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Faith-Rooted Organizing: Mobilizing the Church in Service to the World
With so many injustices, small and great, across the world and right at our doorstep, what are people of faith to do? Since the 1930s, organizing movements for social justice in the U.S. have largely been built on assumptions that are secular origin―such as reliance on self-interest and having a common enemy as a motivator for change. But what if Christians were to shape their organizing around the implications of the truth that God is real and Jesus is risen? Alexia Salvatierra has developed a model of social action that is rooted in the values and convictions born of faith. Together with theologian Peter Heltzel, this model of "faith-rooted organizing" offers a path to meaningful social change that takes seriously the command to love God and to love our neighbor as ourself.
208 pages, Paperback
First published December 6, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 6, 2022
The more I watch the world around me disintegrate into partisan frothing at the mouth, the more I am drawn to understanding what it will take to organize to get us back to some form of democracy and real social justice. I think Salvatierra and Heltzel have something here. I've always believed that a faith-rooted approach has more to offer: not just a purpose and platform for justice but real hope that only comes from a faith that there is a positive ending available. Believing that all people are valuable and equal, and addressing each person as if we do believe that, is the key to generating conversation, dialogue and, eventually, the compromise needed to reach a goal. They spell that out in this book and give concrete examples of this work in action and in success. And that strengthens both my hope and my interest in this work.
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December 30, 2019I really appreciated and was inspired by the sustainable way organizing is described and outlined in this book. The two authors have a wide range of perspectives and I loved both their voices. The history combined with theology and real experience made me want to be a better person. This is a great handbook for churches and an encouragement to realize that our need for community, celebration, rest and worship are met so thoroughly by church communities. This is what we can offer to organizers. A must read.
April 23, 2017
Not exactly a how-to manual, this inspiring book serves as a call to organizing for justice and change from the root of faith. It's a great book.
March 1, 2014
Modern community organizing is linked to Saul Alinsky (died in 1972), whose work in Chicago led to the formation of the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), an organizing effort that provided a model for future collaborative such as PICO (through whom I have received training) and Gamaliel. His book Rules for Radicals provided the ideological and practical foundations for this work, including the central principal – the appeal to “self-interest.” Organizers are directed to appeal to the self-interest and anger, and then use that to gain power to change one’s circumstances through nonviolent collaborative action. While Alinksy did not have a religious affiliation, many organizing efforts, including the Civil Rights Movement, have been faith based.
As time has progressed Alinsky’s model has remained the dominant form of organizing, but many have adapted and reworked his principals to better reflect their own context and vision. Alexia Salvatierra and Peter Heltzel offer us a faith-rooted alternative model, one that is less dependent on self-interest. The authors of Faith-Rooted Organizing are rooted in evangelical Christianity, though both are affiliated with mainline Protestant denominations. Salvatierra is ordained by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and serves the executive director of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE), in California. Her co-author is an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and associate professor of theology and director of the Micah Institute at New York Theological Seminary. Their vision, expressed in this book, is to mobilize (organize) the entire church for service to the world. For faith communities seeking to be missional, this book will prove invaluable. I should note that I read this book as a founding member and current president of a faith-rooted organizing collaborative in Metro-Detroit. Therefore, the message of this book is of great importance to me and the coalition that I help lead.
For the full review, go to my blog: http://www.bobcornwall.com/2014/03/fa...
As time has progressed Alinsky’s model has remained the dominant form of organizing, but many have adapted and reworked his principals to better reflect their own context and vision. Alexia Salvatierra and Peter Heltzel offer us a faith-rooted alternative model, one that is less dependent on self-interest. The authors of Faith-Rooted Organizing are rooted in evangelical Christianity, though both are affiliated with mainline Protestant denominations. Salvatierra is ordained by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and serves the executive director of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE), in California. Her co-author is an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and associate professor of theology and director of the Micah Institute at New York Theological Seminary. Their vision, expressed in this book, is to mobilize (organize) the entire church for service to the world. For faith communities seeking to be missional, this book will prove invaluable. I should note that I read this book as a founding member and current president of a faith-rooted organizing collaborative in Metro-Detroit. Therefore, the message of this book is of great importance to me and the coalition that I help lead.
For the full review, go to my blog: http://www.bobcornwall.com/2014/03/fa...
July 5, 2025
It’s hard to summarize a book that is both the culmination of, and only the tip of the iceberg of, someone’s life and work. There is so much to learn here, to chew on, and to contemplate, and I’m grateful for Dr. Salvatierra for being a mentor for me in both her writings and our conversations. Here are a few quotes/concepts/ideas in particular that stood out to me from this book:
“The first faith-rooted litmus test for an issue is how it impacts the poor - according to the perspectives of the poor themselves.” (52)
“Solidarity recognizes that in order to attain a just world there must be a radical shift of power relationships even within the movement for justice; if there is not justice in the process, there will not be justice in the end.” (56)
“Power is a means to an end. We must always ask “Power for what purpose?” (88)
“Congregations are unique in the U.S. movement for justice in that they maintain two simultaneous purposes - working to change the broader community while also becoming a model community.” (93)
“Moral authority is at its most powerful when it is wielded together by people who are the most vulnerable in intimate solidarity with those who could easily walk away.” (99)
“To be a chaplain to powerful leaders is not merely to attempt to move or influence them but to minister to them.” (111)
“Jesus saw not only individuals but ‘the crowds’. We see the problem and solution differently when we see and have compassion for the crowds. If you see one child struggling in school, for example, and you feel compassion for him, you tutor him. If you see a hundred children struggling in school, however, compassion for them compels you to work for the improvement of the school system.” (138)
“The first faith-rooted litmus test for an issue is how it impacts the poor - according to the perspectives of the poor themselves.” (52)
“Solidarity recognizes that in order to attain a just world there must be a radical shift of power relationships even within the movement for justice; if there is not justice in the process, there will not be justice in the end.” (56)
“Power is a means to an end. We must always ask “Power for what purpose?” (88)
“Congregations are unique in the U.S. movement for justice in that they maintain two simultaneous purposes - working to change the broader community while also becoming a model community.” (93)
“Moral authority is at its most powerful when it is wielded together by people who are the most vulnerable in intimate solidarity with those who could easily walk away.” (99)
“To be a chaplain to powerful leaders is not merely to attempt to move or influence them but to minister to them.” (111)
“Jesus saw not only individuals but ‘the crowds’. We see the problem and solution differently when we see and have compassion for the crowds. If you see one child struggling in school, for example, and you feel compassion for him, you tutor him. If you see a hundred children struggling in school, however, compassion for them compels you to work for the improvement of the school system.” (138)
June 5, 2023
A great introduction to faith-rooted organizing, particularly regarding its differences from secular organizing. This book contains so much relevant information that I know I will be referring back to it many times in the future. One of my main takeaways is that the means must be congruent with the ends; in other words, you can’t simply pursue justice by unjust means, which ties into nonviolent protest. I also took away the importance of “playing the long game” and embracing the hope that, though change is slow, change can happen. We plant seeds now that will blossom into trees for the next generation. I think any church interested in justice work should make this book one of their seminal reference books.
July 14, 2017
I hadn't realized that I never finished the last chapter when I read this in seminary, so I just finished it and was reminded by how much I appreciated the creativity and faithfulness of this approach as well as the approach to the book in sharing stories and big picture ideas as well as concrete examples.
March 14, 2019
I read this for my Faith-Rooted Organizing class. A good introduction, but I had a difficult time with the seriously Christian focus. There were some off-putting parts, but overall helpful. I liked the second half of the book better, as it was easier to translate into a broader spiritual perspective.
July 3, 2019
I brought this book with me on vacation because I realized I had never really finished it. And I enjoyed every single word. This book is life-changing and soul-sustaining. If you find yourself wondering, in these dark times, how are we going to survive this?—you now have the answer. We will dig deep into our collective goodness and faith, we will organize, and we will never, ever give up.
December 22, 2017
Faith-rooted organizing welcomes the institutional church into Alinsky-style community organizing. Through storytelling, Salvatierra and Heltzel describe the Scriptural values behind community organizing and how they are expressed in the process.
March 2, 2023
This book was incredible cover to cover! I’m so grateful for the wisdom and witness that Alexia & Peter shared. I learned so much about not only faith-rooted organizing but also how to share space and serve will alongside others who do not necessarily work out of a faith perspective.
August 22, 2017
Stories and paradigms.
February 15, 2021
I read this book for a seminary class. Such a rich resource for those who are emerging leaders in community work.
December 29, 2020
Inspiring. I want to be like Alexia! Where is the Asian American Alexia Salvatierra?
November 18, 2015
Summary: Most advocacy and activism efforts have been organized around secular principles. The authors explore what organizing and advocacy work that is deeply and thoroughly rooted in Christian principles would look like and illustrate this from their years of experience.
Many community advocacy efforts have been organized around principles first developed by Saul Alinsky in the 1930's. They hinge on an oppositional model that sees the other as "enemy" who needs to be forced or compelled to act justly by law or the pressure of a people movement.
Salvatierra and Heltzel do not deny the place of these efforts and in fact talk about both "serpent" and "dove" power as Christians make common cause with other activists. But they also contend that Christians have deep resources in their faith in which their organizing activities ought and may be rooted.
They begin with a historical survey of three justice movements: the civil rights movement, justice movements in Latin America and Cesar Chavez work in advocating for migrant crop workers. And one of the revelations of this book to me was to learn what a deeply spiritual man Chavez was, regularly fasting, and living at the level of those for whom he advocated.
The book then takes each step in the organizing process and re-roots it in faith-based practices:
*Goal setting as dreaming God's dreams.
*Starting place: hearing the call of the poor, which if done well results in a dance of solidarity between poor and privileged.
*Strategy: discerning the kairos issue at the root of the deep lies that perpetuate injustice and combating these with the truth. This also means addressing issues of power and hope and speaking prophetically.
*Recruitment: what does it mean to both practice and mobilize Christ-centered community, mobilizing all the gifts of that community.
*Leadership development: this not only involves discerning the gifts and calling of others but modeling the servant leadership crucial to organizing.
*Sustainability: the importance of cultivating the deep spiritual practices and rhythms that sustain hope and energy.
As mentioned in the summary the authors illustrate their principles with stories from their years of organizing. At the end of each chapter, Alexia addresses a "letter" to her daughter and another young woman that sums up the chapter in her hopes for their organizing work.
It has struck me increasingly that a significant form of gospel witness is when Christians come alongside others making common cause around matters of justice and human flourishing and thoughtfully and graciously contribute the distinctive perspective that is shaped by their faith. Salvatierra and Hetzel give us a marvelous example of what this looks like in the nitty-gritty of organizing.
Many community advocacy efforts have been organized around principles first developed by Saul Alinsky in the 1930's. They hinge on an oppositional model that sees the other as "enemy" who needs to be forced or compelled to act justly by law or the pressure of a people movement.
Salvatierra and Heltzel do not deny the place of these efforts and in fact talk about both "serpent" and "dove" power as Christians make common cause with other activists. But they also contend that Christians have deep resources in their faith in which their organizing activities ought and may be rooted.
They begin with a historical survey of three justice movements: the civil rights movement, justice movements in Latin America and Cesar Chavez work in advocating for migrant crop workers. And one of the revelations of this book to me was to learn what a deeply spiritual man Chavez was, regularly fasting, and living at the level of those for whom he advocated.
The book then takes each step in the organizing process and re-roots it in faith-based practices:
*Goal setting as dreaming God's dreams.
*Starting place: hearing the call of the poor, which if done well results in a dance of solidarity between poor and privileged.
*Strategy: discerning the kairos issue at the root of the deep lies that perpetuate injustice and combating these with the truth. This also means addressing issues of power and hope and speaking prophetically.
*Recruitment: what does it mean to both practice and mobilize Christ-centered community, mobilizing all the gifts of that community.
*Leadership development: this not only involves discerning the gifts and calling of others but modeling the servant leadership crucial to organizing.
*Sustainability: the importance of cultivating the deep spiritual practices and rhythms that sustain hope and energy.
As mentioned in the summary the authors illustrate their principles with stories from their years of organizing. At the end of each chapter, Alexia addresses a "letter" to her daughter and another young woman that sums up the chapter in her hopes for their organizing work.
It has struck me increasingly that a significant form of gospel witness is when Christians come alongside others making common cause around matters of justice and human flourishing and thoughtfully and graciously contribute the distinctive perspective that is shaped by their faith. Salvatierra and Hetzel give us a marvelous example of what this looks like in the nitty-gritty of organizing.
January 22, 2014
Faith-Rooted Organizing introduces to the church the idea that community organizing and our faith as Christians, which often seem at odds, can be integrated. And more than that can actually flow from a spirituality that embraces our call to love God and love neighbor!
I loved Alexia Salvatierra and Peter Heltzel's book. It inspired me to think about organizing through the lens of the battle between the powers of this world and the Kingdom of God. Some key ideas from the book that stuck out to me:
The Church as a Catalyst: We can help people dream the dreams of the Kingdom to inspire mobilizing organizing.
The Church as a power: The idea of Serpent Power (world power) and dove power (faith-based power), both of which need to be utilized as tools in the fight for justice.
The Church as chaplains: we need to be ministering to the poor and to the privileged, both of whom need to hear God's voice in new ways.
I would give this a five star, but since I don't have as much background in organizing I didn't feel like I could compare it within its context. That to say, I greatly enjoyed the text. It might feel bent towards the left and towards a more universal stance (reaching across faith traditions) but I would not let that keep you from receiving from the wisdom these authors have, even if you might be at odds with some of their positions.
I loved Alexia Salvatierra and Peter Heltzel's book. It inspired me to think about organizing through the lens of the battle between the powers of this world and the Kingdom of God. Some key ideas from the book that stuck out to me:
The Church as a Catalyst: We can help people dream the dreams of the Kingdom to inspire mobilizing organizing.
The Church as a power: The idea of Serpent Power (world power) and dove power (faith-based power), both of which need to be utilized as tools in the fight for justice.
The Church as chaplains: we need to be ministering to the poor and to the privileged, both of whom need to hear God's voice in new ways.
I would give this a five star, but since I don't have as much background in organizing I didn't feel like I could compare it within its context. That to say, I greatly enjoyed the text. It might feel bent towards the left and towards a more universal stance (reaching across faith traditions) but I would not let that keep you from receiving from the wisdom these authors have, even if you might be at odds with some of their positions.
March 19, 2014
Alexia Salvatierra and Peter Heltzel have provided a powerful tool for Christians wanting to engage in community organizing while drawing on and using the resources of their faith. The authors make a clear distinction between faith-based and faith-rooted organizing and draw extensively from their experiences and the experiences and insights of veterans of the Farmworkers, Civil Rights and labor movement. I found that their perspective augmented areas of my involvement in community organizing efforts that seem to be lacking. For many deeply involved in community organizing work from a faith perspective this book raises powerful questions and some controversy as they critique Alinsky style organizing as not fully appreciating the spiritual, community and symbolic resources people of faith and conscience bring to the organizing efforts.
While affirming for some, this book is troubling and challenging to those invested faith-based approaches to organizing. I hope to share this book with my classes and my church, as we grapple practically with what it means to be people in but not of this world, while still working to make this world more just and humane for all.
While affirming for some, this book is troubling and challenging to those invested faith-based approaches to organizing. I hope to share this book with my classes and my church, as we grapple practically with what it means to be people in but not of this world, while still working to make this world more just and humane for all.
April 11, 2016
This book rode my shelf for nearly two years before I read it. Sometimes you just don't actually read a book until you're ready. I remember seeing Alexia Salvatierra at a conference and was blown away by her passion for justice and her joyful demeanor. So many social-justice advocates get cynical and bitter in the face of systemic oppression. Salvatierra doesn't shrink back from naming the issues but she does so graciously. She presses the Liberation theological vision which privileges the poor and marginalized; however she never loses sight of the fact that her work for justice and truth telling ministers to the rich and powerful as well.
This book, co-authored with Peter Heltzel explores the nature of faith-rooted organizing, contrasting it with Alinsky's secular model. Salvatierra and Heltzel give more space to solidarity, the work of the Spirit and discernment (in contrast to Alinky's work based in mutual self interest). Lots to chew on for anyone thinking about organizing for justice and the common good. Chockful of historical and contemporary examples.
This book, co-authored with Peter Heltzel explores the nature of faith-rooted organizing, contrasting it with Alinsky's secular model. Salvatierra and Heltzel give more space to solidarity, the work of the Spirit and discernment (in contrast to Alinky's work based in mutual self interest). Lots to chew on for anyone thinking about organizing for justice and the common good. Chockful of historical and contemporary examples.
April 12, 2015
This is one of the best books I have ever read. There is no fluff, no pomp, just two down-to-earth human beings writing about their experiences organizing for social justice in churches and communities.
Not only do they draw heavily on their own experience, but also on the Alinsky model, which is widely accepted (and used). They make tweaks here and there to create the faith-rooted model, which is adapted to be used in churches and other faith-based communities.
Everything about this book is useful and wonderful: The success stories, the organizational strategies, motivational strategies, leadership instruction, use of language, everything you could possibly think of to organize for social justice is in this book. If you are a Christian and want to help people who are disadvantaged, I highly recommend "Faith-Rooted Organizing."
Not only do they draw heavily on their own experience, but also on the Alinsky model, which is widely accepted (and used). They make tweaks here and there to create the faith-rooted model, which is adapted to be used in churches and other faith-based communities.
Everything about this book is useful and wonderful: The success stories, the organizational strategies, motivational strategies, leadership instruction, use of language, everything you could possibly think of to organize for social justice is in this book. If you are a Christian and want to help people who are disadvantaged, I highly recommend "Faith-Rooted Organizing."
April 16, 2022
The subjects of this book have been ringing in my mind for two years. I dont know how to take the first steps to join in on local faith-based organizing, or get more churches to flex these muscles and not die out by being 'so spiritual that they [are] no earthly good.' But as there are so many of us who are starving for this of a faith/community, who are wanting us to stand up and show up and live more of the downside-up life that Christ lived, Imma keep probing, asking questions, nudging us into this... however way that makes sense this season..
February 21, 2016
Salvatierra & Heltzel provide the theological and philosophical underpinnings for community organizing fueled by faith. This primer is soaked in both national and international experiences of organizing. Their vision begins from Saul Alinski's strategies in some places critiquing in others, enhancing. For those who those engaged in organizing, but wondering how their faith might inform the labor, this book serves as a helpful starting point.
March 28, 2017
Much more than "How To ..."
When authors do more than teach, encourage, or challenge, when they share deeply from personal experience both the bitter and the sweet, when they write from a loving desire to grow the capacities of all who commit to building a more beloved community, they inspire us once again to believe, to act, to become more at-one with our neighbors.
I have recommended this book frequently to colleagues, neighbors, and family members. More now than ever, the silent screams for justice need to be heard and a response made with all the best that our roots in faith have fed us. It is time to bear better, sweeter fruit together.
When authors do more than teach, encourage, or challenge, when they share deeply from personal experience both the bitter and the sweet, when they write from a loving desire to grow the capacities of all who commit to building a more beloved community, they inspire us once again to believe, to act, to become more at-one with our neighbors.
I have recommended this book frequently to colleagues, neighbors, and family members. More now than ever, the silent screams for justice need to be heard and a response made with all the best that our roots in faith have fed us. It is time to bear better, sweeter fruit together.
May 29, 2017
Overall, I definitely enjoyed this and would gladly recommend it to any Christian inspired by their faith to pursue justice in more sustainable, ongoing, formal, and organized ways (which is ideally lots and lots of Christians!). It is packed with really helpful, clever, and insightful frameworks for thinking about a holistic approach to organizing and the many elements involved in doing that work. The authors do a good job of rooting their own ideas to theological and biblical principles in a way that feels innovative and authentic, and I think that's a significant accomplishment as there was so much room for that to be really cheesy or oversimplified. There are also tons (seriously so many) of interesting, moving anecdotes from the authors own firsthand experiences of this concept brought to life that do a great job of fleshing out the theoretical content they're sharing.
I was actually able to attend a workshop that Alexia led in Philadelphia earlier this year. That in and of itself was an incredible and powerful experience, but the trade-off was that it did make reading the book feel somewhat redundant at times having already heard many of the stories and concepts. Without that, this book may have been a four-star read, but regardless it was enjoyable, helpful, and informative!
I was actually able to attend a workshop that Alexia led in Philadelphia earlier this year. That in and of itself was an incredible and powerful experience, but the trade-off was that it did make reading the book feel somewhat redundant at times having already heard many of the stories and concepts. Without that, this book may have been a four-star read, but regardless it was enjoyable, helpful, and informative!
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