ORIGINAL RESEARCH

 

A structured approach to pastoral care and poverty

 

 

Johan Janse van Rensburg^I; Johann Breed^II

^IDepartment of Practical Theology, University of the Free State, South Africa
^IILocal Government Consultant, South Africa

Correspondence

 

 

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ABSTRACT

Although the plight of the poor and Christian benevolence is a topic often discussed in scientific and popular literature, the existing research is not nearly enough to address the many complicated issues surrounding the subject. Many reasons for this sad state of affairs may exist, one being the lack of the necessary skills to apply biblical and economic principles in order to make a marked difference. This article presented a biblical perspective on the caring of the poor and suggested a few contextual principles for pastoral counselling. Forces were joined with economic insights and the experience of Local Economic Development to empower the church to make a substantial difference to the plight of the poor. This approach could give structure to efforts that often achieve very little in terms of lasting results.

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Full text available only in PDF format.

 

 

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Correspondence:
Johan Janse van Rensburg
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein 9300
South Africa
Email: jjvanr@yebo.co.za

Received: 10 Jan. 2011
Accepted: 14 Apr. 2011
Published: 13 July 2011