Social Justice

[Amy Schultz]

My passion in ministry is in compassionate ministries. This however, means something a little different to me than it does to some of our 'older' more traditional people who tend to react strongly to the term when I use it. Without coloring your response with my own definition at first I would like a reply as to what "social justice" means to you in the context of compassionate ministry.

[Mike Schutz]

For me, compassionate ministry addresses the immediate needs of individuals and groups. For example, in our church we have a food, clothing and health ministry that provides for over 500 different families, many of whom are undocumented immigrants. We are doing initial fund-raising for a home for unsupported mothers and their children. These are compassionate ministries.

I think of social justice as also addressing the systemic issues which lead to the need for compassionate ministry.

Social justice is certainly part of our heritage as Nazarenes and Wesleyans.

[Wayne Paul]

My passion in ministry is in compassionate ministries. This however, means something a little different to me than it does to some of our 'older' more traditional people who tend to react strongly to the term when I use it. Without coloring your response with my own definition at first I would like a reply as to what "social justice" means to you in the context of compassionate ministry.

I believe the term is well defined in Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice) and is very much a part of the Wesley tradition.

[Susan Unger]

For me, compassionate ministry addresses the immediate needs of individuals and groups. For example, in our church we have a food, clothing and health ministry that provides for over 500 different families, many of whom are undocumented immigrants. We are doing initial fund-raising for a home for unsupported mothers and their children. These are compassionate ministries.

I think of social justice as also addressing the systemic issues which lead to the need for compassionate ministry.

Social justice is certainly part of our heritage as Nazarenes and Wesleyans.

I was just going to say this but then noticed that you had beaten me to it. Great minds think alike :)

[Bruce Carriker]

I guess my initial reaction is that if the body of Christ was REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT SOCIAL JUSTICE, then "compassionate ministry", at least as we understand it today, would not be necessary.

[Mike Schutz]

I guess my initial reaction is that if the body of Christ was REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT SOCIAL JUSTICE, then "compassionate ministry", at least as we understand it today, would not be necessary.

Bruce - what is your response to Jesus' statement that "you will always have the poor with you?" Do you believe that Jesus was anticipating Christendom - with the power of the Church to dominate society and culture and yet refuse to destroy systemic evil? Was he anticipating the evil of the Church to create evil systems? Was he making a statement about the nature of the human condition, both individual and corporate?

Not asking those questions looking for a fight - but interested in following the trail you created with your "If..., then..." statement.

I could say that I don't want to open a can of worms - but I do.

[Amy Schultz]

I agree with everything all of you have said. I think addressing the root causes of the need for compassionate ministry is probably the best way to define my view of social justice. Add to that, the belief that everyone regardless of whether they are saved or not is made in the image of God and is worthy of dignity and respect and hope. Without these things, it's difficult to 'hear' grace calling through the community of faith who sometimes turns a blind eye to their situation. I struggle sometimes to find creative ways to ensure the 'needy' person is able to hear God's calling them in the midst of their struggle. Now, I do believe struggle can be the very thing that draws one to Christ. But what about the ones who don't have that style or bent? How do we facilitate 'hearing' when life is too noisy with need?
By the way, you can see our ministry at www.jrm-tc.org

[Barb Bouldrey]

I always think of Mother Theresa's ministry. She ministered to the poor and she WAS Jesus to them.

I think we have to be Jesus to them and love them as Jesus loves as we minister to anyone. It is more than preaching and handing out tracks. It is more than giving them a sandwich and bottle of water and saying, "God Loves You."

Compassionate ministry is more than writing a check or sending a Crisis Care Kit, although those things sure do help others.

In 1993 I heard the Zambian choir sing at General Assembly. It was one of the "Mission Moments" of my life. I saw those shining, joyful faces as they sang, "Africa, O Africa, Jesus Christ, the Light has come!"
Barb