THE EVANGELICAL
COLLEGE OF
THEOLOGY JUI
NAME: JOHN WYSE
ID NUMBER: 1068
COURSE: CHURCH AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMNET
ASSIGNMENT
PART 1: CHURCH PROJECT AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
Background Information about the Church
Great Lion Ministries International is a charismatic, Bible-
believing church located in the central area of Bo, Sierra Leone.
Founded in 2005 by Apostle Daniel S. Conteh, the church was
birthed out of a vision to raise spiritual warriors and community
builders. Great Lion Ministries is known for its prophetic teaching,
deliverance services, and a strong commitment to social
transformation. With over 1,200 members, the church has grown
into a spiritual hub and a development partner in the region.
Community Development Project: Kingdom Builders
Initiative (KBI)
In 2020, Great Lion Ministries launched the Kingdom Builders
Initiative (KBI), a strategic development program aimed at
reducing poverty, promoting education, and improving sanitation in
underdeveloped areas of Bo District.
1. Educational Support Scheme
The church runs a scholarship program for underprivileged students
from primary to university level. In addition, it provides free school
supplies and hosts weekend tutoring for exam preparation.
2. Clean Water and Sanitation Project
Through partnerships with local engineers and foreign donors, the
church has installed boreholes in five water-scarce communities and
constructed eco-friendly toilet facilities in two public schools.
3. Women and Youth Empowerment
KBI also includes a mentorship and business startup training for
women and youth. The church trains participants in soap making,
petty trading, hairdressing, and poultry farming, and provides small
startup grants.
Impact Assessment
The Kingdom Builders Initiative has greatly improved the lives of the
people in Bo:
Educational Upliftment: Over 100 students have benefited
from scholarships, with many becoming role models in their
communities.
Improved Hygiene and Health: Access to clean water and
sanitation has reduced waterborne diseases, especially among
children.
Economic Empowerment: Women who once depended on
handouts now run small businesses, supporting their families
and contributing to the local economy.
Spiritual Growth: Many project beneficiaries are drawn to the
church through these outreach activities, where they find both
practical help and spiritual direction.
KBI is a testament to how the church can bring both the Gospel and
practical change to the people.
PART 2: HISTORICAL INVOLVEMENT OF THE CHURCH AND THE
AFRICAN CHURCH IN DEVELOPMENT
The church’s role in African development is deeply rooted in history.
From colonial times to modern-day Africa, churches have provided
holistic development—spiritual, educational, social, and economic.
1. Foundations Laid by Missionaries
The missionary era brought churches that emphasized both the
salvation of souls and the transformation of communities.
Missionaries built schools, clinics, and agricultural centers. In Sierra
Leone, early missionaries like those of the Church Missionary Society
(CMS) and Baptist Mission were instrumental in teaching literacy and
vocational skills to freed slaves and local communities.
2. Faith-Based Education and Literacy
African churches have been the backbone of educational
advancement. From Fourah Bay College to numerous village schools,
Christian institutions trained the first generation of African
professionals, including teachers, lawyers, pastors, and doctors.
Even today, churches continue to supplement government efforts in
education, especially in rural areas. Churches build schools, train
teachers, and advocate for girl-child education.
3. Healthcare and Humanitarian Work
Church-run clinics and hospitals, such as those of the Wesleyan and
Catholic missions, brought modern medicine to many parts of Africa.
Churches also played a crucial role during health crises like the
Ebola outbreak and COVID-19, serving as centers of information,
care, and hope.
4. Advocacy and Peacebuilding
Churches have been voices for the voiceless—challenging
corruption, promoting democracy, and calling for justice. In Sierra
Leone, the Inter-Religious Council played a vital role in mediating
peace during the civil war.
In Rwanda, post-genocide healing and reconciliation were largely led
by churches, showing the power of faith in rebuilding broken
societies.
5. Holistic Community Development
Modern African churches like Great Lion Ministries are embracing
holistic ministry—meeting both spiritual and physical needs.
Development is no longer seen as separate from mission but as a
part of it. Churches plant farms, run cooperatives, build roads, and
empower members to become change agents.
Through programs like Kingdom Builders Initiative, churches have
become trusted partners in achieving the UN Sustainable
Development Goals, particularly in poverty reduction, health,
education, and gender equality.
Conclusion
Great Lion Ministries, like many African churches, demonstrates
that faith and development go hand-in-hand. By responding to
community needs with love, action, and vision, the church becomes
a pillar of hope and transformation. From education to clean water,
from economic empowerment to spiritual revival, churches continue
to shape the future of Africa—one community at a time.
THE EVANGELICAL
COLLEGE OF
THEOLOGY JUI
NAME: JOHN WYSE
ID NUMBER: 1068
COURSE: CHURCH AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMNET
ASSIGNMENT
Historical Involvement of the Church in Development and the
African Church in Development
Introduction
The Church has historically played a significant role in human
development across the globe. Its involvement transcends spiritual
duties, encompassing social, educational, healthcare, and
community-focused initiatives. From its early beginnings in the
ancient world, the Church's contributions have been foundational in
shaping societies and cultures. In Africa, the Church has adapted to
local contexts, becoming a central force for development,
particularly during and after the colonial period. This essay explores
the historical involvement of the Church in global development and
highlights the specific contributions of the African Church.
The Global Church in Development
The Church’s involvement in development can be traced back to the
early Christian community. In Acts 2:44–45, early Christians
demonstrated an unwavering commitment to care for the poor, sick,
and marginalized. The early Church lived out the ideals of
community and charity by sharing resources and ensuring that no
one went without. This foundation laid the groundwork for the
Church’s long-standing commitment to social justice and community
welfare.
During the Middle Ages, monastic communities played a significant
role in social development. Monasteries were not only places of
worship and prayer but also centers of education and healthcare.
The Benedictine monks, for example, established hospitals,
agricultural innovations, and centers of learning, preserving
knowledge that might have been lost during turbulent periods.
These early contributions to societal well-being laid the groundwork
for many of the Church's future roles in development.
In the Reformation era, the Church's commitment to education grew
as Protestant reformers advocated for literacy, especially so that
individuals could read and interpret the Bible for themselves. This
desire for literacy and biblical understanding led to the
establishment of schools and universities, particularly in Europe. For
instance, many of the world's oldest universities, such as Oxford and
Cambridge, were founded by Christians with a desire to integrate
faith and learning. Education became a crucial tool for empowering
individuals and communities and remains a vital part of the Church’s
role in development today.
As the Church moved into the modern era, missionaries were at the
forefront of spreading Christianity alongside healthcare, education,
and social services. Missionaries risked their lives to bring both the
Gospel and tangible benefits like hospitals, schools, and vocational
training programs to regions around the world. While their
involvement was not without controversy—especially in its ties to
colonialism—the legacy of missionary work in global development
cannot be understated.
The African Church's Development Role
Christianity was introduced to Africa through colonial missionaries in
the 19th and 20th centuries. Early missionary work often took the
form of religious conversion and service provision. Missionaries
established schools, hospitals, and churches, laying the foundation
for the infrastructure and development efforts that would follow.
While missionary work was often criticized for its paternalism and its
role in supporting colonial governments, it also provided the first
formal education systems and healthcare services in many African
countries.
After the independence of African nations, the role of the Church
evolved. No longer a passive recipient of foreign missionary work,
the African Church began to take responsibility for its own
development efforts. The Church’s involvement became more
focused on addressing local needs and challenges. African pastors,
lay leaders, and Christian NGOs emerged as powerful voices for
community development, with a particular focus on promoting social
justice, human rights, and peace.
The African Church’s role in the fight for independence cannot be
overlooked. In countries like South Africa, the Church was central to
the resistance against apartheid. Prominent Christian leaders, such
as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, used their platform to call for justice,
equality, and reconciliation. The Church became a moral authority in
the fight against oppression, demonstrating its power to influence
political and social change.
In the post-independence era, the African Church’s contributions
expanded to include healthcare, education, and economic
development. During public health crises, such as the HIV/AIDS
epidemic and the Ebola outbreak, the Church played a crucial role in
providing education, counseling, and care. Faith-based organizations
often led the charge in raising awareness, combating stigma, and
providing medical care in rural areas where government resources
were limited.
In addition to health and education, African churches have been
instrumental in promoting economic empowerment. Many churches
run vocational training programs that equip individuals with practical
skills for employment. Churches have also been central to
microfinance initiatives, providing small loans and savings programs
to rural farmers and entrepreneurs. These programs enable
individuals to improve their livelihoods and contribute to local
economies.
The African Church has also played a vital role in promoting peace
and reconciliation. In nations like Rwanda, Liberia, and the
Democratic Republic of Congo, churches have acted as mediators in
times of conflict, facilitating dialogue between opposing groups and
helping to heal the wounds of war. Through community-based
initiatives, churches have brought together diverse communities,
providing support for trauma recovery and rebuilding social trust.
Conclusion
The historical involvement of the Church in development has been
profound and far-reaching. From its early roots in Christian charity to
its modern-day engagement in education, healthcare, justice, and
peacebuilding, the Church has demonstrated a consistent
commitment to improving the lives of individuals and communities
worldwide. In Africa, the Church has evolved from being a tool of
colonial powers to becoming an independent force for local
development. The African Church has been a key player in
addressing issues such as poverty, healthcare, education, and
conflict resolution, and its influence continues to grow.
As we move forward, it is crucial to recognize and support the efforts
of the Church in development. Whether through partnerships,
advocacy, or direct participation, the Church remains an essential
partner in the pursuit of holistic, sustainable development. It is
through the Church’s work, both in Africa and globally, that God's
Kingdom continues to expand on earth, as it is in heaven.
References
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Historical Perspective. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
2. Bediako, K. (2004). The Church and Its Mission in Africa: A
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3. Gittins, D. (1999). The Mission of the Church: Global
Movements and Local Communities. London: SCM Press.
4. Kalu, O. U. (2008). The African Church: A Historical
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Press.
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