Page 338 - tesis

Chapter three describes the way the NPL see themselves with regard to their presence and role in society. It describes the social programmes these churches run and analyzes their proposals. Attention was especially paid to educational centres and two projects that represent their proposal as to how they understand and carry out their social task. To this end, some of their establishments were visited, and key project leaders were interviewed.\u000AThe purpose of Chapter four was to analyse the beliefs of the pastors with regard to social presence and the social role of their churches. This was important as their ideas are key issues in the training of the thinking and behaviour of their members. Although they believe that the bible is the ultimate authority for faith, they depend a lot on the pastors\u2019 sermons and teaching. The founding pastors were interviewed as well as some of the members of their teams. Documents and sermons were also analysed and some opinions of external informants were sought. As was shown previously, these churches do not have a lot of documentation about mission and experience.\u000AChapter five focuses on the Neo-Pentecostal laity. Most studies have given more importance to the opinion of the pastors or political leaders of these churches. This thesis gives more attention to the way that the lay people understand their social role and presence in Guatemalan society. Often the laity has an opinion which differs from that of the pastors. With this idea in mind a sample of laymen and women were interviewed as well as a small group of entrepreneurs and a larger survey of the lay people in these churches was carried out. The chapter shows that the laity is open to talking about the topics of this research, a third part of those surveyed is involved in some social programmes or civil associations, and is willing to share their ideas about the social problems that affect the country.\u000A325\u000A