This six-week interactive course brings together down-to-earth theology, reflection, inspiration and experience with practical exercises. It will help your church grapple with issues of justice and poverty and think practically about how they can respond effectively as an integral part of their mission. A highlight of the course is a ‘day of action’ organised by the course participants inspired by what they have been exploring.
Just People? was written by Tearfund and Livability who are working together in a new partnership called Community Mission. We believe that the mission God calls us to is holistic, or integral, encompassing prayer, proclamation, practical service and political action. The course is also supported by Micah Challenge UK, a coalition of Christian organisations and churches in Britain, united in their concern to fight poverty.
Course overview
The aims and focus of the course can be summed up in one passage: when Micah asks God what is required of him, the answer is:
‘He has shown all you people what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’ (Micah 8)
What does God ask of us and our church? What does it mean to live out what we discover, both in our local community and globally?
These are the questions that Just People? is designed to help you begin to address.
Just People? consists of a DVD which has inspirational stories from churches around the UK and six talks based on different aspects of the course. Accompanying the DVD is a 100 page booklet with leaders notes and participants worksheets, which can all be photocopied.
The six sessions are:
ROOTS – the theology behind Christian concern for justice
MISSION – more about integral, joined up mission
COMPASSION – A church that merciful and compassionate
POLITICS – A church that works for justice
ACTION- a day of collective action by participants
CHURCH- What does all this mean for how we operate as a church?
COST- The personal challenge to be just people
Each session contains:
1. Feedback from previous session
2. Inspirational story from a local church
3. Bible based Talk
4. Discussion
5. Take away action
The course can be used in a small or larger group setting.
Just People? explores the idea that Christian mission cannot be reduced to either verbal proclamation of the good news or social activism on their own. Authentic Christian discipleship and mission combine personal and social transformation; words and actions.
It costs £25 and is available to order here.
Click here for more on community mission and the thinking behind the course.
A Northern Ireland version of the course is also available. Please call 028 9068 2828 to request your copy.