Weekly Pulpit -- Warren Sentinel -- February 17, 2011
(Newspaper Editor Retitled my article, "Holistic Ministry is Whole Ministry.")
In the book, “Churches That Make A Difference,” Ronald Sider and his fellow authors call churches to “holisitic ministry.” Holistic ministry is whole ministry – it is ministry that takes place both in word and in deed. Sider describes holistic ministry as “a wholehearted embrace and integration of both evangelism and social ministry so that people experience spiritual renewal, socioeconomic uplift, and transformation of their social context.”
David Platt, author of “Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream,” writes, “Caring for the poor is one natural overflow and a necessary evidence of the presence of Christ in our hearts. If there is no sign of caring for the poor in our lives, then there is reason to at least question whether Christ is in our hearts.” The Bible consistently testifies to God's desire for us to care for the “least of these” and Jesus certainly had a lot to say about this too.
One of the criticisms that some have of Christians, in general, and the Church, in particular, is that they don't see us making any real difference in the world around us. And sometimes they don't see that our faith makes much of a positive difference in who we are or how we live either. And so, even if their perception is wrong, they aren't particularly attracted to our faith, let alone to our churches.
But I am happy to report that individual Christians and churches in Warren County are seeking to make a difference! Many support organizations such as C-CAP, Habitat for Humanity, Harmony Place, House of Hope, Meals on Wheels, and St. Luke's Community Clinic, to name just a few. They support them financially but also by volunteering their time and skills. Many also support the Salvation Army Church which actively seeks to minister to those in need in our community. Rockland Community Church and our neighbors at Nineveh Presbyterian Church support a number of these organizations.
Churches also work together together in ministries such as Teens Opposing Poverty's annual “Impact the Valley.” During this week teens and adults from our area and elsewhere work together to repair homes in our community. This past year teens and adults from God's Place, Marlow Heights, and Rockland had a great time serving our community together.
Individual churches also provide some very important services as well. Dynamic Life, the Rock, First Assembly, First Baptist, Riverton UMC, and Virginia Hills have food pantries through which they help those in need. And there are churches in our community (Calvary Episcopal, St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic, and Front Royal Presbyterian) that provide weekly meals to those in need.
First Assembly coordinates Angel Food Ministries for our area, has an annual coat/blanket drive, hosts a free yard sale, and is starting a “clothing closet.”
Riverton UMC has a particularly unique firewood ministry (especially important at this time of year) that receives, splits, and distributes firewood to those in need.
Front Royal Presbyterian has a ministry called “Backpack Buddies” which provides two healthy meals to kids in need at E. Wilson Morrison Elementary that they can take home each weekend.
First Baptist has a Youth Enrichment Ministry which is an after school program for 6-8th graders. It provides a place of security, support, and connection for these youth at a pivotal time in their lives.
The ladies of Buckton Presbyterian make and provide warm sleeping blankets for the homeless. Although these blankets are called “ugly quilts” there is nothing ugly about the love and hard work that goes into them or the warmth they provide.
Virginia Hills helps our local chapter of the Red Cross, participates in the annual Relay for Life, and provides back to school supplies and Christmas presents for foster children through DSS.
Our local Ministerial Association, with the help of many area churches, also provides emergency assistance to those in need.
One of my favorite stories about how churches are making a difference involves Marlow Heights. Instead of just raising funds to replace the church's steeple, they committed to raising a dollar for dollar matching fund they called “Inspiring Hope” to be used to help members of our community.
These are just a few of the ways in which churches and individuals in our community are making a difference! But there's a lot more that we can do individually and together. To connect with other Christians and churches in Warren County who are seeking to live out our faith in meaningful, tangible, and transformational ways, I encourage you to join us on Facebook (you can find a link at www.frwcma.org).
