God-centered resources from the ministry of John Piper

Friday was spent hiking through the various communities built along the side of the Andes with Food for the Hungry partners. We were able to spend time with three remarkable pastors—Pastor Ramos, Pastor Navarro, and Pastor Antonio—and one of the community presidents. It was instructive to see the holism that accompanies the ministry of these pastors and their churches. Both words and deeds have to be present in these poverty-stricken communities.

“Holistic ministry,” of course, is fast on its way to becoming another evangelical cliché. But these pastors are a testimony to the power of a truly gospel-centered ministry. It is a worthwhile study to work through the complementary nature of Jesus’ demonstrations of new creation (miracles and confrontations with powers) and his discourses that follow. The preaching is an explanation of the miracles. And the miracles are testimony to a new reality; the new reality of God setting the world aright through the life, death and resurrection of his Son. This pattern is also repeated through the testimony of the church in the book of Acts.

We are whole persons, with intellectual, psychological, physical, and spiritual needs. Gospel-faithful ministry must tend to all of these. The vision of International Outreach is to strengthen the global church to carry out holistic ministry. And part of holistic ministry is the faithful preaching and teaching of the gospel.

It has been a thrill to listen to the pastors here and hear of their triumphs. It has also been a joy to provide resources and help them along in their service to communities in dire need.

Read the post from Day 1.