Based on a critical self-reflection and analysis of its past experiences, and the changed development context of Kerala and India, MSSS changed its approach from 1999 onwards.
The main guiding principle of the new approach is to empower the weaker to solve their problems, rather than MSSS directly solving their problems.
The mission and the changed approach of MSSS necessitated changes in its roles and responsibilities – from the one of delivering services and inputs directly to the beneficiaries, to facilitating and promoting process of empowerment and enhancement of the capacities of the weaker sections and their representative organizations to solve their problems themselves.
MSSS being part of the Catholic Church of India, it has been following the guidelines, principles, values and approaches of the Church shared by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI), New Delhi. Moreover, it is also following the guidelines, principles, values and approaches shared by the regional (Kerala) Catholic Bishops Council on development issues from time to time.