A helpful post Tony. The bible makes it quite clear that evangelism and social action are completely separate things and often we need reminding of this biblical fact.

You are also right to point out (in #5) that social action is not a ‘magic evangelistic bullet’. Once again the Bible makes it clear this is not the way to win hearts over.

Lack of social action can (in some situations) however, render any form of evangelism useless and ineffective. People are so sceptical these days about sincerity (and often rightly so) that we need to demonstrate that we genuinely care for and want to be involved in their lives all the time, and not just when it suits us (ie to evangelise). Social action allows us to build up a sort of ‘street cred’ with the local community, and helps soften hearts to the prospect of evangelism.

Sydney Anglicans need to find a better balance between evangelism/social action, but it needs to be done with a loving heart and with genuine motives. If not, the non-christian will see right through it.

Disagree that ‘evangelism’ has greater weight than ‘social justice’ causes.

As I read the accounts of Jesus’ life and the messages he preached, I don’t think he saw a distinction between the two.  This was a later development in the Pauline tradition.

The compassionate life lived, and bringing the Kingdom of God to the needy and vulnerable were one in the same.

Our desire to individuate and rank these two concepts reminds me of the law makers that Jesus himself rallied against.

Cheers.

I think points 2 and 3 are shown in the parable of the good Samaritan (Lk 10v25-37).  This is a story about a man on a journey (=mission) who stops to help someone in need, then carries on his journey.  In the context it is Jesus and his disciples on a journey (= mission 9v51-62).  The parable tells the disciples that on their mission, should they find someone in need, they must stop and help them - then continue with their mission.  From this I learn that evangelism should be our priority, and that we help people as we have opportunity (Gal 6v9,10) but that we must not be sidetracked into social action alone.

Helpful comments, Tony.  I work for a Christian international relief org. and so I swim through these issues daily.  I especially appreciate your reminder, “There is an urgency and centrality to the gospel task.” 

Curious, though, where do you find your definition of “social action” (i.e., “empowering the weak, and working together with them to effect change in their temporary circumstances here and now”) in Scripture? 

I find concepts of “good works” (i.e., just, beautiful, or beneficial deeds) and “love your neighbor” in Scripture, is that what you mean by “social action”?  Do you see warrant then for political lobbying?  Protests?

Thanks Tony for the informative,thoughtful and confronting comments.
May I make a few comments from my more muddled mind!
Point2.  Whatever is a part of God’s will is central to the work of the Lord.For example working to remove injustice,assisting the Persecuted Church,supporting the disadvantaged and evangelism are all urgent issues.I am sure that God will continue to spur some of his people to minister is such areas,doing His will.

Point 3.  Jesus is the perfect example of this statement. He was not just into evangelism but was often simply “doing good”,not unexpected as God is Love!

Point 4.  All of a Christian’s life is to be lived with unconditional love.We must love
God and our neighbour and such love will be unlimited in its expression and application to man’s needs.

Point 5.  Unconditional love will help unlock people’s hearts because such a love
brings God into the situation as God is love.We will be judged ultimately by how we have loved. Matthew 25:31-46.

Point 6 The great commission is not the only command or demand of God.A failure to emphasize and pursue all of God’s requirements will lead to an either or approach and a personal priority ranking which will be man made.
The great commission is a means to an end and not the end itself as crucial as it is.Doing all of God’s will is required.To love God with everything we have and our neighbour as ourselves will involve and include evangelism,social action and much more.

PS. I won’t mind being corrected as I don’t mind being confronted.

I wanted to say how much I enjoyed this piece! As a Sydney Anglican for some 17 years now it’s amazing that part of me wanted to shout with glee about the potential for ‘good PR’ any time the church got into social action! I guess this came from my time in the army when soldiers were having a go at Christians, but one guy stubbornly said “Yeah, but I won’t hear anything against the Salvos. They actually DO something”. I thought, “Oh, I wish our church had a bit of that respect!”

As Tony and MJ and others have pointed out, social action can <i>lose</i> a bit of that just as easily. Thanks for clarifying that for me.

I understand HT to mean “hat tip,” as you say, acknowledging the person who alerted you to this great piece of advice, wisdom, joke, tidbit, etc.