Book Review: “Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road” Timothy J. Keller, P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg, NJ, 1997, 236 pp.

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

"Ministries of Mercy" is Biblical, theological, and practical exposition on the need and practice of helping those in need. The book in divided into two sections, one on principles and one on practice. Keller lays out the biblical case for mercy ministries in part one and then offers practical guidelines about getting involved in part two. Keller addresses the need for involvement in acts of practical mercy to the needy on various levels (individual, family, church, community) as well as giving attention to pitfalls to avoid. He supplements his material with some helpful "best practices" from model churches and ministries.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.

The crucial area of mercy ministry is poorly addressed in contemporary Christian literature. Keller's book fills that vacuum nicely. If you had only one comprehensive guide to caring service from a Christian perspective, "Ministries of Mercy" would serve you well. Keller leaves few stones unturned in addressing these issues, yet without ever becoming bogged down with minutia. In one of the strongest sections of his book, Keller persuasively argues that acts of mercy are a test of the genuineness of our faith and therefore not optional for the Christian. "Ministries of Mercy" is a clear challenge for the church to become more sacrificially engaged in the needs of its community, yet Keller never sounds shrill in his admonitions. And he always is careful to center his thoughts on the gospel of grace. If there is a weakness, it is in the broadness of his vision. Those seeking to begin diaconal (servant) ministries in a local church might become overwhelmed at the thought of addressing systemic injustice, but Keller urges us to start small and build up.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.

The application of "Ministries of Mercy" is immediate. In particular I will recommend that this book become a catalyst for forming a more sustained diaconal ministry in our church. Keller offers the biblical foundation and practical tools to look at our community and begin to serve the needs intangible ways. Also, I plan to use his section on "Understanding Every-Member Ministry" (p.156-157) to inform, motivate, and equip our church membership.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.

p.61, "A merely religious person, who believes God will favor him because of his morality and respectability, will ordinarily have contempt for the outcast. 'I worked hard to get where I am, and so can anyone else!' That is the language of the moralist's heart. 'I am only where I am by the sheer and unmerited mercy of God. I am completely equal with all other people.' That is the language of the Christian's heart. A sensitive social conscience and a life poured out in deeds of mercy to the needy is the inevitable sign of a person who has grasped the doctrine of God's grace."