June 17, 2007
Just the Beginning
After “A Day in the Park,” a small group listens to a Somali family’s story, then takes practical steps to help them find a safer home—discovering deeper friendship and lessons about God’s love along the way.
Community Outreach
Community Outreach helps churches and believers love their neighbors with practical compassion and gospel clarity. Explore Bible-based articles on serving local needs, building relationships, partnering with community organizations, and creating outreach ministries that are sustainable and effective. You’ll find guidance on evangelism, mercy ministry, hospitality, and engaging your city with wisdom—so outreach is more than an event and becomes a way of life. Whether your church is starting new initiatives or strengthening existing ones, these resources equip you to serve your community in Jesus’ name.
Will Work for Food
By Mike Faust Jagged hair framed the haggard face of a 30-year-old woman. She wore no cosmetics. Her bulky pants matched her XXL gray sweatshirt. I stopped to take a second look. In front of her she held a cardboard sign with four words scrawled on it: “Will work for food.” As I hurried into McDonald”s for lunch, my heart pounded as if I had just witnessed a car wreck. Who can think of food at a time like this? I spoke in chopped sentences: “There”s a woman . . . and a sign . . . she”s in trouble.”
May 20, 2007
Professor Jack
A “love feast” in Detroit’s Cass Park becomes a holy classroom as Joshua Graves learns from “Professor Jack” what it means to see the poor with authenticity, dignity, and true solidarity.
Gifts from the Heart
By Ruth Herron and Anita Smelser The young mother hesitated as she and her toddler stepped quietly into the foyer. She sat down quickly on the closest pew, shushing him and pulling him near her. She smiled tentatively as a worker greeted her and asked a few questions for record keeping. “Yes, it”s just me and my son. . . . Yes, we have transportation. . . . I got a job and someone to watch my little boy. . . . I start tomorrow.” The young mother answered each of our questions, but we knew from experience the most
When You Begin a Food Pantry
A practical checklist for starting a church food pantry, with guidance on visibility, volunteer involvement, safety, accountability, respectful care, and relationship-building with recipients.
April 22, 2007
Resolving the Tensions
Rural churches can experience tension when newcomers and long-term residents misunderstand each other. This sidebar offers practical ways leaders can build understanding, address demographic change, and help congregations pursue unity and effective outreach.
March 18, 2007
A Call to Action
Since spring 2003, Connection Pointe Christian Church’s Military Support Group has sent care packages, cards, and encouragement to American military personnel. Volunteers meet for planning and prayer while helping families waiting at home.
December 3, 2006
AIDS in Africa: Ethiopia
Florence Muindi shares how local churches in Africa are offering practical care and lasting hope amid HIV/AIDS. Through fellowship, worship, and community support, stigma can fade and lives can be renewed.
November 26, 2006
The Mysterious and Mighty Ways of God
A woman heads to a haircut ready to end a draining friendship—but a Spirit-led invitation changes everything. What follows is growth, leadership, and unexpected healing through a ministry to single moms.
August 20, 2006
Hurricane Katrina–One Year Later
Hurricane Katrina church relief efforts brought millions in giving, truckloads of supplies, and thousands of volunteers to the Gulf Coast—helping ministries shift from immediate aid to long-term rebuilding.
August 2, 2006
Interview with Rick Rusaw
Externally focused church is the theme of this Q&A with Rick Rusaw of LifeBridge Christian Church. He shares how community service builds relationships, strengthens witness, and becomes part of a church’s DNA.
July 30, 2006
Humbled and Enriched by Encounters With the Poor
In a church benevolence program, compassion and discernment meet real need. Nancy Karpenske reflects on nearly 2,000 requests, practical guidelines, prayerful care, and partnerships that help churches serve with dignity.
February 12, 2006
Random Thoughts on Benevolence
Carl B. Bridges offers five practical observations about helping the needy—combining compassion with realism, wise giving, volunteer service, and humility amid political disagreements.
January 8, 2006
The Samaritan Manifesto
Paul E. Boatman explains why compassionate service is intrinsic to the church’s identity and how “Good Samaritan” ministry pairs with evangelism. From disaster relief to missions and new outreach efforts, the church’s mercy and message belong together.
January 1, 2006
Katrina Aftermath: A New Orleans Perspective
A New Orleans minister reflects on Hurricane Katrina, the shock of sudden change, and the faithful “cavalry” of churches that brought relief, rebuilding, and hope when life felt anything but ready.
November 2, 2005
Receding Differences
A breakdown near Natchez becomes a testimony of hospitality and partnership as Christians from different traditions serve Hurricane Katrina and Rita victims together—one team, one mission, one body in Christ.
September 11, 2005
The 9/11 Impact
After 9/11, churches and partner ministries identified overlooked financial needs near Ground Zero and the Pentagon—helping small businesses, workers, and families with direct assistance, prayer, meals, and counseling.
September 4, 2005
Meeting Strangers
As churches seek stronger ties with their neighborhoods, “third places” like coffee shops and community centers can create everyday connection points beyond Sunday. Practical examples show how presence and service can open relational doors.
August 28, 2005
‘Third Place’
After years as a Disney “imagineer,” Mel McGowan now helps churches think differently about campus design. Visioneering Studios calls it “architectural evangelism,” pairing story, stewardship, and practical flow so facilities better serve leaders and welcome communities.
July 31, 2005
CHURCH IN THE CITY 1: Pursuing Partnerships in Indianapolis
In a diverse city, “one size does not fit all.” Jeff Krajewski explains how partnerships help urban churches connect resources to real needs, support spiritual formation, and strengthen unity and accountability across congregations.
