By John Rinehart
Rinehart’s subtitle clarifies his work: he tells the stories of people whose generosity changed the world. We need to hear those stories. We need to see that work.
What is a gospel patron?
While most people “visit church,” they live at work (90,000 hours during a lifetime). Dorothy Sayers says, “In nothing has the church so lost her hold on reality as in Her failure to understand and respect the secular vocation.” This is all the more important as we think about the call to faith. When Jesus said, “Come follow me,” it was a call to be his ambassador 24/7, including in our work. Gospel Patrons understand how their work intersects with God’s kingdom purposes. One thing work does is provide income that can be used to fund kingdom activity. Hence, Gospel Patrons are:
People who resource and come alongside others to help them proclaim the gospel.
People whose generosity changes the world.
People who have been gripped by the gospel of Jesus and commit to declaring and living it in community in our culture.
Where do we see gospel patrons in scripture?
Gospel Patrons (Joanna, Chuzza, Susanna) provided for the early work of Christ (Luke 8:1-3).
Gospel Patrons (Aquila and Prisca) opened their home as a place for the church to meet (Acts 18:1, Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19).
A Gospel Patrons (Lydia) opened her home to host Paul and his companions as they began their work in Philippi (Acts 16:13-15).
Questions we can be asking as we think about stewarding life as a gospel patron:
Why is this focus necessary?
What barriers (attitudes of the heart) keep one from being an effective gospel patron?
Everyone is generous. Where are we generous?
How can I cultivate my life/gifts for this?
gospel patrons join Jesus in his work:
Specifically, one’s work provides the opportunity to resource and come alongside church planters and Christian ministries to help them proclaim the gospel. Ways gospel patrons do this:
Praying
Encouraging (“encouraged by his coming” — “Some are called to clap and cheer”)
Giving/Funding/Supporting
Hosting
Joining the “Ministry Team”
Recommendation:
For too long, individuals who love Jesus but don’t see themselves “in Christian ministry” because their work is outside the church have lived as “second-class citizens” in Christian work. Many have not made the connection between their work and funding capacity and the significant ministry role they play in the work of Christ here on earth. Gospel Patrons brings a necessary clarity to that role and helps empower more Joannas, Chuzzas, Susannas, Aquila and Priscillas, and Lydias for service in and to the Church.
I highly recommend this book. In fact, I give away copies often.
