The Community Development School provides training in a biblical approach to community transformation for all spheres of society. Beginning with the holistic development of the individual and his or her relationship with God, the principles and practices of this course are designed to enable change in varied settings, from rural to urban, with a mind towards the current possibilities of the globalized world. This course equips students with skills to help communities initiate and accomplish strategic activities that will bring life and growth towards God's purposes in His kingdom on earth. The curriculum helps the participant cultivate a solid working knowledge of transformation, development values, fundamental skills, godly character and good relationships.
CDS provides you with tools to evaluate yourself and to assess the community you will be in. Having a deeper understanding of community development from a Biblical based world view will help you understand the difference between development and relief. By discovering more about the “Kingdom of God” you will begin to understand that “development begins with me”.
LECTURE PHASE
The curriculum is designed to help you develop a solid, basic working knowledge of development, scripture-based development values, fundamental skills, Godly character, and good relationships.
The twelve-week lecture phase includes:
• Principles of Community Transformation
• Biblical Worldview for Development
• Cross-cultural Relationships and Skills
• Team and group dynamics
• Community assessment
• Basics of Community infrastructure systems, such as sustainable agriculture & aquaponic, primary health care, business, appropriate technology, environmental stewardship, and micro-business enterprises.
OUTREACH
You will serve for 8-12 weeks as part of a team. As a team you will build on what you gained while serving in a community. Working in a community setting will challenge your growth in the many issues of the curriculum.