4-D Strategy for Community Development

Xenos Christian Fellowship uses a 4-step strategy for doing Christian Community Development in a given area. This strategy will lead to long lasting growth and change in a community. Our biblical convictions concerning ministry to the poor are the foundation of this practical strategy.

1. Define the geographic boundaries of an economically disadvantaged community to serve

Target your resources to a specific area
Designate names of streets that border the area

[We have chosen an area slightly more than one square mile in size, including a government housing project called Rosewind, and the adjacent neighborhood. This area is one of the most oppressed areas in Central Ohio, with a high crime rate and extremely low income per family.]

2. Describe the needs of the community, giving special consideration to the felt needs of the people living there

Study the area's demographics and life situation
Determine the food, housing, clothing, education, safety, job training, counseling and spiritual needs
Identify which people to serve
Survey the community and determine other programs serving area residents

[Even our one square mile area is an endless ocean of need. Rather than scatter our efforts randomly over the area, we believe it is more effective to focus on key families who are responsive to building relationships with us. They, in turn can assist others.]

3. Distribute resources and services to the community through relationships with the people

Share resources, skills, and services to match the described needs
Develop programs that allow people to build relationships
Establish criteria for interacting with other agencies and churches
Initiate relationships with other churches and agencies that wish to participate
Create and use various ministries and programs to help distribute resources

4. Develop responsibility among people in the community, especially the youth, for its continuing development

Target the young children to prevent damage from gang involvement, lack of education, and drug addiction
Use programs that develop Christian community leaders
Raise up community members who walk with Christ, graduate from high school, pursue higher education, get jobs to provide for their families, find decent & affordable housing and become leaders in their community

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