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An Investigation of the Development of the Cell Church Concept in the Western Cape
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TextPublication details: Johannesburg, South Africa South African Theological Seminary 2013Description: 306p PDF A4 Abstract. Table of contents. Appendices. BibliographySubject(s): Dissertation note: Doctor of Philosophy in Theology (PhD) South African Theological Seminary 2003 Professor Dr. C J A Vos and Professor Dr. M Nel Summary: Since 1993 some churches in South Africa have adopted a new ecclesiological concept. This is the “cell church” concept. It is advocated as an answer to the church‟s perceived ineffectiveness in mission in the post-modern world. Cell church theory conceptualises small group meetings (known as cells) in homes as the focus of church life. In practice, a cell church has two foci; the cell group meeting and the celebration, establishing a “bipolar” church structure. This thesis outlines the practical research methodology based upon Zerfass‟ heuristic model. It then establishes five practical theological actions (proclamation, instruction, celebration, care and service) using Moltmann‟s trinitarian functions of the church. Eight criteria, are then drawn from four biblical major church metaphors and the Emerging Ecumenical paradigm in the horizon of the kingdom of God, by which to evaluate the effectiveness of these actions. These criteria are adaptability, mission, mobilization, discipleship, community building, organisational integration, serving the poor and the trinitarian experience of God. They are then applied as interrogative tools to help undertake a theoretical situational analysis of current church praxis in South Africa and then, in the same manner, to cell church theory and praxis. The theological claims of cell church theory are discussed and examined in the light of Reformed theology. Finally the criteria are used to empirically evaluate the development of the cell church concept in twenty-seven churches in the Western Cape using a two-phase sampling process analysing information gathered by means of questionnaires completed by congregational leaders and cell group members. It is argued that, whilst it is not normative, cell church theory has functional similarities to the operation of the church within the New Testament. It offers hope of a more effective praxis than the addition of home fellowship groups to a unipolar church. This appears to be mostly substantiated by the empirical study of the twenty-seven churches where it is, in general, increasing their effectiveness and maturation in every practical theological action. Yet it is not completely fulfilling its promise in the action of proclamation in terms of the unchurched being added to the church.
| Item type | Current library | Collection | Call number | URL | Status | Date due | Barcode | |
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Thesis
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South African Theological Seminary Online Resource | Electronic Holdings | Link to Resource | Available | 0000000001991 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Theology (PhD) South African Theological Seminary 2003 Professor Dr. C J A Vos and Professor Dr. M Nel
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