The Role of Pentecostal Theological Institutions in Poverty Alleviation in Tanzania

Abstract

This study examines the role of Pentecostal theological education in poverty alleviation in Tanzania. Theological colleges and schools still use curriculums brought by the missionaries over seventy years ago, thus lacking proper contextualization. Scholars have argued that Pentecostal missionaries had a narrower focus on training because they focused on the soul's salvation and neglected the body's needs. As a result, most church ministers were unprepared to serve the church and society holistically. In recent years, there has been a growing interest among the Pentecostals in revitalizing their missional mandate towards a holistic ministry based on sound biblical theology. This study employed mixed research methods whereby 21 respondents from 6 Pentecostal denominations participated by filling in a survey questionnaire electronically. The researcher used a purposive sampling technique to select research participants. The participants included principals, academic deans, students, and senior denominational leaders. The findings revealed that some Pentecostal leaders still have a dichotomized understanding of theology. However, there is a gradual shift towards holistic ministry. This paper proposes that Pentecostal theological institutions need to evaluate their curriculums to be true to the Bible and relevant in modern society. Pentecostal theological institutions can consider partnering with Christian development agencies to develop a holistic approach to education.