Expanding the Definition of Resources

Resources are anything without which the common goal cannot be achieved. Think of an airplane flight from Tokyo to Singapore. The one who supplies fuel for most of the trip is no more important than the one who supplies the remainder. Both are equally valuable because both are needed in order for the goal to be reached. Resources are valued not in terms of their comparative material size or money value, but in terms of their absolute necessity in order to achieve the common goal.

Group Work: Create an imaginary partnership with those around your table:

1. Who are the partners?
2. What is your common goal?
3. What resources are needed?
4. What resources are to be provided by which partner?
5. What is the structure to implement the partnership?

Group work: Observations about the process:

1. Did a leader emerge and how? – Naturally or by appointment by group
2. How were decisions made? – By majority vote or by consensus
3. Group dynamics – Did all participate or did some dominate?

(From Unity in the Harvest Field – Alex Araujo – PI/IPA – 2006)

Resource List

What are your resources and what are the resources of those with whom you wish to partner? Use these questions to help recognize the varied diversity of resources which can be found in a person, a church, a group or a community. 

Financial

• Is the person able to purchase needed goods and services?
• Does the person have access to capital during times of need?
• Does the person believe in their ability? Or depend on others, such as donors?
• Is the issue the “use” of money? Or the “amount” of money?

Material

• Does the person have access to land?
• Does the person have assets, like a house, buying and selling business, etc.?
• Is the person using his or her assets wisely for personal and family gain?

Spiritual

• Does the person believe in divine guidance and protection?
• Does the person have a healthy/growing relationship with God?
• Is the person a part of a congregation or group of believers that can offer support?

Emotional

• Does the person have non-destructive coping strategies in adverse situations?
• Can the person identify feelings, take ownership of them, and choose positive actions?
• Does the person act on feelings? Or can they control their feelings?

Intellectual

• Can the person read, write, and compute well enough for daily living?
• Can the person problem-solve, think critically, innovate, and plan for the future?
• Can the person link cause and effect and identify consequences?

Physical

• Can the person take care of him or herself without help?
• Does the person have a disability or illness that keeps him or her from performing tasks?
• Does the person have ready access to healthcare knowledge and facilities?

Social Support

• Is there anyone available to help with needed know-how, advise, or other assistance?
• Does the support system encourage change and growth, or does it maintain the status quo?
• What connections and networks are available to this person?

Relationships

• Does the person have people that he or she cares about that will support their growth?
• Is the person connected to people with a positive or self-destructive influence?
• Is the person giving of him or herself for the benefit of others?

Skills, Knowledge, Capacity

• Is the person able to either compete in the labor market or become self-employed?
• Does the person have the skills or knowledge needed to achieve a better living standard?
• Does the person have the capacity to reach for and attain that better living standard?

Integrity, Persistence

• Does the person seek to do what is right and accept responsibility without blaming others?
• Does the person set goals for him or herself and have the energy to accomplish them?
• Does the person resist change and give up easily or resort to deceiving others?

Knowledge Of The Hidden Rules

• Does the person know the hidden rules of various people groups?
• Is the person seeking to understand the value system of the kingdom of God?
• Is the person able to choose to live by the rules that best approximate kingdom values?

December 9, 2008 revision Interagency Global Partnership Task Force, CRCNA