Wasted Evangelism
Social Action and the Church’s Task of Evangelism / A journey in the Gospel of Mark
- Evangelism & Missions
- Publisher: Resource Publications (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2013
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Publisher's Description
What is the relationship between the gospel and the church's responsibility toward the poor? Can social action be evangelism? Wasted Evangelism is an exploration in the Gospel of Mark on the subject of evangelism and social action. A proclamation-centered definition of "evangelism" based on the etymology of the word "evangelize" and a few isolated proof-texts is devoid of much of the biblical content that Mark offers to us through his Gospel, detaching the concept of evangelism from the narrative meaning that Mark gives to the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Wasted Evangelism Chip Anderson develops an exegetically based, narrative understanding of biblical evangelism, which, according to Mark's Gospel, includes God's care for the economically vulnerable and his concern for the issues of poverty. The studies gathered in this volume propose that social action should not be considered a separate, distinct responsibility for the church, but is rather a vital component of evangelism. A close examination of Mark's Gospel and the biblical texts associated with idolatry, poverty, and justice provides an opportunity for church leadership to rethink the evangelistic activities of their churches and to reconsider what it means to engage their surrounding communities as agents of God's kingdom.
Endorsements (5)
“Anderson provides a forthright and refreshing message to those Evangelical Christians who seek to address the stinging effects of poverty on all of God's children.”
“In Wasted Evangelism, Anderson reminds readers of the inextricable link between the gospel, evangelism, and God's heart for justice. Analyzing the Gospel of Mark, Anderson shows how the good news of Christ's gospel can be manifested as people pursue social action and respond to the needs of the poor and the oppressed. May the church be increasingly inspired in our evangelistic efforts while also responding to the needs of the least of these in our midst!”
“Chip Anderson challenges theologically complacent and inactive Christianity in its inattention to the poor and oppressed and challenges us all to advocate for the vulnerable--not for the sake of social action itself, but also as a necessary and authentic expression of witness and obedience to the Scriptures. This book goes a long way in dismantling the false dichotomy that often separates Jesus and justice or the gospel and social action.”
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