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.
