Outreach Ministry
THE GREAT COMMISSION
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:18-20)
Dennis Vine - Facilitator of Kindness Outreach Projects. (Servant Evangelism)
BIG CHRISTMAS GIVE-AWAY
DEC 2011.
Servant Evangelism Annual Report 2011
Well where do I start? A sharp intake of breath, then here I go. Coming up to our fourth year is a testament in itself as there have been many low times when I thought of just sitting in a pew and listening to sermons and switching off that “Getting Involved” button. Thankfully these times, although many, have been short in duration. I have now determined to quit thinking about quitting! So here come the positives.
The church quadrupled the budget of S.E. from the first year, which has been a continuing acknowledgement of the work that has been started in us, and we are truly grateful.
In the last eight months we've been partnering with St. Nicholas Church of Ireland across the road when doing projects. Many members of the public have commented about two different denominations working together, and see it as a good thing. We also see it as natural, as we both worship the same God. Much credit for bringing us together goes to Johnnie Mc Alister who joined in a project we were doing. There he caught the vision, and now we're flourishing. Our connect cards have details of both churches on them, which is our demonstration of the “Kingdom” being the ultimate goal and not the numbers coming to our churches. This is not about church growth; it's totally about loving people closer to Jesus.
As we start our 4th year, nearly 100 people have taken part in at least one project, with many turning up time and time again. Over the last two years we have served 3750 people in many different ways. In 2011 we tried new projects like:- handing out Yorkie bars to Dads on Fathers Day; gave away bottles of water at the Armed Forces Day; we also gave away packs to the kids who were doing their AQE Entrance Exam and finally our Christmas wrapping Paper Give-away. Interspersed with these were our regular Car Park Outreaches and general clear-ups around the town. As we do these projects it's just practice to make it better for the next time as we learn what worked well and what didn't.
As we're seen around the town, we pray that the church is redefined to the local community and that once again the people of Christ become relevant to those around us, because we opened the door and went out to serve and not kept it closed and focussed inwards.
I see Servant Evangelism or Kindness Outreaches (whatever you prefer) in two ways. Firstly as a start, to take encouragement from and then get involved in a ministry that you have been passionate about, or buried deep down because no one was there to encourage and help you. Secondly, to stay doing small acts of kindness that you can fit into your busy schedules, as we usually serve for no longer than two hours and we also don't make you do something you're not comfortable with. You're more than welcome to come along and just observe what we do and see if it suits you.
When I read Conspiracy Of Kindness by Steve Sjogren, I thought - here's something that fits me. Over the last couple of years I have lent heavily on Steve's experience and used many tools from his website www.servecoach.com
I also want to say that without the support of those who have been on and continue to be in the Outreach Ministry it would have been a lot more difficult. We hope and pray that more people will join with us in reaching people for Jesus.
I look forward to 2012 with a greater optimism, and have started planning for this New Year.
I just want to leave you with these final words.
We as a church have to undertake extensive Fire, Disability and Health & Safety requirements in a short time. We do require financial assistance and this will put a massive burden on us as a congregation; however we cannot afford to fall back into a pattern of an inward focus on facilities and money. If we don’t regularly, clearly define ourselves to our community – through strong acts of generosity, love and service – those around us will have no idea that we even exist. We will soon have no worries about our facilities, money or staff because there will be no one coming!
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