Doing Justice and Loving Mercy: Compassion Ministries, Mentor's Guide, MG16

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D O I N G J U S T I C E A N D L O V I N G M E R C Y : C O M P A S S I O N M I N I S T R I E S

This lesson focuses upon the theological foundations of ministry, including the truths of God as creator and Christ as Lord, and how these truths influence us as we seek to do justice and mercy in the city. We have explored the various models of the Church in its relationship to the world, and have seen how certain images of the Church can greatly inform our urban congregational callings. We also explored the significance of careful, disciplined, and flexible approaches in preparing, working, and reviewing our ministry strategies. PWR is the name that we have given to our own such approach, one that acknowledges God’s purpose and wisdom, and the leading of the Spirit in all phases of ministry. The following concepts below represent the central ideas and truths covered throughout the lesson. The Nicene Creed provides critical insights that underlie our understanding of social justice: God is the creator of the heavens and the earth, and Jesus Christ is Lord of the Church. As representatives of the Kingdom of God, the Church responds to the lordship of Jesus Christ, serving both as the locus (place) of God’s working as well as his agent (ambassador), that entity through whom he works. The Word of God teaches that there is a foundational and fundamental conflict and tension between the Church and the world, both having different sources of authority, power, and purposes. Throughout Church history, the Church has taken various positions in its relationship to the world. One model is to withdraw from the world and its affairs, another is to transform the world, still another is to live in tension with the world. Finally, the Church has also taken the position to be a prophetic witness in and yet not of the world. In connection to urban communities, four models of the Church in the world have special significance for urban outreach and ministry. The urban church is called to be a neighbor, serving the well being of those who live in the city, and called to be the salt of the earth, preserving and enriching all facets of urban life. Additionally, the urban church is called to be the light of the world, making plain the claims and life of the Kingdom of God to the city, and finally, to be a royal priesthood, interceding on behalf of those most vulnerable and voiceless in the city. Prepare, Work, Review (PWR) is the name given to a simple but effect approach to manage our efforts to do justice and love mercy in urban neighborhoods.

Summary of Key Concepts

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