Die begeleiding van gesinne in die plaaslike kerk binne die konteks van die postmodernisme : 'n prakties-teologiese benadering / Henning Vorster Venter

• Main Author: Venter, Henning Vorster
• Published: North-West University 2008
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10394/137

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.