Simple look at social ministry within the context of evangelical theology.

1. Theology of Social
Ministry
By Bob Munson, ThD
Bukal Life Care & Counseling Center
www.bukallife.org

2. There are Several Issues
 Why do Social Ministry? (Biblical)
 Attitudes About Social Ministry?
 Holism Versus Dualism
 Biblical Example of Community
Development

3. Why do Social Ministry? (Biblical)
Reason 1: “Love thy Neighbor”
Read: Luke 10:27 and the Parable of the Good
Shepherd. Also James 2:15-16
What are some ways to show love to one’s
neighbor?

4. Why do Social Ministry? (Biblical)
Reason 2: “Love God”
Read: Luke 10:27 and Matthew 25:34-
What are some ways to show love to God?

5. Why do Social Ministry? (Biblical)
Reason 3: Great Commission
Read: John 20:21 and Luke 4:18-19
If we are to be sent as Jesus was sent, how was
Jesus sent?

6. Why do Social Ministry?
It would be incorrect to say that the Bible is the
only reason for doing social ministry.
After all, social injustice and suffering are certainly
valid reasons for doing social ministry.
Likewise, while we may be “citizens of heaven,”
that does not negate our role and responsibility
as “good citizens of earth.”

7. Why do Social Ministry? (Biblical)
SUMMARY
Caring for people in need is commanded by God,
and is being part of God’s mission on earth.
One does not need to justify doing social ministry.
God already has blessed it.

8. What are some attitudes about Social
Ministry?
#1 Spiritualist (Avoidance)
Our job is to proclaim the word of God and lead
people to Christ. That’s it.
Ignores the social side of the Gospel

9. What are some attitudes about Social
Ministry?
#2 Social Gospel
Doing good for people IS essentially the full extent
of God’s command for us.
Ignores spiritual side of the Gospel

10. What are some attitudes about Social
Ministry?
#3 Convenience
Since we are evangelizing and discipling, why not
do some social work at the same time. No
harm in it, as long as it doesn’t get in the way.
Deemphasizes the social side of the Gospel

11. What are some attitudes about Social
Ministry?
#4 Ulterior Motive
We want to share the gospel. So to get people to
listen, we will do some nice things.
This is a common viewpoint among Evangelical
Christians.

12. What are some attitudes about Social
Ministry?
#4 Ulterior Motive (Continued)
But the command and gospel of God includes
both spiritual and social aspects.
The problem with this view is that it leads to
using trickery to evangelize. Also leads to
sloppy and disreputable behavior.

13. What are some attitudes about Social
Ministry?
#5 Holism
We don’t separate between physical, spiritual,
mental, economic, and social.
Sees the Gospel as providing eternal bliss, and
the arrival of some aspects of the Kingdom of
God now.

14. Another way of looking at it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Material Spiritual
Social Gospel Avoidance
Liberation Theology Convenience
Ulterior Motive
Holistic

15. Holism Versus Dualism
What is Dualism? Dualism sees there being a major
separation between the two different parts of life.
-Physical Versus Spiritual
-Sacred Versus Secular (Separatism)
-Belief Versus Behavior (Hypocrisy)

16. Holism Versus Dualism
Holism seeks to recognize the Kingdom of God as
applying to:
-The whole person
-The whole community
-The whole world

17. Holism Versus Dualism
Holism is consistent with the concept of:
 God’s plan for Creation
 Genesis 1 <God’s original plan>
 Isaiah 65: 17-25 <God’s plan for the future>
 Rev. 21:1-4, 22-26; 22:1-5
 Great Commandment
 Jesus’ call to be salt and light to the world.
 Jesus call to the Kingdom of God.

18. Biblical Example Of Community
Development
The Book of Nehemiah can be read as a
case study of Holistic Community
Development.
This is a good model for us.

19. Biblical Example Of Community
Development
Nehemiah:
 Discovered a felt need
 Prayed and planned. Analyzed internal and external
resources.
 What were his “internal resources”.
(No time, No money, No authority)
(Had knowledge, Had connections, Had God)
 Expressed Vision, Competence, and Trustworthiness to
others to partner with him, getting time, money, and
authority.

20. Biblical Example Of Community
Development
Nehemiah:
 Started with felt needs (Wall) and then started
going to actual needs (moral, social).
 Started with easy things (Wall, usury), and moved
to difficult things (societal transformation).
 Started with things that required little partnership
and worked toward things that required much
partnership.

21. Concluding Thoughts
 Because of the spectre of “the Social Gospel”
many Evangelicals have downplayed social
ministry.
 Christians would benefit from a balanced
assessment of the Biblical understanding of social
ministry within the context of the church
 Missions/ministry theology (and pretty much all
forms of Practical theology) is fairly poorly
developed. It is hoped by the writer that the
future brings a better theological foundation for
ministry.

22. Theology of Social
Ministry
By Bob Munson, ThD
Bukal Life Care & Counseling Center
www.bukallife.org