Note, 11/6/20: Some of the resources linked in this older article are no longer available. The post has been updated to include resources that are available. We apologize for the inconvenience.
“There is dignity in the process of exchange” (4:45)
Sharing a powerful story from his own ministry experience, and a wise quotation from French philosopher Jacques Ellul, Lupton describes how economic exchange honors the dignity of the poor and marginalized.
“Economics is a magical gift of God” (3:20)
Lupton describes how communities of economic exchange create value and drive the wealth creation people need to rise out of poverty.
“An Oath of Compassionate Service” (3:02)
In light of his concerns about “toxic charity” that harms those we intend to help, Lupton offers his six-point Oath of Compassionate Service, modeled on the Hippocratic Oath taken by doctors.
“They would much rather work to earn” (3:03)
When asked by a participant about the resistance he encountered when introducing his innovative model of ministry, Lupton replied that those he ministered to did not resist at all – but he did experience resistance from congregants who preferred the old model of one-way giving.
Many of the webinar’s participants were faculty and students in a classroom at Sioux Falls Seminary. Although we had not anticipated this method of participation, we found that it worked quite well; the group format seemed to encourage more active engagement. We encourage you to consider organizing a group of your own!