COMMUNITY MINISTRIES
All ministries involve serving someone else in the name of Jesus in order to earn the right to share Christ. However, we often tend to label different areas of ministry to help distinguish one from another. Two of the broader categories of ministry are “resort” and “community”. In this article, we will focus upon community ministries.
As the name implies, community ministries are those areas of service that are targeted at those living in our areas and take place in the homes and communities around those homes. Examples of community ministries include multihousing ministries, construction ministries, children’s ministries, sports ministries, acts of kindness, block parties, community festivals and much, much more.
Community ministries are near and dear to my heart because they take place right where the people live. This allows you great insight into the real needs of their lives, allows you to build great relationships and allows for easy follow up. This leads to more effective ministry. In scripture, we see many examples of where Jesus spent time with the people right where they were and even went into their homes to minister. He set the example for community ministry.
In this article we will look at some areas of community ministries available in our own area. At the end, I will list some upcoming community ministry events in which we hope to partner with you, your family and church congregation. Please be in prayer that God will help us see our community through His eyes and that we will be obedient to His commands as we seek to serve our communities together!!!!
· Multihousing Ministry – This is ministry that takes place in an area where there are multiple dwellings together. This can include apartments, condos, townhomes, highrises, neighborhoods, marinas and the list goes on. Our desire for this ministry is for churches to adopt a multihousing community for ongoing ministry. Examples of multihousing ministry include backyard bible clubs, weekly adult bible study, on-site Sunday school (can be done of Saturday as well), life skills classes, special event ministry, evangelistic block parties, afterschool programs and much, much more.
· Construction Ministry – This ministry can take many forms as well and can be done as an individual or as a group. You can find out the needs around you through your church, senior citizen centers, city planning officials, United Way and other service organizations. You may also choose to partner with an organization such as Habitat for Humanity. As you help transform the outside of their home, you are earning the right to share with them about the one who can transform their lives as well.
· Sports Camps – This ministry can be performed in a number of locations such as most multihousing locations, area recreation centers and parks and in partnership with our local Boys and Girls Clubs. Sports is a wonderful tool to reach all ages with the message of Christ. Depending on the skills of your volunteers and the skills of your camp participants, you can construct a camp around structured sports such as baseball, basketball, soccer, etc. or around recreational sports such as ultimate Frisbee, relays, team building activities and other recreational games depending upon the age of your audience. During these camps, your participants will take part in your planned sports activities and then engage in a time of devotion/Bible study.
· Children’s Ministries – This ministry can also take place in a variety of settings such as multihousing communities, local parks, your church campus and other community locations. Ministry to children can include backyard bible clubs where the children rotate through several stations such as Bible story, recreation, crafts, snacks and music. It can also include conducting or volunteering at an afterschool program (held on your church campus, at a multihousing location or at a Boys and Girls Club), doing a weekly Sunday School where they live, being involved in a mentoring program. You may also choose to be involved by volunteering at your local school.
· Acts of kindness – This ministry can take many forms and can be as creative as you wish. The purpose of this ministry is to let those around you know that you care for them and that God does as well. Examples of this ministry include yard work, house cleaning, giving rides to doctors or shopping areas, free car washes, yard sales where the items are free, meal preparation, adopting families at holiday times, providing needed supplies for families or individuals and the list goes on. Each time we show kindness to a neighbor we show the love of God.
· Block parties – This ministry is usually done in a neighborhood or multihousing setting and can be used for a variety of purposes. Block parties are great for getting to know the residents of a location and beginning those initial relationships. It is also a great way to bring the community together, celebrate a holiday or just because!!! Block parties usually consists of food, music, entertainment, crafts, games and giveaways. In doing an evangelistic block party, you will center much of your activities, music and other items around a Christian theme. Also, having a prayer booth/table is a great way to let the residents know you care by taking their prayer requests and having someone on site that can pray with them if so desired.
· Prayerwalking – Prayerwalking is one of the greatest ministries you can do for your community. This can be done as an individual or as a small group. Set aside some time and walk your neighborhood, around a local school, in a local park or any other community location. As you are walking, be sensitive to the needs God is pointing out for you to pray for. Also be very much aware of those He may be putting in your path as you are walking. Many times those “random” encounters turn out to be God-appointed as we find someone who really needs someone to pray with them. Covering your community with the power of prayer is a gift that will continue to give.
Opportunities to serve
If you, your family or church congregation would like to participate in a fall, Thanksgiving or Christmas multihousing event, please call the association office at 726-8294 for more details.
Hunting Island Thanksgiving – Each year, our Fall chaplains, Bob and Lou Ann Valentine host Thanksgiving lunch for the campers at Hunting Island and for the staff of the park. If you would consider helping as a volunteer or by cooking a side dish or making a donation, please call the office at 726-8294. This takes place on Thanksgiving day at noon.
