Good Works

It is refreshing to feel the weight of a book that took forty years to write. Good Works by Keith Wasserman and Christine D. Pohl is that type of refreshing drink. I led a mission trip recently to work with a church amidst revitalization in Houston. We had had the honor of meeting a 94-year-old Korean War veteran who told us the story of the north ambushing his unit on the shore. With tears in his eyes and voice shaking, I could feel the weight of his experience six decades later. Reading Good Works reminded me of the weight experience brings to storytelling. The book offers wisdom from experience from four decades in ministry with vulnerable people.

The book reads as half biography of the Good Works, Inc. organization ministering in rural Appalachia of Ohio, and the half ministry guide from lessons learned in ministry. Chapters 1 and 2 give a compelling vision for ministry through Worship and Integrity that has kept Good Works, Inc. from mission drift for four decades. Chapters 3-6 is a story-laden, front-row seat to mission principles in action from experiential learning, leadership in community, and the role of friendship in discipleship.

I particularly enjoy the nuance that the authors understand power dynamics in ministry. In Chapter 3, Wasserman tells of his experiences of living without a home to keep perspective. Dehumanizing power dynamics are a constant battle as people attempt to minister to the population living without homes. At the heart of ministry, Wasserman encourages us to befriend people rather than fix projects. His experience and vision for discipleship is a good story to hear and wrestle in our own contexts.

How will this book lead to mission’s action? First, if you face the temptation of burnout in ministry, Good Works philosophy of ministry based on worship and integrity may minister to your situation. Their story of endurance through faithfulness and fruitfulness is a worthy story to offer encouragement. Second, the history of missions has a shaded history of colonialism and paternalism. Good Works is a well-written narrative to consider the nuance of offering hope in the gospel while not overriding other’s religious liberty or dignity.