A faithful adaptation of the Ekalesia Fa'apotopotoga Kerisiano Samoa (E.F.K.S) / Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S) in Aotearoa New Zealand in the twenty-first century

Abstract

The EFKS church is not only seen as a spiritual home, but also a cultural home for many Samoan families and communities. It is a place where well-being for Samoan people is maintained through the receiving of spiritual and cultural nourishment, as well social benefits through means such as networking. This research focuses on the notion of modernising the church without breaking away from Samoan traditions and principles. It is my belief that it is more ideal and effective for the EFKS to continue looking back in history – language, culture, traditions, and spirituality – in order to move forward, rather than adapting to the context of the twenty-first century while letting go of its indigenous past. Far too many young New Zealand-born Samoans in Aotearoa New Zealand are insecure with different things – church, family, education, and identity (to name a few). Likewise, a considerable amount of Samoan people are struggling to cope with the different challenges of the twentyfirst century which affect their well-being. Thus, the church has an important role in helping frustrated youth and unstable families to improve every area of their lives in the hope of restoring well-being – and this begins at feeding their malnourished spirits. God is central to many Samoan people. The happenings in life are always attributed to God. Samoan people believe their worldviews, culture, land, and spirituality are a heritage (tofi) or gifts from God. Acting as lens for this study are the Samoan traditional concepts of tautua and tōfā. The two concepts bring together the past-present-and future, that is, they collectively associate the past with the future especially in regards to well-being. For the continual significance of EFKS churches in Aotearoa New Zealand, the weaving of Samoan culture with the present culture in Aotearoa (Samoan people are immersed in) must carry on. By being faithful to both respective cultures, may possibly change the representation of the EFKS – whether it is in the style of worship, or its activities – not necessarily to break away from Samoan culture… but adding zest and a twenty-first colour to it in adapting to changes brought in with time. With the concept of Jesus as the personification of wisdom, I focus on tōfā (wisdom), in view that the role of EFKS leaders is pivotal in maintaining and influencing the well-being of its congregation. Members of EFKS place their trust in the wisdom of EFKS leaders to make proper decisions which serve to benefit the community and not just an individual.