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Compassionate community work

An introductory course for Christians

Christ in the community

COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITY WORK
An Introductory Course for Christians
By Dave Andrews
Piquant Editions. 360 pages. £15.00
ISBN 1 903689 36 8

This is a practical manual that explores the complex subject of community work. It could be used formally at university or seminary, or as a self-study book for local churches, missions or any Christian group involved in community work.

The book is in two parts: work principles and work skills. There are 28 sessions in total. Each session has a well-laid easy-to-read format of preparation, review, the main theme of the session and practical tasks to complete.

This book is extremely interactive in style, and asks the reader many thought-provoking questions. It encourages the reader to look at healthy, Christ-like community structures.

It then goes on to look at barriers that can block community development, such as selfishness, fear, spitefulness and to examine where they are with these issues.

Building bridges through relationships and groups, bringing about social empowerment, problem resolution and transformation are all discussed in the first part of the book.

The second part gives a very practical toolbox of skills that can be used by the reader in their own context.

The heartbeat of the book is Christ and all his fullness in our communities; it is not a mere text about community work with a Christian input. It is an extremely thought-provoking read and a real challenge to the church to develop into a community that loves deeply.

Nicola Ayers,
Guildford, Surrey