Die aktiwiteit van die belydende GKSAvrouelidmaat tydens die erediens

Abstract

The activity of the female communicant during worship services in the Reformed Churches in South Africa (GKSA)

This article is a report of research done on how a female communicant in the GKSA can be active in Christ while certain traditions tie her tongue, hands and feet. By attempting to outline the internal and external activity of female communicants during worship, this article attempts to determine empirically the extent to which current church practice is Scriptural within The Reformed tradition. Definite and specific tendencies regarding the nature of female ministerial empowerment in the churches have been noticed. Suggestions concerning expanding the involvement by women during worship services have also been indicated. A possible response to the questions raised in this regard depends on the attitude and willingness of the GKSA to correct inhibiting and unbiblical traditions and to reform according to the essence of the Bible. Real reformation is the only way to ensure that a Reformed scriptural approach towards female Christians will be practised in future – an approach that will enable female members to participate fully in worship services.