Description
Reconciliation is the essence of shalom—restoring relationships where nothing is missing and nothing is broken.
Jesus said that the essence of Christianity could be summed up in two inseparable commandments: Love God, and love thy neighbor (Mt 22:37-39). Christian Community Development is committed to seeing people and communities experience God’s shalom. We believe that God wants to restore a right relationship between us, our families and our communities – spiritually, emotionally, physically, economically, and socially. In the words of the Prophet Jeremiah, “we work and pray for the well-being of our city [or neighborhood],” trusting that if the entire community does well and prospers, then we will prosper also.
A relationship with Christ is a part of Christian Community Development. It is recognized that the answer is not just a job or a decent place to live but having a true relationship with Jesus Christ. In addition, the gospel is wholistic. It responds to people as whole people; it does not single out just spiritual or just physical needs and speak to those. Christian Community Development begins with people transformed by the love of God, who then respond to God’s call to share about that love and engage in social action, economic development, and justice. Together, we then holistically engage with Christ in the process of transformation to see our communities flourish.
Dive deeper with what reconciliation means with Marie Moy. Learn more about what repairing brokenness looks like as well as what can restore.
