Professional Documents
Culture Documents
STUDIES
Submitted By
NOEUM VANNAK
CHAPTER 1................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................1
Problem Statement.......................................................................................................................1
A Demographic Presentation.......................................................................................................2
Research Questions......................................................................................................................2
Assumptions.................................................................................................................................3
Religion Challenge......................................................................................................................4
Financial Challenge.....................................................................................................................5
Definition of Terms.....................................................................................................................6
CHAPTER 2................................................................................................................................7
BIBLICAL FOUNDATION........................................................................................................7
CHAPTER 3................................................................................................................................9
METHODOLOGY......................................................................................................................9
Qualitative Research....................................................................................................................9
Research Setting..........................................................................................................................9
Participants.................................................................................................................................10
PROCEDURES.........................................................................................................................10
Data Collection..........................................................................................................................10
CHAPTER 4..............................................................................................................................12
DATA ANALYSIS....................................................................................................................12
Emerging Themes......................................................................................................................12
Theme 2.....................................................................................................................................13
Emerging Themes......................................................................................................................15
Theme 3.....................................................................................................................................15
Theme 4.....................................................................................................................................16
Emerging Themes......................................................................................................................17
CHAPTER 5..............................................................................................................................19
SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND CONCLUSION...............................................19
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................19
Recommendation.......................................................................................................................19
Reference.....................................................................................................................................1
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
Problem Statement
Phnom Penh is a difficult place to preach Christ due to poverty, addiction,
homelessness, and other social problems. The causes of these problems are complex
and diverse. However, basic factors include the legacy of the Khmer Rouge
government, the country's long history of political instability and violence, and high
levels of poverty and unemployment. By providing social help, moral support, and
hope, the church can play an important role in addressing these issues. By tackling
problems and embracing opportunities, the church can bring hope and change to the
people of Phnom Penh.
1
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to solve the problem of the people in the city to
have a better life and have hope in Jesus Christ. It is good to share the hope of God
with them while they are hopeless. They are lost that Jesus came to the earth to find
them. If we reach these people, they will easily open their hearts to accept Jesus if
Research Questions
This research paper will discuss the following about the questions according to the
textbook which Professor Gerson P. Santos has given us on the course syllabus. We
are going to discuss the five books such as Ministry To The Cities, New York – A
Symbol, City Of God, City Of Satan: A Biblical Theology, Seek The Peace Of The
City: Reflection On Urban Ministry, And Center Church.
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Limitation of the Study
There are some limitations of the study that I encounter with this study. It is
very hard to write the research while I have a short time for it. It affects my work
while both work and study at the same time. On the other hand, I have difficulty
finding books to read because my area has no library that is nearby my area. My
church members ring me and come to meet me often, so I have a limited time for
doing this research paper. On the other hand, I have limited knowledge of English. I
am a slow learner and reader. I need more time to read and think in order to
understand the study. However, I will try my best for the research paper, and I hope
This research is focusing on the ministry in Phnom Penh city only. It is not
focused on other cities or districts. Why am I focusing on Phnom Penh city only?
Because I know only the situation in my city. I have many experiences with it while
I have a few years pastoring in the district. I will be more concentrated on the
spirituality of the rich people in Phnom Penh city, Phnom Penh district, Cambodia
Religion Challenge.
follows Theravada Buddhism, with Islam, Christianity, and tribal animism as well
as Baha’i faith making up the bulk of the small remainder. The Wat (Buddhist
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such as reincarnation and the accumulation of merit, are at the center of religious
life. There are 97.9% of Cambodia's population was Buddhist, 1.1% Muslim, 0.5%
is Christian, and 0.6% Other. The most of Cambodian population is Buddhist, 2.0%
Muslim, 0.4% Christian, and 0.7% folk religion and non- religious (Wikipedia,
Cambodians believed in Hinduism in the past, and now they believe in Buddhism.
Other than that, nowadays, most people believe in combination with these two
religions. They are very strong in their own religion, and they don’t want to
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Financial Challenge.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been around for 20 years in Cambodia.
Cambodia Adventist Mission has almost four thousands church members for the
whole Mission in Cambodia (Lundby, 2018). However, Phnom Penh city is under
Phnom Penh district which has members of around 500 people. Therefore, the fund
this city. The rich people are busy with their businesses, and the poor people are
busy with their work. It is very difficult to reach them while they leave home early
the morning and come back home at a late time. In order to reach these people, we
want to have a Central of Influence but we cannot do anything because we lack the
funds. Pastor Lim Pheng says “It is difficult to build the Central of Influence in
Phnom Penh because we don’t have funds. We need to pray for the fund” (Pheng,
2021).
Phnom Penh is a big area but we don’t have enough workers. I am both a
city church pastor and a district pastor. I have 8 worship groups under my
supervision. However, I have only four Bible workers to work with me. It is a
challenge for me while I am working in the city in order to reach the urbanist and
also taking care of the other groups in the district. If I work more in the city, the
other groups are lower, and if I work more in the groups, the church in the city is
almost dead. Phnom Penh needs not only one or two workers, but we need more
than ten Bible workers in order to hold hand in hand to bring the good news to the
ancient city of Cambodia. Every year, I request my Mission for missionaries to help
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me, but I
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get nothing because the Mission also has a hard time preparing the missionaries
for us as well.
Opportunity
Accept the gospel: Despite the obstacles, interest in the gospel is growing if we have a
better way to share the Good News. Many people are looking for meaning and hope in
their lives. If we have a good method to win their hearts, I believe they will accept
Jesus as their savior.
The role of the church in society: The church has the potential to play an important
role in Phnom Penh society. It has the capacity to provide social services such as
education, health care and economic growth. It also helps bring about peace and
reconciliation.
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In Phnom Penh, the Church has a unique opportunity to make a difference. By
addressing problems and embracing opportunities, the Church can bring hope and
change to the people of Phnom Penh city because both rich and poor also need hope
from God.
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CHAPTER 2
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- Holy Spirit Empowers Workers. All who desire an opportunity for true ministry, and
who will give themselves unreservedly to God, will find in the canvassing work
opportunities to speak upon many things pertaining to the future, immortal life.(p64)
- Youth to Be Taught to Be Useful Adults. The true motive of service is to be kept
before old and young. The students are to be taught in such a way that they will
develop into useful men and women. (p66)
- Personal Witness More Effective Than Public Preaching. (p81)
2. Identify at least five strategies presented on this book that could be utilized
today. Which principles are presented on these strategies and how would you
adapt them in your context?
A. Principle: Deception
Adaptation: In your context, you could adapt this principle by being cautious about
revealing your true intentions to others. By maintaining a certain level of discretion,
you can protect yourself from potential harm, maintain an element of surprise, and
prevent others from taking advantage of you.
B. Principle: Action over Words
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Adaptation: Focus on demonstrating your competence and effectiveness through
your actions rather than engaging in unnecessary arguments or debates. In your
context, this could mean prioritizing results, productivity, and tangible achievements,
which can speak louder than mere words.
C. Principle: Scarcity
Adaptation: By occasionally creating a sense of scarcity or limiting your
availability, you can enhance your perceived value and desirability in your context.
This could involve strategically choosing when to be present or absent, thereby
increasing the respect and honor you receive from others.
V. Center Church.
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approaches and strategies should be tailored to the specific cultural and social
situation in which it finds itself. He calls for interacting with the surrounding culture
rather than fleeing from it, with the goal of presenting the gospel in a manner that is
relevant and meaningful to the people in that situation. This entails knowing the
community's worldview, values, and needs and responding to them with the
transformational power of the gospel.
The Church of the Whole
Keller's theological worldview is comprehensive. He claims that the gospel not
only saves people, but also heals and restores all aspects of life and society. This
complete view of the gospel challenges the contradiction between personal piety and
social justice, supporting a comprehensive and integrated approach to ministry.
Center Church's Missiological Implications
Keller's theological perspective has far-reaching missionary ramifications. It
urges churches to be attentive to their communities' distinctive cultural and
socioeconomic dynamics, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Churches
may successfully convey the gospel's eternal truths in ways that connect with modern
society and meet the unique needs and problems of their setting by contextualizing the
gospel.
Furthermore, Keller's theological perspective encourages a balanced approach
to service that combines gospel proclamation with deeds of compassion and justice.
This comprehensive perspective is consistent with many Christians' increased
awareness of the need of addressing social concerns and attempting to effect
constructive change in society. By accepting this vision, churches may participate in
missional activities more effectively, exhibiting the transformational power of the
gospel in all spheres of life.
Conclusion
"Center Church" is a theological vision that aims to negotiate the contradictions
between various theological emphases and provides a framework for churches to
connect effectively with their cultural environment while staying true to the essential
message of the gospel. It provides insightful and practical counsel for contemporary
missiology, stressing the need of a balanced, gospel-centered approach to ministry
that targets both personal and societal reform.
2. How would you describe the author’s decision to start a new ministry in the city
and which values he implemented? Why? In other words, what is the
contribution that the Redeemer brings compared to other urban churches?
Several essential ideals and reasons drove Timothy Keller's choice to launch a
new ministry in the city, especially with Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York
City. Recognizing the specific problems and possibilities that exist in urban
environments was one of the key motivators. Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian
Church tried to address the unique demands and cultural dynamics of the urban
environment. Furthermore, they attempted to interact with its congregants' and the
surrounding community's intellectual problems and concerns by presenting
intellectually rigorous sermons and teachings, engaging with current cultural issues,
and building a culture of critical research and conversation. Timothy Keller's decision
to launch a new city ministry with Redeemer Presbyterian Church was motivated by
an awareness of the strategic significance of urban areas as well as a desire to engage
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with the unique difficulties and possibilities they bring.
Redeemer made a distinct contribution to the urban church landscape by
implementing values such as contextualization, intellectual engagement, and
community emphasis, presenting the gospel in a way that was relevant, intellectually
robust, and transformative for New York City's diverse population. Keller's devotion
to contextualization and holistic approach to ministry drew and engaged many urban
inhabitants looking for a religion that addressed to their own experiences and
problems.
3. How would you describe your own attitude regarding the city? What is the
biblical concept of city? How would you be able to look for “peace and
prosperity” in your city?
The biblical concept of the city is multifaceted. Cities are places where people
gather, build communities, and engage in various activities. They can be centers of
commerce, governance, cultural exchange, and worship.
When it comes to seeking "peace and prosperity" in a city, there are several
principles that can be considered. These include:
Prayer and seeking God's guidance: Begin by seeking God's guidance through
prayer, asking for wisdom and discernment as you engage with the city.
Engage with the community: Get involved in your local community. Build
relationships with your neighbors, participate in community events, and seek
opportunities to understand and meet the needs of those around you.
Promote justice and righteousness: Advocate for justice, fairness, and
righteousness within your city. This may involve addressing social issues, supporting
marginalized communities, and working towards a more equitable society.
Extend acts of mercy and compassion: Show kindness, compassion, and care
to those in need within the city. This can involve volunteering at local organizations,
providing support to the vulnerable, and engaging in acts of service.
Foster reconciliation and peacebuilding: Seek to promote reconciliation,
forgiveness, and peace within your city. This can include building bridges between
different groups, promoting understanding and dialogue, and actively working
towards unity and harmony.
Be a positive influence: Live out your faith with integrity and be a positive
influence within your city. Demonstrate love, grace, and humility in your interactions
with others, and actively contribute to the well-being and development of the
community.
Seeking "peace and prosperity" in a city is an ongoing process that requires
patience, perseverance, and a genuine heart for the well-being of others. By
embodying the principles of justice, compassion, reconciliation, and positive
influence, you can make a positive impact and contribute to the flourishing of the city.
In the context of Phnom Penh, these principles can be applied in a variety of ways.
For example, you could:
Pray for the city and its leaders, asking God to guide them and help them to
make decisions that will benefit all citizens.
Get involved in your local community by volunteering at a local school, soup
kitchen, or other organization.
Advocate for justice and righteousness by speaking out against injustice and
working to create a more equitable society.
Extend acts of mercy and compassion by donating to a local charity or
volunteering your time to help those in need.
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Foster reconciliation and peacebuilding by building relationships with people
from different backgrounds and working to bridge the gaps between them.
Be a positive influence by living your life in a way that reflects your faith and
values.
4. In your opinion, which model of relationship between Christ and the culture is
the most adopted by SDA leaders? Why?
Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) leaders, like leaders in any religious
denomination, can hold a range of views regarding the relationship between Christ
and culture. Some may lean towards an approach that emphasizes separation or
distinction, focusing on maintaining a faithful and distinct identity in light of their
interpretation of biblical teachings and end-time theology. Others may adopt a more
engaged approach, seeking to actively and contextually engage with the culture in
order to communicate the gospel message effectively and meet the needs of the
community.
It's important to note that the SDA Church is a diverse global denomination
with a range of theological perspectives and cultural contexts. Different SDA leaders
may have different views on this topic, and there is no uniform or universally adopted
model of the relationship between Christ and culture within the SDA Church.
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6. Present an outline of a strategy using what you learn from this book in your
ministry.
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CHAPTER 3
Education
Quality education is one of the most critical issues of Phnom Penh. The city's public
school system is failing to fulfill the requirements of its rising population, and many
youngsters are not receiving the education they need to prosper. By offering after-
school activities, tutoring, and other educational opportunities, church ministries may
Healthcare
afford to visit a doctor since the city's public hospitals are congested and understaffed.
Church ministries that provide free or low-cost healthcare, such as clinics, mobile
health units, and health education initiatives, may assist to satisfy this need.
Poverty is a big issue in Phnom Penh, as many individuals struggle to make ends
meet. Food banks, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters provided by church ministries
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation services are also required in Phnom Penh. Many individuals in the city
are battling addiction, mental illness, and other issues. Counseling, support groups,
and other rehabilitative programs provided by church ministries may assist to address
this need.
Opportunity
Finally, there is a scarcity of opportunities in Phnom Penh. Many residents in the city
22
are impoverished and have little opportunities to better their circumstances. Church
ministries may assist satisfy this demand by offering job training, microfinance, and
These are only a handful of Phnom Penh's numerous communal needs. Church
missions may help satisfy these needs by offering education, healthcare, food and
there is also a general need for love, compassion, and hope. These items may be
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CHAPTER 4
like to share with you about the available resources for the ministry.
Human resources
In Phnom Penh, there are many excellent and devoted individuals eager to
offer their time and abilities to assist others. Church ministries may tap into this
Financial Resources
A variety of funding options are also available to help church work in Phnom
support church activities and projects. Grants from government agencies and
Physical Resources
Church missions need access to physical resources such as buildings, land, and
equipment in addition to people and financial resources. Church missions may get
Networking with other groups that aim to satisfy the needs of the community
may also help church ministry. Church ministries may exchange resources, cooperate
on initiatives, and learn from one another through networking with other groups.
to interact with people, educate and teach them, and offer social services. Technology
24
may be acquired through church ministry via purchase, rental, or gift.
Additional Resources
In addition to the materials mentioned above, there are many more resources
available to help in church ministry in Phnom Penh. Transportation, food, clothes, and
medical supplies are among the options available. Church missions may get these
Church ministries may make a genuine impact in the lives of people in Phnom
Penh by using the resources at their disposal. They may contribute to meeting
community needs, providing hope and compassion, and fostering a more fair and
caring society. Here are some particular instances of how church ministries in Phnom
households. Homeless persons are fed and housed by Christian Social Services. The
Cambodian Children's Fund helps children who cannot afford medical treatment. The
Love and Hope Foundation offers therapy and assistance to persons dealing with
individuals in becoming self-sufficient. These are just a few instances of how church
ministries are using existing resources to fulfill the needs of the Phnom Penh
community. Church ministries can make a genuine impact in the lives of people in the
ADRA is also stand for a very good role for our church. Every time if there is
any disaster, ADRA works with the government closely in order to support the need
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CHAPTER 5
Disciple Making Process in Phnom Penh for Kingdom Growth and Community
Prosperity
Introduction: The city of Phnom Penh offers a unique setting for church mission, with
different cultural origins, societal issues, and a need for community reform. It is
critical to develop a disciple-making process that follows Christ's method approach in
order to foster kingdom expansion and community prosperity. This method prioritizes
purposeful connections, comprehensive ministry, and encouraging people to be
change agents. This article provides a complete disciple-making process adapted to
Phnom Penh's unique demands and difficulties.
I. Relationship Building:
A. Understanding the Context: Conduct extensive study to gather insights into Phnom
Penh's cultural, social, and spiritual aspects.
- Hold discussions with community leaders, citizens, and other churches to better
understand the unique needs and issues.
B. Social Justice and Compassion: Identify and address the community's social and
economic issues, such as poverty, education, healthcare, and human trafficking.
- Form alliances with local groups and government agencies to work on projects that
result in concrete change.
- Train and equip church members to serve the needy, advocate for justice, and
promote community well-being.
B. Testimony and Celebration: - Celebrate tales of change, both inside the church and
in the larger community, to inspire and encourage others.
- Share testimonials of people who have grown personally and spiritually as a result
of the disciple-making process.
- Emphasize the positive effect of the church's community participation, fostering a
culture of thankfulness and optimism.
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