Samelewingsverandering en Skriftuurlike denkverandering

Abstract

Change in society and scriptural thought changes. The declining traditional churches have undertaken to focus on scriptural thinking, striving for change in its calling of Missio-Dei. Missional thinking requires a paradigm shift which takes time. A change in thought at congregational level and specifically its members, is not occurring at the same pace. Thought change brings uncertainty – also at the level of church identity. The identity crisis within the traditional church, exacerbated by new groups within society, further hampers the churches’ objective of missional change. The challenges posed by the pace of the changing context, are faster than traditional mainstream churches can accommodate. The diachronical approach regarding the declining mainstream churches and the influence of the fast developing society is directed according to different methodologies. This article seeks to raise the understanding regarding the identity crisis prevailing in the declining traditional churches, taking cognisance of the challenges that face such churches within an ever faster changing society.

Keywords

• declining churches
• traditional mainstream churches
• posmodernistic change in society
• missio dei
• thought change