Christian stewardship for South African business leaders : a public practical theological study

Abstract

This study ultimately seeks to contribute to the field of development aimed at Christian stewardship for business leaders involved in sustainable development from a public practical theological perspective. The methodology was guided by Osmer’s (2008) model for doing practical theological research, which was considered appropriate for this study as it enabled the researcher to answer the study’s research questions. This approach comprises a descriptive empirical task (what is going on?), an interpretive task (why is this going on?), a normative task (what ought to be going on?), and a pragmatic task (how might we respond?) The investigation is driven by four main questions, namely: * What are the current problems South Africa and South African business leaders are facing in terms of attaining sustainable development goals? * Why are South Africa and South African business leaders struggling to meet the sustainable development goals? * What can a reimagining of Christian stewardship as found in Scripture, church traditions, history, and other disciplines offer South African business leaders to attain the sustainable development goals? * How will a public practical theological reimagining of Christian stewardship empower South African business leaders to attain the sustainable development goals more effectively? The study includes an investigation of Scriptural passages that point to the role and responsibility of Christian stewards (Ex 20:1-3; Gen 9:1-3; 1 Cor 4:1-2; 1 Pet 4:8-11), reminding us that we must have no other gods but God, and that our true identity and purpose, as well as our gifts received from God, are to glorify God through Jesus Christ. Furthermore, we must minister these to one another with fervent love. The study intends to contribute to the field of public practical theology, specifically focusing on sustainable development. This study has recognised the potential of a reimagined Christian stewardship as a new paradigm for business leaders working towards SD from a public practical theological paradigm.