Book Review: Ministries of Mercy by Timothy Keller

March 15, 2010 Posted by Roger Overton

I recently became interested in studying deacon ministry, so I asked around about which books I should read. I was consistently given two titles: The New Testament Deacon by Strauch, and Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road by Timothy J. Keller. Strauch is typically recommended for his biblical exposition of the subject, while Keller is recommended for practical “how to” approach.

Ministries of Mercy is divided into two parts. The first being Principles, the second being Practice. After a brief prologue and a general introduction to various manifestations of neediness around us, Keller supplies seven foundational chapters for Christian mercy in the world. Each chapter focuses on a particular element of the parable of the good Samaritan from Luke 10. Keller addresses responsibilities, motivation, relationships, and wisdom as they relate to mercy. An important theme through these principles is the necessary role of the gospel.

“The only true and enduring motivation for the ministry of mercy is an experience and a grasp of the grace of God in the gospel. If we know we are sinners saved by grace alone, we will be both open and generous to the outcasts and the unlovely.” (p58)

The second part is composed of seven chapters that examine the Christian practice of mercy. Keller addresses the roles families, church and government may play in mercy, though the clear emphasis is on the ministry of the church. This part of the book is all about the details. Page after page is full of statistics, ideas, suggestions, examples, and strategies for meeting every type of need from just about every type of situation.

Ministries of Mercy is immensely valuable, and perhaps the most convicting book I’ve ever read. Keller makes it clear that we’re called to much more than a ten percent tithe or occasionally serving in a ministry we’re comfortable with. And this call isn’t just for official deacons, but every Christian is called to be a minister of mercy in some capacity. The second half of the book was rather boring as it went into many mundane strategy details. Some of the ideas offered are not really practical for most congregations (the ones that aren’t mega churches). However, it’s still helpful to think through these ideas and consider how the same goals might be accomplished. Overall, I consider Ministries of Mercy by Tim Keller to be one of those books that should be in most Christians hands, and studied by most Christian leaders.