The formation and functioning of racially-mixed congregations

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This is an empirical, qualitative study of racially-mixed urban churches (congregations) as socialinstitutions, which includes a practical-theological perspective. Research was motivated by the rarenessof mixed congregations, compared to the profusion of homogenous congregations. My purpose was touncover social factors which support the formation, maintenance, and functioning of mixed congregations.A New Testament section is included because of the normative value that these texts hold forcontemporary Christians and church structures.My theoretical base is informed by history, theology, biblical studies, sociology, and anthropology. Thedevelopment of relevant aspects in these fields are sketched. Special attention is given to assimilation,pluralism, and multi-culturalism as forms of inter-ethnic interaction based on structure and culture. Mymethodological base incorporates congregational studies and social-scientific literary analysis. Thehistorical development of both is sketched by means of an overview of relevant literature. The generalqualitative analytical social and literary techniques that I apply are indicated, includingparticipant-observation, semi-structured interviews, structured questionnaires, and document-analysis.A social history of South African congregations shows that the ideal of mixed congregations existed sincethe start, but was gradually repressed by several factors. Some studies of mixed congregations arediscussed, and various mixed US and South African congregations are outlined. Three contemporaryJohannesburg congregations are introduced, including Johweto, an independent charismatic church in theblack city of Soweto; St. Francis Xavier, a Roman Catholic church on the borders of coloured and whitesuburbs in western Johannesburg; and Central Methodist Mission, an inner-city Protestant church. TheJohannesburg congregations are idiographically and empirically analysed in terms of their context, identity,process, and programme. Social factors contributing to their ethnic mix are indicated.The insights from the contemporary research are applied to early Christian congregations in a social scientificreconstruction of the social world of appropriate New Testament texts. The purpose is todiscover the role of ethnicity in their composition and functioning, and to show whether ethnically-mixedcongregations were normative. I suggest a theory concerning the effects of ethno-cultural factors on thestructures and functioning of Pauline congregations between AD 30 and 70.I conclude with a summary of the theoretical and practical implications of the study's results, and anevaluation of goals and methods. Practical strategies are suggested for dealing with commonly indicateddifficulties in the formation of mixed congregations. A theory of the influence of social factors onformation is supplied, and a dynamic model of formation constructed. I posit three types of mixedchurches according to the processes by which they are formed: contextual, inclusive, or intentional. Theseare evaluated as formation strategies, and a two-tiered typology in terms of internal structure is alsoproposed. The types are illustrated with reference to congregations from the US and South Africa.Segregated and integrated congregations are evaluated in theological, social and political terms and Iindicate why mixed congregations are preferable. An overall theory of the formation and functioning ofmixed congregations is put forward. Assimilation is seen as a contributive cause, but modified wherecounter-status quo and multi-cultural strategies are employed.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University