An Evaluation of Job Creation Programs in Alexandra Township by Two Sandton-Based Churches in Light of 2 Corinthians 8

Abstract

This research study was undertaken to determine what the appropriate contemporary response was for Sandton-based churches in light of Paul’s challenge to the Corinthian church in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, where he asks them to contribute to the Jerusalem collection. While Paul uses a monetary collection in support of the poor in Jerusalem, churches in Sandton can mainly assist the poor in Alexandra by being involved with job creation programs. South Africa is the most economic unequal country in the world and the relationship between Alexandra and Sandton provide for a microcosm of this inequality. The apostle Paul urges his congregations to contribute towards a clear need amongst the poor in Jerusalem with the following aims (1) to alleviate poverty and (2) to create fellowship across racial and social lines. Within the current context relating to both economic and socio-economic inequality, combined with significant racial tensions, the most effective way to alleviate poverty is for Sandton based churches to participate in job creation programs in neighbouring township communities. The two churches that participated in this research study, namely, Rivers Church and Rosebank Union Church, have long-standing initiatives in Alexandra township. These interventions include several current job creation programs that are operated with limited success. One outcome of this research study is that both churches adopt a job creation methodology called Market Creating Innovations, where through innovation, complex and expensive products and services are simplified and therefore offered at a cheaper rate. This process makes products and services accessible to a larger quantity of people. Within the framework of Osmer’s practical theological reflection qualitative research was undertaken to determine what strategies and methodologies can be adopted by both churches to participate in job creation programs in Alexandra. Current stakeholders, participants of programs, and industry experts were interviewed, the selected biblical text analysed, and social sciences consulted, to provide a sustainable recommendation to both churches.

This research study was undertaken to determine what the appropriate contemporary response was for Sandton-based churches in light of Paul’s challenge to the Corinthian church in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, where he asks them to contribute to the Jerusalem collection. While Paul uses a monetary collection in support of the poor in Jerusalem, churches in Sandton can mainly assist the poor in Alexandra by being involved with job creation programs. South Africa is the most economic unequal country in the world and the relationship between Alexandra and Sandton provide for a microcosm of this inequality. The apostle Paul urges his congregations to contribute towards a clear need amongst the poor in Jerusalem with the following aims (1) to alleviate poverty and (2) to create fellowship across racial and social lines. Within the current context relating to both economic and socio-economic inequality, combined with significant racial tensions, the most effective way to alleviate poverty is for Sandton based churches to participate in job creation programs in neighbouring township communities. The two churches that participated in this research study, namely, Rivers Church and Rosebank Union Church, have long-standing initiatives in Alexandra township. These interventions include several current job creation programs that are operated with limited success. One outcome of this research study is that both churches adopt a job creation methodology called Market Creating Innovations, where through innovation, complex and expensive products and services are simplified and therefore offered at a cheaper rate. This process makes products and services accessible to a larger quantity of people. Within the framework of Osmer’s practical theological reflection qualitative research was undertaken to determine what strategies and methodologies can be adopted by both churches to participate in job creation programs in Alexandra. Current stakeholders, participants of programs, and industry experts were interviewed, the selected biblical text analysed, and social sciences consulted, to provide a sustainable recommendation to both churches.