| dc.description.abstract | This mini-dissertation is an attempt to engage the urban churches in fighting
the rising levels of poverty and unemployment, looking at a church as an
alternative vehicle for job creation and missions within the context of
transformation. In trying to assist urban churches in general, the study
focuses on the missionary work of churches in the Vaal Triangle region,
which are likely to be representative of other churches across the South
African cities.
The approach of this study is to establish a biblically sound concept of
entrepreneurship and determine whether this concept (entrepreneurship)
rather than welfare projects can assist the church in her mission to reach
our modern cities' communities. The study does so by going deeper into
examining literature on biblical, theological and socio-economic perspectives
on entrepreneurship and missions. In order to deepen our understanding
about the subject matter, the investigation touches on key relevant
concepts that impact directly on it, namely; theological and ethical mandate
for stewardship, some relevant biblical passages and cases, theological
perspectives about cities, the position and contribution of few selected
authors on poverty and the poor, the concept of unemployment,
transformational development and entrepreneurship.
This study is also aimed at creating awareness amongst the churches and
church leaders about the growing levels of poverty and unemployment in the
Vaal Triangle, so as to stimulate entrepreneurial and mission oriented
interventions towards redress of the situation. This is achieved through a
survey of existing research literature on the area, focusing on; economic
development of the area, how the situation changed from a vibrant economy
we had in the past, to the sorry state we now have, of growing poverty levels
and unemployment in terms of gender, age, and locality within the
municipality.
An empirical study was done amongst the churches through structured
interviews with church leaders of sampled churches and completion of
survey questionnaire by members. 330 questionnaires were distributed and a
good response of 194 (56%) was achieved. Churches believe that we have to
engage the power of God and His word in addressing the challenges facing
the region. Many churches in the Vaal Triangle are in favour of working with
and including the community in development projects. The survey confirmed
a general view that unemployment, poverty, HIV/Aids and crime, are the
four greatest challenges facing the region. The majority of the poor in the
church are also women and youth. A dominant majority of church members
and leaders embraced the concept of entrepreneurship as a tool that can be
used to tackle challenges in our community.
The study concluded with recommendations on how churches can encourage
entrepreneurship and some few projects that are labour intensive and easy
to enter are mentioned. | |
