C.J.P. Niemandt
Prof. C.J.P. Niemandt,
Research Fellow, Practical
Theology and Mission
Studies, Faculty of Theology,
University of Pretoria, and
Hugenote Kollege.
E-mail: nelusn@gmail.com,
ORCID: https://orcid.
org/0000-0002-8178-5393
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38140/
at.vi.8015
ISSN: 1015-8758 (Print)
ISSN: 2309-9089 (Online)
Acta Theologica 2024
Supp 38:182-204
Date received:
29 February 2024
Date accepted:
6 October 2024
Date published:
14 November 2024
182
Published by the UFS
http://journals.ufs.ac.za/index.php/at
© Creative Commons
With Attribution (CC-BY)
The School for
Social Innovation at
Hugenote Kollege
and congregational
vitality through faithful
innovation
ABSTRACT
This article presents a case study and the story of the
School for Social Innovation (SSI) at Hugenote Kollege
in Wellington, South Africa. It explores the influence
of Andrew Murray Jr, the history of the college, the
relationship between the college and the Dutch Reformed
Church in South Africa, and the establishment of the
School for Social Innovation (SSI). It explores the concept
of “social innovation”. The research provides a brief
overview of SSI programmes, the short courses presented
for church and community leadership on the theme of
social innovation, and the social awareness programme
known as #Integritas. The article also explores the interface
and mutual insights between social innovation and faithful
innovation and proposes ways in which the narrative of
the SSI might enrich discourses on congregational vitality.
These explorations might unearth theories, practices, and
approaches to leadership that engage with Schoeman’s
work and broaden the understanding of congregational
vitality through faithful innovation.
1. INTRODUCTION
Andrew Murray Jr was a towering church leader
and world-renowned missionary statesman. His
innovative leadership inspired the Dutch Re-
formed congregation in Wellington to become