In the pursuit of community development and transformation, especially within the context of the Church, we are presented with two distinct paths. The first is the way of dominance—a method driven by the desire to be the biggest, the best, and better than everyone else. This approach is plagued by the underlying impulse to conquer, divide, and assert superiority, often under the guise of geographical or numerical strength. The second path is one of collaboration, where the task is divided not out of competition, but in a spirit of unity, harnessing the collective potential of the body of Christ. This path, rooted in mutual respect and shared responsibility, is where the character of Christ is most vividly displayed.
The Perils of Dominance
The first approach to community development seeks to carve out territory, both literally and figuratively. It is an approach where churches, ministries, or organisations aim to dominate by numbers, influence, or resources. The rhetoric of “being the best” often leads to unhealthy competition, where success is measured by how much larger, more influential, or wealthier one entity is compared to another. This mindset divides communities, as the focus shifts from serving others to outdoing others. It fosters an environment where cooperation is replaced by rivalry, and the mission of Christ becomes secondary to the mission of the institution.
The consequences of this path are manifold. Churches and organisations that adopt this approach may experience short-term growth and visibility, but they often do so at the expense of long-term impact and relational integrity. The community becomes fragmented, as the body of Christ is divided into factions, each vying for its own piece of the pie. Moreover, this approach can create a culture of burnout, as individuals and leaders are driven to achieve ever-greater results, often at the cost of their spiritual and emotional well-being.
The Christlike Way of Collaboration
In stark contrast, the second approach to community transformation is one that embraces collaboration and unity. This method recognises that the body of Christ is made up of many parts, each with its own unique strengths, gifts, and areas of responsibility. Rather than competing for dominance, this approach seeks to harness the collective potential of all believers, working together to achieve a common goal.
Collaboration does not mean uniformity; it means unity in diversity. Different churches, ministries, and Christian organisations each bring something valuable to the table. Some may excel in social justice work, others in discipleship, and still others in worship or community building. By acknowledging these differences and working together, the Church can accomplish far more than any single entity could achieve on its own.
This collaborative approach reflects the very nature of Christ. In Mark 10:45, Jesus reminds us, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus did not seek to dominate or overpower; instead, He came to serve, to lift others up, and to work in partnership with His disciples. His ministry was marked by humility, compassion, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others. When the Church embraces these qualities, it becomes a powerful force for community transformation.
A biblical example of this collaborative approach can be found in the story of Nehemiah, who led the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah understood that this monumental task could not be accomplished by one person or one group alone. He mobilised the people of Jerusalem, assigning different sections of the wall to various families and groups. Nehemiah 3:1-32 details how each group took responsibility for a portion of the work, from the priests to the goldsmiths to the merchants. By dividing the task and working together, the wall was rebuilt in just 52 days—a testament to the power of unity and collaboration.
Embracing a Kingdom Mindset
For the Church to truly impact communities in a transformative way, it must embrace a Kingdom mindset. This means moving beyond the limited vision of building individual empires and focusing on the broader mission of advancing God’s Kingdom on earth. It requires a shift from a competitive, territorial mentality to one that values collaboration, mutual support, and shared responsibility.
However, this vision of collaboration cannot remain theoretical; it requires action. The call to collaborate is a call to move beyond good intentions and into the realm of practical, tangible steps. This action must spring from a foundation of discipleship and spiritual formation. As followers of Jesus, our actions should be an overflow of our spiritual being, rooted in a deep relationship with Christ. Jesus reminds us of the greatest commandments in Mark 12:29-31: “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” These commandments compel us to act—not out of obligation or to prove our worth, but as a natural extension of the love and grace we have received. When we are spiritually nourished and aligned with God’s purposes, our actions become the hands and feet of Christ in the world, building up the community and advancing His Kingdom.
In practical terms, this might look like churches in a region coming together to address common issues, such as homelessness, food insecurity, or youth engagement. Instead of each church trying to tackle these issues on its own, they can pool their resources, expertise, and manpower to create more effective and sustainable solutions. It might involve sharing facilities, joint worship services, or collaborative outreach initiatives. The goal is not to elevate one church or ministry over another, but to work together for the good of the community and the glory of God.
The Way Forward
The choice between dominance and collaboration is not just a strategic one; it is a spiritual one. It is a choice between following the way of the world or the way of Christ. The way of dominance may bring temporary success, but it ultimately leads to division, burnout, and a loss of focus on the true mission of the Church. The way of collaboration, on the other hand, fosters unity, strengthens relationships, and amplifies the impact of our collective efforts.
As we consider the future of community development and transformation within the Church, let us commit to the path of collaboration. Let us resist the temptation to compete, dominate, or outdo one another, and instead, embrace the Christlike virtues of humility, service, and cooperation. By doing so, we will not only strengthen our communities but also bear witness to the power of the Kingdom of God—a Kingdom that is built not on the strength of individual empires, but on the collective strength of a united body of believers.