Transformational Development (AKA my ongoing journey to the other side of cynicism)

To begin… I would like work for a more just, peaceful and loving world. The example of Jesus challenges me to pursue this aim holistically. (This is wonderful and hard.) The example of Jesus also challenges me to discard a number of unhelpful or unhealthy ways of thinking and to live into a vision that is fueled by LOVE and not FEAR. A vision that humbly seeks transformation of the whole person. (This is also wonderful and hard.)

(Some of) My Story

(Some of) What I learned… Cynicism was all around Hope was hard to find The church didn’t seem to have a great relationship with the field of development and vice versa Religion and faith were taboo subjects Pick sides or bridge the gap? We need each other. We are all involved in the story.

Everywhere & Everyone God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! 1 Corinthians 12: 4-7

Then I found Transformational Development “…seeking positive change in the whole of human life materially, socially, psychologically and spiritually…The goals for this journey of transformation are to recover our true identity as human beings created in the image of God and to discover our true vocation as productive stewards, faithfully caring for the world and all the people in it.” (Bryant Myers) There is no transformational development apart from people who are being transformed themselves.

Understanding Poverty Poverty is not just an economic reality. It is social, political, mental, physical and spiritual. Each form of broken or unjust relationship - when individuals or systems isolate, abandon or devalue - creates different expressions of poverty, for the poor and the non-poor. The goal of transformational development is: - Changed people - Just and peaceful relationships (shalom) – with ourselves, others, God and creation

The wisdom of my friend Manuel “I think we have focused so much on that we are poor and dying from hunger that we have lost the sensibility that humans are more than that. People that are really stressed from being poor – they still enjoy life. They still want to play poker, play football, and sing. And they still fall in love. They still dance. We haven’t had the sensibility to see that humans have different components and that we have to address how can we enrich and change patterns of life and educate people through cultural and spiritual elements. Being poor is usually an economic definition, but that doesn’t mean I’m an economic being.”

The Example of Jesus Jesus gave us a relational understanding of poverty and his work was holistic - addressing the whole person. Affirming the agency of human beings Seeking truth, justice and righteousness Seeking beauty, art and celebration Sustainability – physical, mental, social and spiritual

A Whole Perspective The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don’t, the parts we see and the parts we don’t. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance. 1 Corinthians 12: 25-26 MSG

Transformed Individuals and Communities Make space for people to create their own solutions (build resilience) Grow in knowledge and faith Work as a community to better the lives of every individual Respect the story of others Not simply a transition from having less to having more, but a commitment to change material, social, psychological and spiritual aspects of a person’s life

Reality Check (cue cynicism) I also learned that when the rubber hits the road – this is a complex, messy process. It requires personal and structural change - advocating on behalf of the poor and confronting unjust structures that allow people and organizations to play god in the lives of the poor. We must address broken relationships in which power and domination benefit the non-poor or majority. Is this even possible? (Yes, I think so, I hope so…)

What I’m still learning Choose gratitude over cynicism (this can help you get to hope) This is hard work – try to do the next right thing Seek wisdom and relationship from new spaces and faces It may be (very) slow, quiet, or even silent transformation I need to allow myself to be transformed and accept that transformation is not a straight line – “lay down our worship of the well-planned and timely.”

And still… I would like to work for a more just, peaceful and loving world. The example of Jesus challenges me to pursue this aim holistically. The example of Jesus also challenges me to discard a number of unhelpful or unhealthy ways of thinking and to live into a vision that is fueled by LOVE (hope) and not FEAR (cynicism). A vision that humbly seeks transformation of the whole person and, I hope, the whole world. Thanks for being on the journey with me