Missional Economics

Missional Economics
Biblical Justice and Christian Formation
(Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2018)

WHO: Michael Barram, professor of theology and religious studies at Saint Mary’s College of California.

HE SAYS: “Slavery to wealth is true slavery; slavery in service to God brings true life.”

THE BIG IDEA: The Bible has a lot to say about economic matters. This book examines biblical texts through a missional lens, showing how God’s Word can and should transform our economic thinking and practices.

THE PROGRESSION:
Through 13 chapters, the author presents a strongly reasoned, clear vision of the Bible’s transformative focus on how we think about money, wealth and poverty.
Chapters examine economic reasoning in different Gospel accounts, the kingdom’s economy of abundance and economic formation. Chapters end with reflection questions.

“Abundance, generosity, cooperation, sustainability, compassion, mercy, love, and justice—these need not (indeed they must not) remain oddly spiritualized, idealistic terms for Christians. We serve the God who can and will make these realities.”

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The Timeless Whisper’s Been Here All Along

To a world on edge, defensive, and hurting, Christians have a responsibility to not only listen to God but also to speak Good News in a way that can actually be heard.

How to Leverage Existing Ministries for Outreach

“You could launch new outreach ministries without removing any existing ministries, increasing your budget or adding staff.”

Doing Unto Others

Davis maintains that ministry shouldn’t be about serving at church on a Sunday morning, because those people are already saved. Instead, it should be about doing ministry on the mission field and talking to people who are unchurched.