Transforming Power: Biblical Strategies for Making a Difference in Your Community

by Robert C. Linthicum

"Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just"--Blaise Pascal. Problems plague the world around us. Many in our churches and communities face injustice, crime, poverty, racism and other daunting evils. But often Christians have not known how to respond effectively. The issues seem bigger than anything the church can handle, and so we are paralyzed into inaction and offer halfhearted prayers at best. Yet throughout history God has empowered his people to stand up to injustice. When the situation calls for confrontation or structural change, our response must be more than personal piety, pastoral care or individualistic evangelism. Christians must become proficient in the practice and exercise of power. Christians have often been wary of power, thinking of it as something inherently evil or oppressive. But God calls his people to wield power responsibly and to use it to promote his kingdom ideals of justice and peace. Robert Linthicum offers an integrative, biblical study of the proper use of power. Based on a thorough exploration of Scripture and decades of real-world experience in community organizing and urban ministry, Linthicum's model of relational power provides sound, practical strategies for changing individuals, communities, structures and systems. With insights from biblical mentors like Nehemiah and Paul as well as contemporary examples of Christians in action, this book offers hope for all who want to move toward the vision of the shalom community--God's intended best for communities and the world.

Genres: Religion, Theology, Justice

216 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jeffrey Choi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book overall was very suspect in its exegesis. It makes some very questionable decisions on how to interpret scripture, and thus really buy his arguments for a biblical case for community building, however, the last chapters are good practical advice on how to organize and galvanize people. I found his arguments about the need to interact and confront very timely, but his exegesis is what makes this book receive a low rating.

[Emily Holladay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have read on the power of the local church and communities to build God’s kingdom. The combination of theology/scripture based insights and practical application makes this a hugely important resource for pastors and churches.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thick with definitions, some stories. Helpful tool for organizing churches and communities.

[Mary Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first part of this book is spent with a hard look at scripture, and upon reading some of the reviews I see that not everyone agrees with Linthicum's interpretations. All good; interpretation is just that: interpretation. What one person takes away from scripture may be quite different than what someone else takes away. I personally feel that his explanations of "shalom community" are powerful, moving, and make contextual sense.

The second half of the book is more focused on practical ways to organize community effectively so that meaningful change takes place. His suggestions are coming from his own hands-on experiences as an organizer in some extremely challenging social dynamics. I found his guidance to be insightful, encouraging, realistic, and motivating.

This is a pivotal read for any Christian (or honestly, any Jew) who is interested in a real, Biblical understanding of our command to love our neighbor, and what we must do to fulfill that command.

I used this book to lead a Sunday morning book discussion at my church and it took us three or four months to get through it. I would highly recommend it for a church book discussion group. I personally went through every single page with my group and it took longer than I wanted -- my suggestion for others who may use this for a book discussion would be to read the book completely ahead of time and then choose specific passages for discussion sessions. That way you aren't potentially drawing it out for too long!

[Whitney Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my textbooks that were required for my summer Seminary course on Community Organizing. After re-reading this book once the course ended I noticed how much of a different mindset I had once I understood what the book was talking about. I believe that what this book is talking about is something that everyone should learn about to where everyone can learn that they have the power to change their communities for good, once they learn how to tap into that power for good instead of harm. I would definitely use this book for either a Sunday school or book study session.

[Amethyst Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shalom is the identifying mark of the authentic church. Christ has broken down the wall of estrangement between all human dichotomies that separate and alienate us from each other (male versus female, slave versus free, parent versus child, race versus race, systems versus the people). Instead, God's free gift of shalom, continually provided for us, draws us into one body. This is God's continuing act of redemption, its intended scope being the restoration of the whole creation to its proper harmony.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Transforming Power is part of our internship curriculum.

Helpful for learning about/discussing:
1) Economic, religious, and political power, and how it is either wielded unilaterally or relationally
2) Community organizing
3) Relational meetings
4) Biblical basis (through an exegesis of Nehemiah) of community organizing

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Transforming Power was a little hard to get into for the first two chapters, but contains some powerful (pardon the pun) examples of how communities can be transformed. I loved the Biblical examples of transforming power, but found it maybe inaccessible. Great to hope for though.

[Shoshanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Scriptural and biblical basis for faith based organizing!

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, taught me a lot. Had a lot to say about types of one-to-one meetings and specific questions to ask for each type.