Tentmaking ministry in the Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Afrika: Solution or problem?

Abstract

Tentmaking ministry is a recommended interim measure which, for some churches is a permanent measure in respect of church ministry. Churches operating in poorer countries or in countries where sections of societies find themselves in financial crisis, resort to this kind of arrangement for service provision. In order for the church to effectively fulfil its mission in situations of abject poverty, it has become necessary to implement new methods and patterns of ministry. The tentmaking ministry is one such ministry pattern. The previous theory regarding ministry does not appear to measure up to new realities. Many churches, and recently, the Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Afrika, have adopted the tentmaking ministry. In response to the challenge within to continuously test the relationship between theory and praxis, this article aims to evaluate the tentmaking ministry as applied in the Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Afrika.