Students will assess the challenges of community development in the context of the current socio-economic realities, diverse demographics, gender, age, class, ethno-cultural, and disability. Students will grasp the historic and current approaches to community development and will be able to communicate these theories and concepts to an analysis of how communities work for social change and social justice.
Anyone serving in a church or community-based NPO impacts his or her community. This course will enable students to be able to identify opportunities and challenges developing in their communities and in their own work, and practice community development and social justice more effectively.
Students will be able to identify philosophical assumptions underlying community development theories with special attention paid to socio-economic influences affecting development. Students will also develop an understanding of the basic principles, strategies skills needed to work with their communities.
This course will be based on a biblical worldview of Image of God, gifts of the Kingdom of God in community, and Isaiah 65.
The philosophy of community development understands that God is already at work in our communities and provided resources necessary to bring about Kingdom. Community development recognizes that every individual and community has assets to offer and has value.
Every community is different. A foundation principle of community development is the importance of knowing the community you are in and responding accordingly.
This course celebrates cultural diversity and recognizes the gift this is to the Kingdom of God.
This course will give students the practical tools and insights that they need to serve with their community.
This course is highly experiential and applicable to daily life. Students will be expected to practice what they are learning in their home communities.
