We have to start letting go of some of our long-held ideas about church and ministry. Especially when it comes to evangelism and outreach. But it’s not always easy.
Here’s a true story that illustrates that reality. (I’ve kept some details vague, and adjusted others slightly to protect the identity of the pastor and church in question.)
Recently, I was talking with a small church pastor who was upset at his deacons.
"I have five deacons," he told me. "And they help out everywhere but at the church. One of them builds houses for Habitat for Humanity, the others volunteer at the senior center, the homeless shelter, the food bank, and as an assistant coach for the high school football team. That last one makes me especially angry."
"Why is that?” I asked.
The Smokin' For Jesus event was a great time for over 100 volunteers to join in loving our friends at the Westside. The first picture below is of volunteers praying before the event--a shot which omits those at the serving lines. We had a lot of fun together, with excellent ministry, music and the message of Christ going out. Nine churches, including charismatic Baptists, Presbyterians, Baptists, Bible Church and Independent churches came together as one, together with a half-dozen parachurch ministries. The Bride of Christ looked great! Be sure to visit the FaceBook page of Westside Network.
Did you know there is actually a manifesto for African Americans and missions?!
I have talked to Christians who have never met an African American missionary. I have been to churches where members don’t remember ever having a cross-cultural missionary share at their services. And while it may not seem that a lot is happening among African Americans and missions, God is reviving a rich legacy in missions among those who are seeking to serve!
The Bible says, “seek and ye shall find.” A group of mission seekers came together to ratify the African American Missions Mobilization Manifesto. It crystallizes the vision and passion for global missions. It also includes some important history and statistics.
Here are a few quick excerpts:
How did three people look at the SAME thing and see something DIFFERENT?!
Once there was a single lady that was leaving work late one evening with one of her employees as well as a fellow co-worker. As they approached the lady’s car, the lady and the two men all noticed she had a flat tire. At this moment,
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Annual federal financial information
for this ministry can be accessed at:
Partnering in missions with:
and
