Compassion, Justice and the Christian Life: Rethinking Ministry to the Poor by Robert D. Lupton

After reading When Helping Hurts (Fikkert/Corbett), Lupton's book is a great supplement on how effective urban ministry can be done in the US. His emphasis is on building the self-reliance and dignity of the people and truly renewing the community. Opening clothing pantries employs no one and takes money out of the local economy, where instead, selling used clothing at nominal prices can create jobs and ensure no one takes things they do not need just because they are free.

Lupton and his ministry learned a lot of things the hard way, and his book helps to rethink the role of urban churches in their communities. Many are "drive-in" churches (the members no longer live in the neighborhood). One example he gives is of a church that defined its need as "more parking" because people had all moved away and needed places to park when they drive to the church. They were going to knock down existing homes in order to build the parking, hence removing homes from the market and creating empty space that would be used for a couple of hours a week. Lupton worked with them to use the space wisely and in a way that helped the neighborhood as a whole.

Finished this on October 27, 2013. Had a good discussion about it with Lyss and her roommates who had been reading it for their internship in Memphis. Hanging onto it and have recommended it to several folks,.