Luke-Acts mission paradigm for the church in the socio-economic context of southern Zimbabwe

Abstract

Abstract This thesis analysed the relevance of Luke-Acts mission paradigm in dealing with socio-economic challenges in Southern Zimbabwe. The aim was to find out if Luke-Acts can be applicable to the mission of the church to address socio-economic problems. The study first explored the current context of Southern Zimbabwe, discovered the meaning of the Luke-Acts mission paradigm by David Bosch (1991), explored the history of the causes of the socio-economic situation in Southern Zimbabwe, the ministry of the church in Southern Zimbabwe and analysed the relevance of Luke Acts mission paradigm by Bosch (1991) in solving socio-economic challenges in Southern Zimbabwe. The study deployed qualitative research methods. Data used was collected from documentary sources as well as existing literature. Luke-Acts was used as a biblical narrative text where an analysis was done using the narrative critical hermeneutics supported by the historical critical hermeneutics. It discovered that Luke-Acts’ main theme is forgiveness and solidarity with the poor. According to Bosch (1991), its key ingredients are; the Holy Spirit, correlation between the Jewish and Gentile mission, call to witness, repentance, forgiveness of sins and salvation, six dimensions of salvation, preaching the good news of peace by Jesus Christ, the church and that mission of necessity encounters adversity and suffering. The six dimensions of salvation are; economic, political, social, spiritual, physical and psychological, where Luke seems to give more concern to economic salvation. It was discovered that socio-economic problems in Southern Zimbabwe are a result of political, economic, social, spiritual and natural factors. Luke-Acts mission paradigm was found to be relevant in dealing with political, economic, social, spiritual and natural factors that contributed to socio-economic challenges in Southern Zimbabwe. Some of these factors affect the entire Zimbabwean nation. It was discovered that the church should engage in a holistic mission through evangelism and social responsibility by individuals, denominations, ecumenical groups and Faith-Based Non-Governmental Organisations. The research recommends that the government give space for the church to contribute to socio-economic issues and also that other mission paradigms be analysed within particular contexts to equip the church for effective holistic ministry.