This is an interesting and informative book. It opened my eyes to the true meaning of redemptive service. The book is separated into two parts. The seeing and engaging. There are countless scriptures to use as guides through the whole process.

I found this book touched my heart in many ways. A genuine love for my neighbor is a must. A change of the heart is necessary to serve others.

This book is not one that can be read and understood by just cruising through it. Time to process and look at scriptures is beneficial. I will be reading through this again multiple times so that I can glean as much information as I can so that I can see and engage in redemptive service.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Baker Academic via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As you begin your time with Lisa P. Stephenson and Ruthie Wienk's "Redemptive Service: Loving Our Neighbors Well," I'd urge you to set aside any expectations that you're in for a warm and fuzzy, touchy-feely literary journey.

While "Redemptive Service" is, indeed, about loving our neighbors, this is a weaving together of Christian theology and sociology. It's a book that assumes, and then backs up that assumption theologically, that service to others is central to one's identity and mission as a Christian.

However, "Redemptive Service" is also for the most part an academic pursuit, an effective one, that appeals less to the heart and more to one's actual understanding of what it means to live life as a Christian. The book articulates the biblical, theological, and sociological foundations of service

With "Redemptive Service," Stephenson and Wienk explore three forms of calling - general, missional, and direct. They logically connect these callings and consider them essential to a vibrant Christian community. In weaving these connections together, they answer both the theological "why" and the more practical "how" of Christian benevolence. "Redemptive Service" is grounded extensively in biblical insights and every discussion brings forth biblical teachings, examples, and discussions. Every chapter includes questions for discussion and additional places where one can go for further exploration.

Beyond the warm fuzzies of giving, it's clear that Stephenson and Wienk consider it an absolute responsibility of being Christian and in recognizing the imago Dei in all who suffer.

While "Redemptive Service" isn't necessarily the most engaging read, to be honest I quite easily set it down, it's a fiercely valuable read for those engaged in Christian relief, advocacy, and both short and long-term development efforts. There's much to learn when it comes to how we can love our neighbors well. "Redemptive Service" is an excellent place to start.