Catechetical strategy to effectively minister the Reformed Churches' Youth Movement

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Catechetical strategy to effectively minister the Reformed Churches Youth Movement

MVALELlSO GEORGE MDLULI BTh,

BTh

(Hons), M.Div

Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Masters of Theology (Catechetics) at North- West University (Potchefstroom Campus) Supervisor: Prof. Dr. R.S. LetSosa

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Abstract

According to research conducted in some of the Reformed Churches, it became clear that most of the Reformed Churches, especially in the black communities, are encountering similar or almost the same problems with regard to the youth. The numbers of young people that belong to the churches, attend church services and participate in church-related activities facilitated for them are declining. Many of those whose presence and participation can be observed are not successful at taking the responsibility for applying their faith on a daily basis as they live their lives on a daily basis.

It was evident that there was room for improvement with regard to youth ministry and its effectiveness. The intention with this study was to focus on possible ways of improving youth ministry in the Reformed Churches, and more specifically in the context of black communities and congregations.

The approach included a look at the hermeneutical interaction between the basis theory and the meta-theory. According to the results, findings and conclusions obtained in this way, a set of practical guidelines has been formulated in an attempt to render youth ministry more effective. Attention was paid to contributions made by church leaders, parents and the young people themselves. By applying the Biblical principles together with meta-theoretical principles ministry to young people can be made more effective while keeping in mind that the purpose is to be to the honour and glory of God.

The study included interviews and a questionnaire to be completed by young participants from a few selected congregations in the Mid-lands Synod, South Africa. According to the findings it was possible to conclude that the young members of the church desire to feel that they have a place in the Church of Christ are indeed part of the body of Christ. It was also revealed that they

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desire to be equipped in such a way as would enable them to function as Christians in their daily lives and to spread the Gospel to the world outside. They need to feel that they are useful instruments in the faith community.

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It is true that every member of the body of Christ is unique and has a role to play, and that is also true of the young people. The church and church leaders also have to consider the cultural differences, the existing generation gaps and the development of good relationships between youth and all other members of church. The young people, however, will have to accommodate, apply and adhere to the Biblical principles. That which remains of main importance in the strife for righteousness is to glorify God according to his Word.

Opsomming

Na aanJeiding van navorsing wat in 'n paar Gereformeerde Kerke gedoen is, het dit duidelik geword dat ooreenstemmende probleme met die jeug in die meeste Gereformeerde Kerke, veral in swart gemeenskappe, ondervind word. Die getalle van jong mense wat aan die kerke behoort, die kerkdienste bywoon en aan kerkverwante jeugbedrywighede deelneem, is besig om te daal. Daarbenewens slaag slegs 'n klein hoeveelheid van die jong mense daarin om verantwoordelikheid te neem vir die toepassing van hulle geloofsoortuigings in hulle daaglikse lewe.

Die navorsing het daarop gedui dat daar ruimte vir verbetering op die gebied van jeugbediening in die Gereformeerde Kerke is. Deur middel van hierdie studie is 'n poging aangewend om moontllke probleme of tekortkominge in verband met jeugbediening aan te spreek, en veral dan binne die konteks van swart gemeenskappe en gemeentes.

As uitgangspunt is daar na 'n hermeneutiese interaksie tussen basis-teorie en meta-teorie gekyk. Na aanleiding van die resultate, bevindings en gevolgtrekkings is 'n stel praktiese riglyne saamgestel wat as basis vir moontlike verbetering van jeugbediening in Gereformeerde Kerke voorgestel kan word. Die rol wat kerkbetrokke jeugleiers, ouers en die jeug self kan speel, het aandag geniet. Deur die Bybelse beginsels met die relevante

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