A partnership for prosperity agency: A case study of InnerCHANGE South Africa

Abstract

Practical ways to serve African communities of poverty motivated this case study. It explores how the church could be missional as an agent of prosperity in communities of poverty. It reflects on partnership between a missional team, InnerCHANGE, with businesses in order to provide jobs for ordinary people, especially the youth who are a marginalised section of our society in terms of employment. This article uses a biblical interpretive framework from Jeremiah 29:7 to reflect on the role of the church in society. The author interviewed 15 employment beneficiaries and 18 parents or guardians in order to learn how employment has improved the quality of life of individuals, households and their community of residence. The findings led to a reflection which captures successes as well as growth areas to be considered by InnerCHANGE in its efforts to become an example of the church as a prosperity agent in society.