NetACT is the Network for African Congregational Theology, a network of theological institutions in the Presbyterian and Reformed tradition in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Congregational Theology is theology as practiced in the Christian Congregation as the body of Christ, discerning the will of God in the process of interpreting the Scriptures and its own specific context, empowering the Congregation to address its multiple problems, challenges and sufferings, in Sub-Saharan Africa manifest in the pandemic of HIV/AIDS, abuse of power, corruption and economic injustice (among others).
 INTRODUCTION
In February 2000 in Nairobi, Kenya, a network was formed between the Faculty of Theology of Stellenbosch University, South Africa, and sister theological institutions in Southern Africa. The University of Stellenbosch acts as the central resource center from where the whole network is administered and coordinated. Initiated by the HIV-AIDS pandemic, poverty and the widespread corruption experienced everywhere, a holistic approach was opted for. We will start describing the general objectives of the project before focussing on the main thrust and most important spearhead of the endeavor: how to address HIV-AIDS in local rural and urban communities in Africa. In April 2001 the Mission, Values and Vision of NetACT were formulated and a detailed strategic planning exercise was held by all the participating institutions in Lusaka, Zambia. In August 2002 in Lilongwe, Malawi the constitution and the HIV / AIDS curriculum and project were finalised.
For the subsequent story and development of the network, see The NetACT Story:
→ Hendriks, HJ. 2006. Multiplying Resources and Research in Africa - The NetACT Story. NGTT 47:3&4. pp 489-505. (PDF, 198kb)
→ Discovering A New Hermenutic for the Seminary in the Congregation (PDF, 151kb)
→ Reliable leadership, sustainable seminaries. The NetACT story 2000-2010 (PDF, 197kb)
NetACT CONSTITUTION
Download the → NetACT Constitution (PDF, 23kb)
MISSION
NetACT is a network of theological institutions in Sub Saharan Africa, created and directed by these institutions, to assist them in preparing leaders for missional congregations.
VALUES
NetACT accepts as the foundation of its values and activities the revelation of God as contained in the Old- and New Testaments.
NetACT believes that Christian congregations are instruments of God’s mission in this world, a royal priesthood, called to be a sign and foretaste of the Kingdom of God by:
- demonstrating our unity and koinonia in Christ
- declaring the praises of Him who called us out of the darkness into his wonderful light and proclaiming this good news to all;
- practicing and promoting love and forgiveness, justice and peace;
- serving the needs of the world by reaching out to all who suffer in any way;
- upholding the sanctity of all human life and respecting the integrity of creation;
- urging those in authority to use the power given to them to the honour and glory of God and to the benefit of those entrusted to their care;
- interceding for all mankind and the whole of creation.
NetACT'S MAJOR GOALS
• Upgrade curriculum standards at our member institutions.
• Develop an effective system of communication, consultation and networking among all member institutions.
• Provide scholarships to advance the theological training of our institutions’ lecturers.
• Create an affordable and welcoming living environment for lecturers who are receiving advanced training.
• Organize lecturer exchanges among our institutions to provide needed expertise, and to create space and time for lecturers to further their studies.
• Maintain an adequately staffed coordinating office.
• Publish theological handbooks relevant to the African context.
• Ensure that an HIV/AIDS course is developed and maintained as a routine part of the normal curriculum at each NetACT institution.
BOARD MEMBERS
Dr Rangarirai Rutoro (Murray Theological College, Zimbabwe, Chair); Mrs Maggie Madimbo (African Bible College, Malawi. Vice Chair); Dr Edwin Zulu (Justo Mwale Theological University College, Lusaka, Zambia, Secretary); Rev Leonard Katundu (Zomba Theological College, Malawi); Prof Jurgens Hendriks (Executive Director); Dr Ron Hartgerink, USA (representing donors); Prof Dr Nico Koopman (Stellenbosch University); Rev Arnold Nthara (Josophat Mwale Theological Institution, Malawi); Rev Miguel Nobre (Hefsiba, Mozambique); Rev Thomas Togom (Reformed Institute for Theological Training, Kenya); Rev Simon Gilham (NETS, Namibia); Rev Rafael Avelino (ISTEL, Angola); Rev Kitu Simāo (ISEU, Angola); Rev Jan Oberholzer, (Deaf Christian Ministry Africa); Dr. Jonathan Iorkighir (Reformed Theological Seminary, Nigeria); Dr Olo Ndukwe (Hugh Goldie Theological Institution, Nigeria); Dr Uma Onwunta (temporary for: Essien Ukpabio Presbyterian Theological College, Nigeria). (7 Aug 2012).
BOARD MINUTES & REPORTS
2011-2012
→ AGM Board Minutes
→ Annual Administrative Report
2010-2011
→ AGM Board Minutes
→ Bi-Annual Administrative Report
2008- 2009
→ AGM Board Minutes
→ Bi-Annual Administrative Report
2007
→ AGM Board Minutes
→ Annual Administrative Report
2006
→ Annual Administrative Report
2005
→ AGM Board Minutes
2004
→ AGM Board Minutes
→ Annual Administrative Report
→ Report of the NetACT fact finding mission to Angola
2003
→ AGM Board Minutes
→ Annual Administrative Report
→ HIV/ AIDS Committee Report
2002
→ AGM Board Minutes
→ Annual Administrative Report
2001
→ AGM Board Minutes
2000
→ AGM Board Minutes
CONTACT DETAILS
Address: NetACT, 171 Dorp Street, 7600 Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Tel : +27 21 808 9248
Fax +27 21 808 3251 (Indicate: ATT NetACT)
Email
Web: www.sun.ac.za/teologie/NetACT.html
ADDRESS LISTS OF BOARD MEMBERS & ASSOCIATES
→ Download 2013 List (PDF, 144 kb)
→ Download 2012 List (PDF, 144 kb)
→ Download 2010 List (PDF, 128 kb)
→ Download 2009 List (PDF, 153 kb)
→ Download 2005 List (PDF, 80 kb)
LISTS OF CONTACT PERSONS, ADDRESSES, STUDENT & STAFF NUMBERS
→ Download the 2012-2013 list of NetACT Institutions(PDF, 43 kb)
STAFF
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- Rev. Dr. Rangarirai Rutoro
- Chair
Principal Murray Theological College,
Box 876,
Masvingo,
Malawi.
rangarutoro@gmail.com
+263 772 570 873
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- Prof. H. Jurgens Hendriks
- Executive Director
- Department of Practical Theology and Missiology, Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University.
Telephone: +27 21 808 3260 (office)
Fax: +27 21 808 3251
Cell: +27-21-73-772-6706
- Email
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