“Humans were created to be whole persons, with physical, mental and spiritual dimensions. Deprivation in any of these dimensions has a deadening effect on the others, since all parts are interrelated and interactive…The soul without a body is ghost; a body without a soul is a corpse.” (p 89) Have you seen examples of ministries that work to meet the needs of the whole person? Can you give some examples?
“Programs and services benefit a local community only to the degree that they come from the “bottom up”, that is, reflect the actual felt needs of the people being served. If programs and services are done for a community, rather than with and by the people of the community, these programs do not help the people of the community develop. In order to do so, we need to give responsibility for programs at least in part to them.” (p103) Can you give some examples of programs where those being served are given responsibility for the program? What should be the first step prior to developing programs?
On page 106 – 107, Perkins talks about “listening meetings” and gives examples of how to engage the community. What does he mean by that? Where does he suggest these meetings be held? What might this look like in the context you feel called to minister in?
What does Perkins claim is the most important sign that long-term community development is really taking place? (p118)
What are some ways congregations can get involved in helping start local enterprises? Do you know individuals who are small business owners who might be willing to mentor someone in starting a small business as Perkins recommends? (p. 123)
Perkins states “Following Jesus will sometimes mean following him into the darkest and most dangerous places. If Jesus were to visit us today, many of us would not be able to follow him becasue surely he would spend much of his time in the inner cities.” Are you willing to follow Christ into the inner city? Why do you think so few people are willing to serve those with the greatest needs? (p. 131)
Filed under: Reflection Questions
The concept of “God’s preferential option for the poor” appears well-grounded in Scripture. Psalm 68 states the premise succinctly enough: “Father of orphans, champion of widows, is God in his holy house. God makes homes for the homeless, leads prisoners to freedom . . .” (Psalm 68:5). Indeed, throughout the Old and New Testament, God repeatedly states that true “religion” is caring for the poor, the widow, the orphan, the homeless, the hungry and the prisoner (e.g., Isaiah 58:6-8; James 1:27).
The prosperity gospel is a tragic distortion of the loving word and heart of God, and it is one of the most lamentable and perverse American inventions. In some aspects, it is the spiritual equivalent of the lottery: promising much, delivering little, all the while distracting the poor away from true life and hope.
Urban Leaders:
In developing leaders, Jesus was first intentional and deliberate: he called out those who probably never had aspirations of leadership in the realms of reconciliation or healing (or did not believe that they “had what it took”). He was specific: he called them out by name. He invested in them personally, living with them, walking with them and teaching them. He raised them up: sending them out two-by-two to perform healings and encouragement and proclaiming. Finally, he commissioned them to go forth and create other leaders (“go and make disciples”).
“The soul without a body is a ghost; a body without a soul is a corps”. Neither is particularly positive. I was struck by the inclusion of each item. I will add one: mind body and soul. Sports has always been a good out look for me. I think the 3 components have to intertwine to be successful. One has to learn, to be inquisitive, and grow for the mind to be sound. The body has to be healthy and ready for all contingencies. The soul has to be trigger for passion and drive to bring about a winning combination. You can’t have just one or two. You need all 3.