Convictions

Metropolitan Henry Paul teaches that the Holy Spirit who comes to work in the believer and opens his/her eyes to the truth of the human situation, also creates in the believer a desire to improve the lot of others around him/her. Community development is a key part of the witness of the church. It is the love of God passing through people to 'other people'. Preaching the doctrines is one aspect of the incarnational truth (visible manifestation of God). The other aspect of the visible manifestation of God is the meeting of the needs of people through good works. There are two aspects of community development work. One is to meet a crisis situation or calamities like floods or earthquakes. The other is to improve what exists, particularly developing opportunities and talents to the fullest possible potential.

He pointed to the fact that Jesus declares: "I am the vine, you are the branches; Whosoever remains in me and I in him, will bear much fruit" (Gospel of John chapter 15). And again He declares in the same John's Gospel: "I am come that you might have life and have it more abundantly" (chapter 10). The individual who is able to maximise his potential by the working of the Spirit of Christ becomes in turn a blessing to the society in which he lives. He/she builds up others and helps them to meet the needs of others.

2. Convictions

3. Some directions

4. Training resource