Despite all the negative publicity about the political and economic conditions of the continent, Africa’s economy, commerce, global investment, the rise of consumers, is better than any time in African history. Access roads, electricity, education, and markets, mobile phones and social media are expanding rapidly. Improved health care and availability of medicines is reducing infant mortality and it is expected to create a baby boom that could increase the continent’s population to 2.4 billion by 2050. This course explains the economic growth in Africa and its ramification on the Christian movement.
Cultural and economic changes create new questions, demands flexibility and adjustment. For example, since the economic boom, there is a high divorce rate in China. This course addresses the opportunity of economic growth for the expansion of the gospel and the danger of wealth to Christian faith.
To sustain economic growth in Africa, high level of education for potential employees, healthy and effective organizational structures, absence of corruption, advanced technology, farsighted leadership, democratic governance, to mention a few is essential. As the course investigates the economic growth in Africa, it also highlights the importance of leadership, infrastructure, human power, and technology for the growth and sustainable economy.
Economy has a vital place in Christian faith. Sound biblical teaching on stewardship, honest earning, economic justice, hard work, etc., is the need of the hour for African Christians. This course attempts to meet that need.
Christians whose earning has improved, investors who became multi-millionaires, companies, who make enormous amount of profit, can be missional with their financial resources. The course helps to facilitate such kind of engagement.
One of the worst legacies of Western mission to the African church is developing a sense of dependency. Hence, sitting on a goldmine Africans turned to be beggars. This course challenges students to make their churches and mission organizations self-sustained and self-supported.
In today’s world, for good or bad, financial transaction is from everywhere to everywhere. As Africa’s economy grow, the church needs to open her eyes to the need of the world and should stretch a generous hand for the expansion of the kingdom of God.
The power or value of money becomes effective when it is practical. That is, when those who are hungry fed, the homeless find shelter, the naked are clothed, the orphans and widows are taken care, and when those who labor to serve Christ, like missionaries and pastors receive their fair wages. This course highlights these aspects of ministry opportunities and Christian responsibilities.
Giving or helping is not limited to cognitive knowledge. It demands experiential knowledge. Students are encouraged to share their current and future resources to change lives. Like, sponsoring a child or an orphanage, buy textbooks for poor students or buying a uniform, etc
