Stephenson, Wienk Write Book on Redemptive Service

Lee University's Dr. Lisa Stephenson and Dr. Ruthie Wienk recently co-wrote a book titled "Redemptive Service: Loving Our Neighbors Well."  

"This book is important to me because it highlights an aspect of the gospel that is at the heart of our identity and mission as Christians," said Stephenson, professor of systematic theology and director of the benevolence program. "Redemptive service is a significant theme that is woven throughout scripture and continually is an essential part of what God expects from His people. My hope for the book is that as people read it, their view of their neighbors - especially the poor, marginalized, and oppressed - will be transformed, and they will seek to connect their gifts and skills with the world's needs in intentional and meaningful ways."

Dr. Lisa Stephenson

"Redemptive Service: Loving Our Neighbors Well" discusses the biblical, theological, and sociological foundations of redemptive service and why it is essential to the true Christian identity. Combining their understanding of the value of benevolence and their passion for service, Stephenson and Wienk use the parable of the good Samaritan to describe how ministry must start with genuine love for others and be followed by action that is intentional to their needs. The book provides readers with this two-fold framework to use when deciding whom to serve and how to serve well.

The book is split into two parts, the first written by Stephenson and the second by Wienk. Stephenson opens the book by laying a biblical and theological foundation for what benevolent action should look like for Christians, and Wienk closes by engaging in discussions about promoting justice in ways that are both practical and backed up with research. 

Dr. Ruthie Wienk

"I hope that readers will be inspired to make serving others an aspect of spiritual practice that is as integral to their life of faith as reading the Bible, praying, and going to church," said Wienk, chair for the department of behavioral & social science. "In addition, I hope that they will think deeply about how and why they serve, developing a sense of community and brother/sisterhood with the people they are serving. Just as Jesus constantly comes into the broken places of our lives bringing healing and hope, we are called to go into the broken places of our neighborhoods and bring the light of Christ. We can demonstrate our love for God by loving our neighbors well."

"Redemptive Service: Loving Our Neighbors Well" was written to address the need of a textbook for Lee's benevolence program, a course that offers students an introduction to various aspects of service from a Christian perspective, that could unpack what redemptive service is and what it should look like. It also models service for both Lee's campus and Christians looking to love and serve their neighbors well.

Since coming to Lee in the fall of 2007, Stephenson has taught introductory classes in Christian theology and ethics, upper-level theology classes, and graduate seminars. She has also been involved in Lee's foundational benevolence course as both a lecturer and lab instructor. She holds a doctorate from Marquette University and both a master's and bachelor's degree from Lee.  

Wienk joined Lee's Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences in the fall of 2018 where she currently serves as department chair. She is also involved with Lee's benevolence program and specializes in race and ethnicity in terms of social inequality. She received her doctorate from South Dakota State University, her master's degree from Shenandoah University, and her bachelor's degree from Southeastern University.  

The book is available for purchase at Amazon, Baker Publishing Group, Barnes & Noble, christianbook.com, and logos.com.  

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.