Ellis, WillemBezuidenhout, Lynette2019-08-132019-08-1319-Janhttp://hdl.handle.net/11660/10280Dissertation (MDS (Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2019Local Christian churches have been identified as development partners needed to address the challenges of poverty and inequality in South Africa. Leaders of local congregations influence the manner in which these congregations become involved in their respective communities. This research indicates a need for the churches in Mangaung to foster an understanding of people-centred, participatory development in leaders and members, and address the legacy of apartheid to move away from the charity mind-set that determines its current involvement in surrounding communities.enChurchesRoleCommunity developmentPeople-centredParticipatoryMangaungDissertationUniversity of the Free State