If your anything like me you will realize that finding the time to read is impossible with work, family, church groups, renewal meetings and everything else that just eats up the schedule. Seconds wind down and minutes turn into hours and then days and next thing you know you have to cram in two whole chapters by tomorrow. Keep in mind tomorrow here is just a figure of speech, you have the grace of a whole nutter week. ( yes I just said nutter, look it up it is how children often say another, give it up for the kids!!!)

Well having said all that I want to encourage those of you that may read this, that there are some things to be looking for as you read the

Prologue & Introduction: Who Is My Neighbor?

You will find these questions on page 27

For Discussion

1. The statistics on poverty may have been new to you. What aspect(s) was/were the most surprising? How has your view of poverty in the U.S changed after reading the facts?

2.    The seminarian’s  experience with Angela, the homeless woman, speaks of some of the   complexities of dealing with the poor . Identify some of these complexities based on that example.

3. Can you identify a “pocket” of poverty in your community that you or your church may be able to help? Explain

We are planning to have two discussion groups, we will announce those times this Sunday in church.

Publisher’s Description:

Like the wounded man on the Jericho road, there are needy people in our path – the widow next door, the family strapped with medical bills, the homeless man outside our place of worship. God calls us to be ministers of mercy to people in need of shelter, assistance, medical care, or just friendships.

Here Timothy J. Keller demonstrates that caring for needy people is the job of every believer – not just church deacons – as fundamental to Christian living as evangelism, nurture, and worship. But Keller doesn’t stop there. He shows how we can carry out this vital ministry as individuals, families, and churches. Along the way, he deals prospectively with many thorny issues, such as the costs of meeting needs versus the limits of time and resources, giving material aid versus teaching responsibility, and meeting needs within the church versus those outside.

233 Pages

Published in 1989

About the Author

Timohty J. Keller (M.Div., Gordon-ConwellTheological Seminary; D.Min., Westminster Theological Seminary) is senior pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, in Manhattan, and author of The Reason for God. He previously was Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, in Philadelphia, and Director of Mercy Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America.

Minisrties of Mercy

                                                                                Contents

Prologue : The One Who Showed Mercy        9

Introdution : Who Is My Neighbor?               15

Part 1: PRINCIPLES

1 The Call to Mercy                   35

2 The Character of Mercy               45

3 The Motivation of Mercy              58

4 Giving and Keeping : A Balanced Lifestyle        67

5 Church and World : A Balanced Focus              80

6 Conditional and Unconditional : A Balanced Judgement       93

7 Word and Deed : A Balanced Testimony          106

Part 2 : PRACTICE

8 Getting Started            123

9 Preparing the Church       133

10 Mobilizing the Church     154

11 Expanding Your Vision     174

12 Managing Your Ministry    194

13 Mercy Ministry and Church Growth     207

14 Meeting Needs    225

Suggested Reading     234