Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

East African Perspectives Of Family And Community, And How They Can Inform Western Ecclesiology, Ben Strait

M.A. in Family Ministry

East African families and communities function day-to-day as a single living organism. As one participant said, “Life is common.”[1] What he meant by that was that life is shared among the members of a community, whether biologically related relatives or those who live in close proximity with others. Throughout this research, close interaction with several native East Africans took place, and insights were made into how this view of communal living works itself out in daily life.

[1]. Yusufo, interview by author, Grand Rapids, March 31, 2014.

Ministering To Those Who Lose Their Jobs, Kevin Twain Lowery

Faculty Scholarship – Christian Ministry

Work is much more vital to a person's well-being than merely providing a means of financial support. Work is often a means of self-expression and socialization, and it thus is central to one's self-identity and self-esteem. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to ministering to those who lose their jobs or go through a major career change. The Christian concept of vocation is also very helpful in this regard.