A practical theological model for a community transformation strategy implemented by the church in Sesheke

Abstract

Numerous studies so far acknowledge that many transformation strategies fail because of inadequate implementation. As such, this study focuses on the actual design, implementation, and monitoring of a community transformation strategy by the church in Sesheke, so as to inform a model for a community transformation strategy. The study follows Osmer’s methodology of the four tasks of practical theological interpretation, namely descriptive-empirical, interpretive, normative, and pragmatic tasks. Accordingly, the researcher seeks to answer the following questions: What descriptive-empirical perspectives could be evidence of community transformation by the church in Sesheke? What kind of interpretative perspectives could enrich our understanding of community transformation by the church in Sesheke? What is the normative task with reference to community transformation by the church in Sesheke? What critical reflection of the pragmatic task will constitute a model for a community transformation strategy? Within practical theology, which is the conceptual framework of this study, community transformation refers to an augmented holistic evolution of the quality of life of the local people through responsible interaction with the created order to the glory of God. As such, the development of a practical theological model for a community transformation strategy that can bring about a holistic transformation within the local community will be seen as a definite or desired impact of the efforts of the local church. The study endeavours to contribute to the discourse of practical theology and specifically towards a model for a community transformation strategy. The model proposed by the researcher contributes to community transformation by focusing first on a personal experience of God’s love and greatness and acknowledges that the outflow of such a magnificent experience is what motivates and directs the church towards the sufferings of the world to become God’s agents of transformation. The model then proceeds to give guidelines of how these “agents of transformation” (i.e. the church) can best direct efforts and resources towards the transformation of the community. As such, this research will contribute to practical theological perspectives on community transformation from the unique context of the Sesheke Church’s model for a community transformation strategy, which will also inform praxis in other similar contexts.