Christopher Magezi
Biographic Data
| ID | 6794829 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Christopher Magezi |
| GIVEN NAMES | Christopher |
| FAMILY NAME | Magezi |
| SIGNATURE | MAGEZI C |
| AFFILIATIONS | North-West University |
| ORCID | 0000-0001-6097-4788 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 30 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 11 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 30 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2016 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 2 |
Role inversion: Equipping youth for empowerment to stabilise families in migrant communities
Migration historically caused significant instability in communities, families, and the fundamental sense of human belonging as individuals navigated the transition from familiar to foreign environments. In these challenging contexts, it was observed that adult migrants often struggled with the assimilation process while children and young people proved uniquely capable of adapting quickly, learning new languages, and forging crucial community co…
Ecclesiological hybridity and the limits of pastoral authority: The experiences of South African pastors during Covid-19
This qualitative study explores the multifaceted experiences of South African pastors during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the forced adaptations in ministry, the erosion of pastoral authority, and the disruption of community life. Conducted between 2020 and 2022 in the Vaal Triangle area, the research aimed to describe the shift in ministry norms, analyze the impact of limited physical gatherings on fellowship (koinonia), and reflect on the…
Emigration of South Africans to the West: Sociological and missiological implications
A huge number of South Africans, including Christians, are emigrating to the Western world, which is experiencing a serious regression in Christianity. Unfortunately, the contribution made by South African Christian emigrants has not been sufficiently examined; hence there is no literature on this particular topic. Given this, the objective of this article was to provide a comprehensive discussion of the contemporary emigration situation in South…
Rethinking urban mission in light of migration: An integrated ecclesiological model
The complex interplay of the push and pull factors of migration culminates in individuals and families relocating to unfamiliar cities, and this poses challenges to the urban mission of the Church, which has to rethink its ways of doing mission in that context. Furthermore, both internal and international migration can worsen poverty in urban areas. Consequently, the contemporary Church is expected to partake in God’s holistic mission to the worl…
The interplay of migrants and host nations for the good of nations: A biblical-theological reflection
South African citizens usually accuse foreign nationals of stealing their jobs and increasing the crime rate in the country. Such accusations have often resulted in xenophobic violence. Unfortunately, not much effort has been made to depict immigrants in positive light to improve the relations between them and the indigenous population. Thus, this article utilised Joseph’s narrative (as described in Genesis in the Old Testament) as a biblical-the…
Ecological crisis and the church: A proposal for biblical stewardship as a nexus for environmental protection
There is a growing global concern for environmental issues, and stakeholders, including governments, are trying to address the situation in various ways. However, not many churches are involved in climate change endeavours, regardless of the prevalence of eco-theologies that challenge them to act as responsible custodians of God’s creation. Given this, the aim of this article was to propose and discuss biblical stewardship as a nexus for environm…
Theological perspectives on re-imagining leadership in post-Covid-19 Africa
Post-corona disease 2019 (COVID-19) realities are challenging leaders in all spheres of society in many ways. From the onset of the pandemic, leaders on every level were challenged to provide appropriate guidance in the face of new and adverse realities. From the micro level of local congregations to the macro level of national governments, leaders were required to provide the type of leadership that would not only address immediate obstacles but…
Church and xenophobia: The tension between nationhood and God’s mission in South Africa
The perennial scourge of xenophobic violence in South Africa raises some questions about the nation’s hospitality to immigrants. Unexpectedly, Christians are also torn between loyalty to the prevailing anti-immigrant sentiments and the obligation to be hospitable to foreigners. This article, therefore, seeks to explore this tension, and the objective is achieved by surveying pertinent literature. Having traced the history of xenophobic violence f…
Assessment of barriers that prevent the integration of UNHCR and church responses to migration: An ecclesiological perspective
This article perceived the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as a United Nations agency whose mandate is to safeguard refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. However, in discharging this mandate, the UNHCR involves many stakeholders, including churches. In focusing on the church, this article identified a number of barriers to the UNHCR-church integration in responding to the challenges faced by migrants…
Holistic ministry approach to migration: Towards a practical theological and integrated ecclesiological model
The design of church migrant ministries remains suppressed by the limitation of churches that include limited resources and ability to conceptualise ministerial designs. The situation is compounded by compassion global fatigue. Thus, as a holistic ministry, approach, the application and practice of a migrant ministry remain a conceptual challenge despite the Christian position that integrating word and deed is the most appropriate Christian minis…
The Church as God’s agent in uniting immigrants and natives: A case from Ephesians 2:11–22
As the number of people migrating from many different countries to South Africa constantly increases, there is bound to be immense tension between the immigrants and the citizens for many and different reasons. Within this context, the South African Church is expected to play a critical role in bringing peace and unity between the immigrants and the natives. In responding to the proposed challenge, this article submits that the Church has a God-g…
A critical assessment of Church and political engagement in Zimbabwe under the new dispensation
Since the reign of the late Robert Gabriel Mugabe, Zimbabwe has been seized by retrogressive puppetisation of partisan gospel ministers and churches, worsened by state victimisation of those who stand against political ills. Church and state relations were compromised and fear gripped most citizens. At his inauguration, the incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa pledged a ‘new dispensation’ but contrarily remained similar to the preceding regime.…
The human dilemma of displacement: Towards a practical theology and ecclesiology of home
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…
Exploring possibilities of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ integration with churches in refugee response
The refugee crisis has been an ongoing global challenge. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the international body that is mandated to protect refugees. However, in undertaking its function, it involves many stakeholders such as refugee communities, civil society actors, government entities, non-governmental organisations, other United Nations agencies and the church; thus ensuring effective interventions. With this in m…
Shifting negative migrant categories to encourage embrace and inclusivity: Perspective from Matthew 22:34–40
Despite extensive theological research that has been conducted in response to the various challenges that are faced by international migrants, labelling is still prevalent. Derogatory stereotypes, names, categories and other labels continue to be used at the expense of foreigners, thus precipitating xenophobia. With the above-mentioned plight of international migrants in mind, the objective of this article is to respond to the ongoing challenge i…
Migration of God’s people as an opportunity to learn and understand God within the migrant context: A perspective from the books of Leviticus and Acts
Migration is an issue that is under discussion worldwide and affects South Africa, the United States of America and Germany in a distinctive way. This book reflects academically on this significant and topical subject of migration from the often neglected perspective of the fields of theology and Christian ethics. While the majority of contributions are from the South African context, there are also chapters reflecting on the topic from the other…
A critical review of World Council of Churches’ responses to the global challenges of migration
This article views migration as a topical issue that poses challenges, especially in recent times, for migrant sending and hosting nations and the migrants themselves. In response, the church has recommended various ways of addressing the prevailing migration situation. In acknowledging these proposed intervention measures, this article aims to establish if the churches’ approaches to the migration situation are harmonised and integrated. To acco…
Life in transit: Theological and ethical contributions on migration
Migration is an issue that is under discussion worldwide and affects South Africa, the United States of America and Germany in a distinctive way. This book reflects academically on this significant and topical subject of migration from the often neglected perspective of the fields of theology and Christian ethics. While the majority of contributions are from the South African context, there are also chapters reflecting on the topic from the other…
God within migration processes in the contemporary global world: An intervention proposition from theological hermeneutics for integrated migrant ministry
Understanding and perceiving God in situations such as migration and times of pain is a challenge for theology and practical ministry. The following question is inevitable: where is God in all this? In this context, the challenge for theology is to develop a theological theory that provides a constructive perspective that leads to coping. The suffering and pain are amplified among migrants due to diverse and multifaceted needs and problems. In vi…
Fostering inclusion, embracing and integration of migrants: A migration biblical-theological understanding with a particular focus on Ezra-Nehemiah and migrants practical ministry guidelines
Migration is posing a huge challenge globally. Within this context, one of the challenges of theology is to develop theological approaches that respond to the situation in meaningful ways. There is increasing scepticism about some theological frameworks that attempt to consider the Bible and theology as a unified whole to provide coherence. In the midst of vexatious life challenges, people require coherence, logic and guidance in their existentia…
A critical assessment of Daniel Groody’s conceptualisation of the incarnation and its implication in challenging the church to embrace and respond to migrants’ needs
This article identifies the church as obligated by God to respond to migrants’ challenges and, as it does so, what is at stake is the theological foundational status of migrant theology challenging the body of Christ to embrace and integrate migrants. With this in mind, this article considers Goody as the leading theologian in migration discourse. He has offered theological foundational status of migration theology that challenges the church to b…
Fostering embracement, inclusion and integration of migrants in complex migration situations: A perspective from Matthew 25:31–46 and Hebrews 13:1–2
This article identifies the complexities of migration situations that subject both host nations and native churches to a paradoxical position on whether to exclude or embrace migrants. This is because migrants are often linked to criminal activities that threaten citizens of the host country. In response to the perceived challenge, this article investigates Matthew 25:31–46 and Hebrews 13:1–2 to propose that the church as a community of God is no…
Towards understanding theological positions informing migrant ministries
Christian practical ministry should be driven by a thorough theological framework. Theological theory informs ministerial practices. To understand some theology driven (theologies driving) actions, it is imperative to conduct empirical studies to discern some grassroots theologies held by church leaders on the frontline of ministry. With migration as a challenge of our times that requires churches to intervene, the question that emerges is: what …
Towards understanding migration within God’s redemptive plan for humankind: A case of Matthew’s genealogy in connection with the Old Testament
This article responds to the emerging need for theology to be more engaged in the issue of migration and to develop a thorough biblical-theological foundation for a migration theology that challenges the Church to effectively respond to the challenges faced by migrants. This is accomplished by utilising Matthew’s genealogy in a quest to explore God’s use of migration to accomplish his redemptive purposes and plans for humankind. Although Matthew’…
Migration history in South Africa as a lens for interpreting God’s mission: Towards a challenge for churches to embrace migrants
This article challenges the church to embrace migrants by presenting migration history in South Africa during the era of European explorers as a lens for interpreting God’s mission. In avowing the aforementioned, it argues for migration history of the European explorers to South Africa as the way God has used in establishing the church in South Africa. However, in view of the subsequent colonialism and slave trade in South Africa that emerged fro…
A critical assessment of Church and political engagement in Zimbabwe under the new dispensation
Since the reign of the late Robert Gabriel Mugabe, Zimbabwe has been seized by retrogressive puppetisation of partisan gospel ministers and churches, worsened by state victimisation of those who stand against political ills. Church and state relations were compromised and fear gripped most citizens. At his inauguration, the incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa pledged a ‘new dispensation’ but contrarily remained similar to the preceding regime.…
The immanence and transcendence of God in Adamic incarnational Christology: An African ethical reflection for the public
This article argues that the transcendence and immanence of God amplified in Christ should influence African believers private and public ethics. It accomplishes this by engaging transcendence and immanence of God in the traditional African worldview. The African traditional worldview in many respects believes the transcendent God whose immanence is mediated by lesser spiritual intermediary powers. In responding to this view of God s transcendenc…
Ecological crisis and the church: A proposal for biblical stewardship as a nexus for environmental protection
There is a growing global concern for environmental issues, and stakeholders, including governments, are trying to address the situation in various ways. However, not many churches are involved in climate change endeavours, regardless of the prevalence of eco-theologies that challenge them to act as responsible custodians of God’s creation. Given this, the aim of this article was to propose and discuss biblical stewardship as a nexus for environm…
Migration history in South Africa as a lens for interpreting God’s mission: Towards a challenge for churches to embrace migrants
This article challenges the church to embrace migrants by presenting migration history in South Africa during the era of European explorers as a lens for interpreting God’s mission. In avowing the aforementioned, it argues for migration history of the European explorers to South Africa as the way God has used in establishing the church in South Africa. However, in view of the subsequent colonialism and slave trade in South Africa that emerged fro…
Interplay of fear of God’s judgement and responsibility compulsion as nexus for encouraging responsible migration response
This article argues for the interplay of fear of God’s judgement and responsibility compulsion as a nexus for encouraging responsible migration response. This arises from the need of theology of migration that challenges the church to respond to migration challenges in a comprehensive manner. Given this, the aim of this article is to contribute migration theology that respond to the aforementioned proposed need. It utilises the available literatu…
A pastoral evaluation and responses to the challenge of spiritual insecurity in African pastoral ministry and Christianity
This article argues that there is a form of Christian syncretism operating in African Christians use of traditional African powers to address their spiritual insecurity challenges that arises from their former traditional African worldview of spiritual powers. It provides an overview description of the nature of the spiritual insecurity which still grips African Christians by delving into the traditional African worldview of spiritual powers (suc…
Migration crisis and the church: A response to lacunae and considerations for Christian ministry engagement
This article critically assesses some theological-ecclesiological responses and approaches to migration challenges in order to ascertain lacunae within Christian ministry engagement. Although other academic disciplines such economics, politics, geography, demography, sociology, psychology, law, history, anthropology and environmental studies shape the discourse of migration, theology boarders the migration debate as if it does not have anything t…
The immanence and transcendence of God in Adamic incarnational Christology: An African ethical reflection for the public
This article argues that the transcendence and immanence of God amplified in Christ should influence African believers private and public ethics. It accomplishes this by engaging transcendence and immanence of God in the traditional African worldview. The African traditional worldview in many respects believes the transcendent God whose immanence is mediated by lesser spiritual intermediary powers. In responding to this view of God s transcendenc…
A pastoral evaluation and responses to the challenge of spiritual insecurity in African pastoral ministry and Christianity
This article argues that there is a form of Christian syncretism operating in African Christians use of traditional African powers to address their spiritual insecurity challenges that arises from their former traditional African worldview of spiritual powers. It provides an overview description of the nature of the spiritual insecurity which still grips African Christians by delving into the traditional African worldview of spiritual powers (suc…
Christ also ours in Africa: A consideration of Torrance's incarnational, Christological model as nexus for Christ's identification with African Christians
The perceived foreignness of Christ in African Christianity is an ongoing challenge that is captured in various pieces of African theological literature. This problem partly arises from some early Western missionaries presentation of the gospel to Africans from a predominantly Western perspective, which caused many Africans to perceive Christ as a Western Saviour with a Western identity. The problem of the foreignness of Christ in African Christi…
Migration crisis and the church: A response to lacunae and considerations for Christian ministry engagement
This article critically assesses some theological-ecclesiological responses and approaches to migration challenges in order to ascertain lacunae within Christian ministry engagement. Although other academic disciplines such economics, politics, geography, demography, sociology, psychology, law, history, anthropology and environmental studies shape the discourse of migration, theology boarders the migration debate as if it does not have anything t…
Migration history in South Africa as a lens for interpreting God’s mission: Towards a challenge for churches to embrace migrants
This article challenges the church to embrace migrants by presenting migration history in South Africa during the era of European explorers as a lens for interpreting God’s mission. In avowing the aforementioned, it argues for migration history of the European explorers to South Africa as the way God has used in establishing the church in South Africa. However, in view of the subsequent colonialism and slave trade in South Africa that emerged fro…
Interplay of fear of God’s judgement and responsibility compulsion as nexus for encouraging responsible migration response
This article argues for the interplay of fear of God’s judgement and responsibility compulsion as a nexus for encouraging responsible migration response. This arises from the need of theology of migration that challenges the church to respond to migration challenges in a comprehensive manner. Given this, the aim of this article is to contribute migration theology that respond to the aforementioned proposed need. It utilises the available literatu…
God within migration processes in the contemporary global world: An intervention proposition from theological hermeneutics for integrated migrant ministry
Understanding and perceiving God in situations such as migration and times of pain is a challenge for theology and practical ministry. The following question is inevitable: where is God in all this? In this context, the challenge for theology is to develop a theological theory that provides a constructive perspective that leads to coping. The suffering and pain are amplified among migrants due to diverse and multifaceted needs and problems. In vi…
Fostering inclusion, embracing and integration of migrants: A migration biblical-theological understanding with a particular focus on Ezra-Nehemiah and migrants practical ministry guidelines
Migration is posing a huge challenge globally. Within this context, one of the challenges of theology is to develop theological approaches that respond to the situation in meaningful ways. There is increasing scepticism about some theological frameworks that attempt to consider the Bible and theology as a unified whole to provide coherence. In the midst of vexatious life challenges, people require coherence, logic and guidance in their existentia…
A critical assessment of Daniel Groody’s conceptualisation of the incarnation and its implication in challenging the church to embrace and respond to migrants’ needs
This article identifies the church as obligated by God to respond to migrants’ challenges and, as it does so, what is at stake is the theological foundational status of migrant theology challenging the body of Christ to embrace and integrate migrants. With this in mind, this article considers Goody as the leading theologian in migration discourse. He has offered theological foundational status of migration theology that challenges the church to b…
Fostering embracement, inclusion and integration of migrants in complex migration situations: A perspective from Matthew 25:31–46 and Hebrews 13:1–2
This article identifies the complexities of migration situations that subject both host nations and native churches to a paradoxical position on whether to exclude or embrace migrants. This is because migrants are often linked to criminal activities that threaten citizens of the host country. In response to the perceived challenge, this article investigates Matthew 25:31–46 and Hebrews 13:1–2 to propose that the church as a community of God is no…
Towards understanding theological positions informing migrant ministries
Christian practical ministry should be driven by a thorough theological framework. Theological theory informs ministerial practices. To understand some theology driven (theologies driving) actions, it is imperative to conduct empirical studies to discern some grassroots theologies held by church leaders on the frontline of ministry. With migration as a challenge of our times that requires churches to intervene, the question that emerges is: what …
Towards understanding migration within God’s redemptive plan for humankind: A case of Matthew’s genealogy in connection with the Old Testament
This article responds to the emerging need for theology to be more engaged in the issue of migration and to develop a thorough biblical-theological foundation for a migration theology that challenges the Church to effectively respond to the challenges faced by migrants. This is accomplished by utilising Matthew’s genealogy in a quest to explore God’s use of migration to accomplish his redemptive purposes and plans for humankind. Although Matthew’…
The human dilemma of displacement: Towards a practical theology and ecclesiology of home
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…
Exploring possibilities of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ integration with churches in refugee response
The refugee crisis has been an ongoing global challenge. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the international body that is mandated to protect refugees. However, in undertaking its function, it involves many stakeholders such as refugee communities, civil society actors, government entities, non-governmental organisations, other United Nations agencies and the church; thus ensuring effective interventions. With this in m…
Shifting negative migrant categories to encourage embrace and inclusivity: Perspective from Matthew 22:34–40
Despite extensive theological research that has been conducted in response to the various challenges that are faced by international migrants, labelling is still prevalent. Derogatory stereotypes, names, categories and other labels continue to be used at the expense of foreigners, thus precipitating xenophobia. With the above-mentioned plight of international migrants in mind, the objective of this article is to respond to the ongoing challenge i…
Migration of God’s people as an opportunity to learn and understand God within the migrant context: A perspective from the books of Leviticus and Acts
Migration is an issue that is under discussion worldwide and affects South Africa, the United States of America and Germany in a distinctive way. This book reflects academically on this significant and topical subject of migration from the often neglected perspective of the fields of theology and Christian ethics. While the majority of contributions are from the South African context, there are also chapters reflecting on the topic from the other…
A critical review of World Council of Churches’ responses to the global challenges of migration
This article views migration as a topical issue that poses challenges, especially in recent times, for migrant sending and hosting nations and the migrants themselves. In response, the church has recommended various ways of addressing the prevailing migration situation. In acknowledging these proposed intervention measures, this article aims to establish if the churches’ approaches to the migration situation are harmonised and integrated. To acco…
Life in transit: Theological and ethical contributions on migration
Migration is an issue that is under discussion worldwide and affects South Africa, the United States of America and Germany in a distinctive way. This book reflects academically on this significant and topical subject of migration from the often neglected perspective of the fields of theology and Christian ethics. While the majority of contributions are from the South African context, there are also chapters reflecting on the topic from the other…
Assessment of barriers that prevent the integration of UNHCR and church responses to migration: An ecclesiological perspective
This article perceived the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as a United Nations agency whose mandate is to safeguard refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. However, in discharging this mandate, the UNHCR involves many stakeholders, including churches. In focusing on the church, this article identified a number of barriers to the UNHCR-church integration in responding to the challenges faced by migrants…
Holistic ministry approach to migration: Towards a practical theological and integrated ecclesiological model
The design of church migrant ministries remains suppressed by the limitation of churches that include limited resources and ability to conceptualise ministerial designs. The situation is compounded by compassion global fatigue. Thus, as a holistic ministry, approach, the application and practice of a migrant ministry remain a conceptual challenge despite the Christian position that integrating word and deed is the most appropriate Christian minis…
The Church as God’s agent in uniting immigrants and natives: A case from Ephesians 2:11–22
As the number of people migrating from many different countries to South Africa constantly increases, there is bound to be immense tension between the immigrants and the citizens for many and different reasons. Within this context, the South African Church is expected to play a critical role in bringing peace and unity between the immigrants and the natives. In responding to the proposed challenge, this article submits that the Church has a God-g…
A critical assessment of Church and political engagement in Zimbabwe under the new dispensation
Since the reign of the late Robert Gabriel Mugabe, Zimbabwe has been seized by retrogressive puppetisation of partisan gospel ministers and churches, worsened by state victimisation of those who stand against political ills. Church and state relations were compromised and fear gripped most citizens. At his inauguration, the incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa pledged a ‘new dispensation’ but contrarily remained similar to the preceding regime.…
Theological perspectives on re-imagining leadership in post-Covid-19 Africa
Post-corona disease 2019 (COVID-19) realities are challenging leaders in all spheres of society in many ways. From the onset of the pandemic, leaders on every level were challenged to provide appropriate guidance in the face of new and adverse realities. From the micro level of local congregations to the macro level of national governments, leaders were required to provide the type of leadership that would not only address immediate obstacles but…
Church and xenophobia: The tension between nationhood and God’s mission in South Africa
The perennial scourge of xenophobic violence in South Africa raises some questions about the nation’s hospitality to immigrants. Unexpectedly, Christians are also torn between loyalty to the prevailing anti-immigrant sentiments and the obligation to be hospitable to foreigners. This article, therefore, seeks to explore this tension, and the objective is achieved by surveying pertinent literature. Having traced the history of xenophobic violence f…
The interplay of migrants and host nations for the good of nations: A biblical-theological reflection
South African citizens usually accuse foreign nationals of stealing their jobs and increasing the crime rate in the country. Such accusations have often resulted in xenophobic violence. Unfortunately, not much effort has been made to depict immigrants in positive light to improve the relations between them and the indigenous population. Thus, this article utilised Joseph’s narrative (as described in Genesis in the Old Testament) as a biblical-the…
Christian Theology and Mission (26 works) · Sociology (25 works) · Religion, Society, and Development (23 works) · Philosophy (21 works) · Theology (18 works) · Political science (17 works) · Law (16 works) · Pentecostalism and Christianity Studies (14 works) · Philosophy (11 works) · Law (9 works)