An oral hermeneutics within the lay preaching context of the Nkhoma Synod of the church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) : a critical evaluation

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation aims at recording, evaluating and analysing sermons of the laypreachers in the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian Nkhoma Synod in CentralMalawi. Basically, these preachers have an oral culture. This analysis reveals theinherent ability of the oral lay preachers to communicate effectively using theirindigenous knowledge system and modes of communication which are characteristicof an oral culture.Secondly, the analysis also reveals some lack in these sermons in terms of biblicalunderstanding. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation is to develop a homileticaltheory and praxis which will regard the biblical text and the people's context - Wordand world – as serious.Finally, the research proves that, if the strategy of implementing a training process inthe congregations for all lay preachers, in order to empower them to use both theirtraditional modes of communication and an understanding of the Bible, could berealised, the spirituality of the people would improve and Christianity would have agreater impact in the society.To achieve the foregoing, we use Osmer's practical theological interpretationmethodology and the Heidelberg method of sermon analysis.Chapter two provides a general overview and description of the historical context,and cultural worldview of the people. The contextual challenges that affect theChurch and the phenomenon of oral lay preacher are also described.In Chapter three, we analyse lay preachers' sermons using the Heidelberg method ofsermon analysis which has a strong Reformed foundation. The rhetorical strategy ofusing stories, retelling, parables, myths, fables and other strategies are exemplified.The critical evaluation of the context and detailed analysis of the sermons are doneas we try to answer the question: 'What is going on?Chapter four uses the findings of the analysis and begins to develop the homileticaltheory, theology and praxis of the oral lay preaching context.In so doing we explain why the oral culture understands, arranges andcommunicates indigenous knowledge in preaching. We also ask why the laypreachers preach the way they do and react to this question: 'Why is this going on?In Chapter five we develop an oral hermeneutics within the lay preaching context ofthe Malawian Church (CCAP); the art of doing theology in context is demonstratedusing several examples of sermons. The Process of Reading and Re-reading ofTexts as a means of interpretation is suggested. Furthermore, in this section, werespond to the question, 'What ought to be going on?And finally in chapter six, we make recommendations and suggestions for theimplementation of lay leadership development using a model of the indigenousknowledge system found in the context. A strategy of training pastors who in turn willtrain local preachers is exemplified. Finally, we answer the question, 'How may werespond? The researcher believes that through this study many lay leaders will betrained in the CCAP Nkhoma synod and that there will be transformation in people'slives.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University