A hundred-year flood hit during last year’s Southern Baptist Convention. While that disaster inconvenienced conventioneers, it devastated dozens of Indiana counties. One of many SBC disaster relief units was set up in Friendship Baptist Church, Franklin, Ind., and for subsequent weeks, the sound of God’s love echoed from that church throughout the community. A mayor commented, “Now this is what a real church looks like.”
Diana DavisThey loved?-?loudly. Christians must love people to Jesus. Need fresh ideas for your church to love loudly?
? Post an exterior sign announcing a weekly morning prayer time for people seeking employment. Provide coffee, encouragement and prayer. Offer free copies for resumes, resume assistance and interview tips.
? Intentionally assist internationals moving to your town with basic assimilation needs. Ask church families to adopt a family to encourage. Provide English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) class.
? Offer a “TeleGran” service for parents of latchkey children. Kids call a member of your church, a “granny,” to check in after school.
? Purchase New Testaments for the church’s mail carrier, repairmen and other service providers. Deliver a huge tray of cookies to show appreciation and assure prayers for a local police or fire department, city hall, school or business. If your church is installing a new roof or carpet, serve lunch to workers.
? Imprint coffee mugs with your church logo and 1 Timothy 2:1-2, and give one to each city council member. Deliver a leather Bible to the new mayor, congressman or senator with prayer notes signed by church members. Offer to help with crises.
? When celebration times or disastrous events hit your town, will your church love loudly? Mail a laminated copy of the news article with a prayer note. Consider how the joy or crisis can open doors for ministry. For example, if a home burns, immediately provide clothing for each family member or a cleanup crew to assist.
Since last summer’s flood and “loud-loving” disaster ministry, Friendship Baptist’s attendance more than doubled. The love demonstrated during crisis (coupled with a LifeWay M.E. minister of education project), has had resounding, eternal results.
Shhhh! Can your community hear your church loving?-?loudly?