Abstract
M.Th.
The calling of the church is put in no uncertain terms. A lost word must be reached with the good news that there is salvation and new life in Christ Jesus. The local congregation is mainly carrying the responsibility for this. In the modern, rapid changing, consumer oriented society, congregations don't always succeed in reaching the people in their neighbourhood with this good news. A new genration of church growth experts suggest that good marketing principles can be helpful. Although the congregations already make use of certain marketing practices, a new world of marketing is opened up in the church. Church marketing originate from this. This is, however an unknown area for the most congregational leaders and require thorough study. The Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa is standing within a rapid changing context, that direct enormous challenges to the local congregation. With great social crisis, a rapid changing society and drastic internal changes, there are almost unlimited opportunities for congregations. The question is thus, how these new tendencies in church marketing can help congregations in the the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa to meet these challenges. In this study an incisive inquiry is conducted into the new tendencies of church marketing, in order to get insight into marketing practices. Next, the specific situation of the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa is investigated in order to identify how church marketing can help local
congregations. Practical guidelines for church marketing in the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa are suggested in order to help church leaders with implementation.