How Holistic mission serve as a catalyst for accelerated community development? Have you taken sometime to ponder to what extent the Church can contribute to community development?
Introduction
Holistic mission refers to an integrative approach in mission work that addresses the spiritual, social and emotional needs of the individual and communities. This goes to say there is no separation between the spiritual and temporal needs of the faithful as all are catered for by leadership to foster holistic development of the faithful.
Holistic mission understands Christian mission as addressing the whole person. It therefore does not separate evangelism from concern for people’s social, economic, and physical needs (Bosch, 2011) https://indieskriflig.org.za/index.php/skriflig/article/view/2063/4070?utm
In the words of Pope Paul VI, the Church exist to evangelize. Holistic mission is therefore a practical steps towards this evangelization – one with a lasting impression on the congregation. It wasn’t by accident that Our Blessed Lord insisted on feeding the Masses (cfMatthew 14:13–21), paid Peter’s taxes and his (cf Matthew 17:24–27) and changed water to wine (cf John 2:1-11).
All these points to the fact that the human mind is never properly disposed to witness to the evangelical mission till the economic wellbeing is adequately handled (Evangelii Nuntiandi.)https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_p-vi_exh_19751208_evangelii-nuntiandi.html?utm
It is therefore eminent on Christian Leaders to imbibe holistic mission – evangelization beyond the walls of the church. This indeed is in line with the gospel preached by the missionaries – they brought school, hospitals and access to pipe born water to make the people prepared for the mission.
In Africa today some of the key areas where if properly addressed will make holistic mission a catalyst for community development are: youth empowerment, skill acquisition and literacy programmes. The Church indeed understands the people she serve and hence she can easily identify and address these problems at different locations as the need arises.
The onus on the Christian Leaders therefore is to look at their members not with the eyes of expectation for more offerings, more tithes, more seed sowing but to identify those areas deserving of immediate intervention. Think of a community that empowers her members with digital skills, financial literacy skills and or empowers others with tools and machines for work. This will lead to economic stability and enable same members to give back to the Church thereby increasing the finances of the church, raising standard of living and making the gospel more practical.
The church indeed is a sign of hope for the society. This image she must strive to maintain not just by words but with deeds too. Holistic mission therefore means bringing faith, service, human dignity; social responsibility and practical actions together. These are essential part of the Catholic Social Teaching and must be uphold by the Christian Leaders.
Conclusion
In conclusion, holistic mission reminds Christian leaders that the Church is called to care for the whole person. Evangelization should not be separated from the real needs of the people. When the Church helps people to gain skills, become economically stable, access education and live with dignity, she gives practical expression to the Gospel.
Community development is therefore not outside the mission of the Church. It is one of the ways the Church can show the love of Christ in practical terms.
About the Author & TABS
Tyosue Christopher Kpega is the founder of TABS – Thomas Aquinas Bookstore and Sacramentals and the Convener of FaithDigest, a Catholic initiative focused on Catechesis, Faith formation, and engaging Catholics in the life and teachings of the Church.
Through TABS, he promotes sound Catholic teaching and provides quality sacramentals, including rosaries, scapulars, crucifixes, holy water bottles, anointing oils, and sacred incense for prayer and Christian devotion across Nigeria.
This article is one of the author’s preliminary assignments for the Theology for Service Leadership (TSL) programme at the Augustine Institute. It reflects his understanding of holistic mission and Christian leadership, particularly the role of the Church in responding to both the spiritual and practical needs of people and communities.
Looking for Catholic sacramentals in Nigeria? TABS provides carefully selected devotional items that support prayer, devotion, and faithful Catholic living.