disslarryintrotoc

KEY WORD ABBREVIATIONS

AACC   All Africa Conference of Churches
ACRIS   Accao Crista Interdenominacional de Saude
AEAM   Association of Evangelicals in Africa and Madagascar
ARC   African Reformed Church
CCAP   Church of Central Africa Presbyterian
CLAIM   Christian Literature Association In Malawi
CLF   Christian Literature Fund
CMS   Church Missionary Society
DRC   Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa
DRCM   Dutch Reformed Church Missions
FMSC   Finance Mission Sub Committee (DRC)
GAC   General Administrative Committee
GMC   General Mission Committee
IRM   Igreja Reformada em Mozambique
JFC   Joint Financial Committee
MBC   Malawi Broadcasting Corporation
MCP   Malawi Congress Party
MEMA   Modern Evangelistic Methods in Africa
MMSC   Malawi Missions Sub Committee (DRC)
MNIME   Malawi National Initiative for Mission and Evangelism
NBSS   National Bible Society of Scotland
NIFCOTT Nkhoma Institute For Continued Theological Training
NSTA   Nkhoma Synod Teachers� Association (originally Mkhoma Synod Teachers� Association, or MSTA)
PAC   Public Affairs Committee
PCA   Presbyterian Church in America
PCM   Presbyterian Church in Malawi
PCUSA   Presbyterian Church USA
PEA   Portuguese East Africa
RCA   Reformed Church in America
REC/S          Reformed Ecumenical Council/Synod
RVOG   Radio Voice of the Gospel
SAARC   Southern African Alliance of Reformed Churches
SABC   South African Broadcasting Corporation
SCOM   Student Christian Organisation of Malawi
SRN   State Registered Nurse
UMCA   Universities� Mission to Central Africa
VSB   Vrouesendingbond (Women�s Missions League)
WARC   World Alliance of Reformed Churches
WCC   World Council of Churches
UDF   United Democratic Front

GLOSSARY

Afiti: Witches
Alangizi: Instructors in Nkhoma Synod�s classes on values and conduct for youth.
Angoni: A major ethnic group in Malawi and Mozambique.
Chewa: The major ethnic group of the Central Region of Malawi, and therefore of Nkhoma Synod.
Chichewa: The language of the Chewa people, and along with English, the official language of Malawi.
Chigwirizano: The Nkhoma Synod Women�s Guild.
Chilangizo: Chewa term for the Synod�s classes on values and conduct for youth. This is instructions given at puberty and was introduced into Nkhoma Synod as a counter to the �pagan� initiation rites, known as chinamwali (see Pauw 1980: 201, 332-333).
Chiuta: A term for God (literally �Big Bow�). The term Chauta is also used.
Denomination: An organizational structure for a group of churches, usually united by common doctrine and/or polity.
Chigololo: Adultery.
Chipangano Chatsopano: The New Testament.
Congregation: A body of laypeople, elders, and clergy organized and meeting within one specific location; a church.
Kusamala: To provide care.
Mbusa: An ordained clergyman, a pastor.
Mdulo: A taboo regulating sexual intercourse between a husband and his wife during the time that she is still breastfeeding.
Moskonfyt: Grape syrup used in communion.
Presbytery: A grouping of several congregations under the rule of elders in a given geographic area.
Synod: A grouping of several presbyteries under the authority and oversight of appointed or elected leaders.
Zolamulira: Nkhoma Synod�s book on church order and regulations.

DEDICATION PAGE

This dissertation is dedicated to my wife and partner in missions, Janet. Without her support and encouragement, this project could never have been completed.

THE SELF-UNDERSTANDING OF THE CCAP NKHOMA SYNOD
DURING THE FIRST FORTY YEARS OF AUTONOMY:
AN ECCLESIOLOGICAL STUDY

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Declaration ii
Abstract (English) iii
Opsomming (Afrikaans) v
Key Word Abbreviations vii
Glossary ix
Dedication Page xi
Table of Contents xii
CHAPTER ONE THE RESEARCH PROCEDURE 1
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Research Question Addressed 2
1.3 Research Parameters and the Identification of the Domain Phenomenon 5
1.4 Nature of Research and Research Hypotheses 5
1.5 Research Presuppositions 6
1.6 Preliminary Studies Already Undertaken 7
1.7 Research Procedure and Methodology 8
1.8 Dissertation Overview 12
Chapter 1 The Research Procedure 12
Chapter 2 Preliminary History 12
Chapter 3 Administration and Personnel Issues. 12
Chapter 4 Congregational Life and Church Officers. 12
Chapter 5 Education 13
Chapter 6 Ministerial and Lay Leadership Training 13
Chapter 7 Medical and Relief and Development Departments 13
Chapter 8 Evangelism 13
Chapter 9 Mission Beyond Malawi 13
Chapter 10 Literature and Printing 14
Chapter 11 Relations with the Government 14
Chapter 12 Relations with other Synods 14
Chapter 13 Relations with other Denominations 14
Chapter 14 The Spirituality of the Synod 14
Chapter 15 Final Conclusions 15
CHAPTER TWO PRELIMINARY HISTORY 16
2.1 Introduction 16
2.2 Christianity is Introduced into Malawi 16
2.3 On the Eve of Autonomy 19
2.4 Chapter Summary and Conclusions 21
CHAPTER THREE ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL ISSUES 23
3.1 Introduction 23
3.2 Administration Issues 23
3.2.1 The Departments Experience Difficulties in the Early Years 27
3.2.2 The Plan to Move to Lilongwe 30
3.3 The Financial Challenges of Autonomy 32
3.4 Attempts at Improved Stewardship 37
3.5 Matters Related to Malawian Personnel 46
3.5.1 The Ministers of Nkhoma Synod 46
3.5.2 The Challenge of Women in a New Role 57
3.6 Chapter Summary and Conclusions 60
CHAPTER FOUR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE AND CHURCH OFFICERS 63
4.1 Introduction 63
4.2 The Quality of Teaching at �Prayer Houses� 63
4.3 Representative Urban Congregations 64
4.4 Women�s Guild (Chigwirizano) 68
4.5 Church Officers and Congregational Life 71
4.6 Consistent Growth over the years 77
4.7 Chapter Summary and Conclusions 78
CHAPTER FIVE EDUCATION 80
5.1 Introduction 80
5.2 Secularization and Schools 80
5.3 Literacy Programs 84
5.4 Education for Women 86
5.5 Vocational Training 89
5.6 Teacher Training 92
5.7 Secondary Schools 97
5.8 The Challenge of Multi-Faith Religious Education 101
5.9 Education and Fiscal Issues 105
5.10 Chapter Summary and Conclusions 108
CHAPTER SIX MINISTERIAL AND LAY LEADERSHIP TRAINING 110
6.1        Introduction ��   110
6.2 Education for Pastors 110
6.3   Theological Education by Extension 125
6.4 Training of the Lay Leaders of the Church 128
6.5   Chapter Summary and Conclusions 132
CHAPTER SEVEN THE MEDICAL AND RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTS 135
7.1 Introduction 135
7.2 The Contribution of the Medical Department to Malawian Society 135
7.3 Malawian Nurses, Malawian Doctors 142
7.4 The Challenge of HIV/AIDS 145
7.5 Fiscal Constraints and Outside Donors 149
7.6 The Relief and Development Department 153
7.7   Chapter Summary and Conclusions 155
CHAPTER EIGHT EVANGELISM 158
8.1 Introduction 158
8.2 Outreach to Youth 158
8.2.1 Nkhoma Synod�s Multi � Faceted Approach to Youth Work 158
8.2.2 Youth Work and the Para church Organisations 163
8.2.3 Youth Work and the South Africa Connection 165
8.3 Radio Ministry 167
8.4 The Challenge of Islam 172
8.5 Other Evangelistic Activities 179
8.5.1 Revivals and Tracts 179
8.5.2 Expatriate Contributions 180
8.5.3 A Continuing Commitment to Evangelism 181
8.6 Chapter Summary and Conclusion 182
CHAPTER NINE MISSION BEYOND MALAWI 185
9.1 Introduction 185
9.2 THE DRC and Nkhoma Synod�s Outreach to Mozambique 185
9.3 The South African Extension 196
9.4 Chapter Summary and Conclusions 198
CHAPTER TEN LITERATURE AND PRINTING 201
10.1 Introduction 201
10.2 An Overview of Literature and Printing in the Life of the Synod 202
10.2.1 The Continuance of the Department in Spite of Obstacles 202
10.2.2 Nkhoma Synod�s Relationship with CLAIM 209
10.3 Bible Translation Work 211
10.4 The Difficulties of Kuunika 215
10.5 Chapter Summary and Conclusions 217
CHAPTER ELEVEN THE CHALLENGE OF CHURCH-STATE RELATIONS 220
11.1 Introduction 220
11.2 Nkhoma Synod and Cooperation with the Government 220
11.3 Nkhoma Synod and Contention with the Government 227
11.4 Chapter Summary and Conclusions 238
CHAPTER TWELVE RELATIONS WITH OTHER CCAP SYNODS 242
12.1 Introduction 242
12.2 Relations Within the CCAP 242
12.2.1 The Synods Acting Together 242
12.2.2 The Boundary Dispute with Livingstonia Synod 248
12.3 Recent Constitutional Developments 251
12.3.1 The CCAP Policy and Strategic Plan 2000-2010 251
12.3.2 The New Constitution 254
12.4 Chapter Summary and Conclusions 257
CHAPTER THIRTEEN RELATIONS WITH OTHER DENOMINATIONS 259
13.1 Introduction 259
13.2 Relations With Other Reformed Bodies 259
13.2.1 The Reformed Ecumenical Synod 261
13.2.2 The Council of Reformed Churches in Central Africa 262
13.2.3 World Alliance of Reformed Churches/Southern Africa Alliance of Reformed Churches 263
13.2.4 The Presbyterian Church of Canada 264
13.2.5 American Presbyterian Churches 264
13.2.6 The Reformed Mission League 267
13.2.7 The Presbyterian Church in Ireland 267
13.2.8 The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan 267
13.2.9 The Network for Congregational African Theology (NIFCOTT) 268
13.3 From �Deed of Agreement� to �Partnership Agreement� 269
13.4 Relations with Non-Reformed Churches 273
13.4.1 The Challenge of the AIC�s 276
13.4.2 The Challenge of the Charismatics 280
13.5 Relations with Ecumenical Bodies 284
13.6 Chapter Summary and Conclusions 287
CHAPTER FOURTEEN THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE SYNOD 290
14.1 Introduction 290
14.2 The Confessional Heritage of Nkhoma Synod 290
14.3 Worship 292
14.4 The Challenge of Traditional Belief 294
14.4.1 Some Principles of Traditional Belief 294
14.4.2 The Nkhoma Response to the Traditions 297
14.5 Church Regulatory Issues 299
14.6 Zolamulira 304
14.7 Chapter Summary and Conclusions 305
CHAPTER FIFTEEN FINAL CONCLUSIONS 309
15.1 Introduction 309
15.2 Review of the Questions 310
15.2.1 Question one: Does the self-understanding of the Nkhoma Synod entail that it sees itself as a confessional church? 310
15.2.2 Question Two: What is the character of its polity? 312
15.2.3 Question Three: Has the Nkhoma Synod become a Three-Self church? 313
15.2.4 Question Four: What is the relationship between the Synod and the Dutch Reformed Church personnel from South Africa? 315
15.2.5 Question Five: How does the Nkhoma Synod relate to the other synods of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian? 316
15.2.6 Question Six: How has the Nkhoma Synod developed theologically and spiritually during the years included in this study (1962 � 2004)? 317
15.2.7 Question Seven: What part, if any, has Nkhoma Synod played in the political developments of the country since independence? 318

APPENDIX 325
A Map of Malawi 325

BIBLIOGRAPHY 326
1. Nkhoma Synod Sources 326
2. Unpublished Sources 326
3. Personal Interviews with Researcher 327
4. Computer CD Sources 328
5. Internet Sources 328
6. Literature 329
7. Journals 334