Participatory Assessment and Planning: An Alternative Capacity Building Technology for Church Micro-Level Socio-Economic Transformation

Andrews University, Buller Hall, Newbold Auditorium

Participatory Assessment and Planning: An Alternative Capacity Building Technology for Church Micro-Level Socio-Economic Transformation

Introduction

Central Uganda Conference is the focus of this study.

Objectives

To determine the extent to which congregations are involved in socio-economic transformation. To assess the level of the congregations accessibility to services and facilities provided by central Uganda conference.

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Methodology

The technology of participatory Assessment and planning models was applied as study design to investigate 400 congregations and Church households. These models were clinically applied for 10 years in 57 church districts. Pastors who were trained in micro-level planning facilitated in assessment and action area planning. With the help of scalograms, histograms, mobility maps, pyramids, transactwalks, function linkage matrix, cosat, activity analysis, guest speaker and talk shows on radio and workshops Church members participated in information gathering, analysis, resource mobilization and determining action area plans.

Results

Data will show both gaps, stresses, constraints as well as increased levels of transformation in mentoring and improved, management structures, livelihood, literacy, facilities, infrastructure and mission.

Existing knowledge about the subject.

Rudi Mair’s (2007) concern for church micro level is reflected in the Biblical models proposed to address poverty in faith communities.1

Chambers R. (1992) presents participatory approach as best in causing socio – economic transformation of communities because it strengthens their capacity to plan, make decisions and take action to improve their own situation. Easy to apply in any situation.2

Phil Bartle (2003) emphasizes the necessity of participatory planning as the best process in policy formation.3

Luigi Cavestro (2003) presents a need to apply both Top-down and bottom-up as the best approach to planning because it covers both macro and micro aspects of communities.4

Bibliography

1 Rudi Mair, Working with the Poor (Andrews University Berrien Spring, mi49104-1500, 2007)

2 Chambers Rural Appraisal: Rapid relaxed and Participatory, IDS Discussion paper No.331, 1992

3 Phil Bartle, Methods of Participatory Appraisal, CMED 2003.

4 Luigi Cavestro, P.R.A. - Participatory Rural Appraisal, 2003.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

Central Uganda Conference is the focus of this study. The objectives were to determine the level of the congregations’ involvement in social transformation initiatives and the level of house hold’s accessibility to Central Uganda conference spiritual care and facilities provision.

METHODOLOGY

In this prospective study one hundred pastors, using participatory models investigated the congregations through workshops. Church household Surveys were done through transact walks.Pastors were trained in micro-level planning in Prime Institute of applied technology.

The members participated in information collection, analysis and mobilizing hidden resources. Management training workshops were conducted in all church councils. Conscious raising was done through the Conference FM radio and mentoring support visits to homes.

Results

Data revealed gaps, Lacks, Stresses, and constraints which were identified and quantified in mentoring and managementStructures, Spiritual care, Facilities, infrastructure, literacy, Mission, livelihood, health and sanitation. Together with the members action plans for model homes, Church planting, infrastructural development and tithe returning schemes were determined.Improved livelihood,mentoring and management structures, mission, social consciousness and infrastructure exhibited the increase of transformation at church micro-level.

Conclusion

Church Micro level is the least understood level worldwide.

There is a critical gap of planning skills and contextualized assessment models in order prepare Church micro-level information to facilitate policy formulation.