Morele verval onder die jeug van die Apostoliese Geloofsending van Suid-Afrika(AGS) (Rehobot-gemeente, Upington):? Pastorale studie

Abstract

Signs of moral decline have been noticed in the South African society and in the church. In the Upington and surrounding areas of the Northern Cape Province, the youth is influenced by this phenomenon. The question relates to how prepared the youth of the AFM Rehobot Congregation is when confronted with these issues. From an auto-ethnographic perspective and through qualitative narrative, the researcher shares how he felt when he noticed the moral decay of the youth in his congregation. Through observation, a questionnaire, data-analysis and descriptions, the researcher completed the first task according to the research example of Osmer. This is known as the descriptive-empirical phase of the study, and requires that the researcher, as pastor, will conduct “priestly listening” while trying to find out what is going on in this congregation. From observation by the researcher, flows the interpretation of the information. This is the second phase of the investigation, and a “sagely wisdom” is necessary to identify and consider the findings that need to be contemplated and revisited. The following issues were identified:  High School learners try to push the boundaries of morality and in the process see how far they can go and how long they can keep on doing it.  Most young people spend their time unproductively, by watching television all afternoon.  Many young people are frequently on their cell phones, with Mxit, on Facebook, visiting pornographic websites and social networks.  Although the youth still go to church two to three times a month, there is reason for concern when it comes to the obvious neglect of reading the Bible. All the signs mentioned above, should be an indication to the church that something must be done to attract young people to the church services.  Environmental influences play a significant role in the abuse of alcohol, in the youth neglecting themselves, and social isolation.  Cigarette smoking or the use of the “okka-pipe”, abuse of so-called hard drugs, often happen because of peer group pressure and other social influences.  Many parents are naive by thinking that their children are still too young and innocent when it comes to experimenting with sex, alcohol and drugs. The literature review completes the second phase, namely the interpretative task of the research. Thus, the aim is to come to a better understanding of the topic, by visiting other authors from related disciplines such as Education, Psychology, Ethics, Philosophy and the Media.The method used to complete the third, or normative task, is the approach called the History of Revelation. The historical facts of the Old and New Testament are studied to answer the question of what the Bibles teaches regarding to what the church ought to do, to try and understand, cope with and show how moral decay amongst the youth may be prevented.The ultimate claim of the research finally reaches its goal in the completion of the practical-strategic task. This is the fourth task, showing how the church should take the lead in a manner that speaks of humility, an attitude of “servant leadership”, to show the waythat the congregation can follow to prevent, stop and turn around the immorality that still prevails in the church. The central theological argument finds its partial fulfilment therein that the concept of the moral decline of the youth in a congregation in Upington and surroundings is explained and understood by the church. The emphasis will be on how the AFM Rehobot Congregation in Upington, will be prepared to implement, according to Biblical norms and values, the guidelines and programmes when interacting with the youth, their parents and the rest of the congregation, who will be involved in the battle against the moral decline in their congregation.