On a typical Sunday morning, Central Presbyterian Church
offers three different worship services, each containing Scriptural passages
and expressions of our commitment to follow Jesus Christ.
At other times of the week, we serve others in the
community, either individually or collectively. Some of us do the "hands
on" work of feeding and sheltering the homeless, or perhaps just donating
our personal funds to social action organizations in the community.
At the same time, Central Church as a corporate entity
engages in social action through a generously-endowed Members In Mission Team,
and our Hands-On Mission Team.
In the twentieth century, American Christians seemed divided
between the liberal mainline which stressed social justice, and the fundamentalist
churches which emphasized personal salvation. The issue was enlarged by
national concern about poverty and social injustice. Should the Christian
follow traditional evangelism, which took pains to save peoples' souls, even if
it did nothing about the systems locking them into debilitating poverty?
To some, the price of "doing" social justice was thought to be the
weakening of sound Scriptural grounding and knowledge, and the lessening of
one's zeal for saving souls. On the other hand, in the world then and now
we see so much poverty and pained need, all around us. Can we really turn
a blind eye? But how can we go in both directions at once?
Some have argued that Christians should only do social
justice as a means to the end of evangelism. That is, we should do mercy
and social justice only because it helps us bring people to faith in
Christ. But, this does not seem to fit in with Jesus' charge not to give
to needy people only to get something in return (Luke 6:32 - 35). "Doing"
social justice can indeed lead people to listen to the message of the Gospel,
but to consider that deeds of mercy and justice are identical to gospel
proclamation is not correct.
So, perhaps there is more than one technique for
"evangelizing." Traditionally, it was done by
"preaching" Scripture, paraphrasing Bible stories and otherwise
teaching Scripture by word of mouth.
But, sometimes people's ears are "closed" to such
words. Either they do not believe the words or they can't muster
the desire to live by them. Sometimes instead, what really moves and
excites people are real-life examples that exemplify the Scripture teachings
---- actions taken in everyday life that are selfless efforts to help other
human beings. Think about the Good Samaritan parable! We quote that
story to this day, even thought not a word of Scriptural doctrine was reported
to have been said!
Let's look for a link between evangelism and the example we
project as practicing Christians, as mirrored in our actions toward others.
Deeds of mercy and justice should be done out of love, not
simply as a means to the end of evangelism. And yet, there is no better
way for Christians to lay a foundation for evangelism than by "doing"
social justice. Evangelism at its best is done through relationship,
visitation and friendship. Similarly, the elements of "doing"
social justice effectively are: repeated approaches by the same person,
going repeatedly to the same recipient, and doing it regularly. Thus we
become one's friend for Jesus' sake. "Word" and
"deed" are seamlessly integrated in this ministry. For example,
helping neighbors with their children's educational needs, or with finding a
job, or learning English as a second language. These all go hand-in-hand
with verbally sharing the love of our faith by example.
If we wish to share our faith with needy people, and we do
nothing about the painful conditions in which they live, we will fail to convey
Christ's beauty. But, we must neither confuse evangelism with
"doing" social justice, nor separate these two things from one
another.
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These thoughts are brought to you by CPC's Adult
Spiritual Development Team, hoping to encourage you to pursue personal
spiritual growth this summer at CPC.
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WEEKLY COMMENTARY invites YOUR comments . . .
Based on this week’s story, let’s talk!
What’s your take on this week’s subject?
Send your comments to jwnorthrop@gmail.com (on behalf of CPC’s Adult Spiritual
Development Team)
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Last week’s story discussed FORGIVENESS -----
We have received two interesting reader comments:
1.) “It is important to forgive as some day we will need forgiveness, too. I understand forgiveness as a sign that we are compassionate people and we are not accepting the hurtful act when we forgive, but releasing ourselves from the act done to us and any attachment to the act and the hurtful person. I am always questioning and thinking about the act of forgiveness.”
2.) “Forgiveness is not for the other person’s sake --- it is for our sake. Most of the time the person whom we forgive doesn’t even care, has forgotten the issue, and isn’t even bothered by what they may have done to cause us hurt. Forgiveness alleviates our resentment and the bitterness that builds up inside us.”
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Wonderful article!
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