Bridging the Gap Between the Rich and Poor as a Means to Eradicating Poverty in Malawi

The purpose of this project is to show the reason it is necessary for Malawi Assemblies of God pastors to study basic economics and entrepreneurship courses at the Bible schools and to engage in holistic ministry as part of the solution to bridge the gap between the rich and poor. The paper begins with a diagnosis of the root causes of poverty and economic inequality in Malawi, in general, and among Malawi Assemblies of God pastors in particular. Some specific causes of poverty are government-related, which include corruption, crime, wastefulness, donor dependency, public expenditure on non-essentials, slavery, colonialism, population boom, lack of transparency and accountability, and lack of collaboration in government and business. Other specific causes of poverty include low levels of education, climate change, and natural disasters, diseases, HIV/AIDS, and lack of access to clean water. The paper also addresses possible solutions to the problem of poverty and economic inequality. Key to reducing the gap between the rich and poor in Malawi as a nation and in Malawi Assemblies of God is introduction of economic education with emphasis of entrepreneurship to MAOG pastors. When pastors understand the economic theory, principles, and application, they will teach their parishioners and communities how to defeat poverty among parishioners and community members, and in the process, reduce economic inequality among community members through imparting economic and entrepreneurial skills to the communities. The project concludes with a preliminary economics curriculum for Bible schools and a transformational tool for pastors and communities.