Insights Into the Tensions Facing Western Christians Working Overseas in an Educational Faith-Based Organisation: A Case Study

Abstract

For the last 20 years, there has been a growing interest in researching faith-based organisations (FBOs) in international development. Much of the research on FBOs tries to analyse whether faith has a positive or negative impact on development. This often leads to contradictory results. This case study shows insights into tensions that FBO staff face on issues such as gender, evangelism and donor pressure. The results show that the picture of faith’s role in development is much more nuanced than portrayed by much of the existing literature. The conclusion offers recommendations for policy makers and member care personnel.