Encounters with homeless people in Tshwane: Participatory action research (PAR) approach in Missiological education

Abstract

The aim of this conceptual chapter is to contribute to the discourse on a methodological framework for missiology. It is a very preliminary attempt at exploring the applicability of participatory action research (PAR) considerations in relation to missiology, particularly mission as encounterology pioneered by Kritzinger, JNJ. The value and relationship between PAR, Contextual Bible Study and missiology highlighted in this study shows that transformation is and should remain the aim as we work for collective wellbeing. Building on the understanding of missiology as encounterology on one hand and on the other the use of Contextual Bible Study (CBS) as a tool to facilitate encounterological dialogue, this contribution demonstrates that 1) PAR enhances encounterology and adds value to transformative missiology 2) PAR is the most appropriate approach for mission in the 21st century because it makes missiology more participatory, a creative generator of knowledge and enthusiastically action-oriented 3) encounterological PAR has the potential to open up missiology so that it contributes towards inter-, multi- and trans-disciplinary research needed to achieve collective wellbeing. With particular reference to studying homelessness in Tshwane, we (missiologists and other stakeholders) realise that PAR is an alternative approach of knowledge production based on the subjects' involvement in decisions regarding pathways out of homelessness in Tshwane.