Bishop Dickie Robbins Life in Christ Cathedral of Faith
These pastors and ministry leaders from churches that are active in holistic ministry describe their experiences and views on mission.
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| Bishop Dickie Robbins Life in Christ Cathedral of Faith Chester, PA |
| (Transcribed from the video, "What is Holistic Ministry," available at 1-800-650-6600) The short definition of holistic ministry is properly balancing evangelism and social justice Life in Christ is contributing to the overall revitalization of the community, because we participate in that revitalization at every level, the spiritual, the economic, the educational, the social. The transforming power of the gospel ought to be evident, not by looking at people on their way into church, but on their way out of church. The gospel in the hearts and mouths and hands of those who dare to call themselves Christian, makes the difference. Holistic ministry provides probably one of the greatest satisfactions that one could imagine. At the same time, it is so very costly - emotionally, psychologically, physically, and even financially. Because the traditional view of church is that you have a worship service on Sunday, you may have a mid-week Bible study, but essentially, you fulfill your commitment and to God by doing those two things, whereas God's very clear about wanting us to address the needs of the poor and to comfort those who are hurting. There's this thing, this mentality, that has somehow made it's way into the body of Christ, that says that, "I can send my check and feel good that I'm involved." But the other thing, that is missing is direct contact and involvement, because you cannot build relationship through a checkbook. A cross-cultural partnership is important to our ministry because we recognize that we can't do the entire job that God has called us to do alone. This probably is the greatest witness to the world, that the body of Christ comes together in cooperation. |
