Diaconal ministry in Namibia: Challenges from the perspective of the Evangelical Lutheran church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN)
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Date
2001
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
This investigative and evaluative study aims at contributing to the ongoing dialogue on the necessity to have a diaconal ministry within the framework of the overall mission of the church under discussion (the ELCRN). A further aim is to present some workable proposals and recommendations for the revitalization of this much-needed ministry under the umbrella of the said Church in particular, but also to have a message to the Church of the Lord in Namibia. The assumption is made and the hypothesis developed that a diaconal ministry is without doubt part and parcel of the mission of the Church. This necessitates rethinking on the current problems encountered and a new look at the Church’s structures, plan of action and future vision - in view of the establishment of an effective diaconal ministry. The operating of an effective diaconal action is in line with the cross-bearing responsibility of the Church. Any ideas to the effect that the State ought to take over all responsibilities for the social needs of people after independence, is to belittle such a costly obligation and mission of the Church. The thesis thus argues that there is a great need and urgency to have an effective diaconal ministry, particularly in the ELCRN. This argument is firstly developed by giving a historical background of the Church under review, particularly its humble beginnings of which the missionaries laid the foundations - including the current dispensation and problems within the said ministry. The purpose is to show that evangelization in Namibia was started not only to ‘convert the heathen’ but to provide also in the bodily needs of the African people, and that this legitimate diaconal function of the Church should still be taken very seriously The biblical and theological basis of this ministry will be reviewed in Chapter 2, having Luke 10:25-37 as point of departure, backed by Mk. 16:15 and John 21:15-17, which is the Great Commission and Commandment respectively. Chapters 3 and 4 will cover a critical discussion of various insights gained from the extensive research done by the World Council of Churches on this subject. Arguments in these studies have again been based on the findings of workshops held in Africa, thus representing the African understanding of diakonia and the way of doing it. The impact of the Holy Spirit, an essential element in the mission and ministry of the Church, will be dealt with in Chapter 5. Chapter 6, is based on Crafford’s theological and professional analysis of a responsible church diakonate (a far cry from the soup-kitchen mentality within traditional approaches), and forms a prelude for Chapter 7, which will argue the case for a new vision within the diaconal ministry. In conclusion it is argued that the diaconal ministry is not really the business of only a few staff members at a central institution, but is in fact the total obligation and responsibility of all Christians nation-wide and for the purpose of this study, specifically for the overall Church membership of the ELCRN. Now is the time, the “kairos” for the clergy and laity of the church to join hands for this most important ministry.
Description
Submitted as partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Theology
Keywords
Evangelical Lutheran church, Namibia, Diaconal ministry