A Holistic Approach to Discipling the Nations
Community Development School (CDS)
Dates TBD
Training Overview
The Community Development School provides training for a Biblical approach to community transformation in all spheres of society, starting with the growth of the individual and his or her relationship with God. The principles and practices presented in this school are designed to bring change in varied settings, from rural to urban, and from slums to refugee camps in a globalized world.
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DATES: 2025 (Exact dates to be announced) COST: Lecture(Covers tuition, housing, and meals) Nation A: $3,000 USD Nation B: $18,000 MXN Nation C: $800 USD Outreach Varies PREREQUISITES:Successfully completed DTS |
“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
Lecture Phase
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.
This CDS focuses on a Biblical understanding of the root causes of poverty and underdevelopment and the strategies needed to enable people to find their own solutions.
Learning Outcomes
(1.) History of Christian Mission as related to Development (2.) Biblical Christian view of man in relationship to development (3.) Kingdom of God: Its importance in our life goals in ministry, and manner of service(4.) Christ's Lordship and example in ministering to people(5.) The Gospel's role in development ministries (6.) The Role of the Local Church in God's development purposes and process.
7) Balance in growth: spiritual, physical, social, and wisdom 8) Team or group dynamics and principles 9) Servanthood attitudes 10) Paternalism vs. Participation: How these influence our ministry activities 11) Concrete vision and life purpose for the participant and the people served.
12) Critical Thinking Skills 13) Asking appropriate questions 14) Leading group discussions 15) Skill giving and teaching
16) Cultural Issues 17) Identification with the people to be served 18) Building trust with people 19) Helping people discover and develop their motivations 20) Culturally relevant trans-media for development.
21) Relating to Authorities (government, church, local, etc.) 22) Identify Leaders in the Community with whom to work 23) Organizing People
24) Community Assessment 25) Overview of Communities 26) Research and Networking Principles and Skills
27) Identifying Assets and Needs 28) Identifying Goals/Objectives 29) Identify Methods for Accomplishing Goals 30) Identify Resources 31) Proposal Writing 32) Project Planning 33) Evaluation Skills and Techniques 34) Adverse Environments.
35) Community Development Models and Strategies 36) Global Issues and Trends that Affect Development.
- Outreach Phase -
Discipling a Nation
After the Lecture Phase, students will work as a team within a community, either in Mexico or somewhere else in the world. They will eat what the locals eat, sleep where they sleep, and live under the same conditions of those they serve with. Working in this environment will change and challenge a student’s growth in many areas of the curriculum and provide real opportunities to witness and test concepts taught during the lecture phase.
