Assessing Tanzanian Church Leaders’ Understanding of Theology of Work Principles in Relation to the Secular-Sacred Divide

This dissertation investigates Tanzanian church leaders’ understanding of the theology of work principles in relation to the secular–sacred divide. In many Christian contexts, work that is not directly associated with formal ministry is often perceived as unspiritual or ungodly. Consequently, a dichotomy has emerged between the clergy and the laity, where the clergy are regarded as spiritually superior, while the laity are viewed as less significant within the Christian community. This perception has caused many believers in the marketplace to struggle to experience God’s presence in their daily work. As a result, Christians who could serve as transformative agents in society often remain inactive and disconnected from expressing their faith through their professional lives. The study sought to promote an understanding of work as a divine calling, reflecting the biblical mandate for believers to be “salt” and “light” in the world.

The dissertation is structured into five chapters. Chapter One presents the motivation and background for exploring the secular–sacred divide among Tanzanian church leaders. Chapter Two reviews literature relevant to the challenges that hinder workplace transformation and the integration of faith and work. Chapter three outlines the methodology used to assess church leaders’ understanding of the theology of work principles. Chapter Four presents the study’s findings and results. Chapter Five presents’ conclusions, and recommendations for fostering a more integrated Christian witness across all spheres of life.