Theonome Reciprocity as Key for Interpreting the Phenomenon of Declining Numbers in Protestant Mainstream Churches ? A South African Study

Declining of Protestant mainstream churches is observed worldwide. This tendency was studied in the light of theonome reciprocity: God?s activities are integrated in believers? activities and believers? activities are driven by God?s active will. The activity of the Afrikaans speaking Protestant mainstream believer in South Africa is part of a complex network of human factors. The only factor which can be addressed in order to establish possible change, is the way of thinking within the ecclesiology. If the principles engraved in the Great Commission become part of a believer?s thinking, a Christ-centered paradigm ought to develop, resulting in God-willed deeds; deeds that will portray obedience to the Great Commission as God?s will. A turnaround might result in God-willed thinking, consequently normalising the church practice and enhancing growth.