Restoring At-Risk Communities: Doing It Together and Doing It Right

by John M. Perkins (Editor)

This comprehensive handbook to urban ministry introduces and shows how to implement a Christian community development program.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Social Justice, Nonfiction, Leadership, Church, Religion

266 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1995

About the author

Dr. John M. Perkins is the founder and president emeritus of the John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation and cofounder of Christian Community Development Association. He has served in advisory roles under five U.S. presidents, is one of the leading evangelical voices to come out of the American civil rights movement, and is an author and international speaker on issues of reconciliation, leadership, and community development. For his tireless work he has received 14 honorary doctorates. One Blood, along with Dr. Perkins other books, provides an enduring legacy for a man who continues to leave his mark on American culture.

Reviews

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I would update some language and shift towards a more missional/movemental/post-christendom ecclesiology as well as move towards an updated understanding of cultural contexts of cities, the general principles here of "incarnational," parish ministry of presence and solidarity for the common good remains inspiring and important.

[Philip A Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Convicting

This is the most practical book on Christian community development that I have ever read. Each section is written by a different author, each of whom has personal experience with doing radical work in improving troubled communities. This is not a book for people who want to dabble in ministry. This book is for people who are serious about making personal sacrifices in order to bring about the three R's of Christian community development: relocation, reconciliation, and redistribution.

[David Westerveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of good stuff in here. The biggest things that didn't overlly connect with me was that this book is certaintly more relavent for the American experience. However, I did find myself making a lot of connection to relations with indigenious peoples here in Canada. Just a lot of good stuff for thinking through the missional aspect of the church.

[Ava James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive and informative. Some interesting insights of developing community. How to love people. How to invest in others. Help people help themselves. Liked the structure of the book. Which focused on foundation, strategy and ministry. Good read.

[Mookie J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lot of good stuff, challenging, thought-provoking.
Most challening line "Discovered I was a good church member, but not a good neighbor"

Each chapter is written by different people, gives some different perspectives, shares real life stories and Biblical perspective.

[Karina Cortes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who works for a community development organization needs to read this book. Learn from the experts! Also great reading for anyone who really wants to make a difference in their cities and see people flourish! Written in the 90's and still relevant!

[Joel Sanabria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to be involved in community action and transformation. John Perkins is a man who has experienced what he has written and has been successful.

[Kurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insights into the work of rebuilding our communities.

[Lauren M Campbell]

I forgot that I already read this for my education class about education—meta!

Good stuff.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess I'd give this book a 3 for style and a 5 for content. I felt that the writing was weak, as is typical for a book written by multiple authors, and the format was confusing and jumbled, but as far as being a helpful resources for those interested in Christian community organizing? Most definitely. Restoring At-Risk Communities gave me a lot to think about, particularly in regard to the commitment that it takes in our cities to see transformation. Must-read for potential urban ministers.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written out of the experiences of some of the first in the U.S. to combine community development with Christian witness and found in it a powerful way to live out the Kingdom of God.

The practicality of this book is grounding and the insights and challenges are keen. It's only weakness is it isn't as theologically precise as I enjoy, but given the action oriented nature of these writers, it is an excusable flaw.

Definitely recommended to anyone with a heart for the city in this day and age.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Restoring at Risk Communities lives up to its subtitle: The Official Handbook of the Christian Community Development Association. I find this funny because as I was typing "feels like the CCDA handbook," I glanced down to find it printed on the cover.

This is a must-read for anyone considering inner city ministry. Coupling Scripture with practical advice, RARC is a compilation of wisdom from ministers with 'experience in the trenches.'

[Jack Kooyman]

We read and discussed it as part of our staff meeting every other week. While there is still much that is relevant, applicable, and worthwhile, it is clearly dated and is overdue for a revision. The work of Christian Community Development has evolved and matured significantly since this book was first published.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good simple and practical guidelines for doing urban ministry, especially for multi-cultural contexts and improving race relations.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolute must have for anyone in urban ministry. Practical, empowering, and encouraging.