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Abstract:
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The thesis of this study is that both Pentecostal and non-Pentecostal churches can
grow at a time when only the Pentecostal churches have grown. The stagnation that
has occurred in many ''mainline" churches.need not be allowed to increase or
continue. In Venda (Northern Province) both the Lutherans and the Pentecostals have
enjoyed visible growth.
Chapter 1 introduces the thesis, the choice of the study area, the objectives of the
study, and the typology, methodology and relevance of the study. Chapter 2 looks at
the history and socio-economic backgrowtd of the Vhavenda. Chapter 3 describes
traditional Vhavenda beliefs and rituals. The Vhavenda world-view is different from
that of the West but closer to that of the East and the Bible. Chapter 4 concentrates on
missionary Christianity in Venda and briefly discusses the missionary methods
adopted by the Berlin Missionary Society. Chapter 5 discusses the coming of
Pentecostalism to South Africa and Venda. Chapter 6 examines how the Lutherans
and the Apostolic Faith Mission church conducted their mission during the
"maturation of Apartheid'' in Venda. Major events in the collision between apartheid
and the Vhavenda are highlighted. Chapter 7 discusses the unfinished work of the
church in Venda. Chapter 8 examines the challenge for Christian mission in the
twenty-first century. |
