A Life of Transformation - World Evangelical Alliance

Social Responsibility in the
New Testament Church
According to Acts 6
By Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher
Dear Reader,
Instead of the typical Foreword lauding the character and
achievements of the object of the Festschrift (providing an introduction
to the introduction, as it were), I have chosen to begin like
Colonel would begin — with action, letting this first essay on the
theological basis for social responsibility serve as the pat on
Colonel’s back for his obedience to Jesus, and paving the way for
further discussion later in this book.
Why do I say that I’m starting like Colonel might start, with action?
As any Festschrift, this book certainly contains both the academic
reflections and the personal recollections on the life and work of Colonel
Doner which his friends and fellow laborers have provided.
Perhaps what makes this Festschrift a little more unusual is that
it is written about a man who not only thought, spoke, or wrote; as
are so many Festschrifts — though he did all these things too — but is
written in honor of a man who is primarily a man of action.
Colonel’s book The Samaritan Strategy: A New Agenda for Christian
Activism clearly expresses Colonel’s philosophy of life in writing.
But long before the book was written, Colonel was already telling
the world what he thought by his work.
From his involvement in politics to his present labors helping
people help themselves on several continents, Colonel could not
then and cannot now merely observe and comment on the situation
around him. Although he would himself confess that he had
much to learn then and perhaps still has a few things to learn now,
his greatest satisfaction comes from being involved, doing something,
helping people, and all this for the sake of his Savior.
There is an ancient prayer which reads in part: “[W]e bless
Thy holy name for all Thy servants ... beseeching Thee to give us
grace to follow their good examples ....” Although Colonel still has
good years left in him by God’s grace, we are already thankful for
the legacy which he has left us. May we have the grace to follow
his good example.
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