Advocates and lobbyists

For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page, which includes Williams's current Living by the Word column as well as past magazine and blog content. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.

The centurion’s use of the Jewish elders and his friends to approach Jesus on his behalf makes me think about lobbying and advocacy. When, if at all, are these activities an appropriate part of Christian mission and ministry?

Advocacy that is ministry for people in the church most often arises from their hands-on, direct involvement with people in need. My own congregation joined the efforts in our community to provide overnight accommodations for women who live without homes. A group of women were soon spending Saturday evenings and nights in one of our church’s rooms while congregational members provided supper and breakfast and kept watch throughout the night. Six other congregations filled in the other nights of the week.