I have been spending a lot of time contemplating the issue of how one should define community for some time now. I don't think I have it fully defined yet, but I think I have another piece.
Recently I have had the opportunity to talk with LeRoy King, the director of Monroe Circle Community Center (MC3), which is a hub of community transformation. This place is literally changing the landscape, attitudes, and trends of downtown South Bend. Since it's renovation and launch, MC3 has not only provided a food pantry to the neighborhood, but has also done home makeovers, taught job skills, and provided education programs to help individuals break the cycle of generational poverty. They are making an impact in their community, so I took the rare opportunity to ask his thoughts on defining community. His answer was straightforward: Look at the numbers.
He explained to me further that you have to ask questions like;
-Did the number of violent crimes actually go down since you started doing what you're doing?
-Are there less people getting raped in your area since you got there?
-Has the number of people on long term unemployment declined?
-Are the police able to spend less time on illegal narcotics because it just is less common?
He was pretty clear, check the census data in your area. If you claim to be a community leader, you have to ask, are you making an impact? Does the 2010 census data agree with you? If not, I would suggest another question. What are you willing to give up (sacrifice) today, to get where God wants you to be tomorrow? Because God may have a bigger dream for you than you do, and you might not be able to accomplish it from where you are right now.
-Dave
Jeremian 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
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