Laity empowerment with regard to the missional task of the CCAP in Malawi

Abstract

This dissertation presents the empowerment of the laity in the church as a strategic key activity to bring transformation within the Malawian Church and its context.It is an attempt to answer the question: How can the laity of the CCAP Nkhoma Synod be empowered to become missional agents of transformation?The researcher contends that, if the clerical leadership can engage faithfully in the task of equipping all members for service in the Church and community, a phenomenal improvement in the quality of life in Malawi can take place.The first chapter serves as an introduction to the whole work.It describes the problem in three related questions, all of which demand a practical theological response to the described scenario.Along with other introductory essentials, this chapter establishes the epistemological framework for doing theology in congregations as overarching for the study.It basically defines theology in a practical way.Chapter 2 describes the physical features of Malawi, as well as a historical background of the Church in Malawi.While it presents a general historical background, it pays special attention to the contributions of the laity in the development of the Malawian Church.The role of the laity in Church development and growth throughout the Church"s history is quite remarkable, must be appreciated, and actually deserves a special study.Chapter 3 deals with the analysis of the context in which the Malawian Church exists and ministers.It exposes the suffering caused by poverty and HIV/AIDS, that people in the Church and society experience.The situation, as described, provides the motivation and driving force for this study.The identity analysis of the Nkhoma Synod dominates Chapter 4, which discusses the influence of identity on the way the Church equips its members.The picture that it portrays proves that identity should be used to promote empowerment of the laity.if the Lord had not approved of it and jealously guided the process.Praise and honour be unto Thee.Professor H. Jurgens Hendriks has been more than a study leader in this research.I owe him a lot for his personal and unfading interest in my theological academic journey from a distance.I did not only feel comfortable with his wise guidance but also enjoyed his enriching criticisms.Even his wife Helen, has contributed in immeasurable ways to the whole of this study.My wife Kittece has proved in this period of study to be a woman of virtue.I am very proud of her high calibre quality in the way she understood and encouraged me during this stressing period of research.I owe her and "the girls" (our children Alefa, Pemphero and Priscilla) my golden gratitude.Thanks to Nkhoma and Kaning"a CCAP Congregations for their participation, understanding and support in many ways.Thanks to CCAP Nkhoma Synod which I served as a Moderator (later Vice Moderator) at the peak of my studies, for the patience I was undeservedly accorded.Thanks to all my NetACT House friends from all over Africa for their prayers and sharing in many ways.Thanks to Veritas College International

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