The scope of this article is to expand the shepherd model of leadership functions as portrayed by the shepherd metaphor. The identification and the biblical usage of the shepherd and the sheep is explored, with special focus on the role of the shepherd. This role is identified as that of caring, courage, and guidance. The caring function includes activities such as restoration, feeding, watering, grooming, shearing, delivering lambs, leading, and protection. The function of courage focuses on activities of assuming responsibility, serving and participating in change. The function of guidance gives a special highlight on hodegos [leader or guide] -to lead or to guide in regard to a decision or future course of action. This is where the leadership training is based. The conclusion is the call for leaders in the ecclesiastical community to pursue the shepherd-leader model for the advance and the effectiveness of the mission Dei [mission of God] in the world.

Commercialisation, technology, and globalisation impact all facets of religion.Commercialisation of religion contributes towards society’s obsession with success. One areathrough which commercialisation manifests itself is in theological education. This isexacerbated by the celebrity cult whereby the leader’s success is measured by wealthyappearance. The current legal accreditation requirements put pressure on the Neo-PentecostalCharismatic ministerial formation. The online courses come at a high price, as they alsopromote the popular literature that is not scholarly insightful. The Neo-Charismatic leadersundermine the formal theological training, since they claim to be taught by the Holy Spirit.

The paper highlights the historical development of African Zionism, with special reference to the four major messianic churches. Socio-political conditions and other factors contributed to the formation of African Zionism. Israel's nationalist theology of the temple and the John Alexander Dowie's Zion City concepts played a significant role in influencing the formation of African Zionism. The churches selected for the study are Zion Christian Church, Shembe's AmaNazaretha, International Pentecost Church, and St John's Apostolic Faith Mission. The focus is on the spiritual significance of the cultic centre as perceived by these church formations. The reasons for pilgrimages to the centre are elaborated on, and the contribution of these churches to African Christianity are highlighted.

The focus of this article was to explore the historical, theological and biblical miracles in light of the modern-day miracles in the Neo-charismatic churches. It is hereby intended to address and redress these manifestations to evaluate their authenticity and genuineness. The history regarding miracles in this article starts with the Reformers, such as Martin Luther and John Calvin. The historical scholarliness unfolds through the centuries to show how philosophies and theology grappled with this subject. The climax is the theological debate in the 20th century leading to the current miraculous signs in the Neo-charismatic churches in South Africa. The solution is the teaching on proper hermeneutics.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article focuses on interdisciplinary, that is, church history, systematic theology and ethics in ecclesiastical practices of the Neo-charismatic churches. The article contributes towards the historical knowledge, identifying some constructive theological understanding of authenticity of miracles, as opposed to the modern way of miracles. It opens opportunity for a systematic theological discussion on miracles in Neo-charismatic churches.

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