Transforming Ecclesiological Imagination on Liturgy: Reimagining a Dutch Reformed Church in Durbanville

This study investigates how selected members of Durbanville Gemeente, a Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa, conceive of what it means to be a faithful Christian church. Their ecclesiological imagination is examined in relation to the theological and sociocultural challenges posed by whiteness. The study explores how the legacy of whiteness restricts participants’ ability to imagine and practice an inclusive and integral church, particularly in a diverse society like South Africa. The central research question is how the participants’ ecclesiological imagination can become more integral and inclusive across three key aspects: modes of existence, levels of inclusivity, and dimensions of incarnation. The research adopts a practice-orientated methodology within the field of ecclesiology, utilising empirical work to gather data through participant interviews, journals, and group reflections. Drawing on Ken Wilber’s integral theory as a theoretical framework, the study delineates how participants envision liturgy across four modes of existence: Individual Internal, Individual External, Collective Internal, and Collective External. Additionally, the study assesses levels of inclusivity, ranging from essentialism to beyond-essentialism, and examines dimensions of incarnation, focusing on both spiritual experiences and tangible expressions of faith in communal actions. The central problem addressed is how whiteness impedes the participants’ ability to engage meaningfully with colour and power dynamics in their ecclesiological imagination. Prior to the introduction of practices of change aimed at transformation, such as liturgy, shared meals, Dwelling in the Word, and reflective exercises, participants exhibited a limited and exclusive ecclesiology, characterised by low levels of inclusivity and minimal racial awareness. However, following the implementation of these transformative practices, a notable shift occurred towards a more integral and inclusive imagination, with increased recognition of colour and power dynamics, and a greater embrace of diverse identities within the liturgical community. The study makes a novel contribution to ecclesiological discourse by enhancing the understanding of how whiteness operates within the ecclesiological imagination and by offering practical theological interventions to address it. It serves as a resource for the church council of Durbanville Gemeente, the problem owner, by providing actionable insights into fostering inclusivity within their congregation. The research reveals multiple ecclesiological imaginations coexisting within the congregation of Durbanville Gemeente. These differing perspectives often lead to tension and conflict, challenging the church’s traditional mission and its ability to maintain a prophetic voice. By reimagining the church in alignment with the basileia tou theou, the study advocates for a shift towards a more integral ecclesiological imagination with a high level of inclusivity. This reorientation emphasises the church’s role in addressing social injustices and contributing to societal transformation through liturgy. The findings call for a liturgical renewal that enhances the church’s public witness, positioning it as a vital agent of change in the broader community, beyond the confines of individual salvation. Through this work, the study challenges and expands the boundaries of liturgical imagination in the context of post-1994 South Africa, offering a pathway towards a more inclusive and transformative ecclesiology.

Grantor dc:publisher

Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Breytenbach, Wynand Marc

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Forster, Dion A.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/134534

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/134534