Church in Society:
First-Century Citizenship Lessons for Twenty-First-Century Christians

Like much of twenty-first-century Christianity, we have been influenced by the changing society in which we live. What if we could reverse that influence so that instead of changes in society influencing us, as Christians we influenced the changes in society?

The first-century writers of the New Testament reveal a Christianity that adapted within its culture—even today, we Christians look like those around us. The early Christians lived a lifestyle that influenced changes in their society until over time the cultural shape of the Western world was referred to as having a Judeo-Christian heritage.

What if instead of nostalgically looking back, like the Israelites on their journey from Egypt longing for a time that perhaps never really was, we deliberately chose to learn the lessons chronicled by Christian citizens of the first century and look forward? This book is about looking forward to a future neighbourhood, city, nation, and world influenced by the way we live our lives, person by person, Christian by Christian, congregation by congregation, denomination by denomination, as the Church in society.

Citizenship is about more than politics, and Christian citizenship is about even more.

Church in Society is a refreshing and inspiring read, compelling both believers and non-believers to value religious rights. Don’s discerning message is a timely voice to both church and society.

—Mary-Elsie Wolfe
Author, Pastor, Speaker

Don Hutchinson provides a sound rationale for the importance of Christian participation in helping shape a shared society focused on the common good. He extols Christian motivation, disapproves apathetic disinterest, and provides a practical guide for Christian engagement with public policy. A good read for those ready to reconsider the continuing value of the relationship between church and state.

—Willard Metzger
Executive Director, Citizens for Public Justice

Softcover Trim Size: 5.5 x 8.5

Page Count: 240

About the Author:

Don Hutchinson, B.A., J.D., studied history and politics at Queen’s University, law at the University of British Columbia, and theology with The Salvation Army and at Canada Christian College and School of Graduate Theological Studies. The author of Under Siege: Religious Freedom and the Church in Canada at 150 (1867–2017), Don is recognized as a strategic thinker and planner who is a regular speaker and consultant on religious freedom, strategies for church engagement with culture, and communications in sensitive circumstances. He has served in senior leadership roles with The Salvation Army, The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, and Canadian Bible Society and currently leads Ansero Services, partnering for religious freedom. Don was honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for contributions to Canadian Society.