Truth and Community Truth and Community Transformation Transformation Foundational Principles for Distinctively Biblical Foundational Principles for Distinctively Biblical Community Development Community Development Truth and Community Truth and Community Transformation Transformation Foundational Principles for Distinctively Biblical Foundational Principles for Distinctively Biblical Community Development Community Development A Publication of Food for the Hungry International A Publication of Food for the Hungry International Truth and Community Transformation: Foundational Principles Truth and Community Transformation: Foundational Principles for Distinctively Biblical Community Development for Distinctively Biblical Community Development Copyright © 2003 by Food for the Hungry International Copyright © 2003 by Food for the Hungry International Second Edition Copyright © 2004 by Food for the Hungry International Second Edition Copyright © 2004 by Food for the Hungry International Published by Food for the Hungry International Published by Food for the Hungry International 1220 East Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034 1220 East Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034 All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible: New All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible: New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the authors and publisher. without permission in writing from the authors and publisher. Edited by Scott D. Allen Edited by Scott D. Allen Cover design by Lisa Leff Cover design by Lisa Leff Interior design by Sarah Gammill Interior design by Sarah Gammill Printed in the United States of America Printed in the United States of America contents contents Acknowledgements 2 Acknowledgements 2 Foreword by Randy Hoag, FHI President 3 Foreword by Randy Hoag, FHI President 3 Overview of the Project 5 Overview of the Project 5 About the Authors 10 About the Authors 10 Biblical Principles for Agricultural Development 12 Biblical Principles for Agricultural Development 12 Biblical Principles for Health Development 25 Biblical Principles for Health Development 25 Biblical Principles for Child Development 45 Biblical Principles for Child Development 45 Biblical Principles for Church Development 58 Biblical Principles for Church Development 58 Biblical Principles for Leadership Development 77 Biblical Principles for Leadership Development 77 Biblical Principles for Family Development 98 Biblical Principles for Family Development 98 Appendix 1: 48 Essential Elements of the Worldview of the Kingdom of God 117 Appendix 1: 48 Essential Elements of the Worldview of the Kingdom of God 117 About Food for the Hungry International 125 About Food for the Hungry International 125 1 1 acknowledgements acknowledgements The authors wish to gratefully acknowledge the contribution of the following people in The authors wish to gratefully acknowledge the contribution of the following people in the development of these principles: Dr. Elizabeth Youmans, Ron Vos, Robb DeHaan, the development of these principles: Dr. Elizabeth Youmans, Ron Vos, Robb DeHaan, Arturo Cuba, Cristi Petricioiu, Jacob Ndabaramiye, Ruth Concha, Atilio Quintanilla, Phill Arturo Cuba, Cristi Petricioiu, Jacob Ndabaramiye, Ruth Concha, Atilio Quintanilla, Phill Sandahl, Cindy Benn, Bob Moffi tt, Karla Tesch, John Wood, Robin Steen, Eli and Cleiton Sandahl, Cindy Benn, Bob Moffi tt, Karla Tesch, John Wood, Robin Steen, Eli and Cleiton Oliveira and Steve Kawamura. No doubt many others contributed and we apologize for Oliveira and Steve Kawamura. No doubt many others contributed and we apologize for neglecting to mention your names. neglecting to mention your names. Lastly, we offer special thanks to Darrow L. Miller, Vice President of Wholistic Lastly, we offer special thanks to Darrow L. Miller, Vice President of Wholistic Ministry Resources with Food for the Hungry International for his unyielding passion for Ministry Resources with Food for the Hungry International for his unyielding passion for bringing biblical truth to bear in the sphere of international community development. bringing biblical truth to bear in the sphere of international community development. He He inspired and constantly encouraged the work done through this project. Darrow inspired and constantly encouraged the work done through this project. Darrow served served as project advisor, providing essential guidance and instruction. as project advisor, providing essential guidance and instruction. 2 2 foreword foreword A Movement of Messengers with the Kingdom Message A Movement of Messengers with the Kingdom Message Food for the Hungry International is excited and passionate about its future. God Food for the Hungry International is excited and passionate about its future. God is blessing us with a growing revelation of what he desires from us as part of his is blessing us with a growing revelation of what he desires from us as part of his advancing kingdom. advancing kingdom. In organizational terms, FHI is a Christian, international relief and development In organizational terms, FHI is a Christian, international relief and development organization that currently works in 40 countries of the world. Our vision is to work organization that currently works in 40 countries of the world. Our vision is to work towards physical and spiritual hungers ending worldwide. We do this through wholistic towards physical and spiritual hungers ending worldwide. We do this through wholistic ministry, which means helping people with all their needs: physical, spiritual, emotional, ministry, which means helping people with all their needs: physical, spiritual, emotional, mental, and social. mental, and social. To better understand FHI’s excitement, however, it is necessary to understand fi ve To better understand FHI’s excitement, however, it is necessary to understand fi ve things that we are growing in. things that we are growing in. First, FHI has a vision of success. A strategy of wholistic ministry is only strong First, FHI has a vision of success. A strategy of wholistic ministry is only strong if supporters, staff, and communities have a clear picture of what it looks like when if supporters, staff, and communities have a clear picture of what it looks like when successful. FHI calls this a “vision of a community.” Wherever FHI works in the world, we successful. FHI calls this a “vision of a community.” Wherever FHI works in the world, we want to see three things happen: want to see three things happen: (cid:127) A church established that is reaching out to its community, (cid:127) A church established that is reaching out to its community, (cid:127) Local leaders who increasingly can solve their own problems, (cid:127) Local leaders who increasingly can solve their own problems, (cid:127) Families who increasingly can meet one another's needs. (cid:127) Families who increasingly can meet one another's needs. We believe that this simple but powerful vision, in biblical terms, is nothing less than We believe that this simple but powerful vision, in biblical terms, is nothing less than the kingdom of God entering a community and redeeming everything in it. the kingdom of God entering a community and redeeming everything in it. Second, FHI emphasizes incarnational ministry. Incarnational ministry means Second, FHI emphasizes incarnational ministry. Incarnational ministry means putting staff in close relationship with communities to facilitate the vision. This is the putting staff in close relationship with communities to facilitate the vision. This is the model used by Jesus and his disciples. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that this model used by Jesus and his disciples. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that this principle is the common denominator in FHI’s best projects around the world. You will principle is the common denominator in FHI’s best projects around the world. You will always fi nd in the excellent projects a person in the midst of the community who is always fi nd in the excellent projects a person in the midst of the community who is modeling and facilitating the vision. modeling and facilitating the vision. 3 3 Third, FHI invests in the personal growth of staff and ministry partners. Third, FHI invests in the personal growth of staff and ministry partners. People cannot give away what they don’t possess themselves. For that reason, we People cannot give away what they don’t possess themselves. For that reason, we desire that the “vision of a community” increasingly grow in the personal lives of each desire that the “vision of a community” increasingly grow in the personal lives of each person associated with FHI. This means that they: 1) Grow in Christ as Lord and Savior, person associated with FHI. This means that they: 1) Grow in Christ as Lord and Savior, 2) Grow in their God-given gifts and calling, and 3) Grow in their natural and spiritual 2) Grow in their God-given gifts and calling, and 3) Grow in their natural and spiritual families. FHI has and is developing Bible study materials that provide guidance in each families. FHI has and is developing Bible study materials that provide guidance in each area. When someone becomes involved with FHI, whether they be staff, donors, or area. When someone becomes involved with FHI, whether they be staff, donors, or community members, we desire that they be personally blessed and grow. community members, we desire that they be personally blessed and grow. Fourth, FHI is integrating a biblical worldview into all we do. FHI has learned Fourth, FHI is integrating a biblical worldview into all we do. FHI has learned that the root cause of poverty and hunger is ultimately the set of ideas, beliefs, and that the root cause of poverty and hunger is ultimately the set of ideas, beliefs, and values to which people hold and by which they govern their lives. We call this set of values to which people hold and by which they govern their lives. We call this set of ideas ideas a person’s worldview. A faulty worldview can enslave a person, community or a person’s worldview. A faulty worldview can enslave a person, community or nation. nation. The Bible says “the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Because of this, FHI The Bible says “the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Because of this, FHI attempts to attempts to integrate a biblical perspective into all that we do. integrate a biblical perspective into all that we do. Fifth, FHI has a “kingdom of God” perspective. This means we see ourselves Fifth, FHI has a “kingdom of God” perspective. This means we see ourselves following the marching orders of the King, Jesus Christ, rather than our organizational following the marching orders of the King, Jesus Christ, rather than our organizational interests. This shows up in numerous ways. First, we desire to see local churches grow. interests. This shows up in numerous ways. First, we desire to see local churches grow. The Church is God’s primary vehicle for blessing the world. It is FHI’s desire, therefore, to The Church is God’s primary vehicle for blessing the world. It is FHI’s desire, therefore, to strengthen local churches in all that we do. Secondly, we desire to share what we have strengthen local churches in all that we do. Secondly, we desire to share what we have learned with others and also learn from them. Finally, we desire kingdom partnerships. An learned with others and also learn from them. Finally, we desire kingdom partnerships. An example is our worldwide relief network. By partnering with like-minded organizations, example is our worldwide relief network. By partnering with like-minded organizations, our vision is to respond to any emergency in the world with Christian compassion our vision is to respond to any emergency in the world with Christian compassion within within 24 hours. 24 hours. An exciting result of these fi ve aspects is that FHI is becoming more than an An exciting result of these fi ve aspects is that FHI is becoming more than an organization. We are becoming a movement of people who agree with these principles. organization. We are becoming a movement of people who agree with these principles. This movement includes staff, communities, donors, churches, and partners. This movement includes staff, communities, donors, churches, and partners. FHI is excited, yet humbled about its future. Are we there yet? No, but like all followers FHI is excited, yet humbled about its future. Are we there yet? No, but like all followers of Jesus Christ, we are growing step by step towards God’s plan for us. We believe that of Jesus Christ, we are growing step by step towards God’s plan for us. We believe that if we are faithful by God’s grace, FHI will become more than an organization that does if we are faithful by God’s grace, FHI will become more than an organization that does projects to accomplish the vision of a community. We will become a group of staff, projects to accomplish the vision of a community. We will become a group of staff, donors, churches, and community members who live out the vision of a community. We donors, churches, and community members who live out the vision of a community. We will become a movement of messengers with the kingdom message. will become a movement of messengers with the kingdom message. —Randy Hoag, President —Randy Hoag, President Food for the Hungry International Food for the Hungry International 4 4 overview of the project overview of the project “In regard to [the Bible], I have but to say, it is the best gift God “In regard to [the Bible], I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good Savior gave to the world was has given to man. All the good Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it, we could not know communicated through this book. But for it, we could not know right right from wrong. All things most desirable for man’s welfare, here from wrong. All things most desirable for man’s welfare, here and and hereafter, are to be found portrayed in it.” hereafter, are to be found portrayed in it.” —Abraham Lincoln —Abraham Lincoln What is the single most important element of a successful relief and development What is the single most important element of a successful relief and development project among the world’s needy people? What is the most essential resource project among the world’s needy people? What is the most essential resource we can bring to any initiative to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and care for the we can bring to any initiative to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and care for the suffering? How can we best ensure justice? suffering? How can we best ensure justice? The basic premise of this of this project is this: The most effective tool we can The basic premise of this of this project is this: The most effective tool we can wield wield in our efforts on behalf of the needy is biblical truth. When God’s Word is driving in our efforts on behalf of the needy is biblical truth. When God’s Word is driving our our actions, everything else will come in its time. But when we are plagued by false actions, everything else will come in its time. But when we are plagued by false ideas, ideas, our best-laid plans will inevitably come to naught, for it is ideas that have the our best-laid plans will inevitably come to naught, for it is ideas that have the most most powerful consequences. The ancient Hebrew axiom says it well, “For as [a man] powerful consequences. The ancient Hebrew axiom says it well, “For as [a man] thinketh thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Pr. 23:7, KJV). Our beliefs inevitably show up sooner or in his heart, so is he” (Pr. 23:7, KJV). Our beliefs inevitably show up sooner or later in our later in our behavior, speech, writing and handiwork. Further, social institutions and behavior, speech, writing and handiwork. Further, social institutions and policies bear policies bear the unmistakable imprint of our ideas and thoughts. the unmistakable imprint of our ideas and thoughts. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (Jn. 14:6). He also said, “If you Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (Jn. 14:6). He also said, “If you hold to my teaching… you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (Jn. 8:31- hold to my teaching… you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (Jn. 8:31- 32) and, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (Jn. 10:10). Jesus 32) and, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (Jn. 10:10). Jesus and his teachings have the power to transform lives. They also have power to transform and his teachings have the power to transform lives. They also have power to transform entire communities and nations. The converse is true as well. Satan is a liar. “When entire communities and nations. The converse is true as well. Satan is a liar. “When he lies,” Jesus said, “he speaks his native language” (Jn. 8:44). His lies result in death he lies,” Jesus said, “he speaks his native language” (Jn. 8:44). His lies result in death and destruction. Scripture warns that Satan “comes only to steal and kill and destroy” and destruction. Scripture warns that Satan “comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (Jn. 10:10). His lies not only affect individuals, but they impact entire communities and (Jn. 10:10). His lies not only affect individuals, but they impact entire communities and nations as well (Rev. 20:3). nations as well (Rev. 20:3). If we truly believe these things, then we must believe that the most important thing If we truly believe these things, then we must believe that the most important thing we can bring in our service to the poor is the truth—not in some limited form that only we can bring in our service to the poor is the truth—not in some limited form that only applies to spiritual or ethical concerns, but that applies to every area of life. For if Jesus applies to spiritual or ethical concerns, but that applies to every area of life. For if Jesus is Lord of the entire universe as the Bible affi rms (Col. 1:15-18), then his teaching must is Lord of the entire universe as the Bible affi rms (Col. 1:15-18), then his teaching must be relevant for all topics, all issues and all areas of life. The great Dutch statesman and be relevant for all topics, all issues and all areas of life. The great Dutch statesman and theologian Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920) put it this way: “There is not a square inch of theologian Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920) put it this way: “There is not a square inch of the universe over which King Jesus does not claim, ‘Mine!’”1 the universe over which King Jesus does not claim, ‘Mine!’”1 1 David Hall, “Life of the Party.” Tabletalk from Ligonier Ministries and R.C. Sproul, Oct. 2002, p. 55. 1 David Hall, “Life of the Party.” Tabletalk from Ligonier Ministries and R.C. Sproul, Oct. 2002, p. 55. 5 5 Yet today, there is a tendency for some Christians to divide the world into opposing Yet today, there is a tendency for some Christians to divide the world into opposing categories. One category is labeled “sacred” and is concerned with spiritual matters, categories. One category is labeled “sacred” and is concerned with spiritual matters, ethics, morality, salvation and eternal life. Everything else goes into a “secular” category. ethics, morality, salvation and eternal life. Everything else goes into a “secular” category. When we think this way, the authority of God’s Word is limited to the sacred category and When we think this way, the authority of God’s Word is limited to the sacred category and we look elsewhere for guidance and authority for other issues and areas of life. Instead, we look elsewhere for guidance and authority for other issues and areas of life. Instead, we need to allow Scripture to speak into everything—including how we think about and we need to allow Scripture to speak into everything—including how we think about and practice community development. What does the Bible say about public health? What practice community development. What does the Bible say about public health? What does it say about agriculture? How does it inform our thinking about leadership and does it say about agriculture? How does it inform our thinking about leadership and leadership development? Attempting to answer such questions is precisely what this leadership development? Attempting to answer such questions is precisely what this project is about. project is about. A Word on Worldview A Word on Worldview Coming up with a concise list of biblical principles on community development-related Coming up with a concise list of biblical principles on community development-related topics is no simple task. After all, the Bible is not a simple book. In fact, it’s not a single topics is no simple task. After all, the Bible is not a simple book. In fact, it’s not a single book so much as a library of 66 separate books written by numerous authors over the book so much as a library of 66 separate books written by numerous authors over the course of hundreds of years. Some of these books contain history, some poetry and course of hundreds of years. Some of these books contain history, some poetry and some prophesy. Trying to navigate this diverse library for common principles can be a some prophesy. Trying to navigate this diverse library for common principles can be complex, daunting task. So daunting in fact, it has led some to despair that it can be a complex, daunting task. So daunting in fact, it has led some to despair that it can done at all. “There’s no such thing as ‘the Christian view’ on any topic or issue; there be done at all. “There’s no such thing as ‘the Christian view’ on any topic or issue; is a whole spectrum of Christian views,” they might argue. “So let’s leave this task to there is a whole spectrum of Christian views,” they might argue. “So let’s leave this task Bible experts and give up hope of gleaning principles ourselves.” But, in the words to Bible experts and give up hope of gleaning principles ourselves.” But, in the words of British theologian John Stott, “Such despair denigrates God, because it denies the of British theologian John Stott, “Such despair denigrates God, because it denies the usefulness of his revelation as ‘a lamp to our feet and a light for our path’ (Ps. 119:105). usefulness of his revelation as ‘a lamp to our feet and a light for our path’ (Ps. 119:105). To abandon hope of having anything Christian to say [about such topics] may even be To abandon hope of having anything Christian to say [about such topics] may even be mental laziness in the guise of a false humility.”2 mental laziness in the guise of a false humility.”2 True humility will lead us to study his Word diligently and prayerfully, trusting that True humility will lead us to study his Word diligently and prayerfully, trusting that God is able to grant us wisdom on any number of topics (Jas. 1:5). According to Stott, the God is able to grant us wisdom on any number of topics (Jas. 1:5). According to Stott, the best way to approach the study of a particular topic or issue is not to begin by searching best way to approach the study of a particular topic or issue is not to begin by searching Scripture for isolated verses or passages, but to start with the major themes and Scripture for isolated verses or passages, but to start with the major themes and presuppositions of Scripture. “A mind which has fi rmly grasped the basic presuppositions presuppositions of Scripture. “A mind which has fi rmly grasped the basic presuppositions of Scripture and is thoroughly informed with biblical truth…can think with Christian of Scripture and is thoroughly informed with biblical truth…can think with Christian integrity about the problems of the contemporary world…. [It can] think about even the integrity about the problems of the contemporary world…. [It can] think about even the most ‘secular’ topics ‘Christianly’, that is, from a Christian perspective.”3 most ‘secular’ topics ‘Christianly’, that is, from a Christian perspective.”3 2 2 John Stott, New Issues Facing Christians Today (London: Marshall Pickering, 1999), p. 35. John Stott, New Issues Facing Christians Today (London: Marshall Pickering, 1999), p. 35. 3 3 Ibid, pp. 36, 38. Ibid, pp. 36, 38. 6 6