CT Pastors Newsletter

Serving Your Neighbor in Need

What makes a successful ministry? If a ministry operates for years and serves your community's needs, but the people it helps never join your church, is that a success? Barbara Lowery, a member of Belmont Baptist in Charlottesville, Virginia, says yes. Adam Macinnis spoke with Lowery about her church's laundry ministry for Christianity Today, "None of these people became members of our church. That wasn’t what it was about. It was about helping people in need.”

Macinnis found this a common sentiment for many churches with laundry ministries, where a church either runs a laundromat or often gives out money at laundromats to homeless and lower-income individuals and families. These acts of service do not usually lead to people joining churches, but they are concrete ways to meet needs in the community and share God's love.

Jesus reminds us that whatever we do for the least of our neighbors, we have done for him. Pastor, how can your church creatively help your neighbors?

Preach the Gospel Everywhere. When Necessary, Use Laundromats.
MINISTRY
A different kind of "third place" ministry creates community and connections with washers and dryers.
Adam MacInnis

Some come with track marks from years of drug abuse. Others come with children in tow. Some are struggling through a bad week. Others, a bad decade. All bring their dirty laundry.

They wash it and dry it for free at church-run laundry services throughout the United States.

“Christ said we should feed the hungry and clothe the naked, and I think those clothes should be clean,” said Catherine Ambos, a volunteer at one such ministry in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Of course, it’s not really ...

READ MORE
 
 
 
 
 
Blessed Are the Political Peacemakers
 
THE LESSER KINGDOM
Experts warn political violence is coming. Christians can look to Scripture, not the American Revolution, for guidance.
Bonnie Kristian
 
My Husband Died Suddenly in the Wilderness
 
 
As his widow, I live with grief every day. But I also live in the Good Shepherd’s grip.
Clarissa Moll
 
2LbleK_MELJqwocxCPolJxypxSUslCn8zhWtNqiIn9qn8CH99zD4PM064HlJPDw2R5lkciHs5bmEhqd2uobvI7NwhcwVpAPB5ZNx2QUlzMObJ06TDGPDC6A=s0-d-e1-ft#<a href=https://www-images.christianitytoday.com/images/130071.jpg?h=123&w=220" alt="Indian Christian Day Uses Martyrdom of Apostle Thomas to Unite the Diaspora" width="220" />
 
 
One in five Indian Americans is now Christian. But they remain divided by language, doctrine, and generation.
Sam George
 
 
Spring 2022 Issue
 
Spring
 
Post-Roe America Needs a Forward-Looking Church
 
The way pro-life Christians care for vulnerable women and children testifies about the coming kingdom.
Russell Moore
 
 
 
More from Christianity Today
 
Archaeologists Uncover First-Known Depictions of Jael and Deborah
The ancient mosaics, identified by the biblical heroine’s telltale tent stake, were discovered during a synagogue excavation in Galilee.
Kathryn Post - Religion News Service
 
Search Firm: No Systemic Abuse at Saddleback Successor’s Former Church
Elders stand by incoming pastor Andy Wood after follow-up review.
Bob Smietana - Religion News Service
 
When Can a Ministry Count as a Church?
In the case of the Family Research Council, it depends on if you ask the IRS or the US Religion Census.
Daniel Silliman
 
Related Newsletters
 
Each issue contains new articles and insights on leadership training, updates on what's been added to BuildingChurchLeaders.com, and other practical help to build faithful and effective leaders in your church.
 
Enjoy some laughs with this weekly newsletter! You'll receive hilarious videos, cartoons, and more—the internet's best humor about church life.
 
Fresh sermon illustrations and updates on new sermons, preaching articles and much more!
 
 
FOLLOW US:
Follow on Facebook Follow on Twitter RSS
Each weekly CT Pastors issue equips you with the best wisdom and practical tools for church ministry.

 

You need to be a member of The Reimagine Network to add comments!

Join The Reimagine Network

Email me when people reply –