Just Mission: Practical Politics for Local Churches - Softcover

Christians care about justice and, almost everywhere you look, church people are involved in concerted efforts to address the structures, policies and attitudes which arouse their vocation to neighbourliness. But who knows how many more Christians feel the same calling but cannot translate it into action because they lack confidence, or information or the conviction that anything an change? Helen Cameron's timely and accessible book may be the catalyst to help turn the pursuit of social justice into something that "we", and not just "they", can do - connecting prayer, worship, community and change as integral aspects of discipleship today. -- Malcolm Brown Just Mission is as effective in making its case for political action in the local church as it is in demonstrating how to do it. It succeeds in being both tool and inspiration for action. This book itself contributes to human flourishing. Firstly you might change the world: In seeking justice you may craft a mission and purpose, devising effective practical action. And you might change yourself, coming closer in your being to the character of God.There is a lot here for us to consider and learn. -- Helen O'Brien Just Mission is a valuable contribution to contemporary thinking about mission which deserves to be widely read, debated and acted upon. For it succeeds in bringing together several important elements in a creative and accessible manner. To begin with it is clearly theological; providing a missional perspective rooted in biblical convictions about the God of compassion, righteousness and justice. This is combined with a perceptive reading of the political changes, nationally and locally, which set the scene for justice-seeking mission. In addition Just Mission offers down to earth guidance for churches about ways in which they can make a difference in building for the kingdom of God. The end result is an inspiring example of theology which is practical, pastoral and political. -- Peter Stevenson [Cameron] offers practical advice on how to understand what is happening and then what to do about it. In that sense her book might be what you need if your church is already embroiled in dealing with an issue for your community. But the book is also designed to help people recognise sources of injustice before too much damage has been done. -- Marion Grey * The Reader *

The last decade has seen a resurgence of the social action of the local church - responses to social need have included street pastors, cold weather shelters, debt advice centres and latterly food banks. The last decade has also seen a greater experimentation in forms of evangelism, most prominently in the fresh expressions movement. The intention has been to bring the Church into contact with people who would not otherwise cross its threshold. All these changes have led to new pastoral relationships being formed and a greater awareness of how social change affects real people's lives. Just Mission draws upon the increased activism of local churches and links it to effective use of democratic processes to achieve justice for the people with whom they have a pastoral relationship. It seeks to explain in a straight forward and theologically-based way, how they can undertake that task based upon the pastoral work that arises from their social action and evangelism. Helen Cameron introduces the political and public theology that is currently being produced to local church leaders so they can see that theology has a genuine interest in the dilemmas they currently face.