Chapter 4: Mobilized To Serve

IN THIS CHAPTER, you will discover:  

·    That God himself is a worker.  

·    The source of kingdom ministry.  

·    The value of networking with others.  

·    A model for community ministry.    

AS A RESULT, you will be able to:  

·    Cooperate with God in your vocational calling.  

·    Follow the example of Jesus in mobilizing ministry.  

·    Use your network to spread the gospel.  

·    Establish a ministry serving the community.

Reading: The Equipper\'s Guide to Every‑Member Ministry, pp. 91‑99.   Key Scripture: \"But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it\" (Eph. 4:7).   God As a Cooperative Worker   Creation revealed the glory and power of God. But it also proved that God himself is a worker (Gen. 2:3). Since humanity was created in God\'s image, we are likewise to be workers. Moreover, we were designed to cooperate with God in his work. First, God planted a garden in Eden and put Adam to work in it, making him responsible to tend the garden (w. 8, 15). After the creation of the animals, Adam was given the task of naming each one (w. 19‑20). Both he and Eve were placed in dominion over the animals and the whole earth (1:28). Thus we see God and humanity as coworkers: God begins the work, and we cooperate with him in maintaining it.   By making Adam responsible for the maintenance of the garden, God placed in him the potential to find fulfillment through work. God has similarly created in each of us an innate desire for fulfillment in every area of our lives. Performing God\'s work made Adam feel good. He felt more fulfillment as he united with his wife Eve, and they became one flesh. She, in turn, felt fulfilled when she joined her husband in the garden to make it a fruitful and productive place. This husband and wife team were coworkers with each other and with God -- the epitome of cooperation.   But these cooperative relationships ended abruptly when sin entered the picture. Adam and Eve\'s intimate relationship with God was severed, and their own relationship changed drastically (3:16). Work also took on a different aspect; instead of a means of fulfillment, it became tedious and difficult (w. 17‑19). Much later, King Solomon even questioned work\'s validity by saying that it was meaningless (Eccl. 2:23).   Although work changed for humanity, our unchangeable God continued to work (John 5:17) and has never stopped. It is still God\'s earnest desire that we cooperate with Him in His work of: preserving His creation (Heb. 1:2‑3); redeeming humanity (Rom. 1:5); teaching His word (Matt. 28:20); performing miracles (Mark 16:18); and overcoming evil (1 John 5:4).   It is evident that one of God\'s primary reasons for designing work was to benefit humanity. Work provides ways to develop responsibility, to care for others, to show love, to use our talents, to build self‑esteem, and to improve living conditions. Although each of these benefits is temporal, God has given us the privilege of cooperating with Him and glorifying Him through our work (1 Cor. 10:31), which has eternal significance.   Our Daily Work   Our work is so important to God that He included guidelines for it in the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:9). God expects us to work six days a week earning our daily bread. The apostle Paul also explained the value of work to the Thessalonians: \"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands . . . so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody\" (1 Thess. 4:11‑12). Since the reasons for work are clearly stated, we are to set an example for unbelievers by depending on God for our work and serving Him through it.   Enthusiasm and excellence mark the work of a Christian who has decided to glorify the Lord. Consider the Christian witnesses you encoun­ter every day on the job. Perhaps it\'s the mechanic who repairs cars with excellence, or the nursery worker at church who cares with compassion, knowing she has ministered to the \"least of these.\" Perhaps it\'s the waitress who always makes you feel as if you\'re her only customer, or the bus driver who greets every passenger with a smile and \"Good Morning.\" These people have all learned to serve God through their service to others. We can conclude then that secretaries, lumberjacks, lawyers, or students can each do their work heartily, working for God rather than people.   A Christian\'s daily work may be described as any work that God gives us to do. No job is too menial to be discounted as God\'s work, for there are no insignificant jobs in His kingdom.   A Distorted View   Many people believe their gifts can only be used appropriately as a pastor, evangelist, missionary, or Sunday school teacher. Yet Paul reminded us that all work should be done as unto the Lord (Col. 3:23­24). Even so, some Christians reason that God is only interested in the jobs considered as sacred.   This view of a sacred hierarchy often leads to a distorted view of the workplace. Some Christians with a zeal for evangelism see a daily job merely as a platform for evangelizing their coworkers. Perceiving work itself as unimportant, they count it as simply a means to an end. But a workplace should not be considered solely for its evangelistic possibilities. A well-­balanced Christian must view work as an end in itself simply because God has provided it. Evangelism is a lifestyle, rather than a thing we do.   Another distorted view held by some Christians is to place too much importance on works in the process of salvation. They believe they must labor to keep God\'s love and acceptance. Others work hard to escape punishment, which they fear awaits them if they slack off. These Chris­tians, who have never understood the role of grace in sanctification, are under the bondage of the law. In each case, fear is the motivation. Yet God plainly says that we are saved by grace and not by the works of our hands (Eph. 2:8‑9). And He wants us to continue serving Him with a heart of gratitude, even after we have been saved.   Nevertheless, many believers as well as unbelievers work hard because they: determine their self‑esteem only by what they can accomplish; strive for acceptance by others in order not to be rejected; consider workaholism \"normal,\" as opposed to \"abnormal\" laziness; feel com­pelled to rescue less capable friends, relatives, and coworkers.   The original purpose of work is often obscured as we busy ourselves with making a living. In many instances, work has taken on a life of its own -- apart from every other aspect of our lives. We work hard at maintaining our work. Every free moment is spent in planning, thinking, or worrying about our jobs. Many of us have sacrificed families, friends, and even God on the altar of \"career.\"   We must rethink our worldview regarding work by searching the Scrip­tures for God\'s view. As we separate His absolutes from human distor­tions, we find that our work and works of service are one and the same. As we work to glorify God, we can minister at our place of employment, in our neighborhood, and in the inner city.   For more information on your role as a Christian in the workplace, see the Living By The Book course, \"Careers By The Book.\"     Key Concepts:   1. True or False. Churches should make no attempt to bridge the church world and the work world. [91‑921   2. Most of us spend approximately (30, 40) percent of our waking hours at work. [92]   3. Equipping works best if we do twice as much (talking, listening). [92]   4. Poor product ______________ is the result of worker frustration in the United States. [93]   5. American (democracy, pragmatism) puts people at the center, using God to facilitate the development of human potential. [95]   6. Puritanism, especially in its original explanation of the doctrine of calling, puts (work, God) in the center. [95]   7. Busyness and _________________ are symptoms of the same disease of self‑centeredness. [95]   8. True or False. Vocational conversion is needed in the West, because there is no uncomplicated way to do business or to develop a profes­sional practice. [96]   9. True or False. Christians never work in morally grey areas; vocational choices are always black or white. [97]   10 True or False. Prioritizing of work over ministry is a fatal disease in Western Christianity. [98]     Further Study: Read \"Occupations and Professions,\" New International Dictionary of the Bible, pp. 716‑27.   Life Application: How do you interpret the Golden Rule on your job? Too often in business the Golden Rule has been changed to the \"gilded\" rule: Do unto others before they do unto you! Experiment with the Golden Rule on your job for two weeks. Treat fellow workers, clients, customers, and supervisors exactly as you would like to be treated. As you assess the results, you will find a marked difference in the atmosphere at work. Even if no one else changes, your attitude will be more positive -- and the Lord will be pleased.

Reading: The Equipper\'s Guide to Every‑Member Ministry, pp. 99‑109.   Key Scripture: \"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had\" (Acts 4:32).   Kingdom Ministry   Through various parables, Jesus shared specific principles for entering the kingdom. These are His instructions found in Matthew 7:   Ask and God will give to you (w. 7‑11); treat others as you want to be treated (v. 12); take the more difficult route (w. 13‑14); beware of false prophets (w. 15‑16); be a good fruit‑bearer (w. 17‑20); obey the will of the Father (w. 21‑23); build your foundation on the rock (w. 24‑25); practice the words of Jesus (w. 26‑27).   Later, Jesus made it quite plain that the kingdom was not something they were waiting for. \"The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, \'Here it is,\' or \'There it is,\' because the kingdom of God is within you\" (Luke 17:20‑21). Recognizing the kingdom of God in our midst is one thing, but sharing this good news requires courageous people who will minister by the Spirit where others fear to go.   Philip and Stephen were just such people. Both had proven themselves faithful in their own church when appointed as table‑serving deacons (Acts 6:1‑6). These two with five others were chosen to deal with an internal problem in the church -- the neglect of the Grecian Jewish wid­ows. Later, both Stephen and Philip were used by God to declare boldly the gospel. In fact, Stephen\'s boldness in witnessing brought down the wrath of the Pharisees, and he became the first Christian martyr (7:54‑60).   Breaking Barriers   Saul, a devout Pharisee, stood by in agreement as the Jews stoned Stephen. After he was buried, Saul went on a rampage tracking down believers and dragging them off to prison. As a result, believers scattered from the hub city of Jerusalem to outlying areas and other cities. The church began to move outside its Jewish boundaries to the Gentile world. Philip\'s duties as a layperson suddenly expanded into those of an evan­gelist. Running for his life during the persecution, he fled to Samaria, somewhere between Judea and Galilee.   In spite of their differences the Samaritans shared certain religious beliefs with the Jews. These despised neighbors were also expecting the Mes­siah (John 4:25) and they accepted as Scripture the Pentateuch, the five books of Moses. Philip found the people of Samaria very open to the gospel. So he preached and performed miracles there. The apostles Peter and John came down to help evangelize, and revival broke out. They baptized the Samaritans and praised God as their former enemies were filled with the Holy Spirit. After preaching in many villages, Philip, Peter, and John went back to Jerusalem, rejoicing at what God had accomplished.   Then Philip was sent on another mission by the Holy Spirit. The Lord sent him down a desert road to meet an Ethiopian eunuch, an official in charge of all the queen\'s royal treasury. Already interested in the Jewish faith, the official was returning home from Jerusalem. There he had acquired a scroll of Isaiah. As he read chapter 53 aloud, scores of questions arose in his mind. But there was no one to provide answers until suddenly Philip, propelled by the Holy Spirit, was running alongside his carriage. Casually he asked, \"Do you understand what you are reading?\" (Acts 8:30).   The official invited Philip to join him in the chariot. As the man read, Philip explained the prophetic passage. He pointed out that the whole chapter referred to Christ-the Messiah. The particular passage he was reading prophesied the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus. Philip used this divine appointment to share the gospel with his eager listener. After hearing about Christ, the man wanted to be baptized at once. Excluded from temple worship because of an ancient law banning eunuchs, the Ethiopian was overjoyed at being included in the body of believers. Immediately after baptizing the eunuch, Philip was carried away by the Holy Spirit.   Because Philip was faithful to share the gospel, God allowed him to participate in the breaking down of religious, racial, and cultural barriers. Philip had been prepared beforehand. Even today, preparing to share this good news with others requires an understanding of and a commit­ment to discipleship. Personal discipleship training must occur before we attempt to teach the gospel. Even the great apostle Paul had to be a disciple before he became a teacher.   Paul the Disciple   Apart from Christ himself, the foremost figure associated with Christian­ity is Paul of Tarsus. Born Jewish with Roman citizenship, Paul had been thoroughly trained in law by the famous Gamaliel. He had the advantages of heritage, citizenship, education, and wealth. Yet he did not suddenly appear on the Christian scene as a person prepared to spread the gospel. Paul, like every other believer, had to go through a process to become a mature disciple of Christ. The four stages in Paul\'s training were:   Observance. Some time passed from the time of Saul\'s conversion to his actual participation in ministry. The first Christian that he observed was Ananias, who had been sent to pray for him. Saul noticed that this godly man came to him according to instruction by the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:13‑17), although apprehensive that Saul might drag him off to prison. The new convert watched as other Christians endured hardships for their faith. And he observed the Holy Spirit working in and through all the Christians around him.   Participation. Convinced that God had called him to preach the risen Christ, Saul began to speak first in the synagogues. The Jews marveled at this former Pharisee who had transferred his zeal from Judaism to Jesus (9:20‑21). Several times they tried to kill him for what they consid­ered his fanaticism. Yet each time he was warned beforehand, and his life was saved (w. 9:23‑25, 29‑30; 23:15‑16).   Supervised Delegation. Almost from the beginning, Barnabas had taken an interest in Saul. He spoke up for the new convert before the apostles in Jerusalem, telling everyone about his bold preaching. Later, Barnabas went as a delegate from the Jerusalem church to the church in Antioch, which had reached out both to the Grecian Jews and Gentiles. As the church grew, Barnabas went looking for Saul to bring him to Antioch. There the two of them preached for a year (11:25‑26) before being sent with contributions to the church in Jerusalem. The same church at Antioch sent both Barnabas and Saul on their first missions trip (13:2‑3).   Mature Ministry. When Barnabas and Saul first started out, it was clear that Barnabas was the team\'s leader. But after the dramatic encounter with Elymas in Paphos, Barnabas deferred to Saul (now Paul). Hence­forth Paul, although cooperative with fellow Christians, acted as a mature disciple of Christ. Throughout his grooming period, the Holy Spirit had placed Paul under the authority of others. But as he matured, Paul launched out on his own -- depending solely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit (23:11).   As surely as God guided Paul through every step of discipleship, He will guide us in our journey toward a personal ministry. Our ministry, like those of Stephen and Philip and Paul, must meet people where they are. Then as we serve them in everyday ways -- preparing a meal, babysitting, visiting the hospital, mowing a lawn or raking leaves -- we earn the right to speak to them of spiritual things. Ultimately, however, we must imitate Christ if we are to break down long‑standing barriers of culture, race, and religion.     Key Concepts:   1. Work has the potential of being an act of ______________ to God and a way of gaining spiritual depth. [99]   2. Every person\'s three full‑time jobs are: communion with God, _________________ building, and co‑creating with God. [100]   3. True or False. Work, distorted through humanity\'s revolt, resulted in alienation from God. [100]   4. True or False. God wants vocation and avocation to be separate. [102]   5. Christ\'s and our ministry is to (persons, structures, both). [103]   6. True or False. There is no hierarchy of ministries or services to be rendered by our work. [103]   7. What pleases God in our work is faith, hope and (love, dedication). [104]   8. When we love the people we work with, we are delivered from destruc­tive _____________ and damaging comparisons. [105]   9. Ordination as practiced in mainline churches has strong (historical, biblical) validity. [1071   10 True or False. We should single out those with a proven sense of call to serve over a long period of time and give them the same recognition we do to Pastors and missionaries. [107]     Further Study: Read \"V. Persecution and Expansion (Acts 8:1 b‑9:43),\" International  Bible Commentary, pp. 1282‑86.   Life Application: When new Christians join a church, they are often encouraged to participate in leadership roles, such as children\'s church director, Sunday school teacher, or small group leader. But becoming a disciple of Christ requires the four specific steps of observance, partici­pation, supervised delegation, and mature ministry. As you read over the text again, think, \"How many steps have I completed?\" Perhaps you have already discovered your ministry. If so, continue to rely on the Holy Spirit for daily guidance and support.

Reading: The Equipper\'s Guide to Every‑Member Ministry, pp. 109‑1 1.   Key Scripture: \"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it\" (Heb. 13:2).   God\'s Vision for His People   As Christians who are searching Scripture for clues to God\'s vision for His people, we soon discover that His purposes are far more vast than we could ever imagine. When noted authors Larry Richards and Gilbert Martin began investigating this topic, they discovered more purposes than they had traditionally assumed. In their book Lay Ministry: Empow­erinq the People of God, pp. 175‑76, they wrote:   God has a vision of: A restored humanity A people who live good lives A people who live His Word A people who are holy A people concerned with justice A people who meet the material needs of others A people free from materialism A loving community A praying people A people who live in hope A people who live under authority A people involved in spiritual warfare A people who do not judge others A worshiping people A witnessing, missionary people A ministering people A servant leadership A people who are the light of the world A people who associate with sinners   And we could continue! For God\'s vision includes a people who are hospitable, who love their enemies, who are united, who rejoice in suffering, who are disciples, etc. The point that we want to make is simply this: The people of God are to experience individually and together the call of God to give themselves to fulfill one or more of the divine visions. Each believer can expect to be given a personal vision that calls him to participate in the fulfillment of one of the revealed purposes God has for the church.   Discovering God\'s vision for the body of Christ is only the first step. Developing into the kind of people who fulfill His vision is the most difficult part. But God provides the wisdom, strength, and endurance through the Holy Spirit to give substance to the vision. Furthermore, understanding our need for companionship, He has provided us with a network of family, friends, and acquaintances. Through interaction within this social web, we develop our communication skills and flex our spiritual muscles. As we grow in God\'s word, fulfilling His vision for us, we influence all those who come in contact with us.   Paul followed in Jesus\' footsteps encouraging people movements, for he knew that the gospel always travels best along existing social net­works. Even as he sat in prison, Paul invited groups to come and hear the gospel. All the while the Roman guards, who made up Paul\'s house­hold, were listening and being affected by his words. \"For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ\" (Acts 28:30‑31).   Seize the Moment   Since not everyone has a captive audience like Paul\'s, we must deter­mine just who is receptive to the gospel. First, we can watch for those who show an interest in our Christian life. Second, we should look for those who are sick, suffering, oppressed, or hurting to pray for. And last, we are to look for those going through transitional periods in their lives.   Key transition times are: Immediately following a marriage After a divorce or separation After the birth of a child After a family member\'s death During a layoff from work During a marital reconciliation During a pregnancy When problems arise in child‑rearing When employment changes         When work duties change When the bank forecloses on a home                  When sexual difficulties arise When a marriage needs enriching                        When new neighbors move in When a teen leaves for college   As we pray, we can ask the Lord to help us focus on certain people within our social network. While interceding for their salvation, we must entreat the Holy Spirit to remove their spiritual blinders, soften their hearts, and draw them toward God. But praying is only the first step toward minis­tering during a time of transition. It is necessary to put feet to our prayers by actually doing something.     Hospitality   One of the things we can offer a person in transition is our hospitality. The axiom, \"Actions speak louder than words,\" is certainly true. Extend­ing friendship through hospitality is a most effective way of living out the Christian faith. Many people have been won to Christ around a family dinner table. Other ways of demonstrating hospitality are: taking a meal to a shut‑in, inviting an international student to dinner, giving a timely book, sending a card, offering rides, writing letters, providing overnight lodging, and sending care packages to college students.   Sometimes we must overcome our people blindness before we can minister. Since Jesus was never put off by the appearance, culture, religion, or nationality of those he ministered to, believers today are from every race, nation, and culture. Yet many more might be won to Christ through our practice of Christian hospitality.   George Grant in his book Bringing In The Sheaves relates the following account of a whole city that practices hospitality without reservation.         Over the course of five hundred‑plus years, thousands of pil­grims have visited the Shrine of St. Dimpna in Geel [Belgium]. Mentally or handicapped supplicants often travel long distances to the site in hope of a cure. Although records of the Church attest to the many miracles performed by the Lord, many of the pilgrims are not cured. In such cases, all too often the natural family, in despair and frustration, returns home, leaving the supplicant behind. Invariably, local families will then open their rooms to those abandoned. Again and again, the same sad scenario is replayed. As time passed, word spread throughout Europe that the people of Geel had hearts of compassion and mercy, and would open their rooms to the distressed, unwanted, and feebleminded. To this very day, over a thousand families within this town of thirty thousand exercise hospitality and provide medical care for one or more impaired boarders (p. 104).   The people of Geel have taken seriously the biblical mandate to care for the less fortunate. Although our ministry may not be hospitality, we must attempt to alleviate the pain and suffering that surrounds us. Often this can be done through our relational networks as we minister to those around us who are in need.     Key Concepts:   1. Part of God\'s vision for us is that we be a witnessing, ___________ people. [See above]   2. Paul\'s household in Rome was comprised of (guards, friends). [See above]   3. True or False. An especially good time to minister to people is when they are in a time of transition. [See above]   4. True or False. Worker‑priests can help one another make decisions, especially in the grey areas of ethics. [109]   5. True or False. Many believers find that an early morning meeting with other Christians helps them live godly lives in the marketplace. [109]   6. True or False. Business people can help equip their pastors by inviting them to join a business group. [109]   7. An _____________ network for support and fellowship should result when several churches have worker‑priests in the same area. [109]   8. We need models of people in the marketplace who have been trans­formed by Christ and (left, stayed). [110]   9. Dorothy Sayers said that work cannot be a mission unless \"one really gets (past, into) one\'s work.\" [111]   10. True or False. Work should be done heartily with all our might as a ministry, for the sake of the work itself. [111]     Further Study: Read \"Vl. Gentiles Enter the Kingdom (Acts 10:1‑11 :18),\" International Bible Commentary, pp. 1286‑87.   Life Application: Reread \"God\'s Vision for His People\" above. Personalize each item as you ask yourself: \"Do I meet the material needs of others? Do I judge others? Do I associate with sinners?\" If you answer no to some of these questions, ask the Holy Spirit to help you in these. But don\'t be over­whelmed by trying to do every item at once. Pick out one or two in which you feel you need most improvement. Work on these; then go on to another.

Reading: \"i. Partiality to the Rich (James 2:1‑7)\" and \"ii. The Royal Law (James 2:8‑13),\" International Bible Commentary, pp. 1539‑41.   Key Scripture: \"In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor\" (Acts 9:36).   In concluding this chapter, we would like to give some practical examples of ministries to be considered for use in your own church. The ministries mentioned here have grown out of needs in the church and community. Our model is Kempsville Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This congregation has discovered creative avenues of stewardship by simply sharing their possessions.   Our first example, the Clothing Closet, is one of the church\'s most effective outreaches to the community. Its mission is to share the love of Christ by assisting the needy with material goods.   The Clothing Closet began in October, 1986 in the home of Sherry Bragg, a Regent University day‑care provider. Her original plan was to provide an opportunity for mothers to exchange children\'s clothing and toys in order to help stretch student family incomes. The Closet moved from Sherry\'s home to a room at the university, where distribution continued for a brief time. Finally, it was moved to Sherry\'s church. There it outgrew the closet in the narthex and spilled over into the fellowship hall. As time went on, the church provided storage sheds for burgeoning donations. After six years of operation, the Clothing Closet was moved a short distance away into a small office complex. Open to the congregation and the community on a weekly basis, the Closet has become a vital ministry.   A simple idea -- one woman\'s desire to help fellow students with limited incomes -- has grown into a ministry involving twenty‑five weekly volun­teers. The Clothing Closet now distributes an average of one‑half ton of clothing per week to more than one hundred families. It has developed into a full‑fledged benevolence center, which gives away household goods including appliances and TVs. Approximately twelve automobiles are given away annually. The Closet also operates a lending ministry for major baby items, such as cribs and car seats-and medical devices, such as wheelchairs and crutches. In addition, an extensively organized coupon box is made available to everyone.   As part of the ministry, volunteers match individual requests with those who have items to donate. Frequently, the church bulletin makes special requests for donations, i.e., a desk and lamp needed for an incoming university student.   Donations   In addition to individual donations, the Clothing Closet depends on the generosity of several companies. Volunteers with entrepreneurial skills contact owners, supervisors, or managers to obtain donations to the Clothing Closet. Some of the companies contacted and the supplies donated are: grocery store chains (bread and baked goods daily); dry cleaners (unclaimed clothing); department stores (portion of their clothing returns); distributors (gifts of carpeting, linoleum, and windows); drug stores (new products); bakeries (snacks and chips weekly); grocery stores (special receipts redeemable for money); car dealers (packing boxes for shipment abroad); secondhand store (children\'s clothing).   Using food donated by local stores and restaurants, the church provides a complementary breakfast and lunch to everyone attending their bian­nual swaps.   Swapping Events   During the spring and fall, the Clothing Closet has a huge swap event to which people are encouraged to donate unwanted or outgrown items. Then they may shop for whatever they need free of charge. At these special events over one thousand people donate unwanted items. Even the poorest people usually have some outgrown clothing or broken item to donate. If not, they are still free to shop. A toy swap held in December provides a special opportunity to bless families and their children during the holidays. All these events are advertised both inside the church and outside in the community.   Satellite Ministries   Several opportunities for other ministries to the community have evolved out of the Clothing Closet.   Referral service. The Hampton Roads metropolitan area, where the church is located, is highly transient because of numerous military instal­lations and several universities. Therefore, the Closet provides a referral service to those who are looking for a roommate, housesitter, or rental housing.   Repair ministry. Since most of the items donated are pre‑owned, many are in need of repair. In fact, donors are encouraged to give broken or damaged items, as well as good used items. Church volunteers give their time, energy, and money to repair broken appliances, household goods, bicycles, TVs, radios, cars, clothing and toys. Items beyond repair are often kept for salvageable parts.   Yard/garage sale scouts. Members of the church who shop at yard sales often look for particular items needed for certain individuals. They may ask the person having the sale to donate leftover items to the church. Many of these people appreciate being able to help someone else with their unsold items. Having the items picked up especially helps families who are moving.   Ministry to inmates. An opportunity to witness to prisoners developed when the church cooperated with the work alternative program of the local juvenile court. A young man who needed to do fifty hours of community service helped prepare for swaps and other special projects. Both men and women from the local jail have assisted in unloading storage sheds and distributing clothing.   Missions project. The contacts made through the Clothing Closet were most helpful in a missions project organized by the church. An African student and his family were members of the local body during his tenure at Regent University. After he graduated, the family returned to Nigeria to plant a church. The local church raised funds with a concert. They also collected supplies to send to them. One hundred individuals participated in mailing flyers, obtaining packing boxes, picking up donated medical supplies, packing food, clothing, books, and musical instruments. Volun­teers from the church then transported a forty‑foot container of goods to port for shipment. Special food collections were made over and above that needed for community ministry.   The Food Closet. The Food Closet, which provides food for the needy in the community, is always available. Its coordinator suggests through the church bulletin specific types of food to be donated each month. For example, one month the congregation might be asked to donate sugar, soup, and flour. Another month it may be canned vegetables and fruit. Since the church began using this method, they have discovered God\'s multiplying abilities at work. They can feed fifteen to twenty families for the amount it would cost to feed one family for one month. The pantry also provides special food baskets for needy families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.   Outreach. Besides individuals and families, the Clothing Closet has been able to minister to many groups and organizations. A partial list follows:   Crisis pregnancy center Social Services Local churches Missionaries Nursing homes Fire and disaster survivors Handicapped people Home school organizations Local mission groups City\'s homeless shelter Shelters for battered women and children   Special Programs   Special dramatic and musical programs are offered periodically as bridg­ing opportunities to reach the unchurched in the area. Even though the special programs at Christmas and Easter are not directly dependent on the Clothing Closet, they do work in tandem to reach the homeless. Volunteers transport the homeless from their shelter to the church where they are treated to dinner and a drama production. They are also invited to choose clothing from the Clothing Closet.   Each Easter season the church has produced a musical drama, \"A Man Called Jesus,\" for the past several years. This spectacular production, adapted from Scripture, depicts the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. It was written by Marie Umidi, a talented musician and songwriter. Mrs. Umidi, the wife of our instructor and a member of the church, also directs the production. \"A Man Called Jesus\" provides many ways for church members to use their gifts and talents as actors, singers, dancers, set designers, painters, costume designers, seamstresses, ticket salesper­sons, audio technicians, videographers, ushers, printers, and ad copy­writers.   This production is much more than entertainment for the congregation; it is an outreach to the whole community. Members are encouraged to invite unbelievers to the performances. At the end of each performance a pastor gives an invitation to those desiring salvation. Many people have given their lives to Christ as a result of attending this dramatic event.   Tailor Your Projects   The ministries mentioned above are outreaches of one church, which has the advantage of drawing its congregation from a nearby university where talent abounds. The community surrounding the church determines to a great extent the ministries it chooses. Yet we have been given the mandate to \"bloom where we are planted.\" And since no two churches have exactly the same resources of size, finances, or talent, every ministry should be tailor‑made to the church body. A local body surrounded by elderly people must minister to the needs of senior citizens, just as a growing community must minister to its flourishing youth population.   Following are some projects that your church may consider:   Vacation Bible school Mother\'s Day Out Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Neighborhood Bible study Flower delivery in hospitals Nursing home ministry Nutrition classes for welfare recipients Outside groups, such as Boy Scouts and AA, that meet in the church   Individual possibilities for ministry include:   Teaching literacy programs in a prison Leading Bible studies in a jail or detention home Cooking or serving at a homeless shelter Housing an international student Holding a backyard Bible study for children   Perhaps you or your church are already doing several of these. Remem­ber that these lists are merely suggestions. As you study your own church and community, you will think of countless other ways to minister.   In the beginning the early church was the first to reach out to the needy in the community. Because their ministry was so compassionate, the Bible declares that \"they gave to anyone as he had need\" (Acts 2:45). Today in the midst of massive government spending to help the poor, that concept seems farfetched. Yet, God calls us to do what we can with the provision He has given us. Though we may not be able to abolish all poverty, we can at least alleviate the pain. And in doing so, we will be blessed by God, whose heart is tender toward the downtrodden.     Key Concepts: [All answers above]   1. The mission of the Clothing Closet is to share Christ\'s love by assisting people with (material, spiritual) needs.   2. A vital part of the Clothing Closet is its (selling, lending) ministry for baby and medical items.   3. True or False. The church bulletin can be used to ask for special donations.   4. True or False. Commercial businesses should never be approached about donating items for church ministry.   5. True or False. One satellite ministry of the Clothing Closet is repairing broken items.   6. Through the Food Closet a large church can feed fifteen or twenty families for the amount it would cost to feed one family for one (week, month).   7. True or False. Entertainment in the church should have as its purpose bringing unbelievers to the point of salvation.   8. The (community, talent) determines to a great degree the type of ministry a church may choose.     Further Study: Read \"iii. Faith and Deeds (James 2:14‑26),\" International Bible Commentary, pp. 1 541‑42.   Life Application: Often church congregations are closed to new ways of doing things. Sometimes it is because of tradition or personal preju­dice. Whatever the reason, put a check beside the excuses listed below that you might be using to question new ideas:   It\'s impractical. We have never done it. We don\'t have the time. The cost is prohibitive. Our congregation is too small. We have done all right without it. We are not quite ready for it. It\'s too much trouble to change. We need to look after our own first. It looks impossible.   How can you turn negative perceptions about ministry into positive ones? Into faith instead of doubt?