Picturing Theology

1 0 4 /

P i c t u r i n g T h e o l o g y

Empowering People for Freedom, Wholeness, and Justice (continued)

who are being assisted, the developer has taken from the trainees the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. Dependency, even when resulting from a spirit of benevolence and sympathy, inevitably stunts the growth of those who are so affected. • Development should avoid the extremes of authoritarian paternalism, on the one hand, and non-directive laissez-faire(ism) on the other. Developers, by definition, are leaders, and cannot avoid their responsibility to mentor, train, teach, and provide direction to those they serve. Maintaining complete decision-making control, however, does not foster interdependent relationships. While close accountability is essential in the earliest stages of training, development workers must recognize the need to modify strategies and involvement based on the competency and ongoing progress of the learners. 5 • Projects should help trainees gain control of their own destiny. Projects must be regularly evaluated to insure that they are not keeping people dependent on long-term employment by WIS. Projects which equip people to gain employment with existing businesses or start businesses of their own are the goal. Wholeness ( Shalom ) is the personal and communal experience of peace, abundance, goodness, soundness, well-being, and belonging. Wholeness is founded on righteousness (right relationships with God and man), truth (right beliefs about God and man), and holiness (right actions before God and man). Shalom is a gift of God and a sign of his Kingdom’s presence. 7.1 Development should create an environment where cooperative relationships can flourish. Explanation Development that leads to wholeness acknowledges that human activity takes place in community. The web of relationships that occurs in the work environment (e.g. trainer to trainee, co-worker to co-worker, etc.), must reflect our values of Christian community.

5 For a discussion of the Hersey-Blanchard training model that tailors leadership style to the competencies

and attitudes of the trainee see

Leadership Research (Klopfenstein, 1995)

7. World Impact’s Development Work Is Committed to Wholeness