Publisher's Synopsis
In How to Reach the Masses, the Rev. Dr. Richard Gadzekpo ties the mission of the church to the mission of the Lord, Jesus Christ. He argues that the mission of Jesus involved both the proclamation of the gospel and acts of mercy and justice on behalf of the poor and the oppressed. Therefore, in order for the church to be true to its God-given mission of making disciples, there can be no separation between its proclamation and its praxis.In this practical guide to radical Christian discipleship, he clarifies that disciple making is much like the growth process of a child. It begins with a birth; involves nurturing; and advances to maturity. Underlying his theology of Christian discipleship is the fact that Christian discipleship must be holistic. It must address the spiritual, physical, emotional, and economic needs of people.In setting forth Christian discipleship as economic empowerment, Dr. Gadzekpo underscores the significance of how the Old Testament system of gleaning met the needs of widows, orphans, strangers, and the poor in a manner that was empowering. This God-ordained method provided them the opportunity to get their needs met by working while maintaining their dignity. Christian discipleship should be economically empowering, must be in word and in deed; and must change people, their world, and the context of their relationships in light of the saving reality of God.Dr. Gadzekpo introduces the Micro-Credit concept, which he defines as the church working at poverty alleviation or economic empowerment by way of granting its members credit to embark upon an income generating ventures. It is about helping the poor to help themselves to overcome their poverty. Unlike charity, empowerment enables people to maintain their dignity. He takes the time to show how this concept lines up with the teachings of the Bible and with the tenets of sound Christian theology. He gives practical step by step instructions for those who would like to implement the Participatory Micro-Credit Program.Someone once said that "Nothing is more powerful than an idea that has found its time." I am convinced that this is indeed an idea that may have found its time.Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr.The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
