The challenge of integral mission

Looking at the lives of Jesus himself, the prophets and some of those who have most inspired us, we discover that following him should have a profound affect on all aspects of our lives.

What does integral mission look like

Tearfund s working definition of integral mission, plus an analysis of the key characteristics in explaining the concept to a range of audiences.

What does salvation mean in your local community?

This article finds that the biblical picture of salvation is rich and multi-faceted. It then unpacks the four ways of describing salvation – all of which involve both personal and social change.

Tearfund's understanding of integral mission & key biblical themes

Unpacks the key biblical themes of integral mission looking at the character of God, the reign of God and the grace of God.

Case studies of integral mission in practice

Four short case studies from the UK, Brazil, Mali and the Philippines, showing how local churches have put integral mission into practice and what it means to them.

Proper confidence in the gospel - the theology of Lesslie Newbigin

Comforting the disturbed and disturbing the comfortable

An analysis of Jesus’ encounters with the rich and the poor in the gospel of Matthew

The Gospel: good news for today

The good news Jesus taught connected directly with his hearers’ lives and this is our challenge today. To preach the gospel is to declare God’s closeness, concern and sovereignty over the cares and worries that people have in a way they will understand.

The theme of social justice in the Bible

From creation to new creation, a thematic look at the biblical references that demonstrate God's heart for social justice.

What the Bible says about social justice (powerpoint presentation)

A powerpoint presentation looking at the themes of creation, fall, redemption and new creation, all of which demonstrate God s heart for social justice.

Submerging - dimensions of incarational ministry and some practical considerations

In chapter 5 of his book 'Sub-merge - Living deep in a shallow world.  Service, justice and contemplation among the world's poor' John argues that the world needs more 'words made flesh' and discusses incarnational ministry as a model, a method, a message and a spiritual discipline.

Serving with distinction: community action and other faiths

In this chapter from his book 'Distinctly Welcoming - Christian presence in a multi-faith society', Richard looks at how the distinctives of Christiantity can be worked out in practice in church community projects and their interaction with other faiths.

Getting started in community mission

Some basic steps, key principles and practical advice for church leaders and others on engaging well with your local community.

Tearfund's ROOTS Series

ROOTS stands for Resourcing Organisations with Opportunities for Transformation and Sharing. The publications aim to help Christian development organisations by providing detailed information on relevant topics. They are designed to help staff study and use them together.

Putting family back into community

Jon Kuhrt argues that the biggest change in the UK could come through a transformed approach to commitment within the family.

What kind of harvest are you reaping? 

Effective community work involves identifying, preparing for and enjoying a range of harvests. We need to adjust our activities according to the short and long term effects and make sure we are not focusing so much on the activities or the projects - which are only the tools - that we lose sight of those harvests.

Building trust in the community - how churches can build social capital

Using the story of St Clement’s Barkerend, in inner city Bradford, where the women from the church got together with the women from the local mosque, the article examines how the sharing of stories builds bridges between groupsand enables relationships to bond which can transform the community.

The flow of the gospel - or 'aren't you just trying to get me to come to church?

Our thinking is always about moving people towards God. But this is the opposite of the flow of the gospel which is about a transforming love flowing from God to people. God sent Jesus to take His love. Jesus sent his disciples, He sends us. Pulling people against the flow can highlight problems...

Making the most of the moment

The Bible warns us not to be so preoccupied with what it calls the chronos, or 'the time' that we miss what it calls the kairos, or 'the moments', when people are more open than closed and we have the opportunity to develop significant relationships.