Community development is both a method of community work and a set of values to establish and maintain ministries in local communities. Community development work identifies some aspects of a community’s ‘preferred future’. The BUV can work with your church to identify and build the capacity of individuals and groups of people to realise this vision. Communities have many untapped abilities and resources that can be coordinated to their own benefit. The values of community development include commitments to:
- social justice
- participation
- equality
- co-operation
- mutual learning
When these values are upheld, a method of working with people unfolds that encourages their right to decide and contribute to their community’s wellbeing and development. Although normally not an intentional outcome, some of the community development work carried out by various churches has resulted in individuals finding a new spiritual dimension to their lives.
The Five Major Steps in Community Development
- Preparation: Thinking though the biblical and faith-based reasons for community development and building a team of people to explore options for community engagement.
- Research: Gathering statistical and narrative information about the community, its strengths, interests, and concerns.
- Vision and Strategy: Painting a clear picture of the preferred future, and describing the activities, skills, and resources needed to get to that point.
- Implementation: Enacting the strategy, using the most appropriate guidelines and management approach needed for this program.
- Evaluation: Keeping a track of whom and what contributes to the program, the activities within the program, and the consequences of the program.
Other Resources:
Developing Communities for the Future – Community Development in Australia. Susan Kenny; Nelson 1994
Building Community: The Shared Action Experience. Linda Beilharz, Solutions Press, 2002
Building Community Strengths –a resource book for capacity building. Steve Skinner; Community Development Foundation 1997