Die erediens as instrument in gemeentebou

Abstract

This mini-dissertation studies the worship service as instrument in congregation building. In chapter 2 congregation building is defined as the unique ministry whereby the congregation is led to become what they as believers already are through Christ. Congregation building is concerned with growth in three relationships, namely the relationship between the believer and God, the relationship between the believer and his fellow believers and the relationship between the believer and the world. It is therefore clear that congregation building is an essential mission within the church that should not be overlooked. As the worship service is at the centre of the life of the congregation and the culmination point of the congregation's spiritual and religious experience, it is important to study the relationship between the worship service and congregation building. This relationship is studied in the remainder of chapter 2 by an exegetical study of the Ezra-Nehemiah history as well as 1 Corinthians 11 -14, a historical study of the church in the second century and during the Reformation and a literature study of relevant modern themes. It is concluded that the worship service is a meeting between God and his covenant people where every individual has a contribution to make, even though the service is primarily a corporate meeting with God and each other. The worship service therefore has a strong element of mutual up-building. The worship service also has a strong witnessing character and is therefore extremely important in the growth in the three relationships that are involved in congregation building. Chapter 3 finds that these basic theoretical perspectives are not fully realized in the practice of the three Afrikaans sister churches. Even though the worship service is experienced as a meeting with God, the dialogical and corporate character of the service, as well as the mutual up-building and the relationship with the world is neglected. Chapter 4 gives some practical theoretical perspectives to rectify this situation by moving the practice closer to the theory. Special attention is given to the different elements of the worship service, as well as the participation in the service. Attention is also given to the church building and the church grounds. The equipping of the believer as well as of the pastor is indicated as major concerns. The establishment of a liturgical service group is encouraged. In chapter 5 it is finally concluded that the worship service has a cardinal role to play in congregation building, even though it is not currently fully fulfilling that function in practice. This shortfall should be remedied as a matter of urgency.