You believe God desires to restore broken lives and rebuild families torn apart by sin. And you desire that your church be a channel for the healing, transforming presence of Christ in your community.

But how does a congregation get involved with issues of compassion and justice? How do we fit one more thing into an already overloaded church schedule? What kind of ministry should we do? And what should pastors teach and preach to encourage engagement in compassion ministries?

We’ve pulled together a beginning list of books, study guides, research reports, and web sites that address these questions and we look forward to adding to it. Please send us information about resources you’ve found helpful in your setting. Let’s keep the list growing.

Books

Caring for the Least of These: Serving Christ Among the Poor, edited by David Caes (Scottdale, PA, Herald Press,1992) Written by poor people and those serving in settings of poverty, this book offers inspiration for individuals, groups, or congregations who want to escape the trap of affluence, break through cultural stereotypes about poverty, and be stirred by stories and challenged by analysis.

Churches that Make a Difference, by Ron Sider, Phil Olsen, and Heidi Unruh (Grand Rapids, MI, Baker Books, 2002) This book provides a compelling description of “holistic” (i.e., word and deed) churches and gives a wealth of practical advice on how to build them.

Community Ministry: New Challenges, Proven Steps to Faith-Based Initiatives, by Carl S. Dudley (Herndon, VA, The Alban Institute, 2002) After exploring the changes that have created challenges and opportunities for congregations establishing social ministries, the author outlines a four-part model for effectively sharing God’s love in the community.

Living on Purpose, by Tom & Christine Sine (Grand Rapids, MI, Baker Books, 2002)Designed for use by small groups or Sunday school classes, this book directs you through various activities, including developing your own mission statement, to help you refocus your life—not on what you want, but on what God wants. This is a read, reflect, and do kind of book.

101 Ways to Help People in Need, by Steve and Janie Sjogren (Colorado Springs, CO, Navpress, 2002) A practical book with community-based service ideas. It includes top ten recommended projects that individuals or churches can begin with, along with a theology of evangelism through outreach.

Research Studies and Tools

The Community Serving Activities of Hispanic Protestant Congregations, by Amy Sherman (Hudson Institute, 2003).

Church and Ministry Involvement Questionnaire

Designed to provide a better understanding of you, your church, and your involvement with your church’s ministry.

Web Sites

The Call to Renewal: Sponsored by Sojourners magazine, this is a must-see site regarding overcoming poverty, dismantling racism, improving healthcare and schools, and advocating for affordable housing and safe neighborhoods. Each topic area has theological reflections, best practices, steps individuals can take, and links to other helpful sites.

Check out CCDA to connect with a fast-growing national network of Christian churches engaged in community outreach.

FaithWorks: The emphasis of this web site and companion magazine is on applied faith, not theological inquiry, political activism, or denominational advocacy. The staff of FaithWorks describe themselves as seeking “to create a Christian subculture but to engage a post-Christian culture.”

Mustard Seed Associates: This site has great lists of resources under topics like advocacy, whole-life faith, community, and theology. Founded by author and futurist Tom Sine, the site is envisioned as “a network of Jesus’ followers who, out of personal brokenness, invite others into friendships of hope and celebration.”

Curriculum

The Justice Mission: Reflecting the Heart of God for the Oppressed of the World. This video-enhanced curriculum is aimed specifically at youth and includes web links, worksheets, and journal pages. The series challenges teens to think about what God hates – for example, injustice, greed, and racism – and how we should treat people in our everyday lives and around the world. It is available through Youth Specialties (youthspecialties.com) for $30.

Steward: Living As Disciples in Everyday Life. This 12-week study resource for small groups integrates the Christian faith with issues such as work, politics, personal relationships, money, and raising children. A kit containing session videos, a training manual, leader’s guide, and participants’ workbooks is available from Cokesbury (cokesbury.com) for $125.

Worship Resources

For They Shall Be Fed: Scripture Readings and Prayers for a Just World, edited by Ron Sider (Dallas, TX, Word Publishing, 1997). This book by one of our own writers, brings together in one place passages from the Scriptures pertaining to hunger, justice, and the poor, along with the concerns of prominent Christian leaders, to challenge us to become proactive in the battle against hunger.

Sharing God’s Heart for the Poor: Meditations for Worship, Prayer, and Service, by Amy Sherman (Hudson Institute and Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1999) This "heart preparation" tool by a graduate of Messiah College focuses the reader's attention on the numerous scriptures indicating God's passion for the poor and needy. It has been used by thousands of pastors and lay ministry leaders to sow into their congregations a deep concern for their communities - concern that stimulates both prayer and action.

WELCOME