Browsing by Author "Yoms, Ephraim"

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    A comparative discourse on Christian and secular distinctive features of transformational development
    (Southern African Missiological Society, 2017) Yoms, Ephraim; Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine
    The primary objective of this article is to explore some distinctions between Christian and secular views of transformation, characteristics of transformational development and the holistic practitioner. To meet this aim, relevant literature has been explored. The article argues that the Christian’s development motivation, goal and process are distinctive. The affirmation of indigenous knowledge; peaceful relationships, self-worth, empowerment and spiritual development are basic characteristics of transformational development. The paper also insists that the attitudes and characteristics of a holistic practitioner play a crucial role in realising these characteristics of transformational development. Understanding the value of this could assist faith-based organization and church-based development agency staff in engaging holistically.
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    Towards a people-centred approach in theology for socio-economic rural community development in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Yoms, Ephraim; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research proposes a people-centred approach to community development in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, within a practical theology framework. The researcher, therefore examine the community development approach in Nasarawa State Nigeria, to ascertain the extent of a people-centred approach in order for a more robust concept that is reasonable for the church towards socio-economic community development. The data used in this research was collected from secondary sources. These sources include: articles, books, journals and public documents. The research recognizes considerable efforts made so far towards socio-economic development of Nasarawa State. The research indicates that socio-economic development in the rural communities continues to face major challenges, due to the absence of an effective approach to development. The research argues that the persistence of poverty in such communities is inconsistent with the riches of the State‘s natural resources. Therefore, the research proposes a holistic approach which focuses on the participation of the church in community development efforts, and which is motivated by both physical and spiritual needs of the people. It is argued in this research that contrary to modernization, relief and welfare which create dependency, a people-centred approach restores power to the people and enables active participation of the poor in the process of community development. The research holds the view that a holistic people-centred approach of development entails participation, empowerment, self-reliance and sustainability which are basic components of community development. The goal of the church in development in terms of reconciliation and building relationships is considered to ensure that these components are duly achieved.
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    Transformational development as theological challenge: an evaluation of the ECWA people oriented development programmes
    (Stellenbosh : Stellenbosch University, 2015-12) Yoms, Ephraim; Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study explores various community development theories and practices and, using the holistic criteria proposed by Myers, the study evaluates the impact of ECWA‘s People Oriented Development (POD) programmes in selected beneficiating communities in Northern Nigeria. The study revealed that the earlier conceptualisation of ‘development‘ was perceived strictly in socio-economic terms. Thereafter, the approaches shifted in focus towards human development and environmental sustainability. Transformational Development (TD) is posed as a holistic Christian framework for addressing human and social change. This approach holds that transformation is premised on change for a better future, which is underpinned by the principles of shalom: just, peaceful and, harmonious relationships with God, oneself, individuals within a given community and the environment. The empirical study discovered that the socio-economic challenges facing the selected communities were food shortages, bad roads, educational needs, and economic and health challenges. Unemployment, mismanagement, illiteracy, disunity and religious issues were viewed as causes of poverty in the selected communities. The various remedial measures taken by ECWA‘s POD to address some of these challenges include: water supply, food security, health services, economic empowerment, infrastructural projects, environmental sustainability and spiritual development activities. The evaluative framework proposed by TD, sought to assess positive changes in the cultural and religious aspects of people‘s lives, and a positive change in attitude toward God, the Christian Gospel and spirituality. This aspect of the evaluation identified the significant impact of ECWA‘s POD programmes on the lives of the beneficiaries, such as in self-help activities, communal work, prayer and Bible study. However, due to poverty, underdevelopment and a lack of understanding of the God of the Bible still prevalent in the targeted communities, it is difficult to conclude that ECWA‘s POD interventions have sufficiently led to TD. This lack of a suitable approach to development, such as the separation of POD as an agency to meet physical needs while the local church focuses on spiritual needs, is inconsistent with the holistic approach. Therefore, the research concludes that evangelism and social change in the process of community transformation must work simultaneously.