Foundations for Christian Mission, Mentor's Guide, MG04

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F O U N D A T I O N S F O R C H R I S T I A N M I S S I O N

• Show the connection between Christ’s kingdom community, the Church, and its responsibility to demonstrate mercy and justice in the kingdom community, i.e., it is called to proclaim the Good News to the poor as the body of Christ in the world, and how it is called to give evidence of the life of the Age to Come in its display of justice on behalf of the poor. Also demonstrate that in the life and mission of the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, the shalom of God’s OT covenant community is enjoyed and displayed. • Demonstrate how the new community displays radical generosity and hospitality to the needy within the community, especially to the widows, fatherless, and poor in our midst, as well as makes provision for other churches during times of calamity and distress. • Lay out how the new community is called to be an advocate for the poor, which is a hallmark of authentic Christian mission. This advocacy includes not being partial or bigoted on account of class or difference among the members of the body, possessing a commitment to be a community of good works on behalf of the poor and vulnerable, and working to help meet the practical needs of the hurting, especially those in the household of God. • Discern the implications of the Church as the new community of the Kingdom for urban mission, including the demand to proclaim the Good News to the poor (i.e., respecting the poor as those who have been chosen by God, with whom Jesus identified, who are never to be patronized but dealt with justly and compassionately with full expectation of their transformation and contribution). • Summarize further implications of this vision, including that the Church must act in accordance with God’s choice of the poor (i.e., defending their cause, maintaining their rights, providing advocacy for them, and showing no partiality in our affairs in the Church); we are to be generous and hospitable in meeting the needs of the poor, sharing our own goods, being hospitable to strangers and to the imprisoned, and showing love as we have been shown. • Lay out the final (and perhaps the most important) implication which is that the Church must seek justice and equity in dealing with the poor in our midst and in the world; we are not merely to meet necessities but strive to impact structures and relationships that will lead to a more just situation. As

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