Ministries of Mercy-2nd Editn:

by Timothy J. Keller

Book Overview

Like the Samaritan who found a dying man by the Jericho road, we're aware of people in need around us--the widow next door, the family strapped with medical bills, the homeless man outside our church.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0875522173
• ISBN13: 9780875522173
• Release Date: July 1997
• Publisher: P & R Publishing
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

community service outreaches

The first thing I do when I visit a church is look through the bulletin for any community service outreaches. In 99% of the Reformed churches I visit there are none. There may be service to the community (Bible studies, picnics, sports fellowships), but that community is limited to the church and usually excludes the poor and hurting. Consequently I have often wondered if there is anything about Reformed theology itself that uniquely hinders Christians from showing compassion. Of course there are exceptions. Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan with over 20 established outreach ministries comes to mind. Moreover there are plenty of liberal churches disengaged from mercy ministries. But still, why do most Reformed churches have only the mind of Christ but not His heart? Why are you more likely to find a liberal believer than a Reformed one involved in a homeless shelter, convalescent home, or AIDS hospice? Why are Reformed believers the most likely to know the story of the Good Samaritan but the least likely among Christians to be like the Good Samaritan? In response to these questions, Dr. Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) and a former professor of Westminster Theological Seminary, offers deep insight and much needed remedies for evangelical churches held captive by a homogeneous middle-class club mentality. If there is one book that needs to be read by members of Reformed churches at this time, it is Keller's Ministries of Mercy. In our cynical postmodern age, Keller repeatedly emphasizes, compassion is the most credible apologetic. People may bicker over philosophies and worldviews, but it is those changing the diapers of the elderly in convalescent homes, those feeding starving orphans in northeast China, and those teaching Cambodian immigrants how to read English who present the most compelling argument for the truth of the gospel. Compassion is the one argument today that cannot be dismissed. (see e.g., recent NY Times op-ed). Why then Reformed believers remain entrenched in word battles and do not take up the one weapon that is sure to cut through stony hearts and disarm accusations of hypocrisy may seem bewildering especially considering their alleged concern for the salvation of souls. But on second thought, this preoccupation with loving God with the mind, devoid of the heart, can, in my opinion, be explained in large part with this basic premise. Nobody knows to become humble. People study to gain power ('knowledge is power'). And many people study Reformed theology to gain great power. In this light it is no wonder why very few Reformed believers show compassion to the suffering and oppressed. For by definition, compassion requires identification with the weak. And that goes directly against the Reformed believer's desire to become powerful. It is no coincidence that most adherents to Reformed theology are in the middle-class. The motivation that drives the middle-class to move away from the strug

The Gospel bears fruit

This book was given to me as a gift by a Sunday school student after visiting Redeemer Presbyterian Church where Dr. Keller serves. The work itself serves to bring out the Biblical views of how we can best serve others through the local churches. How can we know we have been touched by the Spirit of God?: if our lives (both individually and collectively) bear the fruit of that contact, one of which is mercy. This work also has many other excellent little treasures of wisdom within it. If you are a Deacon or a pastor, I would call this a "must" read.

Excellent!

Liberals tend to blame all poverty and need on oppression, conservatives blame laziness. This book shows how the Biblical conception of the problem is far more sophisticated than either extreme. Hard-thinking Biblical exegesis and practical application make this a truly wonderful book. The author is organizing pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Manhattan, which is known for its Reformed, Evangelical theology and commitment to mercy ministries. It has planted something like a dozen churches (mostly ethnic or multi-ethnic) in the metro. area in the past 10 years. Kellers knows how to operate faithful mercy ministries, in obedience to the Lord's charge to believers. This is a GREAT book!

Solid, scriptural, and non-political. Inspiring!

This book sets forth the Biblical principles for mercy ministry and then suggests practical steps to begin and persevere in doing acts of mercy in your family, church and community. The book is premised on the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the author parses the different parts of the parable (and key Old and New Testament passages) to answer such questions as why do Christians do acts of mercy? what is mercy? what is the balance between the ministry of the word and the ministry of deeds? what is the balance between giving and keeping? who deserves our mercy? All his answers are backed by scripture, so that this book neither comes out on the "left" or the "right" in the political spectrum. Ultimately, Keller shows that both views are inadequate, and only the biblical view can present a complete picture of whether, why and how we should help the poor. All Christians have been shown mercy by God and should therefore be motivated to tirelessly do acts of mercy. Recommended reading for all pastors and deacons!

Excellent book for beginning effective mercy ministry.

This book is the most balanced and informative book on mercy ministry that I have read. Keller begins by establishing the basis for mercy ministry in the church on clear biblical principles and outlines practical steps to take in developing and maintaining it. From the solid biblical foundation which he lays for dealing with the disadvantaged, Keller avoids the political bias that often accompanies such works.