Not according to the media , so watch out if you are a country church leader about to accept the offer of a grant for more work by your people . You may well be inviting them to burnout.You and your people know community development is up your alley, but the social engineers down in the big smoke would rather try soemthing new than stick with sustainable economic and ecological development . These are both areas I know a bit about .
Some questions before you decide
1. Will the fund managers join you on the Jericho road outside your church?
2. We will consider the offer if you give us 5 yrs to train someone ( on probation)
As one who has given 5 years to a church based project that was so successful that it was copied and FULLY funded by government operatives ( many millions now) , believers need to be warned that burnout of individuals and sidelining of churches is more than likely in the longer term . look here
Take this latest idea from the ABC
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-30/enticing-migrants-to-the-regions-and-out-of-cities/10040146
Is not this yet another another brilliant idea to be badly implemented?
Take this as a warning to believers to avoid trying to manage and use short term grants in regional areas.
PLEASE insist on long term funding. The current project culture suits Ministers and publc servants - BUT its NOT the best way
The current system a seriuos handicap to sound progress in public funding and professional health care in many areas of goverenment .
Churches would do well to lead in opposition to lots of project funding
and the crippling current culture of experimental change, disrespect for professionals and local experience , insulting incompetent performance assessment and unecessary levels of middle management.- the current process clearly risks corruption of staff morale and even poorer use of the public dollar.
h
