I guess the biggest advice is to have a broad statement of faith that won't alienate some Christians. I think one of our pan-Christian groups decided on the Apostle's Creed. SALT actually doesn't have something like this, but it might have helped us out.
Then, I'd say narrowly and carefully define social justice. And in that statement talk about the interconnectedness of real war/spiritual war and real poverty, spiritual poverty. Also acknowledging the sins of the church while presenting its unique opportunity to overcome such things (discrimination, abuses of power, forgetting the call of Christ).
Lastly, I think defining what social justice is as opposed to service might be helpful. Many Christian groups are down with service (and that's great), but they don't understand justice. And that's a good thing to unpack too. Justice (authority and power) vs. social justice (redemptive displays of grace that long for a just world).
Hmm. Anything else? I guess I'd just say be careful how you navigate advertising the group. This group is gonna be an answered pray for so many believers who aren't in the Christian scene or who feel the church has betrayed them. Their hearts are on fire for righting the wrongs of the worlds based on God's Word. However, there might be resentment for the church and, perhaps, doubts about other laws of God. I don't think these people should be alienated, but this group has also got to be a shelter for them and not an attempt to "church" them. I think the goal for everyone should be learning to love all of God's laws and seeking to follow them. That's the only way justice can be done in any real way.
One last thing, I'd structure it as a discussion group at first because everyone's gonna have pet concerns (environment, racism, unjust war, etc.) and it's best to do presentations of them as bible studies so you all can collectively choose projects. Doing service to bond though or doing tabling, petitions, rallies, public prayers,etc. will be great ways to mobilize your group and your campus through activities.
If there's anything else you want to ask about SALT, then let me know.
Also, keep me updated!
ps I read four really great books this break, so I'll try to blog about them soon. My mind drips with posts, but I can never manage to sit down and write them. Please pray for me to be a good steward of my time and to see the potential of these words on a page.
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Wow, that's great!
I guess the biggest advice is to have a broad statement of faith that won't alienate some Christians. I think one of our pan-Christian groups decided on the Apostle's Creed. SALT actually doesn't have something like this, but it might have helped us out.
Then, I'd say narrowly and carefully define social justice. And in that statement talk about the interconnectedness of real war/spiritual war and real poverty, spiritual poverty. Also acknowledging the sins of the church while presenting its unique opportunity to overcome such things (discrimination, abuses of power, forgetting the call of Christ).
Lastly, I think defining what social justice is as opposed to service might be helpful. Many Christian groups are down with service (and that's great), but they don't understand justice. And that's a good thing to unpack too. Justice (authority and power) vs. social justice (redemptive displays of grace that long for a just world).
Hmm. Anything else? I guess I'd just say be careful how you navigate advertising the group. This group is gonna be an answered pray for so many believers who aren't in the Christian scene or who feel the church has betrayed them. Their hearts are on fire for righting the wrongs of the worlds based on God's Word. However, there might be resentment for the church and, perhaps, doubts about other laws of God. I don't think these people should be alienated, but this group has also got to be a shelter for them and not an attempt to "church" them. I think the goal for everyone should be learning to love all of God's laws and seeking to follow them. That's the only way justice can be done in any real way.
One last thing, I'd structure it as a discussion group at first because everyone's gonna have pet concerns (environment, racism, unjust war, etc.) and it's best to do presentations of them as bible studies so you all can collectively choose projects. Doing service to bond though or doing tabling, petitions, rallies, public prayers,etc. will be great ways to mobilize your group and your campus through activities.
If there's anything else you want to ask about SALT, then let me know.
Also, keep me updated!
ps I read four really great books this break, so I'll try to blog about them soon. My mind drips with posts, but I can never manage to sit down and write them. Please pray for me to be a good steward of my time and to see the potential of these words on a page.
This comment has been removed by the author.
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