Towards a biblical-theologically informed ministry strategy for enhancing caring for the needy in Nketa Agape Missions Church, Bulawayo Province, Zimbabwe
- Johannesburg South African Theological Seminary 2020
- 95 PDF A4 Abstract, TOC
This research addresses the inadequacy of the operative theology at Nketa Agape Missions (NAM) in Nkulumane district in Zimbabwe regarding faithfully caring for its needy brethren. The clergy believed the needy were lazy and as a result did not attend fully to their material needs. Yet most of those living in abject poverty suffer from hostile circumstances that limit their productivity. Therefore, the primary objective of this research is to formulate a theologically-informed strategic plan at NAM that will help the church conform to the will of God in responding to the physical and material needs of needy brethren in their context. The primary objective hinges on three secondary objectives: (i) interpreting the operative theology for NAM with regards to caring to the needy; (ii) determining what a biblically faithful operative theology of care will look like for NAM; and (iii) formulating a strategic plan to gain acceptance and implementation of an enhanced operative theology that fulfils the purposes of God for NAM’s ministry to its needy. Chapter 2 of the research begins with background matters. This is followed by a report on a qualitative study by means of a face-to-face survey using semi-structured questions to understand NAM’s operative theology. Three representative groups (clergy, the rich and the needy congregants) were interviewed. In chapter 3 the research through an integration of biblical, historical and systematic theological enquiry formulates a biblically-faithful operative theology regarding caring for the needy at NAM. Then the norms of the praxis are critically defended. Chapter 4 provides a communicative and action strategic plan for NAM to achieve acceptance and implementation of the new operative theology for faithfully responding to the needy in its context.