Search

This article elucidates the idea that opportunities for remembrance should be cultivated within liturgy. No participant within liturgy enters a worship service as a tabula rasa. People enter the worship service with all kinds of memories, some of which may be painful memories of the past while others may be good memories. People’s memories could influence their participation in liturgy profoundly. The following research question was identified: What is the role of storytelling cultivated by vivid images of liturgy in healing painful memories in a post-TRC South Africa? The authors contextualize this idea by scrutinizing the praxis within a South African context nearly 25 years after the activities of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the memories around it continue to be critically interrogated. The authors’ main focus is the communicative-liturgical approach that the TRC adhered to and why this approach seems to demonstrate shortcomings. This article examines the idea that the choice to remember will always be an ongoing process, mainly because a faith community is a remembering community. Three aspects are linked in a three-stroke relationship, namely liturgy, remembrance, and storytelling. Inter-disciplinary perspectives on remembrance and storytelling are offered while theological reflection reveals that remembrance and storytelling are interwoven. Two aspects in which remembrance and liturgy are connected, namely Passover and Holy Communion, are scrutinized and it is proposed that the idea of storytelling could be an intriguing aspect for further reflection within a Reformed tradition. We conclude with the idea that people’s memories are in need of editing through the process of remembrance. The telling of stories provides opportunities to do exactly this. We have explored the recognition that South African society needs people that continuously tell their stories of painful memories, while liturgy could cultivate vivid remembrances that will inevitably lead to healing.

Homiletics research indicates that worshippers must contend with a process of recognition during preaching. This article identifies two possible impediments to the listening process, namely schemata and inner speech. The research question is: To what extent can a clear understanding of recognition entail mindful (active) listening and how would such listening influence the ownership of a sermon? A listener’s recognition has to do with remembering or recollecting familiar things, events and words. Remembering brings new meaning and understanding. Recognition is the spark that ignites listeners’ ability to participate in the listening process so that there can be an exchange of sermon ownership. This investigation was done from a practical-theological vantage point with intra-disciplinary engagement with social psychology and communication sciences. Anamnesis is examined from the perspective of recognition viewed philosophically as well as via Hebrews 5:11–16 and James 1:19–22. After a hermeneutic consolidation of the different insights, the article closes with homiletic perspectives on the creative functioning of recognition as part of active listening.

This article focuses on the importance, and also on the possible value of the concepts of cognition and recognition for reflection on what should actually happen during celebration of Holy Communion. The vantage-point in this approach is that celebration has in its essence that it should be a meaningful experience. The meaningfulness consists of the intriguing fact that participants are participating in Christ’s body and in his blood while celebrating Holy Communion. In celebrating Holy Communion, people are engaging in a ritual that involves interaction with a variety of symbols. The methodological insights of Browning (1996) that described the lapse of a research activity ranging from description, to systemizing (exploring practical wisdom and understanding), to strategizing (practicing strategic practical theology) will be adhered to. The research problem for this research could be formulated in the following manner, namely: “Could the cognizance of the lenses of cognition and recognition of the deeper message of Holy Communion enrich the conscious appropriation of salvation while celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion?” The research problem is addressed from the vantage-point of understanding sacraments from a Reformed paradigm. The concepts of cognition and recognition are highlighted from a brief historical description of what is a sacrament and also taking into account the insights from social psychology regarding the essence of the concepts of cognition and recognition. The article further elaborates on the functioning of the concepts of cognition (phronesis) and recognition (anamnesis). In the last section, the article utilizes a hermeneutical interaction between descriptive and systemizing perspectives in order to formulate strategizing perspectives on how a problematic praxis could possibly be addressed regarding people’s experiences on participation in Holy Communion through the meaningful lenses of cognition and recognition.

When it comes to debating the background of this article, the matter of preaching to people in a post-pandemic postmodernist world is standing central. One should always acknowledge that listeners do not listen with their ears only. In their quest of listening to sermons, people are looking for meaningfulness. In the act of listening, listeners’ senses are optimally utilised because, in the active listening process, they start to listen along with seeing and feeling, as they are being introduced to the feelings or emotions that emanate from a particular message. It is the authors’ objective to pay attention to listeners that are seeking to embrace the truth. Therefore, the sacramental essence of transform people’s lives, and for them to look in the right direction for answers in their search, and that cannot be underestimated. This article delineates the idea that preaching the gospel amounts to more than a mere stirring up of emotions. In fact, in a post-pandemic postmodernist world where listeners yearn for answers amid afflictions, profound preaching requires a renewed interest in the feelings emanating from the text itself. Our research question phrases the matter as follows: Does preaching to post-pandemic postmodernist people centre on an emotional tone of speaking, or does it, instead, centre on the feelings evoked by the text itself? This question is addressed by adhering to Dingemans’ visualisation of a research project that reckons with descriptive, normative and strategic perspectives. We, as the authors, aim to indicate the result of this investigation in the following manner: Although emotional manipulation may be a pitfall, one cannot ignore that persuasive preaching is intentional and aims to move listeners to find delight in the emotional appeal made by the passage in the gospel. Viewed from a Reformational viewpoint, this research could better illuminate the challenges preachers face in communicating to listeners in a postmodern post-pandemic world. Contribution: This article contributes by offering homiletical perspectives to two waves that have an interplay, namely postmodernism and reality within a post-pandemic world. Preaching the gospel that deals with the feelings in the text could provide an impetus to this kind of praxis.

After conducting a literature search, the purpose of this article has emerged. The essential elements of a homiletical praxis, interested in dealing with the gospel, are related to the concrete circumstances of listeners. Consequently, the feelings of angst or nothingness that listeners experience in a post-pandemic world are now integrated into the reflection of a homiletical praxis. A homiletical praxis should not fall into the trap of trying to discern the signs of the times in a one-sided manner and an over-simplifying way, but should rather help listeners to understand the essence of hope. The dimensions of yet and not yet, that enable listeners to understand the idea of hope against hope, could be functional in identifying the objective of this research. The research problem is as follows: What kind of practical theological perspectives could be delineated for a praxeology of preaching to offer insight to listeners experiencing angst and a feeling of nothingness within a post-pandemic world? The problem addressed in this article inevitably takes cognisance of the listeners’ experiences of reality caused by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A profound quest for a homiletical praxis in which life is central has also emerged in the research. Eventually, this research indicates the contours for a praxis that views preaching with clairvoyant eyes for listeners’ concrete experiences. I discovered that preaching offers the opportunity to approach disorienting dilemmas that evoke intriguing self-reflection to answer the question: Where do we go from here? A homiletical praxeology, therefore, also has to deal with the experiences of listeners. To address this research question, the notion of critical correlation offers a methodological framework for operating within. It allows the researcher to set up a dialogue between questions related to the homiletical praxis on the one hand, and perspectives that come forth in reflecting the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic on the other. A second phase involves providing a theological perspective on God who can perform new deeds amidst the unusual. Deliberating on this will pave the way for a homiletical theory at the end of the article. Contribution: This article aims to engage with the basic tenet of preaching, viewed from a Reformational paradigm and wants to contribute towards a better understanding of a homiletical praxeology within a post-pandemic world.

No abstract available.

Research indicates that worshippers have to contend with a process of remembrance (recognition) when they participate in liturgy. This article identifies two focal points within the listening process, namely listening as a predominant activity during participation as well as listening that leads to changes in perception, which, in turn, lead to a difference in actions. The research question is: What kind of dynamic perspectives emanate from research on remembrance as a process that edits memories to enable listeners to cultivate a cognisance of seeing? A listener’s remembrance has to do with recollecting familiar things, events and words. Remembering brings new meaning and understanding. Recognition is the spark that ignites participants’ ability to take part in the listening process. This investigation was conducted on the basis of a practical–theological vantage point and interdisciplinary engagement with social psychology and communication sciences. Anamnesis was examined from the perspective of recognition as viewed in terms of the sermon to the Hebrews. The article closes with perspectives on the creative functioning of recognition as a part of active listening. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This research has an inter-disciplinary focus. The concept of recognition (remembrance) is scrutinised in utilising perspectives from the viewpoint of social psychology as well as communication sciences in order to indicate why active listening is pivotal during the act of listening to sermons.

Research in the field of homiletics indicates that preachers have to reckon with the problematic praxis of fear caused by the effects of cognitive distortions regarding corruption. This article investigates the role that preachers can fulfil by not merely being brave from a distance. The research problem is as follows: Is it possible that the distorted cognitions of preachers and listeners could cause them to engage in a nitpicking process that allows hope to be held captive by fear? To what extent can a clear understanding of the essence of sermon delivery enable listeners to realise that hope has to do with a definite calculating process (cognition) that incorporates the yet and not yet reality. The article provides descriptive perspectives on a problematic praxis, offers strategizing perspectives from social psychology and scrutinises the essence of people’s understanding of corruption and societal issues. It explores the normative vantage points of seeing, fearing God and the paradoxical nature of hope. The role of people’s ability to view reality seems to be pivotal for the experience of meaningfulness. The article uses a hermeneutical interaction between the elements of research. In conclusion, the article offers practical theological perspectives.

In this article, the author focusses on the importance and possible value of the concepts of cognition and recognition for reflection on what should actually happen during celebration of Holy Communion. The point of departure is that celebration, in essence, means that it should be a meaningful experience. The meaningfulness consists of the intriguing fact that participants are participating in Christ’s body and in his blood while celebrating Holy Communion. In celebrating Holy Communion, people are engaging in a ritual that involves interaction with a variety of symbols. The author offers perspectives based on a qualitative empirical study in which people expressed their views on what they actually experience when celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion. The article adheres to Browning’s methodological insights. He describes research activity as ranging from description, to systemising (exploring practical wisdom and understanding), to strategising (practising strategic practical theology). The research problem is as follows: ‘Could cognisance of the lenses of cognition and recognition of the deeper message of Holy Communion enrich the conscious appropriation of salvation while celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion?’ The research problem is addressed from the vantage point of understanding sacraments from a Reformed perspective. The concepts of cognition and recognition are highlighted in a brief historical description of what a sacrament is, taking into account the insights from social psychology regarding the essence of the concepts of cognition and recognition. The author further elaborates on the functioning of the concepts of cognition (phronesis) and recognition (anamnesis). In the last section of the article, the author utilises a hermeneutical interaction between descriptive and systemising perspectives to formulate strategies for how people’s experiences of participation in Holy Communion can be enriched through the meaningful lenses of cognition and recognition.

This study addresses a topic that is often neglected by faith communities, like the proverbial expression ‘an elephant in the room’, namely, hate speech. A community of believers could easily be guilty of practices of hate speech by keeping themselves silent or not being mindful in the way they talk about people. What is more is that the saying ‘when two elephants fight, it is the grass that is trampled’ represents something of the dynamics around this issue in reminding people of the harmful consequences of hate speech for people in close proximity to people who are guilty of hate speech. This article argues that a greater awareness of the intrinsic aspects involved in hate speech is needed before one could even mention the issue of combating it. The predatory attitude that underlies hate speech is examined from a practical theological vantage point. The functioning of attitudes, inner speech, attributes and silence are elucidated. The research question therefore asks whether the silence of faith communities on the predatory nature of hate speech in the public sphere contributes to the fact that people are unaware of their own attributional biases. These biases consequently gather momentum and are voiced as hate speech. This research offers analytical perspectives from the viewpoint of ethics, social psychology and communication sciences to indicate the value of speaking truth in love. Perspectives on the concept of boldness, speaking truth in love and the attitude of like-mindedness with Christ are also offered. After this hermeneutical consideration, the article concludes with practical theological perspectives on how hate speech could be addressed.

Recognition (remembrance) as mechanism in identifying the meaning of the liturgical elements in a worship service. It is indicated in research within the field of liturgical studies that participants, during worship services and while participating in all the liturgical elements, have to contend with the process of recognition. The author is conducting an investigation into the role of recognition in identifying the value of the liturgical moments during worship services, with a closer illustration of the introit and also the humbling and reconciliation service. The following research problem is stated for this research, namely: What impact has recognition (remembrance) on the meaning of elements familiar to the participants in identifying the value of the worship service? This investigation will be done from a practicaltheological vantage point with the integration of important principles. Recognition has to do with the remembering (re-collection) of familiar things, events and words during the worship service. The essence of remembering is to bring new meaning to and understanding of the liturgical elements. An intradisciplinary discourse with the fields of Church History and Cognitive Science will also take place. The concept of anamnesis will further be normatively examined from the angle of 1 Corinthians 11:25, also Hebrews 10:3, and the importance of anamnesis (remembering) will be brought to the fore. The moments of the introit, as well as moments of the humiliation and reconciliation service, are regarded as important for the dynamic and organic flow of the rest of the worship service. Practical-theological perspectives will be drawn from this exposition in order to indicate that it is important to reflect on the value of recognition in the act of liturgy.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article is undertaken from a practical-theological vantage point in order to highlight the importance of the concept of recognition for further research within the field of liturgics. In this article a discourse between Practical Theology, Church History and Cognitive Psychology is undertaken. Important aspects were indicated and also the importance of the concept of anamnesis. The importance of understanding and remembrance were also indicated. The concept of anamnesis was discussed according to 1 Corinthians 11:25 and Hebrews 10:3. Finally, practical-theological perspectives were offered in which the importance of recognition for certain liturgical elements was indicated. This particular study could possibly contribute towards better insight into the influence of remembrance in liturgy and also enable participants to understand the essence of liturgy during worship services.

The aim of this article is to argue that the use of language in liturgy during worship services should be meaningful to contribute to persuasion in the lives of the participants in liturgy. Language is a prominent medium to convey meaning. In fact, the essence of liturgy that has to lead to the liturgy of life is in itself a meaningful act. The question regarding the meaning of worship services that people often raise is another reason why research on the influence of liturgy is crucial. This investigation is anchored in research on the importance of cognition in persuasive language use to promote attitude change. The research gathers insights from the fields of language philosophy and cognitive psychology. It is clear that the meaning of words in language can never be separated from people’s understanding of the meaning of language. Communication and communion are not opposites. In the normative phase of this investigation, perspectives from Romans 12 are offered. The renewal of the mind that leads to discernment of God’s will must also lead to a new cognition (understanding or phronesis) of each believer’s place within the Body of Christ. The insights gained from language philosophy, cognitive psychology and the normative grounding make it evident that people always try to make sense of what they are experiencing and of what they are observing. The attempt to understand necessitates further reflection on the importance of cognition. Finally, practical theological perspectives are offered to indicate that cognition is important to create a meaningful liturgy. This cognition is anchored in God’s presence during worship services and, therefore, it requires meaningful words from liturgists.

Continuous formation of liturgy through social cognition In this article the authors intend to do research on two focal points, namely liturgical formation and also the influence that social cognition has on formation. Within a South African context it is evident that Western cultural liturgical traditions and African traditions are meeting each other. This meeting is challenging because of the questions that come to the foreground in addressing this matter. The process of enculturalisation is prominent in recent research. This research is although referring to the process of social cognition as a manner in which people are observing each other and also ‘n manner in which people are trying to make sense of other cultures and people of that cultures. People's cognition can be wrong and therefore distortions can also emanate. The main research question for this investigation is: How does social cognition influence the process of liturgical formation? In this research, first of all, the authors offer a descriptive-empirical vantage point in order to investigate this matter. Two local congregations were visited. The authors give reflection of their own cognition but also provide the cognition of the leaders which are interviewed. Normative perspectives from Acts 17:16–35 is provided to highlight the role of cognition of liturgical formation. The hermeneutic interaction between the various elements of this research and also hermeneutic guidelines are provided.

In this research from the vantage point of Practical Theology, the author focusses on the importance and the possible value of the concept of cognition for further research. The philosophical roots of the concepts of knowledge and understanding are highlighted in a qualitative manner by means of a short selection from the insights of philosophers from the era of the Greek Philosophy to the nineteenth century. The insights of Plato, Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, Descartes and Kant are utilised. The purpose was to indicate the importance of the concepts of knowing and cognition from an early stage. Research from the field of cognitive science also received attention in this research. The purpose of this discussion is to indicate that cognition is not a mere intellectual activity. Cognition is important in the processes of perspective-making and moral choices. Cognitive distortions could possibly endanger people�s ability to have the right cognition about people, events and life itself. The concept of phronesis, as the concept that comes the nearest to the essence of cognition, is also investigated from the vantage point of Philippians 2:5 and Romans 12:3. Wisdom thinking is really important in research on the acts of people from a practical theological vantage point. Cognition must be regarded as people�s attempt to make sense out what they already know and also out of what they are observing. In the final part of the article, fields for possible further investigation are highlighted in order to make the statement that practical theologians can consider the fact to reclaim the field of investigation on cognition in further research. The importance of cognition for liturgy, homiletics, pastoral care and youth ministry is indicated.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article is undertaken from a practical theological vantage point in order to highlight the importance of the concept of cognition for further research. In this article a discourse between Practical Theology, Philosophy and Cognitive Psychology is undertaken. Important aspects were indicated and also the importance of the concept of phronesis. The importance of understanding and insight were also indicated. The concept of phronesis was discussed from Philippians 2:5 and Romans 12:3. Finally, practical theological perspectives were offered in which the importance of cognition for the various fields in Practical Theology was indicated.Keywords: cognition; understanding; knowing

Uit die kerklike praksis blyk dat goed bedoelde prediking wat op ’n biddende wyse gelewer word, meermale skipbreuk ly as gevolg van ’n vervelige aanbieding waarna die hoorders moet luister. Tussen die blote hoor van en ’n diepgaande en kreatiewe manier van luister na die prediking bestaan ’n groot verskil. Predikers moet dus oefen en hulself toerus om in hulle preekvoorbereiding en preeklewering meer kreatief gerig te wees. Kreatiewe prediking open nuwe en dinamiese perspektiewe vir die hoorders. In die lig hiervan word die volgende navorsingsvraag as die doel van hierdie navorsing geformuleer: In hoe ’n mate rus predikers hulle hoorders op ’n kreatiewe manier toe om kreatief deel te neem en na die prediking te luister sodat dít wat gesê en bedoel word, die hoorders se lewe kan beïnvloed? Ten einde hierdie navorsingsvraag te beantwoord, word die probleemveld uit verskillende prakties-teologiese invalshoeke verken en metateoretiese perspektiewe word uit die velde van die Sosiale Psigologie en die Kunsgeskiedenis ontgin. Hierdeur word insig ten opsigte van die vorming en die funksionering van kreatiwiteit verkry. Perspektiewe uit 2 Samuel 17 en Matteus 13:13–15, 52 word verken. Daar word tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat persepsies oor die prediker en die prediking verlammend kan inwerk en selfs daartoe aanleiding kan gee dat hoorders die kerk verlaat. Die bevinding is dat dialoog voor die preeklewering die dialogiese gerigtheid van die prediking as deel van die liturgie van die gemeente, asook die preekgesprekke na afloop van die prediking, daartoe kan meewerk dat verkeerde persepsies reggestel word en dat ’n gemeente ’n pratende gemeente word wat deur diepgaande kommunikasie gevoed word.Creative preaching as visualisation of old and new things with particular reference to ecclesiastical discourses as enrichment of the act of listening. Ecclesiastical praxis indicates that preaching faces obstacles caused by the dreariness of sermons, regardless of the good intentions of preachers. There is a vast difference between hearing sermons and listening to sermons in a creative manner. Preachers should equip themselves to be more creative in the preparation and delivery of sermons. Creative preaching opens up new perspectives to hearers. In the light of this problematic praxis, the following research question has been formulated: To what extent do preachers equip their listeners in a dialogue situation to listen creatively in a profound manner with the objective to see clearly what the Word of God demands of them? In order to address this research question, the problem is investigated by taking into account the present Practical Theological vantage points concerning this field and by trying to get a grasp on metatheoretical perspectives from the fields of Social Psychology and the History of Art. The author investigates the challenging process of creative preaching as well as the importance of equipping hearers in becoming participants in the preparation of sermons through the process of ecclesiastical and sermon discussions. Perspectives from 2 Samuel 17 and Matthew 13:13–15, 52 will be explored with regard to the role of creativity in preaching. The conclusion is reached that a lack in creative preaching and commitment to the act of preaching are indeed endangering this ecclesiastical praxis. It may even be the cause of listeners leaving the church. Preachers should utilise creativity in preparing their sermons and should also focus on the custom of sermon discussions before and after delivering their sermons. In addition, preachers should endeavour to stimulate feedback of the sermons, for in this way fallacious views of reality could be rectified. Congregations should become discussant communities nurtured through profound communication.

A practical-theological reflection on coaching and equipping children for service as a way to emulating the attitude of Christ. The hypothesis for this research is that the youth is an inherent part of the church. The church, which includes the children, received spiritual gifts from God. The edification of the church is the main purpose in the utilisation of all the gifts. The church received a significant responsibility in equipping and convoying children to be obedient in their calling to be followers of Jesus Christ. Parents and children must use their gifts for their own diakonia. The word diakonia gives expression to the fact that diakonia must take place in accordance to the calling by God. In recent research the expression diakonia also received a more comprehensive meaning. The research field will be explored in four phases and, in doing so, try to come to grips with the current practical-theological situation. In phase one the authors tried to offer a descriptive reflection on research in the practical theology. In phase two the authors undertook exploratory research from the field of the social psychology in order to indicate the prominent role of wrong attitudes and insufficient convoying of children in the praxis. Therefore the authors undertook an intra-disciplinary conversation with the development psychology. In phase three the authors offered basic-theoretical perspectives from Scripture in order to show how the praxis must be. In the last phase of this research practical-theoretical perspectives are explored in order to underline the responsibility of churches in this regard of equipping children in fulfilling their own diakonia. The authors drew a conclusion from their research that children who serve in diakonia and also in obedience to Christ, are also people that are enabled to show the attitude of Jesus Christ towards the world. Parents and other believers must serve in mentoring children. By mentoring children in their diakonia, they enable children and also contribute towards spiritual maturity in their lives.Article in Afrikaans.

The prevalence of corruption has enormous negative consequences for the ideal of an orderly and peaceful society. Corruption does not only have a destructive impact on socio-economic life, but also on human relationships, value systems and vision for life. With this research the authors described the role of the ethical dimension of prophetic preaching in addressing the apparent lack of righteousness as it manifests in a context of corruption in the South African society. The problem field was explored with the focus on an apparent lack of vision and willingness to hunger and thirst for righteousness in the current manifestation of corruption in the South African society. Normative perspectives from Scripture (attempting to voice the impact of Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes, with the focus on Matthew 5–6) were discussed. It is reasoned that Jesus’ words pneumatologically proved to be essential in developing a sharpened and action-inducing vision of the righteousness of the kingdom of God breaking through in the praxis of a society struggling with the effects of corruption. The research culminated in the formulation of preliminary homiletic theory with a view to a vision for a kind of prophetic preaching that will be able to activate the consciousness of hungering and thirsting for the righteousness of God’s kingdom and lead the believer in a life culminating in blessed nourishment. The ethical dimension of prophetic preaching is anchored in the eschatological sphere, aimed at making the perceiver conscious of the distinct presence of the King, calling his people to a blessed presence in this world and empowering them with his promise of restoration of an abundant life for all http://verbumetecclesia.org.za/index.php/ve/pages/view/editorial-team http://verbumetecclesia.org.za/index.php/VE/article/viewPDFInterstitial/722/1159 http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ve.v34i1.722

OPSOMING: Uit die kerklike praksis blyk dat prediking wat dikwels goed bedoel word en op biddende wyse gelewer word, voor die hindernis van persepsies stuit wat dan verlammend op die luisteraksie inwerk. Tussen die blote hoor van en ’n diepgaande luister na die prediking bestaan ’n groot verskil. In die lig hiervan word die volgende navorsingsvraag vir hierdie navorsing geformuleer: In hoe ’n mate begelei predikers hulle hoorders op ’n dialogiserende manier in die kuns om werklik te kan luister, sodat dít wat gesê en bedoel is die hoorders se persepsies kan beïnvloed? Ten einde hierdie navorsingsvraag te beantwoord, word die probleemveld vanuit verskillende prakties-teologiese invalshoeke verken. Metateoretiese perspektiewe vanuit die veld van die Sosiale Psigologie en Kommunikasiekunde word ook gebruik om daardeur insig oor die vorming van en die selektiewe aard van persepsies te verkry. In die ondersoek na normatiewe gesigspunte word die dialogiserende prediking en argumentasie vanuit Handelinge 17 en 19 verken. Die navorser kom tot die konklusie dat persepsies oor die prediker en die prediking verlammend kan inwerk en selfs daartoe aanleiding kan gee dat hoorders die kerk verlaat. Verder is ook bevind dat dialoog voor die preeklewering, die dialogiese gerigtheid van die prediking as deel van die liturgie van die gemeente, asook die preekgesprekke na afloop van die prediking, daartoe kan meewerk dat verkeerde persepsies reggestel word. Hierdeur word die gemeente ’n pratende gemeenskap wat van diepgaande kommunikasie leef. ABSTRACT: A practical-theological reflection on the role of perceptions in the act of listening and the importance of dialogue in discourses about sermons. From the ecclesiastical praxis it seems that preaching faces hindrances caused by negative perceptions, regardless of the good intentions of preachers and the interdependence between prayer and preaching. There is a vast difference between hearing sermons and listening to sermons. In the light of this problematic praxis, the following research question has been formulated: To what extent do preachers equip their listeners in a dialogue situation to listen profoundly with the object to influence the perceptions of listeners about the preacher and the preaching? In order to address this research question, the problem is investigated by taking into account the present practical theological vantage points concerning this field. This research field is further explored by trying to get a grasp on metatheoretical perspectives from the fields of Social Psychology and Communication Sciences. The author tries to investigate the difficult process of forming perceptions as well as the selective nature of perceptions. In an investigation into normative vantage points, perspectives from Acts 17 and 19 are explored with regard to the role of dialogue in Paul’s preaching. The researcher comes to the conclusion that negative perceptions are indeed endangering the ecclesiastical praxis and can even cause listeners to leave the church. Preachers should utilise dialogue in preparing their sermons; focusing on the dialogic nature of preaching in the context of the liturgy. In addition, preachers should endeavour to stimulate feedback after delivering of their sermons in order to rectify fallacious perceptions. Congregations should become communities nurtured by profound communication. http://www.inluceverbi.org.za/index.php/skriflig http://www.inluceverbi.org.za/index.php/skriflig/issue/view/208

This article describes the methodological approach that was used in the design of a curriculum for children in Grades 1-3 in the Reformed Churches in South Africa. The curriculum structure must guide the children to form an impression of and come to a realisation about the greatness of the Word of God. Catechism is a resolute instruction with a very specific learning outcome. In a society with postmodern thinking a catechism demands a lot from religious instructors. Various fundamental principles are no longer considered as self-evident. The contemporary endeavour to reach children in a purposeful manner has been an enterprise of the church throughout its history. Identifying the shortcomings of the past can guide us towards building on firm principles in future.

A homiletical-empirical investigation of preaching and attitude change The issues of preaching, and the change of attitude that preaching (should) bring about in the hearts and minds of hearers are dealt with in this article. In order to arrive at relevant and plausible conclusions, homiletical-empirical methodology was utilised. The aim of the article is to highlight the fact that both preachers and hearers have certain personal attitudes affecting the influence of preaching on their experience and realisation of faith. In this article a distinction is made between generic attitudes and attitudes towards specific issues. Generic attitudes consist of attitudes dependent on social circumstances and the influences of fellow-believers, attitudes with personal benefit as aim, and intrinsic-religious attitudes. Specific attitudes consist inter alia of the following aspects: the attitude of the hearers towards the Word, the congregation, worship, preaching as such, and expectations of the future. The article is concluded by selected perspectives for the praxis of preaching and attitude change.

The preacher and his task of equipping the congregation: Basis-theoretical perspectives from the Hebrews sermon In this article an attempt is made to indicate that preachers should be conscious of their task of equipping the congregation. Expressions in which the preacher, his conduct, his relation to other people and his spirituality are stated explicitly are investigated. The authors deal with basis-theoretical material taken from Hebrews. In the Hebrews sermon the preacher is indicated as therapist, leader, minister and shepherd. The preacher is also perceived of as servant and mouthpiece in the liturgy of the congregation. This exposition is followed by perspectives for the praxis of equipment in ministering the Word to the congregation.