Koinonia and diaconia as a missional kingdom dance. How does faith-based social involvement within a cultural diverse society express itself? Is the focus pure social outreach, that is, the rendering of services, or should the focus include meaningful interaction between the so called ‘outreacher’ and those being supported by the outreach? This article looks at the relationship between koinonia and diaconia in the creation of an intercultural space where individuals from different contexts are welcomed and supported in a mutual way. Through an interdisciplinary approach this article reflects on the experience of koinonia and diaconia in the mission of the church by bringing it into an interdisciplinary conversation with Sociology. God’s reign become visible if koinonia and diaconia can dance together!

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Koinonia en diakonia as ’n missionale koninkryksdans

House visitation in the Maranatha Reformed Church of Christ : bane or boon?

On se rappelle des critiques de Martin Luther a l'egard des abus de l'eucharistie. Selon l'A., les raisons qui ont conduit hier a la separation des offres charitables de l'eucharistie, sont peut-etre devenues d'actualite aujourd'hui. Dans l'Eglise catholique post-Vatican II, les laics jouent un role important comme le sacerdoce universel est essentiel pour les lutheriens. L'idee d'une spiritualisation du sacrifice doit etre expliquee et developpee. Comment mieux expliquer cette idee qu'en incorporant la nourriture pour le pauvre dans la procession de l'offertoire?

Toward locating the separation of charity from eucharist in the ancient western church

The essence of being a church is love. The church as an organization based on love has the responsibility of loving God, his people and the world which God himself loved first. This paper is about the responsibility of a 'poor church', the Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Afrika, which despite its poverty still has the vocation of becoming meaningful to its members. Two appeals are made here: firstly, that both the rich and the poor churches should, despite their circumstances, play their roles in combating poverty among their members. Secondly, churches should shift from charity work to development.

https://hts.org.za/index.php/hts/article/download/1582/2875

The role of the church in the struggle against poverty: A Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Afrika perspective

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Response to Rev S P Mpanza's paper on the role of the church in the struggle against poverty with reference to the Reconstruction and Development Programme

This aticle reflects on the ecclesial position of the diakonia within the Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Arika. The body-of-Chist model is postulated as the basis for a pracical theological theory. Koinonia is depicted as a linchpin for Christian caring and sharing towards which, if made aware of its role in poverty alleviation, it would make a meaningful contribuion. Ways and means of raising awareness are discussed, ater which relevant resources for practical service provision are identified and discussed. The establishment of small groups and the engagement  of women and youth groups are cited as enabling actions in respect of the meaningful provision of benevolent and development services. It is then suggested that the church start, register and run development projects in co-operaion with the welfare department, business, development agencies and ecumenicalriends.

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A service model for diakonia in the Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Afrika 1

In this article, the Afro-Christian imperative of caring and sharing is highlighted as a fundamental response of the church, as the body of Christ, in the face of abject poverty. The extent of poverty in South Africa is sketched, both as an economically and as a socio-spiritualy destructive phenomenon. Based on Biblical perspectives, theological principles underlying benevolent services within Reformed churches are outlined and evaluated.

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M. J. Manala

Papers

A service model for diakonia in the Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Afrika 1

"Moiwa fa ba bangwe The imperative to generosity and caring - a challenge to the Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Afrika 1