Promoting Christian Community Development through Networks, Partnerships and Collaboration

by Yobbe Jeremiah Lungu
June 1st, 2010
United we stand, divided we fall,? so goes the adage proverb. In a world where everybody seems to be very busy trying to accomplish their own tasks, how do individuals, departments and organizations feel about working together? It is apparent that governments make multiple efforts to help their people, but inadequate capacity, limited resources, corruption and challenging policies derail progress. Consequently, in the recent decades, churches and Christian organizations have mushroomed at a high rate to respond to the holistic needs of their communities, complementing governments' efforts. This response by churches is in accordance with the biblical mandate, ?He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God? (Proverbs 14:13).1

In this study, church and Christian organizations leaders and donors were interviewed in addition to literature review and biblical and theological reflection on books, magazines, and the internet. The research proved that collective approaches are critical in promoting Christian Community Development (CCD) because one person, department or organization cannot do it alone. There is need to work together for people to accomplish quality and significant levels of achievements. Researchers agree that gaps in community development can be bridged by integrating efforts through networking, partnerships, and collaboration.