Churches Seeking Justice: Explore

All too often, the “work” of justice stays in the theoretical realm – in discussions of ideas and expressions of outrage and indignation. But our goal is not only to change the way we think, but to change the way we act as well. Before moving into engaging in the work of justice, we encourage you to undertake some focused exploration, so you can learn how your community can make its greatest impact. 

Hard work in the Educate phase of the justice journey helps us learn about injustice and how God feels about it – that he hates injustice and wants it to stop. A successful Explore phase in your justice journey is about finding real neighbors to love – in your church, your community and through IJM’s work. You can learn about each of these steps in greater detail in The Justice Journey: A Handbook for Pastors and Other Christian Leaders. 

STEP 1: Explore your church.

Before turning your focus outward, spend some time looking at your own church. You may want to start by considering these questions: 

• Is your church a safe place for victims of injustice?
• What are the skills in your congregation that will be useful as you explore the work of justice?
• Are there law enforcement professionals, social workers, lawyers, etc? 
• Is your church giving financially to the work of justice?
• Is your church passionate about a particular part of the world? Are you engaged in the work of justice in this area?

Action Step:

Host a screening of IJM’s DVD At the End of Slavery and a discussion about modern-day slavery. Specifically invite the people whose careers and interests may give them unique perspective on the work of justice or skills that specifically enable them to serve victims of oppression. Explore together how their expertise could serve the church in its fight for justice. 

Action Steps:

Invite your church to pay for the rescue the poor cannot afford. There are several simple ways to do this:

• Make Justice a Budget Item. IJM Canada offers individual and church-specific giving options, called Freedom Partners and Justice Churches. These giving programs are designed to connect you and your church with the people doing the work on the frontlines. For more information on Freedom Partners go to www.ijm.ca/freedompartner.
• Initiate Loose Change to Loosen Chains. This youth-focused fundraiser is designed to raise awareness about modern-day slavery while raising money to free actual slaves. Get started at: www.ijm.ca/getinvolved/youth.

 

Action Step:

Encourage your church’s youth pastor to use The Justice Mission curriculum with their group. Find out more here: www.ijm.ca/getinvolved/youth.  Email this page to your youth pastor.

STEP 2: Explore your community.

Sadly, injustice is woven into the fabric of our world. Consequently, victims of violent oppression are found in every community. You may want to start exploring the issues particular to your community by considering these questions: 

• What resources are available to victims of domestic violence in your community?
• How does the foster care system work in your community. How are children treated in it?
• Are there any groups of people in your community who face systematic discrimination?

 

Action Step:

Talk to social workers or law enforcement officials in your community. These individuals are on the frontlines of serving victims of injustice who live around you, and can teach you about needs in your community.

STEP 3: Explore IJM's Work. 

As you learn about the justice issues within your church and community, we invite you to explore IJM’s work in communities around the world.
You may want to start exploring IJM’s work by considering these questions: 

• Is IJM involved in casework in an area of the world your church is passionate about?
• Does your congregation have skills or expertise in any of IJM’s casework types?
• Has your congregation connected with IJM by contacting IJM Canada’s church mobilization staff? 

Action Step: Explore IJM Canada’s website.

Learn about the areas in which IJM has established field offices and the types of casework staff undertake. Read about recent casework in the News From the Field section.