This is the final post in the social justice series sparked from a discussion at XChange, a leadership event of conversations among various generations of women’s ministry leaders. (Read parts one, two, and three.)
Since we’ve discussed the importance of being involved in social justice because Christ modeled it for us and the imperative to connect the gospel to our social justice actions, the question now before is how do we get involved?
- Listen to the Lord. Seek Him first: What is God calling you to do? Then evaluate gifts He has given you.
- Make sure your relationship with Lord is strong and growing.
- Search needs in your community and around the world to see which ones fit God’s calling and gifting of the women in your ministry.
- Treat people as people, not as projects!
- Provide real resources — tangible expressions of love to meet immediate needs of people.
- Raise awareness among the women in your ministry to show them the needs that exist.
- Continually assess the effectiveness and impact that’s happening as you develop these ministries.
- Beware of enabling those in need! It will not help them in the long run.
- Educate and train the people who will be involved in serving.
- Understand that not everyone is called to serve in the same social justice issues. Be aware of people feeling inadequate, but don’t excuse them from social justice responsibilities.
- Help people discover how they can get involved. Then shepherd them by giving them resources. Meet them where they are and grow them up into serving.
- Bring the good news (Isaiah 61) without blame or prejudice, realizing that without the grace of God we could be the ones in need of social justice.
- Take time to develop a passion and focus. If we dive into too many opportunities at once we can lose focus and not accomplish anything. We are not called to do everything, but we are called to do something!
- Ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Sometimes we are already getting results on our own, but we must seek wisdom to know if it’s what we should be doing.
- Don’t get weary in well-doing. Social justice can be exhausting.
- Don’t be disappointed that everyone’s not on your bandwagon of service. Continue to build awareness and trust God to stir the hearts of those who need to serve.
Helpful Resources
When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor … and Yourself
What Is the Mission of the Church? Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission
Get Uncomfortable: Serve the Poor. Stop Injustice. Change the World … In Jesus’ Name
How have you started social justice ministry in your church? What has been most effective and most challenging?
Chris Adams is senior lead women’s ministry specialist at Lifeway Christian Resources in Nashville, Tenn. Learn more about Chris here.
