The caring church as a worshipping community

• Main Author: Theron, Bruce B. V.
• Other Authors: De Jongh van Arkel, Jan
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: Caring; Worship; Faith community; Vocation; Fusion of horizons; Mutual care; Individualistic and secular society; Pastoral care; Covenant responsibility; Support system; Lay involvement; 253; Laity; Church and the world; Caring > Religious aspects > Christianity; Pastoral theology
• Online Access: Theron, Bruce B. V. (1996) The caring church as a worshipping community, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/16189>; http://hdl.handle.net/10500/16189

The dissertation starts from the premise that we are living in an increasingly individualistic and secular society. The church is seen as a worshipping community, where mutual care emanating from true Christian community could serve as a corrective to current fragmentation. A theory is developed of the church as a caring and worshipping faith community which exists alongside other communities. The church therefore exists to enable people to embody the gospel ideals in their lives. The whole Christian community must thus be seen to be offering the love, compassion and acceptance that is needed today. This role can be enhanced by encouraging training in caring skills. The faith community exercises its nurturing support system through the fusion of horizons as members seek to give expression to their faith. This faith community functions against the background of the myriad of relationships and different communities in which its members find themselves in. === Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology === M. Th. (Practical Theology)