Church Enhances Mission

COLUMNIST: WE SHOULD CARE FOR THOSE AROUND US

Saturday, August 17, 2013

For more than 30 years, if you came to our church when it was raining, you got wet. For the last several years, if you played on our playground, you got splinters. But, recently, we built a canopy that protects you from rain or snow when you enter our building. And we recently added a beautiful new playground.

Meanwhile, we are improving our foyer, so it will be more inviting and guest-friendly.

Also on the table is a columbarium, providing a more aff ordable way for our members to be interred.

Each of these projects will, in a variety of ways, enhance our mission of being the presence of Christ to people who are part of our congregation.

Our church has partnered with a church in Elaine. Elaine has a population of 626 and has three federal housing projects. It is an Arkansas community stranded in a jobless peninsula between the Mississippi and White rivers. Last month, we took more than 50 bicycles to the children of Elaine. We sang songs, made crafts, told Bible stories and, most of all, showed these children that they are lovable and special. The joy on their faces when they completed the safety course and took off on their bikes was a sight to behold.

The bicycle project was a lot of work, but it was not overly expensive. As a matter of fact, it was a fraction of the cost of drive-thru canopies, playgrounds and welcome centers. It raises the question about how we apply our resources.

As a church, we walk that fi ne line between discerning what is best for “us” and what is best for people in need.

Ultimately, eachcongregation must clarify its values and its mission.

Somewhere between “let’s make everything that happens in our environment as good as it can be” and “let’s use all our resources for those outside our walls who are struggling.” I am certain every church wrestles with, and prays about, the same issues.

But this is not just a corporate dilemma. It is a personal one as well.

How much time, eff ort and money to I devote to myself and my family?

How do I decide how much of my resources are spent on my family, and how much of my resources are spent on people in greater need?

There are several factors at work in these decisions.

But, for the most part, as a father and a Christian, I seek growth in two areas. First, I strive to live simply. With a joyful and vibrant relationship with God, I am more likely to relinquish my need for “stuff.” Meanwhile, I let the compassion God has given me fi nd ways to meet the needs around me. There is a lot of need in the world, so I listen intentionally for those moments when my heart is softened by cries of desperation.

Yes, we need to care for ourselves. But we also need to care for those around us. May God bless your efforts to achieve this balance.

THE REV. STEVE SHEELY IS PASTOR OF ROLLING HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH IN FAYETTEVILLE. CONTACT HIM AT [email protected]

Religion, Pages 8 on 08/17/2013