29May 2012 by Nigel Ring

Toxic Charity – how churches and charities hurt those they help

Books, Christian ministry, Equipping, Good Practice, Poor, Relief and Development, Social Enterprise
This is a provocative book - a 'must read' for those working among people who are poor or disadvantaged, espcially in an urban setting. But first, the church I belong to (CCK, Brighton) was live on BBC television last Sunday? This  was a one hour Pentecost service. You can watch it on this link. When helping hurts In recent months I have been recommending widely When helping hurts. As the title suggests our well-intentioned generosity may sometimes cause greater problems rather than relieving them (but not always!). It looks critically at the damage we can cause, particularly with cross-cultural ministry among the poor, and suggests how we can improve our practice. Toxic Charity Here is another thought-provoking read to make you think through your stance on how you really can…
Read More
16Apr 2012 by Nigel Ring

Good Practice in Education – pt 2

Education, Equipping, Good Practice, Poor, South Africa
In part 1 of this report about the multi-cultural Dihlabeng School, situated near the border between South Africa and Lesotho, Margaret Grant, the Founder, Visionary and Principle, shared about the History and Vision. Now she shows how effective the school is at fulfilling this vision, how she has obtained funding and some of the lessons learned from her experiences. This report, taken from my book ‘The Poor deserve the Best' (see side panel), is one of thirteen I included with the intention of being a practical help to others who may be considering starting similar ministries. What is the fruit of the ministry? The school has been in existence for ten years and so there have been a fair number of learners who have passed through the school and gone…
Read More
10Apr 2012 by Nigel Ring

Good Practice in Education – pt 1

Education, Equipping, Good Practice, Poor, South Africa
Examples of Good Practice In the last section in my book The Poor deserve the Best (see side panel) I have included reports from various development ‘sectors' to illustrate good practice and to give key considerations for others who may be considering starting a ministry in the same sector. This and the next posting was included in the Education sector. Margaret Grant, Founder and Principal of Dihlabeng Christian School in the Free State, South Africa, shares from her own experience. The Vision Dihlabeng Christian School was started in January 2000 as a part of Dihlabeng Christian Church's desire to bring hope to the hopeless by working with the materially disadvantaged and those from the poorer part of the community. The school aims to provide children with an excellent primary school…
Read More
26Mar 2012 by Nigel Ring

The secret ingredient

Christian ministry, Development, Equipping, Good Practice, Poor, South Africa
Gospel Impact As I travel to churches helping them think through the key issues to launch a ministry with the poor I invariably contrast what the church has to offer compared to secular NGOs and aid agencies. There are areas of similarity and areas of contrast. The biggest contrast is that we have a ‘secret ingredient' - the Gospel. We are able to approach the ministry God has laid on our hearts knowing that we go into situations in the name of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Angela Kemm I first met Angela in 1987. Working out of what is now called Jubilee Church, a Newfrontiers church in Cape Town, South Africa, Angela regularly stepped out of her comfort zone and went into the communities living in tents and…
Read More
16Jan 2012 by Nigel Ring

New Year, New Season, New Opportunity

Books, Good Practice, Kenya, News, Poor, Relief and Development
This is my first posting since before Christmas. I hope you had a good break and were able to celebrate the coming of Jesus to Earth for our sakes. Also, that you have entered the New Year full of hope and expectation! The past month There have been two significant events in my life in the last month. First, the Newfrontiers office in Hove closed just before Christmas. All enquiries should now be referred to David Devenish's office in Bedford (ddoffice@swissmail.org). Second, I have just returned from Kenya. I was there to monitor what is happening through Newfrontiers churches to assist with alleviation of shortages of food and water caused by the long drought they have been experiencing over the last 12 months. They are doing well but I heard…
Read More
20Oct 2011 by Nigel Ring

Equipping conferences in November – Debt and Homelessness

Equipping, Finance, Good Practice, News, Poor
Both Debt and Homelessness are two major problems in these days of recession and many churches are becoming involved in helping people in their localities. We, in Newfrontiers, are privileged to have two highly experienced long-standing networks which are eager to equip other churches to serve those who are affected by these two social issues. Debt Advice Community Money Advice was birthed in the Newfrontiers church in Burgess Hill. It now represents a network of about 100 centres across the UK, both within Newfrontiers and among other Christians. Envision, the annual CMA conference, will be held at HTB in London November 4th - 5th. This provides an ideal opportunity for those considering starting a debt advice ministry to understand what is involved, how to access training etc. You can book…
Read More