The role of the church - church growth

• what are the christian charities aims?

  to spread Christianity's key messages through action. They can provide both short-term and long-term aid locally and globally.
• CAFOD - Catholic Agency for Overseas Development

  • fight poverty and injustice around the world
  • works through churches in places that have suffered natural disasters
  • aiming to give people the skills to help themselves
• what is short term aid?

  provides immediate support during or after a disaster

  • eg food, medicines, tents etc
• What is long term aid?

  trying to solve problems so it never happens again

  • eg education for young people
  • fixing dams for clean water supply etc.
• What does Christian aid do?

  • set up after WW2 to help refugees in Europe
  • now works in disaster zones around the world responding to humanitarian emergencies (long-term)
  • often uses the skills of local people to improve life for the community
• What is Tearfund charity?

  • evangelical organisation (to serve the spirit of Jesus as well as addressing social needs)
  • aims to help end world hunger
  • cares for refugees in particular
  • large focus on spiritual need - set up 67,000 churches
• What are missionaries?

  • spread Christian message abroad not just by preaching BUT actions
  • eg development projects (a country becoming richer/ better healthcare/ education
• What is evangelism?

  Involves converting people to Christianity. Often goes together with the activities of missionaries. They believe it can help people discover their real purpose in life.

  • eg donates copies of the bible to hotels and hospitals