In this easy-to-use introductory textbook, Dave Andrews combines the fruit of his practical experience over many years as a community worker with the best practice currently being taught at college level. It can be used for self-study, as a resource for church-based mission training, for study at seminary or by extension, and it complements existing courses that do not consider the implications of a Christian worldview.

“Dave Andrews (is) one of the leading prophetic voices of our time.”
Mike Riddell, Third Way Magazine

“This ... is much more than a text book. It is an invitation to participate in an experiential, highly practical, spiritually rich, and potentially life-changing learning process.”
Steve Bradbury, National Director of TEAR Australia & Chairman of the Micah Network

“Dave Andrews is someone who has been captivated by the radical and compassionate Christ (and) has chosen to live out his calling in a very different way. … The fruit of Dave’s life is evident – ministries established, friendships forged, people helped, communities transformed, and workers trained to do likewise.”
Dr Charles Ringma, Regent College, Vancouver

“He is offering more than a political soundbite. With Dave Andrews theory has become practice, and truths take on a life of their own.”
Simon Mayo, BBC Radio

Special Features:
Can be used by churches or mission organizations as a training module. Practical. With lots of examples and tasks. Emphasizes cooperation and communication skills. For church leaders, mission trainers, community development project workers and leaders.

List of Contents:
List of Diagrams ; Foreword by Steve Bradbury; About this Course; Acknowledgements. PART I: Compassionate Community Work Principles. 1 Introduction to Community; 2 Community Development; 3 The Church and Community Development; 4 The Strategies of Community Development; 5 The Spirit of Community Development; 7 Breaking through the Barrier of Selfishness; 8 Breaking through the Barrier of Fear; 9 Breaking through the Barrier of Spitefulness; 10 Building Bridges to People; 11 Building Bridges on Relationships; 12 Building Bridges through Groups; 13 Building Bridges for Co-operation; 14 Bringing about Personal Hope; 15 Bringing about Social Empowerment; 16 Bringing about Problem Resolution; 17 Bringing about Prophetic Transformation. PART II: Compassionate Community Work Skills. Community Work Skill 1 – Communicating; Community Work Skill 2 – Negotiating; Community Work Skill 3 – Facilitating; Community Work Skill 4 – Researching ; Community Work Skill 5 – Planning (A); Community Work Skill 5 – Planning (B); Community Work Skill 6 – Budgeting; Community Work Skill 7 – Reporting; Community Work Skill 8 – Supporting; Community Work Skill 9 – Promoting; Community Work Skill 10 – Persevering. Appendices: Articles; Stories; Bibliography of Sources; Funding Options; Internet Suppport Connections; Contact Info