The buzzword at conferences and in publication is the “Missional Church” as our new strategy for congregational renewal. While this is a needed corrective, few communicate practical examples of mercy ministries and how to transform the laity into missional people.

In an attempt to theologically inform the church-based ministries I was launching in L. A. County, I wrote my doctoral dissertation on “The Trinity in social mercy ministries” in 1992. God then thrust me on a journey to build shelters, found feeding programs, secure a mobile medical clinic, and administer 800 million dollars to the homeless. I’ve realized the privilege in each gracious encounter with the poor we see the unique face of God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.

During my sabbatical, I’ll expand my dissertation for a larger audience incorporating the insight gained from experience and drawing on the wisdom of the Franciscan community. I hope to bridge our understanding to serve the poorest of the poor. Free from the daily commitments as a senior pastor, I want to draft training materials for our community and church volunteers. I plan to write journal articles for two national magazines, and begin to revise chapters of my dissertation for wider publication.