. It is argued here that the YMG is strategically situated in the church to address issues in the Xhosa-Christian culture that exacerbate the spread of HIV. These include issues like maleness and gender inequality, safer sex practices and the place of condoms and the promotion of sex ethics. The YMG is historically a centre for peer education, resilience in suffering, and morale building. It was the YMG that enabled the church to stand and strategise against apartheid. It is therefore a suitable space for Aids debate, education, and strategising on prevention methods. The YMG is also a well-to-do forum for airing the voices of the Xhosa Christian men on AIDS issues. It is, as well, a good support forum for addressing treatment and bereavement in an allempt to demythologise the Aids disease. However, it is the submission of this research that the YMG needs certain focusing in order to become fruitfully involved in prevention efforts. It is therefore recommended that the age disparity within the study circles of the YMG be resolved in order to create openness and comradeship. The membership of YMG at the present stretches from 17 years to 70 years. Members of YMG with this age disparity cannot talk freely on sexuality and HIV unless the groupings are systematised. There is also the need to bring on board such church leaders in the circuit so as to address morality and sexuality within the Methodist doctrinal perspective.Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2006.
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Kumalo, Simangaliso Raymond. "Mission, the poor and community development : a case study of the ministry of the Methodist Church in Ivory Park." Diss., 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/17150.
Full textAbstract:
In 1994 South Africa celebrated the election of a new democratic government. This came with the abolition of the Group Areas Act 36of1966, which controlled the movement of black people from rural areas to urban areas.
The repealing of this act led to the rapid movement of people from rural areas all over Southern Africa to the cities and towns in search for a better life. In turn this led to rapid urbanization and the growth of informal settlements' also known as squatter camps. These communities are characterized by poverty and lack of basic necessities such as houses,
water and employment.
The church was caught unaware by the need to minister to these communities that need more than the gospel that satisfies spiritual poverty but also the satisfaction of material poverty. This exposed the need for a model of ministry that will be holistic. This study shares a model of ministry that has been used by a Methodist congregation in an
informal settlement community called Ivory Park in Midrand. This church uses a model of ministry that propagates the gospel both through preaching and community development.Religious Studies & Arabic
M. Th. (Missiology)
39
Denyer, Taylor W. "Decolonizing mission partnerships: evolving collaboration between United Merthodists in North Katanga and the United States of America." Thesis, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/25996.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis asks “What would a decolonized partnership look like between North Katangan and American United Methodists?” Guided by the 7-point mission praxis matrix developed in the missiology department at the University of South Africa, it explores a series of subquestions. First, the terms “mission,” “partnership,” and “decolonize” are defined, and literature applicable to these concepts is discussed. In Chapter 3, the historical relational power structures and culture of the Luba and Lunda Kingdoms are summarized. Chapter 4 provides a historical overview of American and North Katangan United Methodist (UM) collaborations and describes the dominant relational dynamics and mission models of each time period. This chapter draws heavily from memoirs, reports, and articles published by United Methodist agencies. Chapter 5 explores the psycho-affective dimension of these interactions, focusing on identifying issues of guilt, shame, grief, trauma, and racial biases at play. Chapter 6 documents the responses to in-depth interviews with North Katangan UMs and American collaborators about their memories and beliefs about a twenty-year period (approx. 1994-2014), during which a shift took place in the how North Katangan (DR Congo) church leaders viewed their own capacities relative to those of the American United Methodists they encountered. The final section compares the theological reflections of interview participants, explores the ways in which Methodist doctrine and praxis can be used in furthering the decolonization and healing process through the partnerships, and explores pathways forward. The interviews conducted reveal areas of tension in the partnership, differing missiologies (e.g. mission as outreach vs. mission as relationship), and visions of the future of the partnership. The responses show that the partnership is currently on a trajectory towards decolonization, but that more needs to be done in the areas of healing and self-awareness--both on the individual and collective level.Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
D. Th. (Missiology)
40
Khorommbi, Ndwambi Lawrence. "Lutherans and Pentecostals in mission amongst the Vhavenda : a comparative study in missionary methods." 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/17079.
Full textAbstract:
The thesis of this study is that both Pentecostal and non-Pentecostal churches can
grow at a time when only the Pentecostal churches have grown. The stagnation that
has occurred in many "mainline" churches need not be allowed to increase or
continue. In Venda (Northern Province) both the Lutherans and the Pentecostals have
enjoyed visible growth.
Chapter I introduces the thesis, the choice of the study area, the objectives of the
study, and the typology, methodology and relevance of the study. Chapter 2 looks at
the history and socio-economic background of the Vhavenda. Chapter 3 describes
traditional Vhavenda beliefs and rituals. The Vhavenda world-view is different from
that of the West but closer to that of the East and the Bible. Chapter 4 concentrates on
missionary Christianity in Venda and briefly discusses the missionary methods
adopted by the Berlin Missionary Society. Chapter 5 discusses the coming of
Pentecostalism to South Africa and Venda. Chapter 6 exaruines how the Lutherans
and the Apostolic Faith Mission church conducted their mission during the
"maturation of Apartheid" in Venda. Major events in the collision between apartheid
and the Vhavenda are highlighted. Chapter 7 discusses the unfinished work of the
church in Venda. Chapter. 8 examines the challenge for Christian mission in the . .
twenty-first centuryChristian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
D. Th. (Missiology)
41
Rink, Tobias. "Eine multidimensionale Methodik zur Analyse von Bekehrungsmotiven = A multi-dimensional methodology for the analysis of conversion motives." Diss., 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/723.
Full textAbstract:
Zusammenfassung
Das Forschungsprojekt untersucht Bekehrungsmotive von südsudanesischen Migranten, die in einem islamischen Kontext leben. Dazu wird zunächst das biblisch-theologische Bekeh¬rungsverständnis erhoben und im Kontext seiner kirchengeschichtlichen Entwicklung dar¬gestellt. Da jede Bekehrung ein multidimensionaler Prozess ist, der neben theologischen Fragestellungen auch soziologische, anthropologische und religionspsychologische Aspekte enthält, wird ein multidimensionaler Ansatz zur Erforschung von Bekehrungsmotiven konzipiert und ein Forschungswerkzeug erstellt, dass den Kontext südsudanesischer Migranten aufnimmt. Dieses kommt im Rahmen einer Pilotstudie zum Einsatz, die aus fünf Konvertiten-Interviews besteht. Zuerst wird der Inhalt jedes Interviews aus theologischer, soziologischer, religionspsychologischer und anthropologischer Sicht separat erhoben. Danach werden die unterschiedlichen Betrachtungsweisen in einen kritischen Dialog gebracht, um die Bekehrungsmotive zu bestimmen, welche den Kategorien kognitiv-religiös, mystisch-religiös, affektiv, experimentell oder sozial-politisch zugeordnet werden. Zum Schluss wird der Ertrag aller Interviews zu einem Gesamtergebnis verbunden und einer selbstkritischen Evaluierung unterzogen.
Summary
This dissertation examines conversion motives of Southern Sudanese migrants who live in an Islamic context. First of all a theological view of conversion in scripture and its development in the church history is presented. Since every conversion is a multi-dimensional process containing not only theological problems but also sociological, anthropological and religio¬psychlogical aspects, a multi-dimensional approach and a reseach methodology are designed for above context. This methodology is used for a pilot study of five interviews with converts. Each interview is examined separately from a theological, sociological, religio-psychological and anthropological analysis. After this the different views are brought into a critical dialog in order to identify the motives of conversion which are related to cognitive-religious, mystical¬religious, affective, experimental or social-political categories. The results of all individual interviews are merged in a final analysis and reflected in a self-critical evaluation.Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
M. Th. (Missiology)
42
Phiri, Mabvuto. "Xenophobia among young Christians with special reference to the youth of the Fourways Circuit Methodist Church of South Africa : an empirical exploration." Diss., 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/14062.
Full textAbstract:
Xenophobia is a notoriously difficult concept to explore, especially within the
complex South African environment. This exploration has two elements: the
theoretical and the practical. The theoretical element focuses mainly on the
theories of xenophobia in South Africa, as well as the theoretical response of the
Church to the problem. The practical element is a qualitative empirical
exploration using small scale focus group interviews to gain insight into the
relationship between xenophobia and religion, with special reference to young
Christians of The Methodist Church of Southern Africa. The findings seem to
suggest that “being religious” does not prevent xenophobic attitudes and
emotions and that there is potential to have xenophobic reactions in people
who “perceive” themselves to be religious living in an environment of economic
and social hardships. Religious involvement combined with economic and
social factors may promote xenophobic reactions. In an indirect way(s) religion
may be one of the “causes” of xenophobia.Practical Theology
M Th. (Practical Theology)
43
Le, Roux M. "In search of the understanding of the Old Testament in Africa : the case of the Lemba." Thesis, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/17188.
Full textAbstract:
This project seeks to determine, to what extent the culture of early Israel (1250-1000 BC) is
similar to African cultures, more specifically, to that of the Lemba. However, a comparison
between the cultures of early Israel and those of certain African tribes is not the primary
objective in this case. This project is neither an anthropological study nor does it intend to
mainly focus on the Lemba as such -though this may appear to be the case. This endeavour primarily
fits into the ambit of Old Testament Studies. The investigation into the Lemba is meant to be
subsidiary to the point of contingence between their culture and Old Testament customs and
traditions, and how this information affects the interpretation of the Old Testament and its
teaching in Africa. A number of comparisons between the early Israelite religion as reflected in
the Old Testament and the Lemba are drawn. Though the qualitative research (inductive approach) is
employed in the field work, the greatest part of the data on religious perspectives and practices
is mediated by the theory of a phenomenological approach as advocated by Ninian Smart on matters of
experience, mythology, ritual, and ethical/judicial dimensions. Therefore, the approach is also
deductive.
The Lemba is a very specific group with claims about Israelite/Judaic origins. Their early
departure from Israel (according to them ca 586 BC) can mean that there are remnants of a very
ancient type oflsraelite religion, now valuable when juxtaposed to that of early Israel. This study
takes Lemba traditions seriously, but finally does not verify or falsify Lemba claims - but the
outcomes in this thesis may take this debate a step further.
Their claims make them special and extremely interesting to study from the point of view of oral
cultures. Their oral culture is constitutive of their world-view and self-understanding or
identity. It incorporates the role of oral traditions, history and historiography and parallels
are drawn between orality in early Israelite and Lemba religions. The reciprocity between orality
and inscripturation of traditions, yielding valuable information on what may have happened in the
developent of traditions in Israel, are also attended to in this project.
Nevertheless, this project is primarily a search for the understanding and relevance of the Old
Testament in Afiica and is, therefore, a selective and not an exhaustive comparison between the
Lemba and early Israel. And so, taking cognisance of the hermeneutic of contextualisation in
Africa in particular, a teaching module syllabus for Old Testament Studies is developed, of which
the very strands of religion among the Lemba and early Israel are constitutive for teaching Old
Testament Studies in present-day African cultures (and perhaps elsewhere).Biblical and Ancient Studies
D. Litt. et Phil. (Biblical Studies)
44
Le, Roux Magdel. "In search of the understanding of the Old Testament in Africa : the case of the Lemba." Thesis, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/17188.
Full textAbstract:
This project seeks to determine, to what extent the culture of early Israel (1250-1000 BC) is
similar to African cultures, more specifically, to that of the Lemba. However, a comparison
between the cultures of early Israel and those of certain African tribes is not the primary
objective in this case. This project is neither an anthropological study nor does it intend to
mainly focus on the Lemba as such -though this may appear to be the case. This endeavour primarily
fits into the ambit of Old Testament Studies. The investigation into the Lemba is meant to be
subsidiary to the point of contingence between their culture and Old Testament customs and
traditions, and how this information affects the interpretation of the Old Testament and its
teaching in Africa. A number of comparisons between the early Israelite religion as reflected in
the Old Testament and the Lemba are drawn. Though the qualitative research (inductive approach) is
employed in the field work, the greatest part of the data on religious perspectives and practices
is mediated by the theory of a phenomenological approach as advocated by Ninian Smart on matters of
experience, mythology, ritual, and ethical/judicial dimensions. Therefore, the approach is also
deductive.
The Lemba is a very specific group with claims about Israelite/Judaic origins. Their early
departure from Israel (according to them ca 586 BC) can mean that there are remnants of a very
ancient type oflsraelite religion, now valuable when juxtaposed to that of early Israel. This study
takes Lemba traditions seriously, but finally does not verify or falsify Lemba claims - but the
outcomes in this thesis may take this debate a step further.
Their claims make them special and extremely interesting to study from the point of view of oral
cultures. Their oral culture is constitutive of their world-view and self-understanding or
identity. It incorporates the role of oral traditions, history and historiography and parallels
are drawn between orality in early Israelite and Lemba religions. The reciprocity between orality
and inscripturation of traditions, yielding valuable information on what may have happened in the
developent of traditions in Israel, are also attended to in this project.
Nevertheless, this project is primarily a search for the understanding and relevance of the Old
Testament in Afiica and is, therefore, a selective and not an exhaustive comparison between the
Lemba and early Israel. And so, taking cognisance of the hermeneutic of contextualisation in
Africa in particular, a teaching module syllabus for Old Testament Studies is developed, of which
the very strands of religion among the Lemba and early Israel are constitutive for teaching Old
Testament Studies in present-day African cultures (and perhaps elsewhere).Biblical and Ancient Studies
D. Litt. et Phil. (Biblical Studies)
45
Matsepe, Shale Solomon. "The appropriation of African traditional healing by the Zionist Churches: a challenge to the mission churches in Gaborone ”Botswana”." Diss., 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/2038.
Full textAbstract:
The Zionist type of churches under the African Independent Churches have proven to be a force to be reckoned with against the more organized ecclesiastical movements (in particular the Mission Churches). This can be seen in their emphasis around matters related to culture and its methods of healing. As s result this led to the migration of people from the mission churches to these churches and threatened their existence in Botswana. The mission churches have been experiencing the decline in their membership to the Zionist churches because of the lack of openness to the cultural and the value systems of Batswana in Botswana. Mission churches were left with an option of doing introspection and finally acknowledging their failures to contextualise their theology and Christianity among the people they serving. Mission churches ended up opening their doors to the needs of their members.Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
M.Th. (Church History)
46
Khorommbi, Ndwambi Lawrence. "Lutherans and Pentecostals in mission amongst the Vhavenda: a comparative study in missionary methods." Thesis, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/636.
Full textAbstract:
The thesis of this study is that both Pentecostal and non-Pentecostal churches can
grow at a time when only the Pentecostal churches have grown. The stagnation that
has occurred in many ''mainline" churches.need not be allowed to increase or
continue. In Venda (Northern Province) both the Lutherans and the Pentecostals have
enjoyed visible growth.
Chapter 1 introduces the thesis, the choice of the study area, the objectives of the
study, and the typology, methodology and relevance of the study. Chapter 2 looks at
the history and socio-economic backgrowtd of the Vhavenda. Chapter 3 describes
traditional Vhavenda beliefs and rituals. The Vhavenda world-view is different from
that of the West but closer to that of the East and the Bible. Chapter 4 concentrates on
missionary Christianity in Venda and briefly discusses the missionary methods
adopted by the Berlin Missionary Society. Chapter 5 discusses the coming of
Pentecostalism to South Africa and Venda. Chapter 6 examines how the Lutherans
and the Apostolic Faith Mission church conducted their mission during the
"maturation of Apartheid'' in Venda. Major events in the collision between apartheid
and the Vhavenda are highlighted. Chapter 7 discusses the unfinished work of the
church in Venda. Chapter 8 examines the challenge for Christian mission in the
twenty-first century.Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
D.Th (Missiology)
47
Sutcliffe-Pratt, Daniel John. "An exploration of Groome's shared praxis approach as contextual Christian education within a South African Baptist township church." Thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/19657.
Full text
48
ODEHNALOVÁ, Barbora. "Filosofie pro děti jako koncepce výuky náboženství a katecheze." Master's thesis, 2016. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-254093.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis considers two questions, "How children aged 12 to 15 years rethinking of biblical texts? And how can using the Philosophy for Children stimulate thinking about faith of children aged 12 to 15 years?" To answer these questions, I chose the qualitative research, which consisted in various discussions in selected focus groups. This dialogue was guided by the principles of philosophy for children. The theoretical part of my thesis deals with the definition of important concepts, such as religious education, catechesis from the perspective of various documents of the Church and other educational programs, and specifying the key differences between these two concepts, define the structure and principles of philosophy for children, but also the historical development of this program. The practical part deals with the qualitative research in focus groups. This research includes discussion of selected focus groups, where individual statements are encoded and then included in the table of frequencies. According to these tables discussions is evaluated in terms of statements frequencies. Subsequently the content of discussions is also evaluated. The codes are divided into categories from which discussions are evaluated in the final summary with answers to the key questions.