Oorsake van kerkkrimping binne die tradisioneel Afrikaanssprekende gereformeerde kerke in Suid-Afrika

Abstract

The focus of this article was to pursue factors regarding the declining numbers in the traditional Afrikaans speaking reformed churches in South Africa. This intertwined phenomenon was studied according to theonome reciprocity as portrayed in the covenant and embedded in the Great Commission. The unstoppable drive of the Spirit is recognised in a levelling wave approximately every 500 years. It is also recognised in the wave where mainstream Christianity moves from the northern to the southern hemisphere, as well as cyclic movements typical to the Christian religion. Man’s involvement is categorised as factors that are difficult to measure, as well as factors that can be measured. Paradigms, as factors difficult to measure and contributing to the decline of churches, form the background to the manifestation of the measureable factors.