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At FAR, we believe that faith-based ministries can bring about amazing personal and community transformation. But we’ve also seen well-intentioned but weak programs that don’t deliver on their promises.

FAR recommends the following resources for individuals and church leaders looking for wisdom in effective “how-to’s” and successful program models:


FASTEN
A number of books and studies have provided insight on principles for effectiveness in community ministry. At the Faith and Service Technical Education Network (FASTEN) website ministry leaders will find a rich array of resources to help guide their efforts. The site offers how-to toolkits, profiles of effective ministries, and the FASTEN Bookshelf, with reviews of key books like Corbett and Fikkert’s When Helping Hurts.

Outcome Based Evaluation
To be effective, ministries need the ability to clearly articulate their mission, define measurable goals, and track their progress toward those objectives. FASTEN offers a tutorial on Outcomes Based Evaluation (OBE) that can help leaders get started.

ABCD
Traditional ministries begin with people’s (or community’s) needs. Asset Based Community Development starts with what’s right, not what’s wrong, in a neighborhood. This community development philosophy emphasizes building on the assets present and engaging community residents in their own efforts to improve their situations. The paradigm started with research John McKnight and Jody Kretzman at Northwestern University, but a considerable number of Christian scholars and practitioners have adapted this approach for use by faith-based organizations. To learn more visit the Communities First Association. There you will find resources, tools, and relevant stories.


Promising Models
Coming: FAR’s case study on  Bridge2Rwanda