The Jesus Model of Neighborhood Ministry
“The Word (Jesus) became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son. Generous inside and out…” ~ John 1:14 The Message
BEING GOOD NEIGHBORS
~ What if Jesus really meant that we were supposed to love our neighbors, our literal neighbors?
CONNECTING PEOPLE INTO RELATIONSHIPS
~ What would it look like for men and women to live as missionaries where they’re already doing life?
SERVING THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY
~ What would happen if every follower of Jesus took the Great Commandment literally?
To be good neighbors by connecting people into relationships and serving the needs of our community.
John’s Gospel tells us, “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood…” And it this neighborhood model, originating with Jesus, which we believe God is calling us.
“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
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Our Community Partners
Our Causes, Community Initiatives & Connection Points
Business
Many employers find that nurturing volunteerism in their organizations leads to improved corporate environments, as well as increased employee satisfaction.
Employee volunteerism can also help your organization to:
• Create opportunities for team-building
• Strengthen loyalty to the organization
• Advertise and strengthen relationship within the community
• Become more involved in overcoming social problems
Education
“Our volunteers enrich students’ learning experiences in so many ways. They are part of the everyday scenery in our school. Their mere presence speaks volumes to children and to the staff. We are a better school because of our volunteers.” ~ School Principal
“So many areas of our school could not run as efficiently and effectively without our volunteers. They are supportive of our school, its faculty, and administrators. They see volunteering for what it truly is: a way to enrich the education of children.” ~ Elementary Teacher
Faith Communities
Churches have diverse positive impacts on communities, ranging from increased trust, improved mental and physical health, decreased crime, and enhanced levels of volunteering and community outreach. These attributes build norms and values that encourage political stability and economic performance. Churches contribute to vitally important components of successful societies, and their presence in communities provides many benefits that cannot be measured solely by direct revenue. ~ Andrew Lewis
Marriages & Families
Over the past 50 years, a quiet revolution has taken place in this country. Decades of demographic, economic and social change have transformed the structure and composition of the American family. The pre-eminent family unit of the mid-20th century—mom, dad and the kids—no longer has the stage to itself. A variety of new arrangements have emerged, giving rise to a broader and evolving definition of what constitutes a family. Changes in marital patterns have had a major impact on the lives of children in this country. Marriage is no longer considered a prerequisite for parenthood. ~PewResearch
Neighborhoods
“Promote the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because your future depends on its welfare.” ~ Jeremiah 29:7 “Loving without agenda: Often our neighborhoods are filled with special interest groups. The church is not a special interest group; rather we have a reconciling mission that seeks unity, that all might flourish. Consider how your faith community can champion what others are already doing.” ~ Paul Sparks, The New Parish: How Neighborhood Churches Are Transforming Mission, Discipleship and Community
Non-Profits
What is the value of having nonprofits in a community?
Cost savings to society: Cost savings may be immediate, such as when residents use community-based health care, or gradual such as job training programs. Multiplying impact: Nonprofits leverage public, corporate, and philanthropic assets to fulfill their missions. They supplement these funding sources with donated goods and services and by harnessing the power of volunteers. Strengthening community: Nonprofits connect people to each other and to resources, improve the quality of life, engage people on civic issues, and stimulate reform.
Senior Adults
Scripture has much to say about aging, which is a gift from God and has a purpose. Job 12:12 raises the question of whether “Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.” An answer is given in Proverbs 16:31, “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is found on the path of righteousness.” While we are all spiritual beings, not all older adults are religious. Helping older adults in their spiritual journey is vital for the later years. Worship, Bible study, prayer groups, etc… are just some of the many ways to be encouraging and instrumental in their faith development.
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