Uploaded November 2024 | Updated September 2026, 9 hours ago
In the UK today, few people would say that social action isn't a central part of the church's mission. Whether it's providing food banks, debt advice centres, night shelters, winter 'warm banks', or any other kind of assistance, the church is rightly seen as a major national player in the fight against poverty.
But despite that, many of the UK's biggest social action charities have lost the distinctively Christian character with which they were founded. Organisations that were founded on sharing the message and the practical love of Jesus have lost the former, and as a result, people can forget that the latter is rooted in the love of God, not just altruism. In fact, talking about the Jesus who inspired your social action is often seen as bad manners.
How should we respond to this lopsided cultural landscape, where the church's provision is appreciated but the gospel roots of social action are forgotten or rejected?
Paul and Grace dive into this complex but crucial issue with Jon Kuhrt, CEO of Hope into Action. Jon has worked with people affected by homelessness for over 30 years, and is a former government adviser on how faith groups can address rough sleeping. Listen in to hear Jon's wisdom, and read more from him at gracetruth.blog
In the UK today, few people would say that social action isn't a central part of the church's mission. Whether it's providing food banks, debt advice centres, night shelters, winter 'warm banks', or any other kind of assistance, the church is rightly seen as a major national player in the fight against poverty.
But despite that, many of the UK's biggest social action charities have lost the distinctively Christian character with which they were founded. Organisations that were founded on sharing the message and the practical love of Jesus have lost the former, and as a result, people can forget that the latter is rooted in the love of God, not just altruism. In fact, talking about the Jesus who inspired your social action is often seen as bad manners.
How should we respond to this lopsided cultural landscape, where the church's provision is appreciated but the gospel roots of social action are forgotten or rejected?
Paul and Grace dive into this complex but crucial issue with Jon Kuhrt, CEO of Hope into Action. Jon has worked with people affected by homelessness for over 30 years, and is a former government adviser on how faith groups can address rough sleeping. Listen in to hear Jon's wisdom, and read more from him at gracetruth.blog
