BEST PRACTICES IN CHURCH-COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS
About Course
This course is rooted in a sustainable livelihood approach and explores the principles and practices of effective church-community partnerships for sustainable development. Students will learn how to design, implement, and sustain partnerships that promote holistic development and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities. The course covers key topics, including sustainable livelihoods, community assets, partnership design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Students will also learn how to address challenges and conflicts in partnerships and apply biblical principles to partnership development. Through this course, students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and maintain effective church-community partnerships, ultimately contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities. By exploring best practices and biblical principles, students will be equipped to make a positive impact on community development and poverty reduction.
Course Objectives:
- Understand the principles and practices of effective church-community partnerships for sustainable livelihoods.
- Learn how to design, implement, and sustain partnerships that promote holistic development.
- Apply biblical principles to partnership development.
- Develop skills in partnership design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
Course Content
Module 1. Foundations for Effective Church-Community Partnerships
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Topic: Introduction to Church-Community Partnerships and Sustainable Livelihoods
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Objective: To understand the concept of church-community partnerships and sustainable livelihoods.
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Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to define church-community partnerships and sustainable livelihoods, and explain their importance in community development.
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Biblical Text: Matthew 25:31-46. The importance of serving the poor and vulnerable, which is a key aspect of church-community partnerships.
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Book Reading: Banks, R. (2004). Community development: A partnership approach. Polity Press. (Chapters 1-2)
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Assignment: Write a short essay on the importance of church-community partnerships in community development. Research and identify existing church-community partnerships in your local community.
Module 2. Understanding Sustainable Livelihoods
Module 3. Types of Capitals or Assets for Development
Module 4. Financial Capital and Resource Mobilization
Module 5. Physical Capital and Infrastructure Development
Module 6. Human Capital and Capacity Building
Module 7. Social Capital and Partnerships
Module 8. Natural Capital and Environmental Sustainability
Module 9. Cultural Capital and Community Engagement
Module 10. Spiritual Capital and Faith-Based Partnerships
Module 11. Designing Effective Partnerships
Module 12. Implementing Effective Partnerships
Module 13. Monitoring and Evaluating Partnerships
Module 14. Sustaining and Scaling Partnerships
Module 15. Addressing Challenges and Conflicts in Partnerships
Module 16: Conclusion and Future Directions
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