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STORY: The Church as a Gateway
This story uncovers the Stairstep Initiative, which works to promote the historic role of the Church in the African American community. The project seeks to engage the church in a variety of community issues, and build the church's credibility and capacity while also strengthening the community. This faith-based effort does not mean evangelization. Instead, it calls for a network for churches to come up with a unique approach to each community.
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| Discussion Questions |
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- What is the goal of the Stairstep Initiative?
- How can the church rebuild its credibility and capacity?
- How can the churches combine their faith-driven efforts with provision of services to the community members?
- Why is it important for churches to develop a "unique and customized approach" to each community?
- What can churches do as a network to improve the quality of life in their communities?
- Besides churches, what other organizations can work to address community problems?
- One leader of the Stairstep Initiative spoke about being sensitive to the issues and occurrences in one another’s lives. What does this mean? What does this look like?
- If you are involved in a church or another religion organization, what are some examples of faith-based efforts in your community?
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| Ideas for Action |
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Getting the Facts
Invite the students to do research and learn about recent trends and legal developments concerning the involvement of faith-based organizations in social services.
A few useful websites:
Stairstep Initiative
http://www.stairstep.org
The Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy
http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
http://www.lssmn.org
Engage Minnesota
http://www.engagemn.com
Review & Recommend
Have the students review faith-based efforts in their communities. In what community projects are churches and other faith-based organizations involved? What are the impacts? Invite participants to look at what faith-based organizations are already doing and to come up with recommendations of what else is needed in their communities.
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