Empowerment

Changing our neighborhoods, one small group at a time, is a wholistic approach to neighborhood transformation. It is easy to do things for people but that sets us up as superior and them as needy. What happens is a codependent relationship develops that is unhealthy and will lead to dependence that can’t be sustained. A better approach is to get to know your neighbors and their real needs. Giving them the tools to be a success on their own helps them and us develop as people and builds self-esteem as well as interdependence. Those who have been helped in this way tend to be more likely to help others do the same. It is viral as we empower others. So how do we start to do that?

The very first step is to get to know neighbors. These are people that God has placed around you for a reason. Maybe it is a shared hobby, a shared experience or a personality that will sharpen yours. God just asks you to find out, like unwrapping a hidden blessing.

In order to empower you and give you the tools for success, you can take advantage of training just for this purpose. You will learn how to connect with your neighbors, then create a community and as a group transform your neighborhood.

The material is a 5 week online course with multi-media presentations where you can interact with others who are trying to do this in their neighborhoods as well. You can do it in the comfort of your own home and at a time that is convenient to you.

Each week runs Wednesday through Tuesday. At the end you will write a paper on how you and/or your church might apply what you have learned. You can check in and join the conversation and ask questions or discuss the topics of that week which are below.

Schedule
Wednesday, Sept 11	Introductions and getting to know each other
Wednesday, Sept 18	Chapter 1 - Background for Transforming Neighborhoods Chapter 2 - Physical and Spiritual Integration
Wednesday, Sept 25	Chapter 3 - Poverty and Hunger Chapter 4 - Secular Development
Wednesday, Oct 2	Chapter 5 - Christian Community Development Chapter 11 - Urban Under-served Neighborhoods
Wednesday, Oct 9	Chapter 6 - Focus on Assets Chapter 14 - NT Helps in Church Planting and Church Growth
Wednesday October 16	Chapter 9 - Training Programs and Materials (LePSAS)
Application Paper

Cost is$40 for the course plus a $10 for the Text book Multiplying Light and Truth

For More Information or to Register go to Liza at equip@efca.org or (952) 955-6542