| Summary: | Family guidance in the local congregation, within the context of post
modernism: a practical theological approach
Many critics and academics are of the opinion that the family as an e n t i is headed for
extinction. The most probable cause of this disintegration is the lack of recognition of
what God's original intention with the family was and is. It is also clear that the family
structure is heavily influenced by the post-modernism. In order for the congregation to
effectively guide the family, it is necessary for her to be aware of the context in which
the family lives. In other parts of the world a realization of the crisis surrounding the
existence of the family has lead to a proactive reaction.
However, it seems that in South Africa, and specifically in the Reformed Churches in
South Africa, a focused and proactive reaction to this problem does not exist. A void
exists within the Reformed Churches in South Africa to establish general guidelines,
which can be used by local congregations for the ministry and guidance of the family in
its role within the congregation.
The following encompassing research question arose: How can families be supported
with regard to the fulfilment of their roles in the local congregation -within the context of
the post-modernism? The methodology used was as follows:
In Chapter 2, basis-theoretical perspectives were formulated on how the Word of God
sets out the relationship between the church and the family and what the role of the
family is within the local congregation. The basis-theoretical perspectives were
constructed based upon detailed exegesis of Deuteronomy 6 and Ephesians 5 and 6,
as well as cursory exegesis of other relevant passages.
In Chapter 3, meta-theoretical perspectives were formulated by making use of a
literature study of the associated disciplines of Sociology and Social Work, with specific
reference to the changing composition of the family and family circumstances within the
context of post-modernism. A literature study of existing family focused ministries in
congregations was done. An empirical study indicated that there is a real need for the
guidance of congregations and families in order to fully actualise the role of the family
within the congregation.
In Chapter 4, practical-theoretical guidelines were given as a result of the hermeneutical
interaction between the basis-theoretical principles and the meta-theoretical
perspectives. Four practical-theoretical guidelines for a holistic approach to family
ministry were deduced.
In Chapter 5, the researcher finally concludes that it is possible for the local
congregation to mentor families in proper role fulfilment, if the congregation in question
is aware of how families are influenced by post-modernism and also knows what the
role of the family within the local congregation ought to be. By means of a holistic
approach to family ministry, the church can guide the family to grow spiritually at
different levels of family functionality, so that the role of the family within, as well as
outside the congregation, may be realized. === Thesis (M.Th. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.
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