Why does Tearfund work with local churches?
In communities around the world, churches are supporting some of the most vulnerable people in areas which organisations can struggle to reach. Church leaders are often respected and act as role models within their communities – as such, they are well placed to lead development initiatives.
We believe that poverty exists as a result of broken relationships with God, ourselves, others and creation. The church can play a key role in helping to restore these four broken relationships, bringing whole-life transformation to individuals and communities.
Our vision for church and community transformation
Our vision is to see local churches actively responding to the holistic needs of their communities in practical and sustainable ways, using their God-given potential and resources. This is a life-long journey, and the destination is ‘church and community transformation’ (CCT). Tearfund’s role is to kickstart this journey by helping churches to recognise that they can play an active role in bringing about the change they long to see.
In fact, a recent independent study for Tearfund found that an incredible £28 of social value can be created for every £1 invested in the church and the community.