Open AccessMerkers vir �n eietydse prakties-teologiese ekklesiologie
Author(s) -
W.J. Schoeman
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
verbum et ecclesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.386
H-Index - 8
eISSN - 2074-7705
pISSN - 1609-9982
DOI - 10.4102/ve.v35i2.881
Subject(s) - ecclesiology , faith , sociology , theology , epistemology , environmental ethics , philosophy
Markers for a contemporary practical theological ecclesiology. Faith communities, especially congregations, are defined and described in a number of ways. Congregations are, for example, more than the working ability of the minister or the financial contributions of its members, but these two aspects are sometimes directly or indirectly used to define a congregation. The demand for a practical theological ecclesiology requires a specific description of a congregation that is more than the abovementioned aspects. The contextualisation of the Christian faith challenge congregations to play a missional role in the community and society. Moral-ethical challenges, the lack of a critical public presence and serious social problems constitute an imperative for the reconsideration of the role of congregations. Empirical research suggests that congregations are mostly working with an own internal agenda. Not enough attention, and sometimes little attention, is being paid to matters beyond the congregational boundaries. Is this a sound ecclesiology? This article aims to propose guidelines along which a relevant contextual and practical theological ecclesiology can be developed.