| abstract |
Churches too often limit their outreach and mission efforts by only responding to the needs witnessed in their community and world. The Church is best at responding to crises by fulfilling immediate and systemic needs and, though there is a responsibility to practice such charitable acts, there is a further role to play. In addition to responding, the Church has the responsibility of working to prevent such needs.
Amid a global health pandemic (COVID-19) and during our nation's heightened awareness of current and systemic racism (response to murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others), this project captures the efforts of leading a white moderate church toward incorporating justice ministries into mission. Justice is defined within the work, which includes the research of biblical, theological, and ethical rationale for the incorporation of justice into church ministry.
Context is important to ministry in general, and vital to practicing Public Theology. Significant effort is spent outlining Shadyside Presbyterian Church's historical and current context. Strategies and practices of early steps toward incorporating justice work are included, along with current steps and future goals. Finally, though this specific study does not provide a reproducible model, practical takeaways are highlighted in the conclusion for those who desire to both lead and sojourn alongside a similar church in its efforts to do justice.
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