Beyond charity: Towards a classic Pentecostal vision for promoting an enterprising spirit in Britain's deprived communities

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper offers some perspective as contribution to the ongoing conversation on Pentecostal social engagement. Pentecostalism is a progressive and diverse global movement, henceforth the need for a well developed theological framework for social engagement is vital. A gap exists between the compassionate outreach initiatives offered by Pentecostals and sufficient theological foundations guiding these actions. The movement has in general been good at ‘doing’ than articulating theological formulations. With a focus on Britain, I contend that Classic Pentecostals need to move beyond mere ‘charity’ by looking to other theological traditions to establish a theological foundation for alternative responses that lift people up from a hand-out / welfare mentality to afford them real dignity. The ability to build creative bridges from other traditions could make a unique contribution to contemporary thinking about Pentecostal social engagement. Drawing from Catholic Social Thought (CST), I make the suggestion that an understanding of the ‘dignity of work’ can motivate a vision for promoting an enterprising spirit within deprived communities that Classic Pentecostals represent to the progression/fulfilment of human dignity. Given austerity measures are becoming more progressive in Britain, creating organizations that promote development, establishing employment strategies, micro-enterprises and promoting entrepreneurship will be a step forward to real empowerment which affords full dignity of persons faced with socio-economic challenges in Britain. The point of this paper, thus is to add voice to an ongoing conversation, with a goal to articulate a sense of a ‘new’ or advanced theological authenticity as it relates to Pentecostal social engagement.