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Mobilising the church – a Pillars guide

Inspires church groups to widen their vision and work within the community

2004 Available in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Bengali (Bangla), Arabic and Gulmanccema

Church members in Nepal meet to discuss the work they are doing in their community

Church members in Nepal meet to discuss the work they are doing in their community

Pillars magazines on a desk

From: Pillars guides

Practical, discussion-based learning on community development for small groups

This guide is designed for use in small group situations where one or more people are literate and confident enough to lead others in group discussion. Ideally just one or two double pages should be used each time, allowing plenty of time for discussion of the issues raised and for carrying out some of the practical ideas suggested. It would be helpful for the discussion leader to have some understanding of community development. 

This guide, unlike others, is written specifically for church members and those with a role in church leadership. It provides material for discussion, which can be used during leadership training, as part of a regular group meeting, or for use in small groups during whole church meetings. It also includes a number of Bible studies that are included with the discussion materials. 

PILLARS guides aim to increase confidence among group members, so that they can successfully manage change within their own situation without the need for outside intervention. They try to build on existing knowledge and experiences among the members or within their community, so that different ideas can be tried out, adapted, and then either abandoned if not found useful, or adopted if found useful. 

This guide encourages churches to see their work not only in terms of sharing and teaching spiritual truths but also in providing practical help and support within their communities. It includes ideas for helping the whole church to gain a vision for working in this way, based on biblical teaching. It looks at the need for servant leadership, which builds up and strengthens all church members. It gives suggestions as to how churches can widen their vision and improve their support for their communities. There are also pages on the importance of changing attitudes, learning through Bible study, planning and encouraging listening and facilitation skills. 

The Bible studies and discussion questions are an essential and ongoing part of the process. They are best used in small groups, with time for everyone to discuss.

Objectives of this guide 

  • To take a fresh look at the purpose of the church 
  • To build understanding, based on biblical teaching, of the role of the church in combining the role of preaching the good news with practical involvement in the lives of the poor 
  • To give church leaders and members confidence to include practical service with those in need within their church’s role 
  • To encourage vision and wholeness in the work of individual churches 
  • To enhance the work of the church by encouraging leadership and facilitation skills and by the development of small Bible study and support groups

Anticipated outcomes 

  • Leaders with increased confidence in their ability to direct and support new areas of practical work and activities Increased understanding of the role of the church in combining the task of preaching the good news with practical involvement in the lives of the poor 
  • Churches which encourage the development of leadership skills and are prepared for growth and change 
  • Small, discussion-based Bible study groups meeting regularly Improved relationships between the church, local organisations and the community, through working together to improve the lives of the poor in the surrounding area 
  • Healthy, growing churches 
  • Improved skills in listening and facilitation 
  • Increased confidence among church members in using their gifts and abilities, both within and outside the church 
  • Openness among church members to express differing views and opinions in discussion

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