The identity of the church and quest for her economic sustainability : a case study of the AOG BTG church in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Zimbabwe’s economic predicament has been bedeviling indigenous lives and exposing the unsustainability of conventional sources of income in Zimbabwe for more than a decade. Most classical Pentecostal denominations that have been depending on tithes, freewill offerings; other congregational collections, local and foreign donations have been struggling to meet their operating costs and failing to afford holistic mission in the volatile Zimbabwean economic context while few that established businesses flourished in the same setting. Partial mindfulness to the gospel in word without corresponding deeds portrayed an exclusively Salvationist and less integral image, defaced ecclesiastic identification when Zimbabwe is anxiously in dire need of a wholesome Church that values and attends to all areas of life. The quandary was worsened by Covid–19, national political instability, policy discrepancies, flawed rule of law, venality, skyrocketing inflation and related constraints. Although massive devotion has been given to the abusive commercialization of the gospel by most neo–Pentecostal denominations, studies on the identity and economy of classical Pentecostal churches is scanty. Thus, this study observed the quagmire and vulnerability of classical Pentecostal churches without diversified revenue and discussed the importance of economizing them. It reviewed the nature of the selected Assemblies of God Back to God (which is referred in this study as the AOG BTG) church and interfaced ecclesiology with economics. It applied a theonomic reciprocity theoretical framework, which integrates divine provision, human dependence and submission to God while correspondingly and responsibly working with given human, material and financial resources towards economic tenability. The study adopted a qualitative research design, applied purposive sampling, used in–depth interviews, and employed a descriptive and interpretive data analysis approach to categorize, discuss, reflect, analyze, interpret and present meanings of gathered views. Findings of the study are that the AOG BTG church is challenged by a tension between her costly missionary identity and demands of her poor economic context. It is established that all congregational offerings, local and foreign donations are undependable and unpredictable because they are subservient to erratic availability, kindheartedness and capacity of denominational members and donors. This study uncovered that the church sweats with policy gaps, conceptual misunderstandings and conflicting perceptions on the theologies of business and volunteerism. Consequently, she repeatedly steps forward and backward as leaders keep agreeing and disagreeing on whether to embrace, shelve or shun business. More–so, the denomination lacks feasible strategies for economic development as she only submits to faith while doing nothing much to diversify her incomes. Drawing from views of participants, and submissions of engaged scholars, this study proposes that she should theologize theonomic reciprocity and adopt contextually viable developmental strategies such as interlinking faith with economics, reconciling missio Ecclesiae with business, rebuilding congregational stewardship, setting up a business development unit, reviewing volunteerism, and harnessing available human, material and financial resources to become economically sustainable in Zimbabwe. The church is recommended to evaluate, overhaul her operating system and free herself from traditionalism through embracing the aforementioned strategies towards sustaining integral mission, pastoral ministry and welfare.