Cultural Relevance, Mercy Ministry and the Social Gospel

The Christ the Center panelists converse with the Rev. Richard Phillips, Senior Minister at 2nd Presbyterian Church of Greenville, SC about the importance of a Reformed approach to evangelism and mercy ministry. The tendency can be to remain inside the four walls of the church when the church has been called to proclaim the gospel to a dying world. Phillips points out that it is possible to be solidly Reformed and also committed to getting the message of the gospel out into the highways and byways of our various communities. Rev. Phillips draws upon his own pastoral experience and one of his most recent publications, Jesus the Evangelist. While believers are called upon to give a reason for the hope that is in them as they are given opportunity (1st Pet. 3:15), the primary means of evangelism is the proclamation of the Bible from the pulpit in public worship. The panel also discussed the rightful place of mercy ministry and cultural engagement. It is important that the church take care of its own, but there is also a place for demonstrating mercy to those outside the church. However, there is always the danger that demonstrating God’s love in deeds of mercy will eclipse the clear, forthright declaration of the gospel. The church must never forget its mission or identity by compromising or conforming to the culture of this world. The social gospel and inadequate methods of cultural engagement have confused and in some cases lost the truth of the gospel. The Christ the Center panelists along with Rev. Phillips conclude that with evangelism and mercy ministry, all must be done to bring glory and honor to the Triune God of Scripture (1st Cor. 10:31). In other words, the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing! Panel Rick Phillips Nick Batzig James Dolezal Jim Cassidy Jeff Waddington Camden Bucey Links The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals Bibliography Carrick, John. The Preaching of Jonathan Edwards. Banner of Truth, 2008. Fesko, J. Justification : Understanding the Classic Reformed Doctrine. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008. Johnson, Gary L. W., and Ronald N. Gleason. Reforming or Conforming? : Post-Conservative Evangelicals and the Emerging Church. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008. Phillips, Richard D. Hebrews. Reformed expository commentary. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2006. —. Jesus the Evangelist : Learning to Share the Gospel From the Book of John. Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Pub., 2007. —. What’s So Great About the Doctrines of Grace? Lake Mary FL: Reformation Trust Pub., 2008. —. Zechariah. P & R Publishing, 2007. Poythress, Vern S. The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation. P & R Publishing, 2000. Van Til, Cornelius and K. Scott Oliphint, ed. The Defense of the Faith. 4th ed. Phillipsburg N.J.: P & R Pub., 2008. Participants: Camden Bucey, James Dolezal, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Rick Phillips