Ountain Promise
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Mountain Promise Vol. 8, No. 3 The Newsletter of the Brushy Fork Institute Winter, 1998 Developing communities churches and citizens in partnership by Father John S. Rausch hen you pass by most churches on more desirable situation. The process meets immedi- WSunday or Wednesday evenings, the ate needs plus invests in long term dreams. Authen- singing inside invites you to join the service. How- tic community development includes greater eco- ever, on other days of the week the attraction may lie nomic activity coupled with an equitable distribution in the flurry of activity of social programs offered by of wealth. It builds trust among people and strength- the church. Some churches sponsor day care for ens local control, promoting inclusive participation children, teach literacy to migrant workers, host 12- and mobilizing resources locally and beyond. Ulti- step meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous, or house mately, successful community development envisions food pantries or rummage closets. Beyond their people cooperating with one another to meet their inspirational role, many churches play an active part needs in the context of community with respect for in the life of the community every day of the week. creation and future generations. People concerned about the pressing needs of In this essay I outline the role of the church in community frequently rely on the church as a re- community development. I describe the social prin- source and partner in community work. This work ciples that motivate church involvement, discuss spans efforts from emergency help for families to three models of ministry showing how the church establishing a cooperative with the unemployed. can respond, and underscore practical and unique Through working to meet needs, the church resources available in the church for community undergirds and strengthens community development. work. I conclude that the church and local citizens By community development, I mean a broad operate best as a partnership to meet a pressing need, array of activities that promise a better life for every- or to serve the poor, or to foster a dream about devel- one—a process that moves from a less desirable to a oping community. continued on page 2 Father John Rausch is a member of the Glenmary Society and a teacher at the Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center. AMERC is a training center devoted to preparing church leaders for effective ministry in Appalachia and other rural areas. Topic this issue Churches and community development Native churches review of Addie Social justice toolbox and development Davis' new book movements Following through page 5 page 8 page 9 on assignments page 11 Mountain Promise page 1 Developing communities continued from page 1 The Church’s Niche: Values The social philosophy of churches arises different denominations readily collaborate from basic principles and forms the basis for ecumenically to solve problems. Other needs church action in communities. The values of might beg a regional ecumenical approach, the church stand in contrast to many values because they exceed the resources of a local of the marketplace. church effort. Understanding the scale of the While the theology of the church teaches problem and knowing the degree of ecumeni- that every person possesses intrinsic worth as cal cooperation will help community people a son or daughter of God, the economic engage the church at the proper level to system values people according to transitory address the appropriate need. possessions like wealth or skills. The Scrip- tures encourage helping the least brother and Direct Service sister in society, while the economic system Direct service represents a short term rewards winners and abandons losers. Also, solution to a problem, serving an immediate the church represents a community of people need. Christians are called upon to meet the joined as the Body of Christ, needs of others in Matthew 25:31-46. The whereas the economic system treats passage describes the judgment scene when everyone as an isolated decision the sheep and goats are separated by whether Direct service maker motivated by self-interest. they fed the hungry, clothed the naked, projects that help Finally, a Christian views creation visited the imprisoned, etc. Most churches— individuals and the as the handiwork of the Creator even those not known for their social involve- larger community and as a gift for all to enjoy. Yet to ment—will collect funds for a family whose represent the least the industrialist the earth remains house burned, or for a neighbor facing a controversial, most merely a natural resource to exploit serious operation. Other churches that visible and easiest when the market demands it. recognize a stronger call to “compassion activities to fund. The church offers values ministries,” or social service, might establish a that build community. It says soup kitchen or run a used clothing store. everyone deserves respect as a dignified per- Direct service projects that help individu- son and not manipulation as a target of some als and the larger community represent the marketing strategy. It teaches that we must least controversial, most visible and easiest evaluate society not by the number of mil- activities to fund. This ministry allows lionaires created, but by the living standards individual churches to act alone. Christmas we tolerate for the poorest among us. The food baskets, visits to retirement homes and teachings of the church remind us that, home repair projects utilize skills available in bound to our brothers and sisters, we are most moderate sized congregations. Larger called to become co-gardeners with the Cre- projects, such as Habitat for Humanity, ator. The basis for the involvement of might require an ecumenical response of area churches in community development arises churches. Many times the local Ministerial from these few principles. Association coordinates a fund for specific needs, like emergency relief or traveler’s aid. The Church’s Response: Three All these efforts tie together various levels Models of ecumenical cooperation, while they con- The church responds to community tribute to meeting the needs of people and needs through three ministries: 1) direct represent a form of community development. service; 2) advocacy; and 3) social change. How an individual church chooses to re- Advocacy spond depends on various factors from theol- The advocacy model brings expertise to a ogy to resources to abilities. In some areas pressing situation in an efficient manner. An Mountain Promise page 2 advocate pleads another’s cause, sometimes required. While local churches engage less in speaking on behalf of that person. advocacy ministry than in direct service, In Luke 4:16-20, Jesus enters the syna- occasionally a local parishioner speaks Span- gogue and reads from the scroll of Isaiah. ish or does pro bono legal work. An outside The message focuses on release of captives, ecumenical group can more easily fact find in recovery of sight for the blind and letting the a labor dispute or other politically charged oppressed go free. Theologians claim this issue, relieving the political pressure on the first public sermon of Jesus’ set the tone for local church and adding credibility to the His ministry and His perspective about the final report. reign of God. While churches shun partisan politi- Even today, churches can witness the cal involvement, those that take the sermon need for advocacy for those unable to repre- of Luke 4 seriously, stand with the most sent themselves. Someone in bondage needs disadvantaged. By speaking out through an advocate who knows the system. Other advocacy ministry, churches put words to a times folks need a companion as they face justice issue and contribute to a better life in litigation or an intimidating social agency. the community. Migrant ministry frequently involves advocacy for issues such as school problems Community Change Community change with children or labor mediation for workers. Community change minis- ministry, the most The advocate may monitor police excesses in try, the most sophisticated and sophisticated and certain neighborhoods or help women with- threatening ministry model, threatening ministry out legal papers get prenatal care. This deals with the root causes of model, deals with the advocacy ministry usually is coordinated by a problems. Frequently the root causes of prob- diocesan or regional church agency, like the struggle focuses on the “haves” lems. Office of Hispanic Ministry. and the “have-nots,” and the Advocacy can be vital during labor dis- arena entails a social, economic putes, which often involve disadvantaged or political problem—e.g. racism, poverty or workers with few alternatives. In factories elitism. The emphasis falls on local folks to and food processing plants, migrant workers, solve their own problems through demo- minority workers, the working poor and cratic, community-inclusive organizations, women frequently face disrespect, poor pay while the work of church representatives and verbal abuse. The Commission on facilitates the leadership skills of group mem- Religion in Appalachia sponsored a fact- bers. By emphasizing justice over charity, finding project in one labor dispute in eastern this ministry leads to greater local empower- Kentucky, and the Interfaith Committee on ment to effect a fairer, more democratic, Worker Justice sent an investigative team to a more participatory community that benefits labor struggle in western North Carolina. everyone. Both ecumenical groups heard testimony Again, relying on a deeper analysis in- from workers that indicated that churches spired by Luke 4:16-20, church workers need to advocate for changes and a just attempt to address the root causes of oppres- settlement. sion. They want the Good Samaritan, in Other advocacy ministries include pro- addition to caring for the victim of violence, tecting the environment, establishing a safe to make the road from Jericho to Jerusalem house for battered spouses, and defending safer.