Frequently-asked questions

[-] Faith-Based Facilitation (FBF) is a process and a set of tools that help people to think, talk, explore and respond to their issues in the light of faith. It results in the development of healthier people and communities. FBF uses a process of theological reflection enriched by tools from the social sciences.
 

[-] The Salvation Army believes faith is an essential dimension in the development of healthy people and communities. Faith does not limit The Salvation Army's ability, as described in its mission statement to 'meet human needs without discrimination'; rather, faith in God the Father, Son and Spirit is the source of all Salvation Army mission. However, faith dimensions need to be handled with wisdom and care particularly in multi-faith societies.
FBF offers a process and a set of tools to assist in this task. This approach is consistent with foundational Salvation Army teaching including the Doctrines, Orders and Regulations and Official Minutes.
 

[-] No, it can be used by many people. The Salvation Army believes the Christian gospel can transform every part of life (body, mind and soul) and can be experienced by everyone, everywhere. The mission of The Salvation Army is to live out and share the whole gospel for the whole person for the whole world.
Faith-Based Facilitation helps this transformation to take place. Using the FBF process and tools can create opportunities for people with different faiths and worldviews to work together. This results in deeper relationships, healthier people and more capable communities.
 

[-] This is not a project or a programme but rather a way of working that is encouraged across The Salvation Army. It can be used in all parts of The Salvation Army including community development, social work, health, evangelism, emergency services, administrative decisions, counselling, etc. The FBF process and tools are helpful when engaging in caring, learning, planning and solving activities.
 

[-] Any of the following:
- Individuals can use the FBF process and tools to think through issues and challenges on their own (however most of the tools are best used in a group setting).
- A group working together in a community can use FBF in everyday activities, particularly in caring, learning, planning, solving and advocacy activities.
- An external team – a group of people can join with a community and develop relationships using Faith-Based Facilitation to share and learn.
 

[-] Five key principles have been identified as foundational attitudes for people using FBF:
Community - Salvationists believe every person is made in the image of God. Faith-based facilitation helps to build deeper relationships with all people - particularly poor and marginalised people who live in our neighbourhood. Transformation of people and society is the calling of all Christians and FBF helps people better participate in God's mission in the world.
Grace – God is not confined to holy places like churches or temples. People of faith are required to connect into their communities, developing relationships with as many people as possible because God's grace is for everyone and is everywhere.
Hope – Faith-based facilitators believe in the possibility of transformation towards a better world today as well as hope for eternity.
Care – Faith-based facilitators seek to stand side by side with people. The result is people seeking genuinely to engage with situations and suffering without seeking to manipulate people for other agendas.
Change – Faith-based facilitators believe every person deserves a better quality of life. Therefore, changes in economic, physical and educational circumstances should be measured and monitored. A key outcome of FBF is improved spiritual and relational health. The apostle Paul listed the characteristics of godly, healthy people: 'love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control' (Galatians 5:22-23).
 

[-] It takes as long as necessary. Skilled facilitators learn when to move to the next step but most often people need much time to work through the four stages leading to step 5 – action. That is a good thing – relationships take time to deepen and people need time to process the information that emerges through the FBF process. Don't rush!
 

[-] No. Throughout human history people of faith have found ways of integrating their beliefs with their actions. Salvationists have taken this task particularly seriously. FBF builds on the work done by The Salvation Army in recent years in areas such as integrated mission, community development tools, community counselling, servant leadership, SALT, psycho-social counselling, etc.
The FBF process complements and strengthens many of these existing approaches. FBF offers specific processes and tools which need to be thoroughly learnt so they become intentional habits. This is a new approach for many people.
 

[-] The CPMS system is The Salvation Army’s tool for managing and supporting community projects which receive international support. FBF is a way of working used by The Salvation Army in all aspects of its ministry. Occasionally, at Step 4 of the FBF process, a resource gap may be identified relating to an issue of concern in a community. In this situation, the CPMS system could be used to access external resources thereby enabling the community to achieve their vision. Information and insights gathered during the FBF process should be used in the preparation of CPMS system concept notes and project proposals.
 

[-] Additional case studies and tools are continually being developed. Resources approved by the IHQ Programme Resources Department can be downloaded from the Resources section of this website.