Service-learning as anti-oppressive practice: Promoting partnerships to advance the Christian mission to serve the least of these

Service-learning, especially from a critical perspective, is a method of education that aims to bring students into relationships with community members to foster mutual understanding and give opportunity for shared learning and service. Universities that are compelled by their faith to seek justice may be the most effective at implementing service-learning programs when they are grounded in the justice and love of God. Herein, I report on a service-learning program that aims to advance the Christian mission by serving the least of these. I discuss lessons learned along the way and give examples from our partners.

Automated summary

Service-learning, particularly from a critical perspective, is an educational method that aims to establish relationships between students and community members to promote mutual understanding, shared learning, and service. Universities driven by their faith to pursue justice may be most effective at implementing service-learning programs when they are grounded in the justice and love of God. This article reports on a service-learning program that seeks to advance the Christian mission through serving the most disadvantaged, while discussing lessons learned and providing examples from partnering organizations.