Pastoral support for the flourishing of “in-between” families

Globally, the institution of family is changing rapidly, and Africa is not exempt from these changes. The effects of globalization and urbanization have resulted in numerous families moving out of their communities of origin for economic, political, and social reasons. A consequence of migration is the loss of support systems traditionally provided by the extended family. The study focuses on pastoral support for the flourishing of in-between families. The study builds on the work of Vhumani Magezi (2016, 2018, 2019a) on in-betweenness and applies those insights specifically to families who live outside their communities of origin, referred to as in-between families. The study investigates the current pastoral support practices that faith communities provide, the challenges of current support, and inherent gaps. The methodological framework is Richard Osmer’s (2008) core tasks of a practical theological investigation. The study first explores what is going on in pastoral support in relation to family flourishing. An empirical investigation with clergy and in-between families was done following a mixed-method approach. Various theories were used to understand why it is going on. An inclusive congregational approach and the intergenerational solidarity model are useful for clarifying the role of faith communities in the lives of in-between families. Communal-contextual pastoral care explains that the support of people in faith communities is a collective responsibility. Family models provide insight into family ministry and how to best support families. Parenting styles have an impact on child development and the flourishing of children and families. Work on flourishing from the disciplines of theological and positive psychology provides insights for holistic individual well-being and the flourishing of families. As families and their dynamics are changing, so faith communities should evolve, in order to stay relevant to society and provide effective care. A point of departure of the study is that pastoral support has shifted from being the task mainly of professional clergy to including the community − care for the community by the community. The study presents a relational and inclusive framework for best practice for faith communities to support in-between families to flourish.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Pretoria

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Dreyer, Yolanda

• UCTD
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Relational-inclusive pastoral support
• Flourishing
• In-between families
• Flourishing families
• Pastoral care

Statement dc:rights

• © 2024 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25403/UPresearchdata.31331818

Dc Identifier Other

April 2026 (A2026)

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/108246