Abstract

VAN HELDEN, Sophia (Phia). Waar is die gereformeerde lidmate dan?. In Skriflig (Online) [online]. 2016, vol.50, n.1, pp.1-9. ISSN 2305-0853.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ids.v50i1.2073.

This article discusses the numbers of church members within the reformed main stream churches as researched during the past decade, while focusing on the disappearance process of white members as researched within sample congregations of the RCSA, as well as the absence of growing numbers among black congregations amid the huge South African population growth. To identify trends, the most recent available information regarding the activity of evangelising in congregations, the terminating of membership and whether members leave or arrive with of without testimony, were researched. Reasons are given why numbers increased in a few congregations. These congregations are thus not part of the declining trend in the traditional white congregations, and also not part of the not-growing, stagnated traditional black RCSA-congregations. The literature study, as well as the qualitative and quantitative approach, provides useful information and valuable insights in the recent tendencies regarding the eccleciastical survival battle.

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