The purpose of this study was to interrogate the role of the local church in effecting social change and community transformation. The main objective was to examine the impact of initiatives by the South Road Full Gospel Assembly (SRFGA) on the inner-city communities of East Ruimveldt, Rasville, and Werk-en-Rust in Georgetown, Guyana. The study also sought to determine the perceptions of members and nonmembers of the church towards the work of SRFGA, as well as to highlight some lessons other churches could learn about community transformation.
Data for this qualitative study utilized three methodologies, viz, elite interviews (n=6), focus group discussion (n=6), and questionnaire. Six leaders of SRFGA were interviewed. Six focus groups were conducted comprising a total of 39 participants- members and nonmembers of SRFGA, who live and/or work in the communities that were studied. A total of 60 persons responded to the questionnaire. These respondents were either members or nonmembers of the SRFGA, and live and/or work in the community. The transformational intervention strategy of sensitizing and building the knowledge base of church leaders and members from various local churches on the church and community transformation was implemented. This strategy focused on didactics, case studies, discussion, and identification of possible practices that could be adapted or replicated.
The study found that over the past six years SRFGA has intentionally included social action as part of its ministry in the communities. Further, the study highlighted that both members and nonmembers are pleased with the work of SRFGA in the communities. Accordingly, three significant findings follow. Of the respondents, 91% expressed that SRFGA is making a positive contribution to community development; 94.6% felt that the church should continue its work; and 92% thought that the church needs to have the community more involved in its social action programmes. Drawing from the literature and findings of the study, a theoretical model illustrating SRFGA’s role in effecting community transformation was developed. This model served as a tool for theoretical, theological, and teleological discussions of the findings. The study pointed out that the intentional engagement of communities, as demonstrated by SRFGA, serves as an example for other local churches who may desire to become more involved in implementing a holistic approach to ministry. Keywords include engagement, change, Church, community, holistic, social, and transformation.