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Redefining the church's mission : towards a contextual and missional ecclesiology in responding to poverty in South Africa
Thesis (PhD (Church History and Polity))--University of Pretoria, 2024.
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| Format: | Thesis |
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University of Pretoria
2025
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| _version_ | 1867613458995871744 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author2 | Dreyer, Willem Akkerhuys (Wim) |
| author_browse | Dreyer, Willem Akkerhuys (Wim) |
| author_facet | Dreyer, Willem Akkerhuys (Wim) |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | © 2024 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. |
| description | Thesis (PhD (Church History and Polity))--University of Pretoria, 2024. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/103312 |
| institution | University of Pretoria (South Africa) |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:36:28.597Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository |
| publishDate | 2025 |
| publishDateRange | 2025 |
| publishDateSort | 2025 |
| publisher | University of Pretoria |
| publisherStr | University of Pretoria |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository |
| spelling | oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/103312 Redefining the church's mission : towards a contextual and missional ecclesiology in responding to poverty in South Africa Dreyer, Willem Akkerhuys (Wim) bernardprinsloo@yahoo.com Prinsloo, Christoffel Bernardus UCTD Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Missional Ecclesiology Poverty Alleviation Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA) Church and Society Ecclesiastical Engagement Theological Frameworks Public Theology Theology theses SDG-01 Thesis (PhD (Church History and Polity))--University of Pretoria, 2024. This research critically examines the transformative potential of adopting a contextual and missional ecclesiology to enhance the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika's (NHKA) engagement with poverty alleviation in South Africa. Against the country’s severe socio-economic challenges, the study seeks to redefine the church's mission in addressing this pervasive issue more effectively. Central to this investigation is the hypothesis that a shift towards missional ecclesiology – rooted in the Trinitarian mission of God - can significantly empower the NHKA to respond more effectively to poverty. This approach calls for moving beyond traditional ecclesiology models to embrace responsive, contextually informed practices that align with the missio Dei. The research integrates historical reflections on the NHKA's involvement in poverty alleviation, theoretical explorations of missional ecclesiology, and practical considerations for the church's societal engagement. It aims to bridge the gap between ecclesiological theory and the practical realities of addressing socio-economic challenges in contemporary South Africa. Key concepts such as missional ecclesiology, diaconal ministry, and contextual theology are foundational to understanding the proposed shift in the NHKA’s approach to its mission. The study posits that by re-envisioning its mission and practices in light of these concepts, the NHKA—and other ecclesial bodies—can significantly enhance their impact on poverty alleviation. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader ecclesiology and social engagement discourse in South Africa. It highlights the church's potential as a transformative force in society, emphasising the importance of theological reflection, historical awareness, and actionable strategies in driving its mission forward. This thesis advocates for a missional reorientation of the church’s role in society, suggesting that deeper engagement with the gospel's transformative power can lead to more effective responses to the urgent challenge of poverty in South Africa. Church History and Church Policy PhD (Church History and Polity) Unrestricted Faculty of Theology and Religion SDG-01: No poverty 2025-07-11T09:11:41Z 2025-07-11T09:11:41Z 2025-05 2024-09 Thesis * A2025 http://hdl.handle.net/2263/103312 Disclaimer letter en © 2024 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. application/pdf University of Pretoria |
| spellingShingle | UCTD Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Missional Ecclesiology Poverty Alleviation Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA) Church and Society Ecclesiastical Engagement Theological Frameworks Public Theology Theology theses SDG-01 Redefining the church's mission : towards a contextual and missional ecclesiology in responding to poverty in South Africa |
| title | Redefining the church's mission : towards a contextual and missional ecclesiology in responding to poverty in South Africa |
| title_full | Redefining the church's mission : towards a contextual and missional ecclesiology in responding to poverty in South Africa |
| title_fullStr | Redefining the church's mission : towards a contextual and missional ecclesiology in responding to poverty in South Africa |
| title_full_unstemmed | Redefining the church's mission : towards a contextual and missional ecclesiology in responding to poverty in South Africa |
| title_short | Redefining the church's mission : towards a contextual and missional ecclesiology in responding to poverty in South Africa |
| title_sort | redefining the church s mission towards a contextual and missional ecclesiology in responding to poverty in south africa |
| topic | UCTD Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Missional Ecclesiology Poverty Alleviation Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA) Church and Society Ecclesiastical Engagement Theological Frameworks Public Theology Theology theses SDG-01 |
| url | http://hdl.handle.net/2263/103312 |