I've been thinking about the necessary relationships for development - whether that is church development (growth), individual development or community development. I am convinced that sustainable community (and individual) transformation occurs only as a result of a relationship built on mutual respect and trust – and a relationship can only be built by an invitation to walk together.
The reality is that we are usually the ‘outsider’ expert. We come from outside the culture and community, we usually have no local 'language' skills, and little understanding of the cultural framework. And yet by virtue of position, appointment (or our superior training) we presume to know what the 'answers' are.
The fact is that the only way to effect substantial and sustained change is from the inside, and this change must be based upon a valuing of local knowledge, local culture, local resources, local skills and local processes. Building relationship, and credibility, as a change agent is an essential first step in the process of guiding change.
The ultimate goal is to become an ‘insider’ – but this is not a reality for the relatively short-term church leader, (or development worker). To become an insider requires a committment we cannot give and time that we do not have.
In my opinion the best we can hope for is to become an ‘alongsider’ – one who is accepted by the church (or host community) and has the privilege of walking alongside – learning from and sharing with the hosts. The ‘alongsider’ can operate as a mediator, seeking to bring change by empowering the community to identify and release capacities that will produce transformation.
