The concept of community development has been around for many years. In the UK, to assist the process of making it a reality, there was published Achieving Better Community Development, a handbook setting out a framework for evaluating community development. A stablemate is a framework called Asset Based Community Development. (Tons of material on the net.)
Faith groups should be encouraged to study the documents as they set out a blueprint for community engagement. A word of caution. What appears in plans, blueprints etc may not be reflected on the ground. Long lasting sustainable community development requires very hard work, is beset by setbacks, and the whims of participating individuals and organisations. However there is is no excuse for not seeking to empower individuals to improve their communities and lives. Small gains are to be celebrated and setbacks a driver to do better.
For faith groups, to follow the injunction of Jesus to love your neighbour should leave no doubt concerning the necessity for community engagement, both in seeking resolution of problems and building for a better future. Get out into the community, seek participation by individuals outside the faith group, identify issues and aspirations, but above all do something. Build relationships and trust with individuals and public and voluntary organisations. Go with the flow, do not seek to dominate or control.
Above all, seek to engage in small projects with a reasonable chance of success. It helps build street-cred no end.
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