Redemptive Service
Loving Our Neighbors Well
by Lisa P. Stephenson; Ruthie Wienk
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Pub Date 29 Oct 2024 | Archive Date 12 Nov 2024
Baker Academic & Brazos Press | Baker Academic
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Description
Redemptive Service articulates the biblical, theological, and sociological foundations of service and explains why it is an important part of true Christian identity. The authors use the parable of the good Samaritan to frame redemptive service as a twofold process. First, true Christian service must emerge from a genuine love of our neighbor, which can only come about when service emerges from a Christian worldview. Second, our vision must be accompanied by intentional and informed action. We must discern and respond to the cries for help that surround us through relief, development, and advocacy work.
The authors highlight why we should engage in service while providing readers with a framework to use when deciding whom to serve and how to serve well.
Advance Praise
“This is a profoundly theological-ethical book. Stephenson and Wienk succinctly explain three types of claims God has over all Christians to make them virtuous participants in his redemptive service. These claims are brilliantly interpreted as three distinct but interrelated forms of calling: general, missional, and direct. Through accessible and logical narratival arguments, the authors demonstrate that at the core of a flourishing Christian community is a symphonic plurality of callings that articulate the common good of God’s kingdom.”—Nimi Wariboko, Walter G. Muelder Professor of Social Ethics, Boston University; author of The Pentecostal Hypothesis: Christ Talks, They Decide
“In Redemptive Service, Stephenson and Wienk masterfully link the theological why and the practical how of Christian benevolence. Their theological insights are penetrating yet accessible; their poverty-reduction strategies are both loving (they embrace the imago Dei in those who suffer) and wise (they can move the needle on poverty indices). The book’s biblical grounding is rich and consistent throughout. Redemptive Service is an invaluable resource for Christians exploring their vocational call in a broken world.”—Stephen Offutt, fellow, Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion
“What does misión integral and holistic mission look like in middle-class America to students at Christian colleges and universities in North America who are anticipating or discerning God’s vocational call on their lives? Stephenson and Wienk have years of experience teaching in this environment and have written the perfect textbook on this topic, one that is biblically rich, theologically robust, and sociologically informed. The result is now the go-to volume for Christian relief, development, and advocacy efforts so needed by the church serving society in the next generation.”—Amos Yong, professor of theology and mission, Fuller Theological Seminary
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781540965219 |
| PRICE | US$26.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 224 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Richard P, Reviewer
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.
Jeanette D, Reviewer
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.
