abstract |
Namibia is a Christian country. Independent since 1990, 80 percent of this
new country's population are Christian. Despite its short history, many churches
have been established there and the existence of God, Jesus, and the holy spirit
is well acknowledged in the African nation.
However, the preceding description of a Christian nation might not be all it
is when examining closely. How many people attend church on Sunday? How many
Christians keep their Bible near them? These are still in question in Namibia.
Although it is a declared Christian state, people in Namibia have shown totally
different aspects in real life and church. Therefore, the purpose of this paper
is to suggest concrete alternatives for restoring churches in Namibia.
For satisfying the purpose, this study was conducted through 'Tong story
sermon' based on 'Tong Bible.' The 'Tong Bible,' created by Ph.D. Byung-ho
Cho is comprehensible by looking into the concept of 'Tong' and examining the
way of 'reading through Tong Bible.'
Also, the study introduces 'Tong story sermon' based on 'Tong Bible,'
through the case of Okahandja Park Church in Namibia where the researcher of
this study works at.
It shows how preaching can influence the spiritual growth of the people of
Okahandja Park Church when the believers hear 'Tong story sermon' based on
'Reading through Tong Bible.'
In particular, this program covers interviews with Christians and preachers
as well, regarding a year of preaching about 'Tong story sermon' and 'Reading
through Tong Bible.' The findings from the interviews indicate that the 'Tong
story sermon' was highly effective. The 'Tong story sermon' has been a silver
lining in the dark to the preachers in Namibia, where people's respect towards
preachers almost faded away. In that year of hearing about the 'Tong story
sermon,' the Christians were excited in every moment of preaching, taking a note
when listening to it, and trying to engrave the Bible story on their heart.
Furthermore, people started to try to understand the Bible not just through
certain parts of it but through the whole context, comprehending it as one
special story. From this result, it was confirmed that preaching has a huge
impact on the spiritual growth of the Christians and preachers in Namibia.
The researcher hopes Namibian churches overcome current challenges through
the principles and methodology of 'Tong story sermon,' having a deeper
understanding of the Bible and applying Bible stories to their real life. Since
the effectiveness of the 'Tong story sermon,' which was based on the practical
'reading through Tong bible,' was confirmed, every Namibian church needs to
pay attention to this program, proceeding with enthusiasm.
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