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The role of the Church in building a transformative developmental State.

Sensitizing the heart and soul of the
the citizenry of South Africa for reforms

BY ISAIAH-PHILLIPS AKINTOLA

“The prophetic serves as both the agent and instrument for awakening human society to the need for reformation, development, restoration, and ultimate transformation.”

As South Africa prepares for the upcoming crucial political transition, which could be one of the most important elections since 1994, it is vital to consider the role and significance of the church as a spiritual and moral guide for the nation. The church, acting as a beacon of light and a source of moral influence, possesses the moral and spiritual courage and competence to provide guidance and influence the nation’s leadership, steering it towards a brighter, more prosperous future.

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law.

By its very nature, the church is a collective force responsible for equipping its members with the necessary directives, visionary spirit, skills, and abilities. This collective power, when harnessed, can transform the most marginalized, impoverished regions of society. Each individual brings unique gifts and abilities, and when combined, they form a pool of apostolic governmental resources and leadership competence. This collective power can drive a transformative leadership agenda for the entire nation.

There is a need for visionary reform.

As emphasized in our live broadcast sessions, the development of a visionary form of leadership is paramount. Such leadership has the power to inspire hope and faith in society, fostering an optimistic outlook and a shared vision for the future of South Africa. This visionary leadership is not a luxury but a necessity for our nation’s progress.

One of the questions we need to continually ask is, what is the visionary direction for our nation? It is often said that without vision, people perish; therefore, we need to operate with a deep spiritual understanding and moral strength to guide the nation toward a constructive, responsible State.

Defining the vision of South Africa as a nation is essential for our progress. When embraced by the church and shared with society, this vision has the potential to unite us, instilling a powerful sense of hope and togetherness in the construction of the nation we aspire to. This potential for unity and hope should inspire our political leaders and members of society to embrace the church’s role in our transformative journey.

As I’ve outlined below, nation-building is a collective responsibility extending to every individual endowed with the ability to think, reason, and contribute their unique skills and talents to the collective development of South Africa.

Empowering citizens to shape, reform, and transform their nation’s trajectory is a collective responsibility that requires collaborative leadership rooted in the principles of Scripture. As a beacon of hope and catalyst for positive change, the church is uniquely called to inspire, mobilize, and guide society toward a shared vision of prosperity and fulfillment, as ordained by God. By embracing its prophetic mandate, the church in South Africa can play a vital role in shaping the nation’s future:

The shaping, reforming, and transforming of a nation’s trajectory is a responsibility given to all its citizens. The church has a collective entity assigned as a gatekeeper to God’s prophetic agenda in society is a sandal with the mandate to pray, intercede, and inform society in the right direction that will project intention and desires for the nation.

Praying and interceding for wisdom and guidance (James 1:5)

The church must be a house of prayer, persistently seeking divine wisdom and guidance for the nation’s leaders and citizens. As the prophet Jeremiah exhorted, “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:7).

Informing and educating citizens on values-driven leadership (Proverbs 11:14)
One of the church’s primary responsibilities is to educate and equip citizens on the biblical principles of leadership, character, and ethics. By instilling the values of integrity, justice, and service, the church can foster a generation of leaders who prioritize the common good over personal gain, following the examples set by the leaders in the Bible, such as Moses, Nehemiah, and Daniel.

Empowering leaders to align with God’s prophetic desire for the nation (Isaiah 61:1-3)

The church, through its prophetic ministry, has the power to empower leaders to discern and align with God’s specific purpose and vision for South Africa. Just as the prophet Nathan confronted King David (2 Samuel 12) and John the Baptist challenged Herod (Matthew 14:3-4), the church must boldly speak truth to power, guiding leaders towards righteous governance.

Fostering a culture of transformation and reform (Micah 6:8)
The church should be a catalyst for societal transformation, promoting justice, mercy, and humility in all spheres of life. By addressing systemic issues such as poverty, corruption, and injustice, the church can foster a culture of reform that upholds the dignity and well-being of all citizens, as commanded by the prophet Micah.

By rising to this challenge, the church can help bridge the leadership gap and create a vacuum that negative influences would otherwise exploit. Through collective action and unwavering commitment to God’s Word, we can co-create a brighter future for South Africa, where all citizens can thrive and reach their full potential, as envisioned by the apostle Paul: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

The Dangers of Privatized Faith

The self-centered gospel that has taken root in modern Christianity represents a dangerous privatization of faith. By reducing the scope of the Gospel to personal spiritual fulfillment, we have stripped it of its public, communal, and nation-transforming power. This narrow view fails to recognize that true biblical faith is inherently public, impacting every sphere of life – from politics and economics to education and culture. A privatized faith cannot adequately address the systemic issues plaguing society, such as injustice, oppression, and the erosion of moral values.

The Prophetic Tradition

The Church must rediscover its prophetic roots to recapture the societal reform mandate. Throughout the Scriptures, we encounter a rich tradition of prophets who boldly confronted the societal ills of their time, calling for repentance and a return to righteousness. From the denunciations of economic exploitation and idolatry in the Old Testament to the radical teachings of Jesus and the apostles challenging the religious and political establishment, the Bible presents a clarion call for societal transformation. The modern Church must embrace this prophetic heritage, courageously addressing the injustices and immoralities that plague our communities.

The Kingdom Perspective

A self-centered gospel inevitably leads to a diminished understanding of the Kingdom of God. The Scriptures reveal that the Kingdom is not merely a personal spiritual reality but a comprehensive, holistic system of governance that encompasses every aspect of life. Jesus’ teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount, provide a blueprint for a radically different way of living that challenges the status quo and promotes justice, mercy, and righteousness in all spheres of society. By reclaiming this Kingdom perspective, the Church can restore its vision for societal transformation and become a catalyst for lasting change.

The Cost of Discipleship

Ultimately, a societal reform mandate requires a willingness to embrace the cost of discipleship. Jesus warned His followers that they would face persecution, rejection, and even martyrdom for their unwavering commitment to the truth (Matthew 10:16-39). The modern Church must cultivate a spirit of courage and resilience, prepared to endure opposition and ostracism for the sake of the Gospel. Only by embracing this costly discipleship can believers truly embody the countercultural force that challenges the prevailing worldly values and ushers in the principles of God’s Kingdom.

By expanding our understanding of the Gospel beyond personal spirituality and embracing its societal reform mandate, the Church can reclaim its prophetic voice and become a transformative agent in the world. This holistic, Kingdom-centered perspective has the power to address the root causes of societal decay and usher in a new era of justice, righteousness, and moral renewal.