Abstract:
This contribution gives an overview of how four of the important reformed churches
in South Africa responded to the challenge of poverty from 1994 to 2019. Following
an introduction, the first part of the chapter defines poverty and describes the extent
of the crisis. It then gives an overview of how the Dutch Reformed Church responded
by imbedding compassion into the missional calling of the church. It also describes
how early childhood development became the focus of the church in the struggle
against poverty. The chapter then describes how the Uniting Reformed Church
of Southern Africa was guided in her action by the Belhar Confession. The church
integrated the struggle against poverty with the struggle of justice and reconciliation
in a post-apartheid South Africa. The focus of the reformed churches in South Africa
in addressing poverty was the role of the deacons in the local church. Education is also
an important part of their fight against poverty. The Dutch Reformed Church of Africa
rose to the challenge by making important structural changes in the church after
1995. This led to the empowerment of deacons in local churches through which the
church addressed the poverty of members. The research shows in conclusion how the
four churches used different routes to respond to the challenge of poverty in South
Africa over the past 25 years.
