Young people in Pittsburgh regularly camp out over night or arrive early in the morning in order to be first in line for new shoes that are released in shoe stores in East Liberty. This happened this morning. As I was on my way to church at North Way East End, there were a group of people waiting in line for shoes. I've been encouraging our church to think of creative ways to reach out to people when these events happen. We've discerned that the best thing to do is to just stop and talk with people. We get to know their stories and ask some questions about the shoes that they are waiting in line for. The church had some left over bottles of cold water from an event that we had earlier in the week, so this morning we visited our friends with the gift of water. We invited some of them to church. They may or may not attend, but it's important for us to take the time to build the relationships. God can use little steps of faith to accomplish his amazing purposes.
Showing posts with label outreach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label outreach. Show all posts
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Assets and Signs of Hope
There are many incredible people and organizations doing transformational work and ministry in Homewood. There are many wonderful assets in Homewood that are currently being built upon in order to bring about positive change in the neighborhood. While there are still plenty of signs of need, there are also many signs of hope that I see all of the time.
When doing service for the Lord that brings about transformation in struggling urban environments, it is important for leaders to recognize assets and signs of hope in the community. As a Christian leader in the community, I know that God was at work for a long time before I arrived here seven years ago. And, the Holy Spirit will be at work in Homewood long after I am gone. For the time being, it is my job as a person who is working to bring about positive change in the neighborhood to discern where the Holy Spirit is at work and joyfully join in.
This is a different approach than many well-meaning Christians take when it comes to bringing about transformation in cities. Many Christians see inner city neighborhoods as defined by needs and brokenness. They mistakenly assume that blighted areas are godless areas, and that someone needs to introduce God into the equation. People come to the city thinking that they are bringing God with them. These types of approaches to ministry are ineffective in the long run. In fact, often a lot of damage is done in the name of God or Christianity.
God is always on mission to redeem every person and place in our world. It's our job to listen to God and join that transformational work where ever it is happening. We should approach that type of service with humility and respect for the context that we are called to. Even though it is possible to overcome mistakes when working toward transformation, it's much better to think strategically through our approaches and check out hearts and intentions before we enter into any type of outreach as Christians.
When doing service for the Lord that brings about transformation in struggling urban environments, it is important for leaders to recognize assets and signs of hope in the community. As a Christian leader in the community, I know that God was at work for a long time before I arrived here seven years ago. And, the Holy Spirit will be at work in Homewood long after I am gone. For the time being, it is my job as a person who is working to bring about positive change in the neighborhood to discern where the Holy Spirit is at work and joyfully join in.
This is a different approach than many well-meaning Christians take when it comes to bringing about transformation in cities. Many Christians see inner city neighborhoods as defined by needs and brokenness. They mistakenly assume that blighted areas are godless areas, and that someone needs to introduce God into the equation. People come to the city thinking that they are bringing God with them. These types of approaches to ministry are ineffective in the long run. In fact, often a lot of damage is done in the name of God or Christianity.
God is always on mission to redeem every person and place in our world. It's our job to listen to God and join that transformational work where ever it is happening. We should approach that type of service with humility and respect for the context that we are called to. Even though it is possible to overcome mistakes when working toward transformation, it's much better to think strategically through our approaches and check out hearts and intentions before we enter into any type of outreach as Christians.
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