THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS IN MATTHEW 25:14–30

BY ESAYAS EMENE ENICHA (REV.)

use of talents among the congregations is a result of theological misunderstanding and it causes social discrepancies in the community. 268 It is believed that the economic problems occurring in the community are partly related to the congregation’s reluctance to obey the great commandment. 269

4.7. WHAT ARE THE PROPOSED SOLUTIONS TO MAXIMIZE THE TALENT USE OF THE CONGREGATIONS?

It is obvious that the congregations in the SWS have an immense potential and that they can really reach the needy people and address poverty in their respective communities. 270 However, the research participants point to the challenge of the lack knowledge. Thus, it is suggested that the training should focus on issues of salvation, not only the liberation of souls, but that it includes physical aspects. In doing so, it will motivate sharing what we have with others, rather than being dependent on others. 271 Biblical teaching should undertake awakening the congregations as they are potentially rich with talents, and there is a strong need of using talents. 272 Since the need of use of talents is so urgent in our context, it is important to establish the “use of the talents” as part of the church structure. Regular biblical teaching about using our God-given talents in Sunday worship programs and in Sunday schools is urgently needed. 273 The use of talents and the diaconal work for the benefit of others, especially the needy in the kingdom of God, can be briefly taught to the congregation leaders, and strategies should be designed to train all members of the church, so that Christians can influence the politics in promoting justice, fighting against corruption and becoming exemplary in good governance.

Directives should be put to minimize dependency notion and to promote the importance of sharing what the congregations have; and to enhance good work habits, congregations could get well-planned biblical teachings and set up Bible studies. (The synod has to work on developing Bible teaching which can help all the congregations on every level.)

To enhance the practice of use of talents, confirmation teachings in the congregations should be thoroughly assessed and revised.

268 Informant 8, 15 July 2018.

269 Informant 9, 15 July 2018.

270 Informants 1 and 6, 4 July, 2018.

271 Ibid.

272 Informant 2, 5 July 2018.

273 Informant 2, 5 July 2018.

To achieve the maximization of the use of talents, the theological schools could train pastors and evangelists thoroughly regarding how justification relates to sanctification or how salvation encompasses the physical needs of the person. This means theological schools should work on practical aspects of Christianity. (Perhaps this needs curriculum revision.) Precisely, it is observed that pastors and evangelists have a lack of understanding about using talents; thus, the training could be focused on pastors and evangelists until they become change agents.

The other point is that the calling of congregation pastors for ministry should be improved because change in the congregation depends on the personality of the pastor. Therefore, calling the pastor to congregations should be structurally worked from the synod to the congregation. (The constitution of the church requires that the pastor should be called for the congregation ministry in consultation with the synod leadership, but by now congregations are calling their pastors without any consultation.)

4.8. SUMMARY OF THE EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS

Research participants understand talents to be both natural and spiritual gifts bestowed from God. Thus, the message that the parable carries is giving awareness to the disciples to be prepared for the coming of the Son Man by using their gifts that are endowed by God. Thus, as the parable shows, bearing fruit through their God-given talent has reward, whereas disobedience ends up with punishment.

Though the meaning of trade and gain is somehow difficult to analyse, trade can signify any activity that the individual disciple or the congregation performs by using his or her God-given talent. But gain denotes the benefit that the person or the congregation contributes to growth of the kingdom of God or benefiting others. In the SWS congregations, trade (using talents in an organised way) is not effective. The congregations are rich with potential, whereas the use of talents is not effective. On the other hand, the main problem seems to be the understanding and practice of gain. Gain implies mainly helping others, especially those in need of physical and spiritual help. However, the concept and the practice among the congregations regarding gain are weak, and both physical and spiritual problems are prevalent in the community, even where congregation members are dominant in number.