Restoring At-Risk Communities: Doing it Together and Doing it Right
Edited by John Perkins (published by Baker Books, 1995)
This book is a compilation of wisdom and encouragement from CCDA founder John Perkins and fourteen other veteran urban workers. It is a compass, a reference tool, and a how-to guide for urban ministry practitioners. The book offers vision and many practical examples of successes and failures. Its lessons and advice are relevant for practitioners just starting out and those with significant experience in the field.
The book is divided into three parts: foundations of Christian community development; strategy of Christian community development; and ministry in the community. Each section contains three or more practical chapters written by different urban ministry experts. Topics include: the theology of Christian community development, understanding poverty, racial reconciliation, indigenous leadership and how to start a community development ministry.
Why does FASTEN recommend this resource?
This book is particularly useful for at least three reasons. First, it collects the wisdom and insights of some of the leading urban ministry veterans--people who have been in the trenches and know what they are talking about. Second, it covers a wide range of practical topics and relevant issues. Third, it refreshingly candid—the authors share many personal examples of pain, struggle, success, and failure. Authors of various races, ages and genders contribute, so the book presents a varying range of perspectives. The book is both encouraging and realistic about what can and cannot be done well.
