HOLISM-A Focal Approach

I wish to give a brief introduction for my emphasis on the crucial topic, Holism. It is my strong desire and conviction by the spirit of God to accentuate the integration of holism in the churches so that its visibility is not merely by its name or location but primarily for the influence it creates. 

The community the church influences would find solution from it for every facet of life problem, be it spiritual, socio-economical or socio-cultural or political. I pray this series on Holism will be a blessing as it is a requirement to be the core of our ministry and life.

It is important to understand that the Bible exercises its full authority over Holism. God is Holistic and the Bible reiterates it. The Old Testament in the Bible  required mankind to act justly, to love faithfulness, to walk humbly before God (Micah 6:8) and stretched its focus yet wider demanding attentions towards poor, orphans, strangers and to all vulnerable category. 

The demand and expectation to operate and have its approaches Holistically remains unchanged. In the New Testament Luke narrates that Jesus grew Holistically -  “..Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52,NASB). The four areas Cognitive (wisdom), Physical (stature), Spiritual (favor with God) and Socio-emotional (favor with men) development. This passage translates to us clearly that man is made Holistic. 

We are able to see that the Holism is being reiterated throughout the Bible not as a concept or an idea but the core of a person's existence as meant by God. This will not be realized unless individuals and Church connect with Holism and exhibit the principle in all its approaches.  This is the mandate for each individuals and the church as required by God in the Bible. Therefore we can confer that the church is  the integration of the  three crucial areas; Fellowship of the believers, Biblical mandate and social dimension-which is its mission. This is further explained in the pictorial presentation given below:

The early church depicted this model strongly as described in Acts 4:34 - "For there was not a needy person among them..." By the time we come to Chapter 6 of Acts, we notice that the leadership had appointed seven anointed people to  manage the social wing effectively. The one thing that fascinates me is that the social intervention of the early church was not confined to external funding channels but  were able to mobilize resources internally (How often the majority seems to miss this opportunity). It is a clear indication that every individual and the leaders realize it      as a biblical call towards Holism. 

It is said, “The local church is the hope for the world, and its future rests primarily in the hands of the leaders”. 

• How is the Church going to respond? 
• What is the plan to address the physical needs, the social needs, physiological needs, the emotional needs of the people in the church and in the community? 
• How do the church, Christian fellowship, groups going to work it out? 
• Do we have a plan to make the approaches consistent and less sporadic? 

It is the demand of the Bible that the Body of Christ takes this issue very seriously and exhibit the gospel of love in action.  Definitely, not only confined to, as a worship center for believers, but also to become Holistic in nature and viewed that way by the world. Unless the Church raises to this standard, I am afraid it will not have any effect in the lives of the people.

David Bosch reminds us that “the church is both a theological and a sociological entity, an inseparable union of the divine and the dusty."  Our community is filled with varied problem that needs an Holistic approach from the Church to reach them.  It just cannot emphasize on spiritual facet alone. Bryant L. Myers in his book "Walking with the Poor" states "When we separate the spiritual from the physical, not only do we separate evangelism from development, but we separate gospel-as-word from the gospel-as-deed, and provide no home for gospel-as-sign."  May the good Lord help us as individuals and church to take up this call to integrate our life and approach towards Holism and transform our community.  

This is the vision God has given to SHEFA to work alongside the churches in building the Holistic approach. The intervention is to establish an active social program or revamp the existing program, derived out of the vision and mission of the Church, develop a Church strategy (short-term and long-term) and connecting to the resources available. You may reach us to know how we can impact your ministry or be part of your mission by extending your support in what we do.

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Blessings 

David Raj

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