Go to the People

A couple weekends ago I went to a one-day intensive in Raleigh put on by the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA). CCDA is a network of people, churches, and ministries from around the country who are seeking to embody the Gospel of Jesus in under-resourced communities. It was inspiring to see so many other Christians and churches in the Triangle who wanted to deepen their missional engagement with their communities.

I was reminded of this Chinese proverb that is often used to summarize the philosophy of Christian Community Development ministry - ministry that sees Christ’s incarnation at the heart of it. The proverb speaks for itself. I thought it was appropriate for our journey this year.
                                           

-Reynolds

 

Go to the people

Live among them

Learn from them

Love them

Start with what they know

Build on what they have

But of the best leaders

When their task is done

The people will remark

"We have done it ourselves."

[Ancient Chinese Proverb]