Exploring the Pentecostal faith—sustainability—entrepreneurship nexus in Zimbabwe

Anderson, Allan H.; Clifford, Mike; Madziva, Roda; Thondhlana, Juliet; Goronga, Paul

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the intersection between sustainability and the humanities, specifically the Pentecostal faith—entrepreneurship—sustainability nexus in Zimbabwe. It focuses on The Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA) and associated Forward in Faith Ministries International (FIFMI), which is one of Zimbabwe’s largest and most established Pentecostal churches with a global international presence. ZAOGA-FIFMI has a well-known faith-based entrepreneurship model, commonly known as Matarenda (talents), which is claimed to have a positive impact on the lives of poor Zimbabweans, both locally and internationally. The paper explores the Pentecostalism-entrepreneurship-sustainability nexus surrounding the Matarenda model and its basis in Christian faith, and its translation into practical entrepreneurship activity through the use of primary fieldwork comprising personal observations, semi-structured interviews and focus groups. In so doing it highlights the central role of education (both formal and informal) in entrepreneurial venture. By adopting an interdisciplinary and international approach, the paper focusses on the sustainability of the model in terms of economics, finance, human capital and theology. This paper will be useful to anyone interested in exploring the impact of African Pentecostalism and, more generally, religious practice on entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

Citation

Anderson, A. H., Clifford, M., Madziva, R., Thondhlana, J., & Goronga, P. (2018). Exploring the Pentecostal faith—sustainability—entrepreneurship nexus in Zimbabwe. In W. L. Filo, & A. C. McCrea (Eds.), Sustainability and the humanities (225-238). Cham: Springer Publishing Company. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95336-6_13

• Acceptance Date: Aug 23, 2018
• Publication Date: Aug 23, 2018
• Deposit Date: Nov 12, 2018
• Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 225-238
• Book Title: Sustainability and the humanities
• ISBN: 978-3-319-95335-9
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95336-6_13
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1221311
• Publisher URL: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-95336-6_13