A Missiological evaluation of the Wheels for God's Word and Word on Wheels Model from a missio Dei perspective in Africa

Abstract

In this thesis, it will be argued that evangelism and church planting in Africa would be more effective if theological training is done from a missio Dei perspective and that this point of departure must influence all aspects of the training. It will also be argued and become clear from this thesis that the church in Africa can no longer afford to only rely on the traditional Western seminary theological training model. It is imperative that new models of theological education and training, that are missio Dei shaped, need to be implemented and developed. There is literature that shows that problems are being found with the traditional theological education models (inter alia that many leaders who completed their training at full-time residential training institutions, have no vision and passion for missions), and that missiology is urgently seeking a better model, especially for certain developing areas in the world, such as Africa. A specific, already existing model (“Wheels”) is being investigated and will be evaluated along the lines of a SWOT analysis, through qualitative empirical research. The information for this qualitative, empirical research will be based partly on this researcher’s own experience in mission work in Africa for more than twenty-seven years, and partly based on structured meetings, interviews, and discussions with missiologists as well as the leadership of academic institutions, and scientists in this field (ww.wheelsforgod.org.za). With this study, the researcher envisages addressing some of the contemporary challenges and needs of basic pastoral training (non-formal) and recommends ways to remodel theological education, especially in the African context.