African Initiated Churches’ potential as development actors

Abstract

African Initiated Churches (AICs) are not yet recognised as relevant actors of community development interventions. While it has been acknowledged that many of them provide coping mechanisms in adverse environments, support in social transformation and social capital, little information is available on their role as development actors. In this article, we evaluate the potential of AICs as partners of international development agencies for community development. We draw on interviews and focus group discussions with leaders of various AICs conducted in South Africa in February and March 2016. In particular, we examine the churches’ understanding of development, their view on the separation of spiritual and development activities and their priorities. Moreover, we outline the development activities which they are currently engaged in and analyse the structures they have in place to do so. Our findings indicate that AICs are increasingly active in community development and offer various entry points for possible cooperation.

Religiosity and household income in Sekhukhune

“…In particular, such patterns seem to exist in the ZCC. Our results are in line with the religious studies research arguing that many AICs promote economic upliftment (Cross et al, 1993;Schlemmer, 2008;Öhlmann et al, 2016). Possibly, such patterns also exist in ATR.…”

Religion and Labor Market Performance: Is It What You Believe or How Much?

“…The dynamic is particularly high with respect to African Independent and Pentecostal-Charismatic churches, which represent the majority of the population in the country (Öhlmann et al 2016). As they share common characteristics, they are often summarized as African Initiated Churches or African Initiated Christianity (Anderson 2000;Öhlmann et al 2016, 2020. While they constitute a heterogeneous movement with diverse theological tenets, research has emphasized their common conducive role in promoting development and economic success.…”

“…Ethics of hard work and strict moral codes are fundamental parts of their belief systems (Freeman 2012;Turner 1980). A strong emphasis is put on education and entrepreneurship as key factors for success (Freeman 2012;Öhlmann et al 2016;Schlemmer 2008;Turner 1980). This goes along with the dense social structure, mutual support, and initiatives to improve individual and communal wellbeing at various levels (Öhlmann et al 2016).…”

“…At the institutional level, religious communities are important providers of social services. They provide healthcare, education, training, and development programs (Bengtsson 2013;Coleman 1988;Gifford 2015;Öhlmann et al 2016). Moreover, religious communities lobby in the interests of their members and the wider communities (Bompani 2010;Thomsen 2017).…”

“…The social level refers to social capital. Religious networks constitute social capital resources (Öhlmann et al 2016;Swart 2017). These networks can be used for economic improvement and can facilitate collective action (Woolcock 1998).…”