Koinonia in die stad: Verhoudinge in die groter stadsgemeentes van die Gereformeerde kerke

Abstract

Koinonia in the city: Relations in the larger urban congregations of the Reformed churches
Koinonia is of vital importance for the church. It is not only a Biblical injunction, but also, sociologically speaking, a prerequisite for the preservation of faith in the Christian community. Therefore it is imperative that the church’s ministry encourages koinonia. This is especially true for the church in an urban context, where relational networks have been severely impaired. The traditional pattern of ministry of churches in the Reformed tradition, the shepherd-flock model, does not succeed in stimulating koinonia under these circumstances. Therefore, the choice is rather made for the body of Christ-model, with complementary koinonia-gwupings as theory of practice.