Johannes Knoetze
Biographic Data
| ID | 1080107 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Johannes Knoetze |
| GIVEN NAMES | Johannes |
| FAMILY NAME | Knoetze |
| SIGNATURE | KNOETZE J |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Pretoria |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-2342-2527 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 29 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 4 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 29 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2014 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 1 |
Theological training in Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches
Theological education is downplayed by many Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches (PCCs), resulting in church leaders who lack theological proficiency. The lack of sound theological training means that discipleship may be inadequate in many PCCs since discipleship entails being taught profound knowledge of the Word of God and being taught to long for obedience to all that Christ instructed. Therefore, for discipleship to occur systematic, biblical lea…
C.P.J. Niemandt
C.P.J. Niemandt, widely known as Nelus Niemandt, is a distinguished theologian in the fields of missional leadership and ecclesiology. His academic journey, leadership within the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC), and extensive scholarly contributions have positioned him as a key thought leader in missiology. This article explores his career, academic contributions and theological perspectives, particularly his emphasis on the missional church and lead…
Walking in witness
Verbum et Ecclesia is a theological research journal that challenges traditional discourses within and between the fields of biblical, religious, social and human sciences as well as the constructive engagement with the natural sciences. It is an instrument of engagement between theological disciplines, on the one hand, and theology and other disciplines, on the other
Empowering challenges of missional ecclesiology and leadership at the grassroots level
This article examines the work of Nelus Niemandt within both the academy and the church, with a particular focus on his understanding of missionality as shaped by his perspectives on spirituality, ecclesiology and leadership. It also explores key elements of discernment and service leadership. To have a better understanding of service leadership, attention is given to the diak- word-group in the New Testament. While some critiques suggest that Ni…
The Nicene Creed, the Church, and Christian Mission
This article critically examines the significance of the Nicene Creed for mission within the evolving missional context of 2025, particularly in Southern Africa. In an era defined by the globalized nature of mission, the church is no longer viewed as the sender but as the one being sent, reflecting the missio Dei framework. The article explores the role of the Nicene Creed in light of current shifts in mission: the dissolution of a binary view of…
Prokhanov’s missiology
This article examines the hypothesis proposed by missiologist Johannes Reimer that Ivan Prokhanov, the founder of the missionary movement in Russia in the early 20th century, anticipated and, to some extent, embodied the emerging missional paradigm articulated by David Bosch in 1991, approximately 60–70 years later. The article argues that Reimer’s intuition was largely correct, as Prokhanov significantly aligned with at least 9 of the 13 element…
Engaging emerging adults
This article examines the role of house churches in South Africa in the ministry of emerging adulthood. Emerging adulthood is a turbulent life stage that is characterised by change and exploration. Additionally, it involves increasing responsibility and autonomy as young people assume more adult roles. This article suggests that emerging adulthood is a critical life stage for several reasons. Given the contextual realities of South Africa (high u…
The Africa we Want
This contribution draws on the Agenda 2063 document to engage the role of family and youth ministry in relation to inequality and poverty. The question this paper addresses is, how can we read Agenda 2063 with a specific lens on ‘The Africa we want’, in conjunction with the challenges faced by unemployed youth? Many of them have given up on their aspirations because of traditional cultural views, while others have foregone their education to enga…
Many Tongues, Many Economic Practices
This article focuses on Pentecostalism and its real and possible contributions to socio-economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. First, we provide an overall historical and theological introduction to Pentecostalism in sub-Saharan Africa, especially as these relate to socio-economic wellbeing. The heart of our research is a review of the literature on African Pentecostalism focused on economic development. We conclude with an exploration of th…
Diaconia and the Empty Tomb. Soteriological Perspectives from Africa
Mission as ‘being with’ in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa
This research investigated the impact measures (such as lockdowns) used to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) have on the church’s mission. When people face travel and assembly restrictions, the church as a community of witnesses testifying and participating in Christ’s work risks is being neutralised, and its presence weakened. What then does mission as ‘being with’ look like in these situations? Is faithful presence…
Evangelism as an invitation to missional discipleship in the kingdom of God
Evangelism, for various reasons, is once again back on the agenda of the church and theology. As a result of negative experiences and practices of evangelism in the past, it is now necessary to rediscover evangelism in a post-Christendom context to enable the theological recovery of evangelism. This new understanding of evangelism can then contribute to the recovery of authentic practices in spreading the good news. To achieve this, evangelism mu…
Sinawe’ [we are with you]
The church has a key role to play in addressing the chronic levels of grief and trauma experienced by the youth in South Africa. It has a biblical mandate to bring hope and healing and has a unique station within South African society that positions it to bring about real transformation. ‘Sinawe’ (Zulu for [we are with you]) is a programme developed by Scripture Union South Africa to equip local churches as change agents through a relational yout…
Voorwoord
Verbum et Ecclesia is a theological research journal that challenges traditional discourses within and between the fields of biblical, religious, social and human sciences as well as the constructive engagement with the natural sciences. It is an instrument of engagement between theological disciplines, on the one hand, and theology and other disciplines, on the other
Enkele teologiese uitdagings rakende diakonia in van die Afrikaanse Suid-Afrikaanse kerke
This article attends to the theological foundation of the diaconate from the missio trinitatis Dei and its implications, especially for the Afrikaans-speaking Reformed churches. The missio Dei, of the Father, Son, and Spirit is directed at the realities of this life. The new heaven and the new earth are not mutually exclusive. The earth is sanctified anew, man has created anew [recreated], and our bodies are raised anew [revived]. This new earth,…
Theological education and the Covid-19 pandemic in Sub-Saharan Africa
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought a unique disruptive moment of unprecedented proportions in world history affecting all spheres of life. Theological education in Malawi, Sub-Saharan Africa, has not been spared in experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study argues that the effectiveness of theological education in Africa contributes towards the future of Christianity on the continent, because it serves…
Transforming Africa
In the strategic document of the African Union approved in 2013 and spanning over 50 years, known as Agenda 2063, we find a blueprint for transforming Africa into a global powerhouse of the future. Many of the themes mentioned in Agenda 2063 are also mentioned in the New Testament, such as slavery, unity, poverty, women, children, discrimination and diversity. It is therefore clear that Christianity has something to contribute to Agenda 2063. Ano…
Online theological education within the South African context
This article presents the results of an empirical research study conducted at the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria on students’ experiences of online theological education during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic between 2019 and 2020. Particular attention is given to the context of higher education in South Africa as a background to the research. The article discusses students’ views a…
Theological education, spiritual formation and leadership development in Africa
Theological education, spiritual formation and leadership are all contested issues in the Church, especially within the African context. Although these topics are thoroughly discussed, the relation and the interdependence are not always clear. This article discusses these topics in relation to each other and in relation to the One who calls servant leaders to guide his church for her service in the world. The importance of the local church as mis…
The human dilemma of displacement
In this book social responsive theological research converges to provide practical theological and ecclesiological perspectives on the growing human dilemma of displacement. The book presents the research of practical theologians, a missiologist and a religious practitioner whose work pertains first and foremost to the (South) African context. The different fields of expertise of the contributors within the broader field of practical theology wor…
African youth, African faith(s), African environment and sustainable development
This article aims missional diaconate as a method of sustainable development in Africa. The focus is on the interdependence and relation between African youth, African faith(s) and African environment within the context of spirituality and religiosity. Africa is a youth continent, where 200 million of the population is between the ages of 15 and 24 years of age. Although African people are known for their religiosity and spirituality, not much at…
Reformed theology in dialogue with a spirituality of creation within the context of religious pluralism in Africa
A transforming spirituality is needed to attend to the ‘third-millennial needs’ of Africa to address issues such as relationships (tribal wars, genocide, ISIS, etc.), globalisation ([new]-colonisation and urbanisation), ecology (industrialisation and rhino or elephant poaching) and social issues (the poor, women and children). It is argued that reformed theology, African spiritualities and a spirituality of creation need to be enriched by each ot…
Transforming theological education is not the accumulation of knowledge, but the development of consciousness
A missional diaconal ecclesiology as well as teaching and learning excellence necessitated transforming theological education towards consciousness in an age of uncertainty. The article attends to the discourse of transforming theological education, defining the concept transforming, and asks the question of transforming towards what. In the discussion on transforming theological education, we need to be conscious of the different stakeholders, f…
Diaconia as a sustainable form of transformation and development amongst emerging adults in a globalised South Africa
The people of Africa and South Africa are well known for their religiosity and spirituality. However, when thinking of development and transformation, not much attention is given to those two aspects. The way of thinking is rather to ‘use’ or ‘involve’ religious institutions in the already set development or transformational plan. This happens without giving attention to existing ‘spiritual capital’ (which is a big part of ‘social capital’) found…
Analyzing Transformational Development as Engagement with African Millennials
This research focuses on the missiological and diaconal prospects of inclusion of the millennial generation (18–35 years of age) as agents of transformational development in Africa. Transformational development takes place on three levels to address the dichotomies of the modern worldview; spiritual world (gospel as word), seen world (gospel as deed), and the excluded middle (gospel as sign). The literature study shows that although millennials m…
Who are the disciples? Identity perceptions about millennials and the church
This article specifically focusses on understanding the discipleship process of the millennial generation (15–35 years of age) in Africa. The millennial generation is the largest population group in Africa, with more than 200 million individuals in Africa. Focussing on developing a disciple identity with African millennials from a missional ecclesiology, the question attended to is: What is the church’s perception of the identity of these African…
Many Tongues, Many Economic Practices
This article focuses on Pentecostalism and its real and possible contributions to socio-economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. First, we provide an overall historical and theological introduction to Pentecostalism in sub-Saharan Africa, especially as these relate to socio-economic wellbeing. The heart of our research is a review of the literature on African Pentecostalism focused on economic development. We conclude with an exploration of th…
Evangelism as an invitation to missional discipleship in the kingdom of God
Evangelism, for various reasons, is once again back on the agenda of the church and theology. As a result of negative experiences and practices of evangelism in the past, it is now necessary to rediscover evangelism in a post-Christendom context to enable the theological recovery of evangelism. This new understanding of evangelism can then contribute to the recovery of authentic practices in spreading the good news. To achieve this, evangelism mu…
Missionary diaconate
This paper will discuss migration from a missional diaconate ministry with specific focus on koinonia and the importance thereof for the Kingdom, church and society. The point of departure being that migration is not a foreign concept to the Bible or Christianity. From the earliest days in the Old Testament and throughout the Bible, believers in the Trinitarian God are described as "strangers in this world" (1 Peter). The paper will focus on the …
Welcoming Africa's children
This article presents a brief overview of the historical development of the missional church from the understanding of the missio Dei. From this perspective, it attends to the African context. With regard to African children, the African independent churches are looked at from a missional church perspective. The nature of the missional church is described as being a Biblical, Trinitarian, discerning, evangelistic, hermeneutic and agogic community…
Who are the disciples? Identity perceptions about millennials and the church
This article specifically focusses on understanding the discipleship process of the millennial generation (15–35 years of age) in Africa. The millennial generation is the largest population group in Africa, with more than 200 million individuals in Africa. Focussing on developing a disciple identity with African millennials from a missional ecclesiology, the question attended to is: What is the church’s perception of the identity of these African…
Analyzing Transformational Development as Engagement with African Millennials
This research focuses on the missiological and diaconal prospects of inclusion of the millennial generation (18–35 years of age) as agents of transformational development in Africa. Transformational development takes place on three levels to address the dichotomies of the modern worldview; spiritual world (gospel as word), seen world (gospel as deed), and the excluded middle (gospel as sign). The literature study shows that although millennials m…
Basarwa in Botswana
This article is concerned with the way in which perceptions and name giving contribute to the socio-economic circumstances of a named group. The understanding of the Basarwa as a people in Botswana as well as how they have been perceived in history by “new invaders†—including Christians—is used as an example. This article explores the influence of the attitudes or perceptions of “invaders†on the original inhabitants of the sub-continent. It is di…
Diaconia as a sustainable form of transformation and development amongst emerging adults in a globalised South Africa
The people of Africa and South Africa are well known for their religiosity and spirituality. However, when thinking of development and transformation, not much attention is given to those two aspects. The way of thinking is rather to ‘use’ or ‘involve’ religious institutions in the already set development or transformational plan. This happens without giving attention to existing ‘spiritual capital’ (which is a big part of ‘social capital’) found…
Transforming theological education is not the accumulation of knowledge, but the development of consciousness
A missional diaconal ecclesiology as well as teaching and learning excellence necessitated transforming theological education towards consciousness in an age of uncertainty. The article attends to the discourse of transforming theological education, defining the concept transforming, and asks the question of transforming towards what. In the discussion on transforming theological education, we need to be conscious of the different stakeholders, f…
The human dilemma of displacement
In this book social responsive theological research converges to provide practical theological and ecclesiological perspectives on the growing human dilemma of displacement. The book presents the research of practical theologians, a missiologist and a religious practitioner whose work pertains first and foremost to the (South) African context. The different fields of expertise of the contributors within the broader field of practical theology wor…
African youth, African faith(s), African environment and sustainable development
This article aims missional diaconate as a method of sustainable development in Africa. The focus is on the interdependence and relation between African youth, African faith(s) and African environment within the context of spirituality and religiosity. Africa is a youth continent, where 200 million of the population is between the ages of 15 and 24 years of age. Although African people are known for their religiosity and spirituality, not much at…
Reformed theology in dialogue with a spirituality of creation within the context of religious pluralism in Africa
A transforming spirituality is needed to attend to the ‘third-millennial needs’ of Africa to address issues such as relationships (tribal wars, genocide, ISIS, etc.), globalisation ([new]-colonisation and urbanisation), ecology (industrialisation and rhino or elephant poaching) and social issues (the poor, women and children). It is argued that reformed theology, African spiritualities and a spirituality of creation need to be enriched by each ot…
Theological education and the Covid-19 pandemic in Sub-Saharan Africa
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought a unique disruptive moment of unprecedented proportions in world history affecting all spheres of life. Theological education in Malawi, Sub-Saharan Africa, has not been spared in experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study argues that the effectiveness of theological education in Africa contributes towards the future of Christianity on the continent, because it serves…
Transforming Africa
In the strategic document of the African Union approved in 2013 and spanning over 50 years, known as Agenda 2063, we find a blueprint for transforming Africa into a global powerhouse of the future. Many of the themes mentioned in Agenda 2063 are also mentioned in the New Testament, such as slavery, unity, poverty, women, children, discrimination and diversity. It is therefore clear that Christianity has something to contribute to Agenda 2063. Ano…
Online theological education within the South African context
This article presents the results of an empirical research study conducted at the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria on students’ experiences of online theological education during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic between 2019 and 2020. Particular attention is given to the context of higher education in South Africa as a background to the research. The article discusses students’ views a…
Theological education, spiritual formation and leadership development in Africa
Theological education, spiritual formation and leadership are all contested issues in the Church, especially within the African context. Although these topics are thoroughly discussed, the relation and the interdependence are not always clear. This article discusses these topics in relation to each other and in relation to the One who calls servant leaders to guide his church for her service in the world. The importance of the local church as mis…
Diaconia and the Empty Tomb. Soteriological Perspectives from Africa
Mission as ‘being with’ in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa
This research investigated the impact measures (such as lockdowns) used to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) have on the church’s mission. When people face travel and assembly restrictions, the church as a community of witnesses testifying and participating in Christ’s work risks is being neutralised, and its presence weakened. What then does mission as ‘being with’ look like in these situations? Is faithful presence…
Evangelism as an invitation to missional discipleship in the kingdom of God
Evangelism, for various reasons, is once again back on the agenda of the church and theology. As a result of negative experiences and practices of evangelism in the past, it is now necessary to rediscover evangelism in a post-Christendom context to enable the theological recovery of evangelism. This new understanding of evangelism can then contribute to the recovery of authentic practices in spreading the good news. To achieve this, evangelism mu…
Sinawe’ [we are with you]
The church has a key role to play in addressing the chronic levels of grief and trauma experienced by the youth in South Africa. It has a biblical mandate to bring hope and healing and has a unique station within South African society that positions it to bring about real transformation. ‘Sinawe’ (Zulu for [we are with you]) is a programme developed by Scripture Union South Africa to equip local churches as change agents through a relational yout…
Voorwoord
Verbum et Ecclesia is a theological research journal that challenges traditional discourses within and between the fields of biblical, religious, social and human sciences as well as the constructive engagement with the natural sciences. It is an instrument of engagement between theological disciplines, on the one hand, and theology and other disciplines, on the other
Enkele teologiese uitdagings rakende diakonia in van die Afrikaanse Suid-Afrikaanse kerke
This article attends to the theological foundation of the diaconate from the missio trinitatis Dei and its implications, especially for the Afrikaans-speaking Reformed churches. The missio Dei, of the Father, Son, and Spirit is directed at the realities of this life. The new heaven and the new earth are not mutually exclusive. The earth is sanctified anew, man has created anew [recreated], and our bodies are raised anew [revived]. This new earth,…
The Nicene Creed, the Church, and Christian Mission
This article critically examines the significance of the Nicene Creed for mission within the evolving missional context of 2025, particularly in Southern Africa. In an era defined by the globalized nature of mission, the church is no longer viewed as the sender but as the one being sent, reflecting the missio Dei framework. The article explores the role of the Nicene Creed in light of current shifts in mission: the dissolution of a binary view of…
Prokhanov’s missiology
This article examines the hypothesis proposed by missiologist Johannes Reimer that Ivan Prokhanov, the founder of the missionary movement in Russia in the early 20th century, anticipated and, to some extent, embodied the emerging missional paradigm articulated by David Bosch in 1991, approximately 60–70 years later. The article argues that Reimer’s intuition was largely correct, as Prokhanov significantly aligned with at least 9 of the 13 element…
Engaging emerging adults
This article examines the role of house churches in South Africa in the ministry of emerging adulthood. Emerging adulthood is a turbulent life stage that is characterised by change and exploration. Additionally, it involves increasing responsibility and autonomy as young people assume more adult roles. This article suggests that emerging adulthood is a critical life stage for several reasons. Given the contextual realities of South Africa (high u…
The Africa we Want
This contribution draws on the Agenda 2063 document to engage the role of family and youth ministry in relation to inequality and poverty. The question this paper addresses is, how can we read Agenda 2063 with a specific lens on ‘The Africa we want’, in conjunction with the challenges faced by unemployed youth? Many of them have given up on their aspirations because of traditional cultural views, while others have foregone their education to enga…
Many Tongues, Many Economic Practices
This article focuses on Pentecostalism and its real and possible contributions to socio-economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. First, we provide an overall historical and theological introduction to Pentecostalism in sub-Saharan Africa, especially as these relate to socio-economic wellbeing. The heart of our research is a review of the literature on African Pentecostalism focused on economic development. We conclude with an exploration of th…
Sociology (24 works) · Philosophy (20 works) · Religion, Society, and Development (19 works) · Christian Theology and Mission (17 works) · Theology (16 works) · Political science (15 works) · Law (13 works) · Philosophy (9 works) · Ecclesiology (8 works) · Law (8 works)