Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

After reading the book, Community—The Structure of Belonging by Peter Block, I’ve been consumed with learning more about ways to live in and build better community (for myself and others). Shortly after having been transformed by the words I read, I also became interested in Asset-Based Community Development. Though Peter Block didn’t coin this term, his book certainly echoes the sentiments that ABCD encapsulates. What is Asset-Based Community Development and why is it important for the Church?

First, before I try to explain, please know that I am only reflecting on how I’ve been impacted by what I’ve recently learned. I am in no way an expert in ABCD, so I highly recommend that you familiarize yourself by reading about Asset-Based Community Development independently. I would start with books from John McKnight and/or Peter Block.

How many times have you critiqued something by pointing out its flaws or weaknesses? When was the last time you’ve asked yourself how you’ve been responsible for things being the way they are? How many times have you thought, “Well, if only we had this, or got that, we’d be o.k.,” or “If we only got this expert to fix it,” or “We need to get rid of the guy in charge because someone else will do a better job at fixing things?” Let me assure you, all of this is typical.

But what is special about Asset-Based Community Development? Well, for one thing, we focus on what we have, not what we don’t have. We celebrate our diversity and our gifts, rather than focus on our shortcomings. We use our gifts and talents to achieve endless possibilities. We celebrate today, rather than celebrate the romanticized past through nostalgia. We are accountable to ourselves because we take responsibility for our current situation. We don’t play the blame game.

Though this is a crude and inadequate summary of what Asset-Based Community Development is, I’m hopeful that churches will recognize the authority on which ABCD is established: Love, patience, grace, and mercy. I hope that the future will be ushered in with more communities practicing the tenants of Asset-Based Community Development.