VJTM: Publication and Call for Submissions

Volume 5 of VJTM is now calling for submissions. This year's theme is A Working Faith: Serving Beyond Salvation.

           What does it mean to do ministry when the end result isn’t salvation? In the evangelical tradition, much weight has been given to the biblical command to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19, NIV). However, we are also equally admonished in the words of the prophet Micah “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8, NIV). If our service does not result in salvation, is it still worthy?

           This issue of VJTM explores the theme of "A Working Faith: Serving Beyond Salvation." We wonder together what “successful” ministry looks like in atypical or unorthodox environments, where the comfortable pattern of gospel call-and-response is either not expected or not possible. In other words, moving out of an understanding of God’s Kingdom as a purely verbal, message-based work, to an embodied faith worked out through our head, hands, feet, and heart. Contributors should consider how the life of faith spurs us to enact compassion in tangible ways, welcoming the stranger and caring for our communities, regardless of whether or not that service leads to visible spiritual outcomes.