Original Research

Waar is die gereformeerde lidmate dan?

Sophia (Phia) van Helden
In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi | Vol 50, No 1 | a2073 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ids.v50i1.2073 | © 2016 Sophia (Phia) van Helden | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 31 December 2015 | Published: 29 July 2016

About the author(s)

Sophia (Phia) van Helden, Unit for Reformational Theology, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa, South Africa

Abstract

This article discusses the numbers of church members within the reformed main stream churches as researched during the past decade, while focusing on the disappearance process of white members as researched within sample congregations of the RCSA, as well as the absence of growing numbers among black congregations amid the huge South African population growth. To identify trends, the most recent available information regarding the activity of evangelising in congregations, the terminating of membership and whether members leave or arrive with of without testimony, were researched. Reasons are given why numbers increased in a few congregations. These congregations are thus not part of the declining trend in the traditional white congregations, and also not part of the not-growing, stagnated traditional black RCSA-congregations. The literature study, as well as the qualitative and quantitative approach, provides useful information and valuable insights in the recent tendencies regarding the eccleciastical survival battle.


Keywords

Kernbegrippe; Krimpende kerke; Gereformeerde kerke in Suid-Afrika; Dalende lidmaatgetalle

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