Liberty to the Captives: Our Call to Minister in a Captive World

by Raymond Rivera

Liberty to the Captives is a book for any Christians who want to learn how to bring hope and redemption to their communities - for those who are ready to step beyond their comfort zone, leave the status quo behind, and take up Christ's call to minister within a world crying out for the freedom only God can bring. Longtime pastor Raymond Rivera's testimony of a life completely turned around - from gang member to RCA pastor - underscores his powerful message.

Full of practical advice about how holistic community-based ministry can bring transformation, healing, and liberation from captivity, Liberty to the Captives encourages Christians to respond to God's call by ministering wherever God has placed them. Based on over forty-five years of pastoring inner-city churches, Rivera's inspiring vision challenges all Christians to think again about how their faith should lead to social action and defense of society's most vulnerable people.

172 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2012

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't finish some of the personal narrative but read the majority of the book. I think there's too much emphasis on life experience and not enough on how to apply some of theology within our own contexts.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too often we equate conservative theology with conservative politics, and liberal theology with liberal politics. The fact is there are many ways in which the church exists, especially in minority communities. In this book Raymond Rivera a Puerto Rican Pentecostal pastor, community organizer, social activist, calls on the church to move beyond it's either/or understanding of piety and action, and embrace a holistic gospel that pursues justice from within a deeply rooted biblical theology.

As a more liberal Protestant pastor and activist, I found the theology much more conservative than I profess, but I appreciate the recognition that being faithful to Scripture doesn't mean avoiding matters of justice.

Rivera offers his own story as a model of action. In fact, at times I was a bit overwhelmed by his testimonials. Still, it is a helpful read, especially for more conservative Christians wondering how to be involved in social justice advocacy on issues such as immigration, voting rights, and more.