Commercialisation of theological education as a challenge in the Neo-Pentecostal Charismatic churches

Resane, Kelebogile T.

doi:10.4102/hts.v73i3.4548

Cited by 16 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…However, those with little or no knowledge in theological education (1-3 persons representing 12.5-37.5%) may not have attended formal Bible schools where proper theology is taught. They may resort to reliance on the Holy Spirit and unreliable sources as predicted by Resane (2017). He argued that lack of proper theological education makes church leaders to be gullible to inadequate doctrinal focus.…”

Section: Extent To Which Church Ministers/pastors/leaders Were Knowledgeable In Theological Educationmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Relevance and Practice of Theological Education: A Case Study of Charismatic Churches in Santasi-Heman, Ghana

Ewool¹,

Diboro²

2021

IJARBSS

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Theology involves education which is an instrument and structure for securing the future of the Church. Establishment of ground rules on how theological studies can be used as a tool for the benefit of practical ministry in transforming the church and society as a whole is indeed crucial. This study report therefore investigates the relevance of theological studies for practical ministry. It considers the extent to which church ministers, pastors and leaders apply their theological knowledge in ministerial practices. The study adopted a quantitative and qualitative research approach to examine and explain the data obtained. Most of the respondents had some knowledge in theological education and were practicing it. However, the study indicated that those with little or no knowledge in theological education may not have attended formal Bible schools where proper theology is taught and this could affect their church growth, societal development and transformation. To improve upon the quality of the life of the church members holistically, the study suggests that, theological education is relevant for practical ministry through knowledge in theology and its practice. The study further highlights the need for a more informed theological education of ministers and leaders of churches in order to conduct their activities in such a way that can impact society. It recommends that, proper theological education and reliance on the Holy Spirit should be mutually engaged for a total development and transformation of our societies.

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Section: Extent To Which Church Ministers/pastors/leaders Were Knowledgeable In Theological Educationmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Relevance and Practice of Theological Education: A Case Study of Charismatic Churches in Santasi-Heman, Ghana

Ewool¹,

Diboro²

2021

IJARBSS

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“…Regrettably, the gains of the internet and social media have been lost in the disillusionment caused by the brazen abuse by both the clergy and impostors who have deployed the privacy of the platform for commercialization of religious worship (Resane, 2017;Gilbert, 2015;Chiluwa, 2012;2013). Chiluwa's (2012) study on online religion in Nigeria: the internet church and cyber miracles revealed that the positive characteristics of the Internet platform have been exploited to mislead unsuspecting worshippers for commercial gains.…”

Section: Religious Multiplicity: An Inquiry Into the Psychological Usmentioning

confidence: 99%

Religious Multiplicity: An Inquiry into the Psychological Use/Abuse of the Social Media in Evangelism

2019

ARJHSS

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This study explored the confluence of psychological and media communication metaphor exploited in religious persuasion by 21 st century church leaders in the use and abuse of social media communication for religious worship. Typically, the study contrasts the truism that religious abuse of social media communication in propagating false spiritualism has diminished the merits of social media as the greatest breakthrough of information and communication technology (ICT) as a tool in religious evangelism. The study conceptualizes that the versatility of the social media has also deepened the thrust of religious evangelism positively, and negatively. Against this background, Rashdall's (1907) "moral criterion" in the use of the Theory of good and evil gifts this current examination the philosophical underpinnings of man's vulnerability in exploiting nature's endowments and human development for both psychological hedonism and rationalistic utilitarianism. In the case of the use/abuse of the social medial for religious evangelism, there is a strong conformity of opinions to the fact that under the current circumstances of uncontrollable high-tech falsehood; man's free-will in the choice of his actions and the gift of reasons and feelings above any other animal leads to the conclusion that human advancements (such as social media) should lead man to a better life despite volumes of spiritual falsehood communicated through those platforms.

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“…In the context of the current discussion on the commercialisation of religion, this means that services provided to members by a church body have a price tag, overtly or covertly. In explaining this concept, Gitonga (2011, cited in Resane 2018) says that commercialisation of the Gospel is the presentation of the Biblical message either as a commodity for sale for material gain or as an object of investment for personal aggrandisement. The author further refers to the sale of spiritual benefits, such as spiritual healing and offer of prayers for special needs.…”

Section: The Concept Commercialisationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In some instances, church members have to buy church products in order to receive God's blessings. In his article on the commercialisation of theological education, Resane (2017) shows that the main characteristic of a commercialised group is that of a "celebrity cult" where members elevate the leader to some high status of beauty, achievement, prestige and power. Shupe, Stacey and Darnell (2000, cited in Resane 2017) also confirm that possessions like vehicles, clothing and buildings represent the success that congregants yearn to possess and they put the leader on a pedestal of "a divine being whose will is that of God and whose actions are above reproach".…”

Section: The Concept Commodificationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the past, prospective pastors were enrolled for training based solely on their confession of faith in God as well as an indication to follow a call in serving God as ministers. Such an approach may suggest, "formal education is not considered essential" (Resane 2017). Religious institutions have, with the passage of time, moved away from this stance and the formal training of those who desire to follow ministry is today taken for granted.…”

Section: To Whom It May Concern: Curricula Pointers In the Developmenmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Church breakaways as a prototype of commercialisation and commodification of religion in the Pentecostal Church Movement in South Africa: considering curricula offerings for pastors

Masenya

Malesela

2018

STJ

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The common occurrence of church breakaways witnessed in the Pentecostal Church Movement in South Africa today highlights trends that appear bent towards the commercialisation and commodification of religion. Material and financial gain are seen as motivators of such a trend. On the other hand, research shows that signs of underperformance and a poor show in church leadership among religious leaders may be attributed to among others, deficiencies in the initial training of pastors. This article will, through the employment of literature review and careful observation made among communities, discuss breakaway trends and their impact on churches and society. Thereafter, we will suggest pointers to be followed in curriculum development for religious leaders. The article will also briefly refer to the current debate on the decolonisation of curricula offerings in training programmes for pastors. Such an approach could add value to good practice to those who aspire to become religious leaders in serving communities.

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Commercialisation of theological education as a challenge in the Neo-Pentecostal Charismatic churches

Cited by 16 publications

References 6 publications

The Relevance and Practice of Theological Education: A Case Study of Charismatic Churches in Santasi-Heman, Ghana

The Relevance and Practice of Theological Education: A Case Study of Charismatic Churches in Santasi-Heman, Ghana

Religious Multiplicity: An Inquiry into the Psychological Use/Abuse of the Social Media in Evangelism

Church breakaways as a prototype of commercialisation and commodification of religion in the Pentecostal Church Movement in South Africa: considering curricula offerings for pastors

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