Pragmatic guidance for the task of healing the world

As a pastor I look for practical re­sources that cross the theological spectrum, stimulate discussion, and compel me to act. Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Graham Hill offer just such a resource. The task of “healing our broken humanity” is ambitious, but Kim and Hill offer pragmatic guidance for those who wish to undertake it.

With the idea of God creating “one new humanity” (Eph. 2:15) as their compass, the authors explore nine practices that can assist in such healing. They argue that “the church needs fresh practices before a watching world”—practices like relinquishing power, renewing lament, reconciling relationships, and reimagining the meaning of church. I found two of these practices particularly helpful: repenting together and reactivating hospitality.

The chapter on repentance begins with the claim that “our world is plagued by the pursuit of power and control, and by injustices, exploitations and racial disparities.” The authors make it clear that these sins are both personal and social. Repentance is a necessary posture in the face of such reality. It is a “four stage process” that involves conviction, contrition, commitment, and change.