Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 1
Clyde describes “asset-based development” as flipping the instinctive reaction of “they don’t have this, they don’t have that” into noticing God-given resources like water, fertile land, and even “gifted, strong, muscled young men idle”; what does that reveal about how God has already supplied communities before any outsider arrives, and what does it expose about the spiritual danger of a Western “savior” mindset?
Another way to ask: What does it show about how God has already given a community what it needs before outsiders show up? How can a Western “savior” attitude be spiritually dangerous?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript suggests God has already placed real resources, abilities, and potential inside communities, even very poor ones, so outsiders should start by seeing what God has given rather than assuming “nothing is there.” It also exposes the spiritual danger that Westerners easily slip into believing they themselves are the key resource, which can become pride and a distorted worldview.
- Clyde defines community development as “asset-based development… what assets and resources exist within your community.”
- He contrasts the instinct: “Wow, they don't have this, they don't have that,” with flipping it to notice “water… good fertile land… even young people.”
- He calls “gifted, strong, muscled young men idle” a “resource.”
- He highlights the “important distinction” of “utilizing resources that exist versus aid or relief or bringing something from outside the community.”
- He warns it’s “very subtle” because our mind can assume: “I'm from the West… we got it figured out, and I'm the resource,” calling it a “very slippery slope” unless “really intentional.”