Overview
This book introduces readers to redemptive service, benevolence, and the pursuit of justice. Bringing together expertise in Christian theology and sociology, Lisa Stephenson and Ruthie Wienk write from the conviction that service to others--especially those who are disenfranchised and impoverished--is central to our identity and mission as Christians.
Redemptive Service articulates the biblical, theological, and sociological foundations of service and explains why it is an important part of true Christian identity. The authors use the parable of the good Samaritan to frame redemptive service as a twofold process. First, true Christian service must emerge from a genuine love of our neighbor, which can only come about when service emerges from a Christian worldview. Second, our vision must be accompanied by intentional and informed action. We must discern and respond to the cries for help that surround us through relief, development, and advocacy work.
The authors highlight why we should engage in service while providing readers with a framework to use when deciding whom to serve and how to serve well.
Redemptive Service articulates the biblical, theological, and sociological foundations of service and explains why it is an important part of true Christian identity. The authors use the parable of the good Samaritan to frame redemptive service as a twofold process. First, true Christian service must emerge from a genuine love of our neighbor, which can only come about when service emerges from a Christian worldview. Second, our vision must be accompanied by intentional and informed action. We must discern and respond to the cries for help that surround us through relief, development, and advocacy work.
The authors highlight why we should engage in service while providing readers with a framework to use when deciding whom to serve and how to serve well.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Part 1: Biblical and Theological Resources for Seeing Our Neighbors
1. Twenty- Twenty Vision: Christian Identity and Mission
2. Liberation and Law: The Formation of the People of God
3. A Distorted Mess: A Broken Covenant and a Broken People
4. Reign and Renewal: The Ministry and Mission of Jesus Christ
5. A Fresh Wind: The Outpouring of the Spirit and Its Effects
Part 2: Principles and Practices for Serving Our Neighbors
6. Poverty: Isolation and Exclusion
7. Relief: Short-Term Interventions as Redemptive Service
8. Development: Long-Term Interventions as Redemptive Service
9. Advocacy: Prevention as Redemptive Service
10. Who's Invited? Social Location and the Christian Worldview
Conclusion: Connecting Your Calling with Redemptive Service
Index
Part 1: Biblical and Theological Resources for Seeing Our Neighbors
1. Twenty- Twenty Vision: Christian Identity and Mission
2. Liberation and Law: The Formation of the People of God
3. A Distorted Mess: A Broken Covenant and a Broken People
4. Reign and Renewal: The Ministry and Mission of Jesus Christ
5. A Fresh Wind: The Outpouring of the Spirit and Its Effects
Part 2: Principles and Practices for Serving Our Neighbors
6. Poverty: Isolation and Exclusion
7. Relief: Short-Term Interventions as Redemptive Service
8. Development: Long-Term Interventions as Redemptive Service
9. Advocacy: Prevention as Redemptive Service
10. Who's Invited? Social Location and the Christian Worldview
Conclusion: Connecting Your Calling with Redemptive Service
Index
Endorsements
“This is a profoundly theological-ethical book. Stephenson and Wienk succinctly explain three types of claims God has over all Christians to make them virtuous participants in his redemptive service. These claims are brilliantly interpreted as three distinct but interrelated forms of calling: general, missional, and direct. Through accessible and logical narratival arguments, the authors demonstrate that at the core of a flourishing Christian community is a symphonic plurality of callings that articulate the common good of God’s kingdom.”
Nimi Wariboko, Walter G. Muelder Professor of Social Ethics, Boston University; author of The Pentecostal Hypothesis: Christ Talks, They Decide
“In Redemptive Service, Stephenson and Wienk masterfully link the theological why and the practical how of Christian benevolence. Their theological insights are penetrating yet accessible; their poverty-reduction strategies are both loving (they embrace the imago Dei in those who suffer) and wise (they can move the needle on poverty indices). The book’s biblical grounding is rich and consistent throughout. Redemptive Service is an invaluable resource for Christians exploring their vocational call in a broken world.”
Stephen Offutt, fellow, Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion
“What does misión integral and holistic mission look like in middle-class America to students at Christian colleges and universities in North America who are anticipating or discerning God’s vocational call on their lives? Stephenson and Wienk have years of experience teaching in this environment and have written the perfect textbook on this topic, one that is biblically rich, theologically robust, and sociologically informed. The result is now the go-to volume for Christian relief, development, and advocacy efforts so needed by the church serving society in the next generation.”
Amos Yong, professor of theology and mission, Fuller Theological Seminary
Authors
Lisa P. Stephenson
Lisa P. Stephenson (PhD, Marquette University) is professor of systematic theology at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, where she has served as director of the Benevolence Program for over a decade. During this time, she has led the university in its instruction to students on Christian service.
Ruthie Wienk
Ruthie Wienk (PhD, South Dakota State University) is associate professor of sociology and chair of the behavioral and social sciences department at Lee University, where she has been involved with the Benevolence Program for the past several years. She is active in local community development initiatives in Cleveland, Tennessee.