Foundations for Christian Mission, Student Workbook, SW04

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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

empowered by the Holy Spirit, the shalom of God’s OT covenant community is enjoyed and displayed.

• The Church is called to display radical generosity and hospitality to the needy, with special priority and provision for those within the community, especially to the widows, fatherless, and the poor. We are also responsible to make provision for other churches during times of calamity and distress. • As Christ’s body in the world, the Church is called to be an advocate for the poor, which is a hallmark of authentic Christian mission. This advocacy includes being just (i.e., neither partial nor bigoted on account of class or difference) in the body, possessing a commitment to good works on behalf of the poor and vulnerable, and working to help meet the practical needs of others, especially those in the household of God. • Regarding urban mission, the Church is called to proclaim the Good News to the poor, which includes respecting them as chosen by God and those with whom Christ identified. We are never to patronize them but deal with them justly and compassionately, confident of their ability to be transformed and to contribute to the Kingdom’s advance. • The Church must act in accordance with God’s choice of the poor, which means she must defend their cause, maintain their rights, provide advocacy, and show no partiality in our dealings with them. We are to be generous and hospitable in meeting their needs, sharing our own goods with others, being hospitable to strangers and to the imprisoned, and showing love as we have been shown. • In all our giving and caring, we are to seek justice and equity for the poor, wherever we find them. We are not merely to meet surface needs but strive to impact structures and relationships that will lead to a more just situation, living the true “prosperity Gospel,” which is to seek justice and equity on behalf of the most vulnerable among us.

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