The Influence of the Church on the Local Community: Fruition of the Kingdom of God through Social Justice Initiatives
Ebook
Overview
The church is called to be the agency through which God is not only known but through which his kingdom is also advanced. This book, therefore, is an attempt to examine the church's influence on communities through social justice practices as part of advancing the gospel of the kingdom of God. The book brings out results of a study about a congregation's significant impact on a local community through varied social justice programs. The book also provides relevant recommendations on how such initiatives can be improved for a more effective kingdom-driven ministry to local communities. It is hoped that the example of J. Jireh Ministry Church provides a case worthy of emulation by other churches, congregations, and similar faith-based community organizations for ministering to social justice needs at the local level.
“The study of theology is not enough for the church, but
theology praxis allows for lifelong transformation for each
individual of the community. Dr. Abraham Ndung’u brings a practical
theology that addresses the city, proposing a new design of
ministry to reach persons who are marginalized by society.”
—Dawn R. Morton, Ashland Theological Seminary
“Dr. Ndungu’s research has been a tool to measure the kingdom
influence our local church has had on our congregation, our
community, and our city. Dr. Ndungu’s results have enabled us to
see and understand how effective our ministry has been in
completing the gospel of the kingdom of God. I thank God for the
insight of Dr. Ndungu to document how the faith community can
minister social justice needs within their ministerial
context.”
—Norman J. Brown, J. Jireh Ministries Church
“With a lively blend of demographic and urban development analysis
joined with brave New Testament theology for the twenty-first
century, Brother Abraham instructs, reminds, provokes, and reforms
us as we approach new realities for a truly global future. This
book is both transcultural and personally transformational, and
will be helpful for many in the ecumenical community.”
—Richard A. Burnett, Trinity Episcopal Church, Columbus,
Ohio
Abraham G. Ndung’u holds graduate degrees in spatial planning
and practical theology from University of Nairobi, Tongji
University, and Ashland Theological Seminary. In his quest for
authentic praxis in social justice, the author is an ardent
advocate for a “participatory socially just city.” An ordained
Anabaptist minister, Ndung’u is also a chaplain, professor, and
faith-based community organizer, passionate about bringing to bear
the kingdom of God in the lives of ordinary folks.