Keller, Ministries of Mercy

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Timothy J. Keller, Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road, Second Edition. P & R Publishing Company, 1997.

Sequel: Keller, Generous Justice

Referenced in:

LifeandLeadership.com Summary

This is a very biblical, balanced look at the principles and practice of mercy ministry. The author, Tim Keller, is minister of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, a 3,000 member church that is theologically conservative, ethnically and economically diverse, and operates numerous ministries of social compassion. The book is written on the foundation of the parable of the Good Samaritan, and lays out clear biblical principles for mercy ministries (Part One), and presents a practical plan for churches to move into this dimension of service (Part Two). It is perhaps the best book on the subject for use by church staffs, elders, Sunday School classes, or small groups.

Here are a few of the special features that make this such a vital text for churches to help focus ministries of social action in their communities.

1. It is biblically based, launching from the parable of the Good Samaritan but referencing and expounding on most significant biblical exhortations on the subject to address the call, character, and motivation for mercy ministry.

2. It points out that mercy ministry is not a matter of alignment with a political party (neither Democrats or Republicans have the high ground), but of attunement to God’s heart and mission.

3. It stresses holistic ministry and balances the calls of evangelism and social action.

4. It challenges wealthy evangelicals to recognize the necessity of mercy ministry and overcome the objections and spiritual and organizational obstacles to become fully engaged.

5. It emphasizes how ministries of social compassion are the most powerful apologetic for those who are skeptical of Christianity.

6. It presents a plethora of bite-sized steps and fully organized efforts that entire congregations can take to become more active, but also suggests ways that interested lay persons can act responsibly to initiate projects and motivate others to get involved without any dependence on the church budget, as well as how to approach leaders to begin the process of church-wide involvement.

7. It addresses the respective roles of the church, family, and government in helping others, with an emphasis on the church.

8. It provides tools for churches to assess the needs of the community, determine practical criteria for meeting needs, develop vision and strategy, mobilize volunteers, organize their efforts so as to avoid burnout, and avoid common pitfalls.

Some of the statistics and other data are outdated, but the essential content is as valuable today as it was in its original publication. A whole church, or an interest group within a church, could use this text alone to initiate ministries of social compassion. Once these ministries start rolling, they may need other resources for more in-depth theological underpinnings or specific strategies. But Keller’s book is a great place to start. Be sure and see Keller’s sequel, Generous Justice.

Publisher’s Product Description

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.

Some lay blame for poverty and need on oppression; others on laziness. Pastor Keller demonstrates that the biblical viewpoint is far more sophisticated than either extreme. He sets forth scriptural principles for mercy ministries, suggests practical steps to begin and persevere in active caring, and deals perceptively with thorny issues. Balanced and informative! Includes discussion questions.

About the Author

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 nearly six thousand regular attendees at five services, a host of daughter churches, and is planting churches in large cities throughout the world.

***For additional information on this resource, including reviews, click the bookstore links. Check the reference at page top or the links below for resource guides on related topics.***

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