The Just Church by Jim Martin

Many of you know my heart for justice.  Many of you have inquired about ways to learn more about the subject, particularly as fellow Christ followers.  And, many of you have asked about practical ways to engage the issue.  Therefore, I am excited to introduce all of you to:

The Just Church: Becoming a Risk-Taking, Justice-Seeking, Disciple-Making Congregation by Jim Martin is the book many church leaders and Christ followers have been looking for.  In fact, the title alone had me at “hello.” 

Scripture teaches that God is a God of justice who calls His people to walk in His ways.  But what does that look like for the church today?  How can churches engage the issue of injustice in a biblical, relevant, effective and sustainable way?  Author Jim Martin prescribes two necessary character traits in order to do so: courage and humility. Martin also provides a biblical foundation, practical tools, life experience as a pastor, testimonies to encourage, as well as insight into the work of the International Justice Mission. Interwoven throughout are stories of others following Jesus by taking risks and seeking justice for the good of others who are made in the image of God.  I highly recommend this book for every Christian in general and church leaders in particular.  

(My review posted on Amazon.com & CBD)

Here is a helpful word about the book from the author himself...

“As churches, we must approach justice (the attribute of God) and justice ministry (the activity in which we engage) in the same way.  It is abundantly clear from the Scriptures that our God is a God of justice and that what is required of us as disciples is also clear: namely, that we do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).  While each of us may not feel primarily gifted for the tasks involved in leading the ministry of justice, it ought to be part of our DNA as disciples to learn how to live justly and care for the widow, the orphan, the vulnerable, and the oppressed.” -TJC

Visit The Just Church website to order your copy today, learn more about the work of the International Justice Mission (IJM), as well as connect to additional resources...

For those of you in the Raleigh/Durham area MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

WHEN:  Thursday, October 25th

TIME:  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

WHERE:  Imago Dei Church (IDC)

WHAT:  Justice Night

DETAILS:  Larry Martin, Director of Church Mobilization for IJM, will be speaking on the subjects of slavery and human trafficking and ways to get involved.  IDC will host a brief meeting at the conclusion of the presentation for church leaders interested in networking together in our area.

Desserts and Coffee will be provided.

We will also have copies of Jim Martin's The Just Church (TJC) available.

ONE way you can begin engaging the issue of injustice NOW is to pray.  This is too often overlooked or minimized.  I confess this struggle even within my own life. Yet, prayer is fundamental and essential... 

“The work of biblical justice both fuels and demands a kind of prayer that is more urgent and enduring than that produced by sheer discipline… Prayer is the primary and essential form of engagement in the battle for justice.” - TJC 

May we be a people of prayer and action as we "learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." (Isaiah 1:17)