On the Balance of Evangelism and Social Justice

I have been doing a lot of thinking about the church's unique role in our world, particularly as it relates to the church's responsibility in the areas of evangelism and what has come to be called "social justice."

Evangelism is the proclamation of the Gospel in words. When we tell others of Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and glorification, we are sharing the Good News that God uses to open blind eyes and save dead souls. When we tell Jesus' story, the Holy Spirit convicts and transforms as God sees fit. Missions today is driven by the truth that God's people are all over the world, and the church is called to seek them like Jesus sought the lost sheep. Evangelism addresses the deepest need of humanity: The need to be reconciled to our Creator.

But what about the other needs in the world? The meeting of material needs and the destruction of systemic sin in society that creates inequality and oppresses people is the aim of social justice. Doesn't the Gospel address these issues? Doesn't the Gospel teach the church to love the poor, advocate for the voiceless, and bring peace to the hurting world? I would say that it does, but there is a growing trend in evangelicalism that places social justice as the primary responsibility of the church in the world; or if not primary, at least equal to the task of evangelism.

So here are some of the thoughts I have been having recently. I'm still putting them together.

1. The Bible is clear that the purpose of missions is to make disciples of all nations. (Matt.28) That's what Jesus did, so that's what we're supposed to do. Evangelism is the primary reason to go into the world. Paul did not go into Ephesus to start a food pantry and second hand clothing store. He went to start a church, and he did that (at the cost of his safety and eventually his life) wherever he went.

2. The Bible is clear that the mark of the church is love. The extent to which we love each other is the extent to which we are a city on a hill, light in the darkness, and preserving salt to the dying. So, when the church uses its gifts to build itself up in love, we are a shining, counter-cultural example of the Gospel of grace. This is not an optional part of the church. It is central to its mission.

3. Part of the church's expression of love for its people is sacrifical giving and the meeting of material needs within the church. The early church is rife with examples of sacrifical love and giving. People sold their lands and gave the money to the apostles for the purpose of helping the poorer church members. And Acts insists that the love the church showed for its people caused the community to have a good view of the church, and "the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." (Acts 2:47)

4. So, I conclude from the first three points that evangelism, social justice, and the expansion of the Kingdom of God are indeed tied intimately together, but in this way:

• The church proclaims the Good News and God saves people.
• The new, larger church cares for its people in radical, sacrifical, loving ways.
• The people of the greater community see the good deeds of the church and come to know Christ by both the church's proclamation and example.
• God grows his church.
• Repeat.

5. So are social justice issues addressed by the church? Yes. But this does not mean the church is the crusading task force charged with righting the wrongs of society. The church is to be the city on the hill that the rest of the world can see. It is the social justice found within the church that will bring healing and shalom to the world.

I'm still working on these thoughts. What do you think? For further reading, check out Kevin DeYoung's post here.