Very little has been written on the subject of hermeneutics and African initiated churches (AICs)[1]. Not being a specialist in biblical studies, I do not presume to offer more than a cursory treatment of this subject, arising from reflection on research conducted in Soshanguve, in northern Gauteng between 1991 and 1995[2]. Insights and remarks referred to in this paper were made by AIC church members during numerous interviews conducted[3].

The massive growth of the AIC movement in South Africa over the past four decades[4] has appeared to have been at the expense of older mission churches, which have declined dramatically in relative membership[5]. Various factors contribute to what amounts to a decline in mission church relevance in South Africa[6]. Whether the momentous events bringing political freedom in 1994 will affect this trend is uncertain, but if the decline continues, the mission churches might be only 20% of the population by the turn of this century, compared to 50% for AICs. These facts accentuate the need for serious reflection on the enormous contribution made by AICs to Christianity in Africa.