Practice
Redemptive Service Loving Our Neighbors Well Lisa P. Stephenson and Ruthie Wienk
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 socio- logical 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 accompa - nied by intentional and informed action. This book is ideal for courses on service and justice, practical theology, and public ministry as well as for ministry leaders. “A profoundly theological-ethical book. 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, Boston University; author of The Pentecostal Hypothesis: Christ Talks, They Decide
OCTOBER 2024 • 224 pp. • paper • $26.99 • 9781540965219
CONTENTS
Lisa P. Stephenson (PhD, Marquette University) is professor of systematic theology at Lee University, 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 (PhD, South Dakota State University) is associate pro - fessor of sociology at Lee University, where she has been involved with the Benevolence Program for the past several years. She is also active in local community development initiatives.
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
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