Whatever Happened to the Rich Young Man?
The Church and the New Marginalized
by Keith Foster
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
Churches in the West are renowned for responding to the measured needs of the vulnerable within their communities. Yet what about those who present as self-sufficient? With no apparent or obvious needs? Whatever Happened to the Rich Young Man? The Church and the New Marginalized challenges the church to broaden its reach beyond welfare and to seek to engage with (what Foster calls) the New Marginalized (non-welfare demographic), those whose spiritual needs are just as great. Including two case studies within evangelical third place cafes, that are seeking to do just that, this book will awaken the church to embark on a broader vision.
Keith Foster is the UK director of The Bonhoeffer Project and a senior lecturer in theology at ForMission College; additionally he is the head of discipleship and small groups at Waypoint Church, Locks Heath, UK. Previously Keith coauthored the book Body and Blood: The Body of Christ in the Life of the Community.
“If you want to think more strategically about how the church creates spaces of grace in their community where lives can be transformed—this is a must-read book. Keith reminds us that we are people with a purpose, who are called to intentionally create a connection-culture where the good news of Jesus can take root and flourish. This is a mind-stretching and faith-stretching book—highly recommended.”
—Cathy Madavan, speaker, broadcaster, and author
“In his book Foster calls for connections to be strengthened and intentional mission to be developed between the church and the spiritually needy as well as the physically needy. He offers practical solutions for the church to be holistic in outreach, whilst warning about the potentially growing disconnect between the church and the everyday professional. This book is penned from personal experience and research and offers exciting opportunities for the church to extend her reach.”
—David Newton, Director of Training Elim Pentecostal Church and Principal of Regents Theological College
“Keith Foster is the real deal. . . . His work clearly is the tale of two cities, and he has succeeded beautifully in living in both worlds. Whatever Happened to the Rich Young Man? is an accurate description of his life and work. You should read this for that reason alone. A question not often asked is, ‘What about the rich?’ Don’t forget the rich, as Jesus said, ‘It is harder for them to get into heaven.’”
—Bill Hull, Leader and Co-Founder, The Bonhoeffer Project, author of Conversion and Discipleship: You Can’t Have One without the Other