The dilemma of traditional and 21st century pastoral ministry: Ministering to families and communities faced with socio-economic pathologies

Abstract

A holistic pastoral methodology is sought in transforming the socio-economic and systemic pathologies of poor families and local communities. Missional pastoral ministry is proposed from a critical hermeneutical and contextual perspective for the empowerment and liberation of people living with complex and multiple forms of pathologies. A transversal rationality model is applied merging the complexity and divergence of cross-disciplinary and intradisciplinary approaches between missional theology, practical theology, contextual theology, religious pedagogy and ethics. Practical theology in South Africa should be applied from and within the contemporary socio-economic, systemic and ecclesiological pathologies.<p><strong>How to cite this article:</strong> Dames, G.E., 2010, ‘The dilemma of traditional and 21st-century pastoral ministry: Ministering to families and communities faced with socioeconomic pathologies’, <em>HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies</em> 66(2), Art. #817, 7 pages. DOI: 10.4102/hts.v66i2.817</p&gt

The healing of life within the HIV and AIDS pandemic: Towards a pedagogical reframing of paradigms concerning dysfunctional civil, health and ecclesial systems

“…The postfoundationalist approach is an example of an alternative approach, discussed in Müller's (2005) Müller (2005:73) holds that practical theology functions timelessly and contextually in and through reflexive Trinitarian praxes. This is a crucial distinction from the traditional practical theology practices which led to institutionalised and maintenance-based ministry activities (Dames 2010). The moment of praxis is 'always local, embodied and situated' -an 'elitist academic affair, with limited contact with the informal forms of practical theological reflection' does not suffice (Müller 2005:73).…”

“…Theology, specifically pastoral care and counselling, needs to adopt a cross-disciplinary or transversal rationality (Dames 2010) or multi-faceted approach with health science, education and social work (Laverack 2007:3). Scientific points of convergence for diverse health contexts are required (cf.…”

“…The lack of capacity by 'impotent' public services may lead to various pathological dysfunctionalities (cf. Dames 2010). 'Pathology' or 'pathological' refers to an intoxicated worldview, or even to ancestral beliefs with a dangerous and destructive uncontrollable power (Manala 2008:93).…”

Financially resourcing the ministry in the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa in the 21st century

“…The greatest challenge for all South Africans lies in the apposite resolution of the problem of poverty and the process of transformation. Dames (2010) …”

“…Yet as Dames (2010) points out in his excellent article on ministering to communities with pathological socio-economic conditions, it is unhelpful for resource-giving congregations to give funds as they see fit to these communities and the congregations that serve them. This is because resource-giving congregations often have difficulty in fully appreciating the complexities and underlying assumptions of those in these disadvantaged cultures.…”