‘n Strategie om spiritualiteit by Pentekostalistiese pastore wat aan depressie ly te versterk: ‘n Pastorale studie

Abstract

This pastoral study aimed to develop a strategy to strengthen the spirituality of Pentecostal pastors who suffer from depression. The focus was on pastors from the three Afrikaans classical Pentecostal churches, namely the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa (AFM), the Full Gospel Church of God in Southern Africa (FGC), and the Pentecostal Protestant Church (PPC). Two common denominators were examined, namely spirituality as the primary focal point and depression. Furthermore, the study sought, through the modulation of a holistic, strategic-theoretical support programme, to develop a pastoral model that enables pastoral intervention by strengthening the spirituality of classical Pentecostal pastors who experience depression. Richard Osmer's pastoral model was used as the basic point of departure for this pastoral study. Osmer (2008) identified four tasks, namely the descriptive-empirical task, the interpretive task, the normative task, and the pragmatic task. It was decided not to use the term "task(s)" in the application of his model, but rather the term "moment(s)". The term "moment" indicates a progressive action leading towards a dynamic conclusion. Chapter 2 focused on the descriptive-empirical moment and addressed the question, "What is happening here?" This moment aimed to conduct a literature study, as well as to incorporate contributions from empirical data obtained. With regard to the literature review, attention was given to hermeneutical reflections, as the study adopts a Pentecostal point of departure. An in-depth analysis of the occurrence and management of depression within contemporary classical Pentecostal churches was undertaken, together with a discussion of selected studies from the South African context, with due consideration of studies from the Reformed tradition. Chapter 3 focused on the interpretive moment. The guiding question here was, "Why did this happen?" The study sought to determine what the auxiliary disciplines-psychology, sociology, anthropology, and communication studies-can contribute to the preliminary modulation of a pastoral model for guiding classical Pentecostal pastors who suffer from depression, within the dynamic process of strengthening their spirituality. Chapter 4 focused on the normative moment. The central question in this chapter was, "What ought to happen?" A grammatical-historical exegesis, together with a pneumatic insight, was employed to achieve the normative objectives from a basic theoretical perspective. It was acknowledged that depression is not a clinical term found in the Bible, although its symptoms are consistently present in biblical texts. With regard to the Old Testament, it was indicated that despair is repeatedly addressed within the context of hope. The study centred on Wisdom Literature by exegetically engaging passages from Job 3 and Job 42, Jeremiah 3, as well as Psalm 22. Character analyses of Job, Jeremiah, and David were also examined in light of the aims of this study. With regard to the New Testament, it was indicated that the Luke-Acts narrative is essential for the practical modulation of a strategy for classical Pentecostal pastors, as their theological framework must be understood as a supernatural engagement in every facet of life. The exegesis placed emphasis on Jesus' self-esteem and self-efficacy in Luke 4:1-12 and Luke 22:39-42. Chapter 5 addressed the question, "How should one act?" as part of the pragmatic moment. Drawing interactively on the preceding chapters, a pastoral guidance programme was compiled that recognises specific presuppositions which a pastoral counsellor may take into account when assisting pastors from classical Pentecostal churches who suffer from depression. The proposed model consists of four processes that take Osmer's pastoral model into account and is grounded in both Scripture and scientific theory. By making use of the descriptive-empirical, interpretive, normative, and pragmatic moments, the research sought to demonstrate that the spirituality of pastors from classical Pentecostal churches who suffer from depression can indeed be strengthened. Finally, it was shown that by acknowledging the distinctive and unique lived experiences of these pastors, a pastoral model can be developed that may be meaningfully applied within pastoral care.