Why would someone risk his safety, destroy his schedule, and become dirty and bloody to help a needy person of another race and social class? And why would Jesus tell us "Go and do likewise"? Like the wounded man on the Jericho road, there are needy people in our path- the widow next door, the family strapped with medical bills, the homeless man outside our place of worship. God call us to be ministers of mercy to people in need of shelter, assistance, medical care, or just friendship.
--This text refers to the
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TIMOTHY KELLER was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and educated at Bucknell University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He was first a pastor in Hopewell, Virginia. In 1989 he started Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan with his wife, Kathy, and their three sons. Today, Redeemer has more than five thousand regular attendees at five services, a host of daughter churches, and is planting churches in large cities throughout the world. He is the author of COUNTERFEIT GODS, THE PRODIGAL GOD, and the New York Times bestseller THE REASON FOR GOD.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
129 of 143 people found the following review helpful
By puritanfan
Format:Paperback
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 struggles of the impoverished is the same one that draws them closer to Reformed theology.
Keller offers his own views on why evangelicals are not engaged in showing compassion, among them, a fear of failure (the problems are too big to even try grappling with) as well as self-serving pride (God helps those who help themselves).
But going beyond diagnosis, Keller's book is immensely practical on how to actually overcome a church's allergy to mercy. For example, he points out that starting churchwide projects like donating materials for baby showers to crisis pregnancy centers or setting up tutoring/ESL assistance for recent immigrants or leading Bible studies in prisons or regularly keeping the elderly company in convalescent homes or hosting holiday outreach banquets for lonely international students are largely laypeople led. Though tragically one's pastor may not see compassion ministries as being as important as Bible studies and prayer meetings, that is not a valid excuse for a regular member not to be involved in at least one outreach ministry in an ingrown church.
It is at this point that the extreme usefulness of the book becomes readily apparent. After giving a Biblical defense for compassion, Keller then details exactly how lay people with a burden to be like the Good Samaritan can motivate, mobilize, and manage others in the church to meet the needs of those that suffer from physical, social, spiritual, and financial deprivations - and all without relying, initially, on the church's budget. He persuasively explains through Scripture not only how every believer is a minister of mercy, but also how one can go about convincing others of that vital truth.
The book includes, inter alia, detailed surveys that a church can use to know just what are the needs of the community; practical strategies in overcoming obstacles and objections to church involvement in compassion; organizational advice to avoid mercy fatigue; and real life examples of what other churches are doing.
In short, Keller's Ministries of Mercy is a step-by-step plan on how any church can be like his model church (www.redeemer.com). Further, unlike Willow Creek, Saddleback, and other churches considered models in our time, Redeemer Presbyterian is distinctly Reformed in doctrine, community service in orientation, and ethnically and economically diverse in membership.
To read Ministries of Mercy is to know an ingenious spiritual battle plan for the church in our time. In order to make Christ known let alone know Christ intimately oneself, compassion, as this book conclusively shows, is prerequisite. Further we must not feign consternation over the fact that churches lack ethnic and economic diversity, especially since these same churches fail to meet the felt needs of their secular community. For creating diversity, as Keller powerfully explains, cannot be done apart from engaging in mercy ministries whose purpose is to reach those outside one's own cultural bubble. It was no less true in Jesus' time among the homogeneous Pharisees than it is in ours.
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 struggles of the impoverished is the same one that draws them closer to Reformed theology.
Keller offers his own views on why evangelicals are not engaged in showing compassion, among them, a fear of failure (the problems are too big to even try grappling with) as well as self-serving pride (God helps those who help themselves).
But going beyond diagnosis, Keller's book is immensely practical on how to actually overcome a church's allergy to mercy. For example, he points out that starting churchwide projects like donating materials for baby showers to crisis pregnancy centers or setting up tutoring/ESL assistance for recent immigrants or leading Bible studies in prisons or regularly keeping the elderly company in convalescent homes or hosting holiday outreach banquets for lonely international students are largely laypeople led. Though tragically one's pastor may not see compassion ministries as being as important as Bible studies and prayer meetings, that is not a valid excuse for a regular member not to be involved in at least one outreach ministry in an ingrown church.
It is at this point that the extreme usefulness of the book becomes readily apparent. After giving a Biblical defense for compassion, Keller then details exactly how lay people with a burden to be like the Good Samaritan can motivate, mobilize, and manage others in the church to meet the needs of those that suffer from physical, social, spiritual, and financial deprivations - and all without relying, initially, on the church's budget. He persuasively explains through Scripture not only how every believer is a minister of mercy, but also how one can go about convincing others of that vital truth.
The book includes, inter alia, detailed surveys that a church can use to know just what are the needs of the community; practical strategies in overcoming obstacles and objections to church involvement in compassion; organizational advice to avoid mercy fatigue; and real life examples of what other churches are doing.
In short, Keller's Ministries of Mercy is a step-by-step plan on how any church can be like his model church (www.redeemer.com). Further, unlike Willow Creek, Saddleback, and other churches considered models in our time, Redeemer Presbyterian is distinctly Reformed in doctrine, community service in orientation, and ethnically and economically diverse in membership.
To read Ministries of Mercy is to know an ingenious spiritual battle plan for the church in our time. In order to make Christ known let alone know Christ intimately oneself, compassion, as this book conclusively shows, is prerequisite. Further we must not feign consternation over the fact that churches lack ethnic and economic diversity, especially since these same churches fail to meet the felt needs of their secular community. For creating diversity, as Keller powerfully explains, cannot be done apart from engaging in mercy ministries whose purpose is to reach those outside one's own cultural bubble. It was no less true in Jesus' time among the homogeneous Pharisees than it is in ours.
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
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!
22 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
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.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
great read
What a wonderful read! I am using it as a tool for my deacon class. I would read it even without the class. A true blessing.
Published 1 month ago by O. C. Lewis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Principal and Practice of Ministry of Mercy from an experienced pastor
Pastor Tim Keller has combined his experience with mercy ministries New York, his ability to communicate, and sound biblical teaching to produce an essential guide for churches who... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Tim Lubinus
5.0 out of 5 stars
Practical Mercy Ministry
I read this book and Generous Justice: How God's Grace Makes Us Just back-to-back, even though they were written 14 years apart. Read more
Published 12 months ago by John Gardner
5.0 out of 5 stars
getting the gospel to the whole community
This book will inspire you to do more. A forgotten part of missions is emphasized, our need to reach out to the down trodden. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Harvey Phoenix
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great way to get started in making a difference.
Tim Keller is best known for his more recently released books, but the book "Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road" was written in the late 80's and is one that I... Read more
Published on April 23, 2011 by Brian Bain
5.0 out of 5 stars
Both informative and practical!
This book is awesome. I read this book 10 years after it was published and a lot of what Tim Keller predicted came true (in terms of Medicare, Social Security). Read more
Published on February 4, 2011 by J. J. Kim
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding resource for those looking to start a mercy ministry
Ministries of Mercy is an extensive look at the theology and practice of developing ministries of mercy within a local church. Read more
Published on January 12, 2011 by Laurence T. Baxter
5.0 out of 5 stars
Blessings from the beginning
I love all the books that I have read from Tim Keller. He is an intellectual, inspirational Christian writer. I think this subject is one we all need to read. Read more
Published on November 10, 2010 by singing
4.0 out of 5 stars
A needed call to action
Keller uses the parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate the church's mission of mercy to the world. Read more
Published on September 1, 2010 by Stephen P. Drake
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great discussion about mercifully helping those in need
Tim Keller presents, from much experience and scriptural review, a practical and detailed framework for providing effective assistance to folks in need. Read more
Published on August 9, 2010 by Loretta M. Pennington
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