Churches in rural Cambodia are typically very small and inexperienced. If a Christian community already exists within a village, it will usually consist of only a few families and makes up a very small proportion of the wider village population. Rural Cambodian churches tend to have a strong focus on the ‘spiritual’ elements of Christianity, often neglecting the practical outworking of faith. This can stem from a weak theological framework, as pastors have often had insufficient training and churches can be isolated and disconnected from their denomination.

Working mainly through the Cheaus Ponlue project (CP), WDO staff are building increasingly good relationships between the church and community. This project maintains a strict policy which supports all members in a community, making sure individuals are not discriminated based on belief. CP seeks to see members of the church actively engaging in development programs and community initiatives. The project partners with the poorest families in target villages, so they are receiving help and support from the church in a wholistic manner.

The approach and goal of church engagement is too see; churches and communities being reached through CP staff training and ongoing support in Wholistic Ministry.