Empowerment: A Key Component of Christian Community Development

The way we as Christians attempt to restore communities can be either harmful or helpful. The purpose of this book on Empowerment is to move us toward more effective involvement and empowerment with the poor. Leaders will learn to see our under-resourced communities and their residents through a new set of eyeglasses; focusing more on developing people's skills and capacities, rather than simply helping the poor live better lives. Empowerment is one of Eight Key Components of Christian Community Development, a Biblical approach to restoring under-resourced communities.

DR. MARY NELSON is President Emeritus of Bethel New Life, where she served for 26 years as the founder and CEO. Bethel was a pioneer in creative community-based efforts, helping to build healthier, sustainable and equitable communities on Chicago's west side. Two of the most notable projects developed under Mary's leadership were the adaptive re-use of a closed down inner city hospital, and a smart, green, mixed use commercial center at a transit stop. She presently serves on the boards of Sojourners, Christian Community Development Association, Good City and is past board president of Woodstock Institute. Mary earned her PhD from Union Graduate School and has been awarded six honorary PhDs. She is in demand as a consultant, writer, teacher, and speaker in all areas of community development. Mary presently lives in Chicago, IL and serves on the faculty of ABCD Institute (Northwestern University), North Park University, CCDA Institute, and the Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education (SCUPE).