Abstract:
There is a high probability of having faith communities in our day as the one described
in Acts of the Apostles, in which there was no need. What do we lack? Examining the
leaders of the early church as well as the life and example of Jesus, generosity was
something striking and decisive to determine their actions. But where did this come
from? The Old Testament makes it abundantly clear that from the beginning the Creator
and God of Israel had in mind a society of justice. These measures and provisions are
found in innumerous passages of the Pentateuch, they are praised in the books of
wisdom, and the prophets proclaim them fearlessly taking away any doubts as to the
origin of the social movement that swept the first community of faith. By examining the
curricula of a selection of our schools of theology, however, we don t find this
understanding of the importance of generosity in the leadership of our communities of
faith. Theological training in Brazil is reaching an increasingly more elaborate,
scientific plateau - which is very good, but the need to cultivate solidary sensitivity is
obvious. For that purpose it must be exemplified, lived out, passed on. And if the
process did not start at home, it must have its beginning in the church. Zacchaeus, after
the moment of grace with the Master, knew very well what to do with his possessions -
because he knew the Scriptures. We propose a curriculum that places generosity as the
brand of the graduates - a challenge that will require unity in the institution, a faculty
that is cohesive, capable and flexible, and the dedication of the students in the
classroom, in the projects, in their relationships, family, in the community. It will also
become obvious that neoliberalism, individualism and consumerism will eventually be
unmasked in the process of forming a new generation of pastors.
