Poverty Reduction as a Christian Call: A View on Microfinance Loans from Pentecostal Churches in Zambia

Th e impact of microfi nance activities in reducing poverty has received mixed reviews. Some studies show positive impact while others show increasing criticism towards practices considered deleterious to poor people’s welfare. Th ere are similar opinions amongst Pentecostal churches in Zambia. Th ese churches acknowledge the usefulness of microfi nance, but because of negative experiences, they are concerned about its effi cacy. Th e general observation of these churches is that spiritual maturity helps those living in poverty identify the root causes, and are therefore able to plan tangible ways out of poverty. Th ey assert that when people grow spiritually and biblical principles like those in 2 Th essalonians 3:10 are employed, they become more responsible and can use microfi nance loans with higher success rates. On the contrary, they observe that poor people who are not grounded spiritually tend to abuse microfi nance services by either borrowing more than they need, using loan funds for unintended purposes or generally failing to pay back as agreed. Th is article presents those views within the context of microfi nance provision that responds poor people’s needs.1 Spiritus 2.1–2 (2017) 77–98 htt p://digitalshowcase.oru.edu/spiritus/