Foundational Principles Bookshelf: An Annotated Bibliography (FASTEN, 2007) Resource Type: brief annotated bibliography Audience: Church and ministry leaders new to the field of church-based transformational community ministry who wish to gain understanding from some books that give a broad overview. ********************************** · Community Ministry: New Challenges, Proven Steps to Faith-based Initiatives, by Carl S. Dudley (Alban Institute, 2002) This classic text, revised in 2002, is an essential tool for church-based community transformation. Dudley has over 25 years experience in leading churches to positively impact their communities. The book first offers an overview of faith-based social services in the U.S. It then walks church leaders through the basic steps: assessing the community context (gifts, needs, assets); assessing the congregation (its Biblical foundation, heritage, history, gifts, identity); and getting properly organized for ministry (building the organizational structure, recruiting volunteers). · Compassion Evangelism: Meeting Human Needs, Thomas Nees (Beacon Hill Press, 1996) This short book by Thomas Nees encourages Christians and the Christian church to take seriously the Biblical mandate to care for the poor and needy. Nees passionately explains his belief that spreading the Gospel must include both a discussion of personal salvation through Christ Jesus and taking responsibility for the social injustices in the world. The salvation of individuals is important, but so also is the salvation of the world, our cities and neighborhoods. Although Nees focuses on the Nazarene church, members and leaders of other churches will find much in this volume to inspire and motivate them. · Faith and Social Ministry: Ten Christian Perspectives, James D. Davidson, C. Lincoln Johnson, and Alan K. Mock (Loyola Press, 1990) This academic book looks at ten different churches’ perspective on the relationship between faith and social ministry. The churches are: Roman catholic, United Presbyterian, United Methodist, Nazarene, American Baptist, Southern Baptist, African-American Baptist, Episcopal, Lutheran, and United church of Christ. · Ministries of Mercy, Tim Keller. P & R Publishing, 1997. www.prpbooks.com. $10.99 Excellent for churches and individual Christians, Tim Keller’s book on mercy introduces the subject with the state of our nation’s poor and the clearly desperate need for God’s people to answer the call of mercy. The first half of his book then delves into the Biblical and theological foundations for mercy, discussing issues such as the spiritual motivation for mercy and the appropriate balance between evangelism and mercy. Keller dives deeply into these complicated issues, but his presentation remains accessible and readable. The second half of the book provides practical guidelines for putting the principles into action for individuals, families and the church. · The Externally Focused Church, Rick Rucksaw and Eric Swanson This book outlines for pastors and other church leaders how to transform their congregation into a missional church. The authors present a strategic plan for action, strongly supported with Scripture, their own expertise in the field, and many stories from other churches. Designed especially for leaders, Roxburgh and Romanuk guide readers through the changes necessary both in the individual lives of leaders and in the congregation in order to be obedient to God’s plan for His church. | 
