Spencer Tjijenda examines the spiritual condition of the Herero-Banderu people before and during the missionary period. He shows that the training strategy used by the apostle Paul can be a viable option for the Namibian Church. Achim Rieger believes that local church leadership should be, first and foremost, trained in the local church – given the socio-economic conditions in Namibia. He finds an answer for this disconnect in the second chapter of the New Testament letter of James. He argues that there is a discrepancy between the claim of being a Christian country and the lifestyle and conduct of many Namibian church members. Victor Kuligin examines the general state of the Namibian Church in light of the well-known statement that ‘faith without deeds is dead’. Using the biblical metaphor of a tree representing spiritual maturity, he explores what roots, what fruits and what species of theological education might be most appropriate for the African context. Simon Gillham argues that the models and assumptions behind theological education in Africa have been largely imported from the west.
In a further article Basilius Kasera discusses the dangers of prosperity gospel teaching for the Namibian Church. Such an approach fails to distinguish clearly between the revelation of Yahweh and the idols Africans have always worshipped. Basilius Kasera demonstrates that the use of traditional African names for God as representatives of the God of the Bible is problematic as it leads to a distorted understanding of the biblical revelation.
In a second essay he identifies key issues in mission today and challenges churches, mission organisations and mission partners to be caught up in a missionary movement with God. He argues that para-church organisations with their focus on evangelism, church-planting and theological training have a significant role to play. Thorsten Prill looks at both the challenges and opportunities for the Church in Namibia.
Each essay is a sustained reflection on a particular aspect of Christian mission and ministry in Namibia and beyond. This book contains essays by NETS faculty members who bring with them a rich ministry experience in churches and para-church organisations in Namibia and other countries.
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