Let us do good unto all men...

There is one question that has had my mind wrapped up for a while. It has kept me from posting this last month and if i don't start to get this question on paper it will keep drawing me back to it much longer. The question is, "What is the role if the local church in meeting the needs of the unsaved and non-church members?"


This has been a question that I have avoided for some time. I once thought it was cultural and only matter for churches located in inner-cities and surrounded by populations in great poverty or need. But a few factors have impacted my thinking on this subject including the current political climate and volunteer projects we have encountered recently. I also think this is a question that many traditional congregations today tend to avoid or try to address on a individual basis. 


This question has also surfaced from another friend who was frustrated with the perceived lack of responsibility by youth ministers for the behavior and needs of the youth in their surrounding communities. The ministers they spoke with did not see a role for the church in preventing violence outside the realm of the church membership. If the youth came to them and addressed their spiritual need then they would be glad to help. Almost to a fault, they were so focused on the needs of their own flock of youth, that they could not see the needs of the sheep that were regularly threatened outside of their fold. This reminded me of the way the Pharisees set such strict boundaries for association outside of the synagogue and how Jesus was criticized by them for eating with the sinners.


I had believed , at the start of this third millennium, that the Christian church was one that was trying to be based on service, charity, and personal sacrifice as the primary means to winning the hearts of unbelievers to Christ. I had generally thought the idea of restricting church charity only to the members of the church was rare and foreign to the work of the modern church. While many churches do try to hold service days, in the more traditional circles we seem to have resisted any shift to define ourselves as "spiritually driven community service organizations."


Even today's political landscape has been littered with contentious debate around roles and responsibilities of both government and the church. How "big" should government be? What liberties are guaranteed to religiously based institutions that aren't churches such as schools and hospitals? How do we keep our social commitments to care for an aging population and keep our economy stable? Should governments subsidize not-for-profit services in the community?


The message I cant get away from I have heard preached numerous times it describes how Jesus told the woman at the well that the true worshipers worship in "Spirit and in Truth." I believe that the modern church is full of spirit but often lacking in sound spiritual truth. This is an imbalance in our approach to worship. However, it is a repairable balance, in my opinion. I believe that we must be just as concerned with worship that is spiritless. I fear that the "fox" of ritualistic worship and service in the church is the one that far more prevalent today. As our recent Young Adult Retreat focused on, we must be "authentic Christians" if we hope to be "effective Christians."


What I'm learning is that leaders in some churches hold to a concept that the individual believer alone bears the responsibility to help someone in need. This teaching holds that that the church's role is to only help those members within the church. The referenced example is that of the Good Samaritan who acted out of kindness and love but without the authority of a church body. The argument for this perspective is that we are to do good to individuals but must avoid organized works of charity by the church. Some have even said that the church is guilty of "forcing" charity on to those in need as the social welfare system (supposedly) does. 


I want to explore these two thoughts for a moment.


First, I ask, "who is the church supposed to serve?" Without a doubt, the body of Christ must take priority to care and nurture the body. Paul describes it clearly in his letter to Ephesus: 

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (Eph. 4:12)

We cannot neglect the work of the ministry for the labor of our own needs. For the sake of our own growth and the corporate growth of the church body, we must put a priority in the physical, spiritual and emotional health of our church body. I firmly believe that we have done well to address the spiritual needs and we hope that the other needs would be meet as a result. However, I have often seen churches struggle or move much slower than they should because we are inadequately prepared to care for fellow members. The lack of internal care translates into a lack of external care, and is where, I can only suppose, the idea of the Christian having only an individual responsibility and not a corporate responsibility to serve others outside of the church body.


The easiest, most direct answer to "who do we serve" is: those in need. As Jesus says he came not to save the righteous but the unrighteous, to heal the sick not the healthy, so are we as his earthly body to serve the those Christ served.


I think the most compelling passage that confirms the corporate giving of the church is Galatians 6:6-10. 

6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

So go back to the English classes you took growing up and let us examine this passage. First you see the individual directives. You know, those things called pronouns (me, he, we, they) and nouns that help us determine the speaker or the person being spoken to as well as the number of those being addressed (me or us). The first part of this passage addresses the individual; "him that teacheth," "he that soweth." These directives address the individuals responsibility that is often related to the "golden rule" of doing unto other what we would like done unto us and that we will be held accountable for our actions in due season.


in verse 9 we see a transition to the collective responsibility when Paul writes for "us [to] not be weary" because "we shall reap, if we faint not." We know that the "we" mentioned is referring to the work of the body of believer's "well doing." This transition of responsibility lead us into the last verse that continues the idea of corporate responsibility and accountability when is says "...let us do good unto all men..." and clearly gives us a global vision for caring for others. 

10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Just in case someone was unsure if that is only believers or unbelievers, Paul clarifies with an "...especially unto them who are of the household of faith." As I stated before, our first responsibility is for the health of the body and for the members that the body is built with. Our second responsibility is a clear one, to do good unto all men based on the principles of reaping and sowing in well doing. 

We must not overlook the charity of the church to the lost nor the nourishment of its own members. The burden for social welfare cannot be carried by the government alone and the cycle of need cannot be broken by budget cuts. Only the work of Christ can meet all needs and we must be willing and able to give the gospel and break bread. A body that is focused on knowledge and not action will not be healthy and one that is focused on activity but not knowledge will not be effective.


And in the words of one of my mentors, Dr. Michael Canty, "Let's just go do some good stuff."

Love Thy Neighbor as...Mr. Stokes

Sgt. Harmon F. Stokes , 83

Harmon F. Stokes, 83, passed from this life suddenly last Wednesday in his home and was laid to rest surrounded by his friends and family today. Harmon was a Sargent in the US Army, serving in both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, and retiring with 45 years of military and civil service.


If that was the end of the story, most people would generally say something like, "how sad, I'm so sorry," "he lived a full life," or "he is at rest now." These would all be true but they don't represent the greater story. I can only share the special stories that I know and the memories of his character I heard echoed in today's service. This story also captures a glimpse of why I am a public servant and why I answered a calling to "do good stuff," as the late Mike Canty used to describe it.


My first memories of Mr. Stokes go back about 12 years, to the first neighborhood I ever worked in - historic Aberdeen Gardens. I was 21 years old and was just learning about youth leadership development and community organizing. I hadn't organized a group in my life and in Aberdeen I was responsible for leading the youth initiatives for this prominent and established community. I was taking this role over from someone else without any training or transition. I was even a bit apprehensive concerning my welcome into this group I knew little about. I realize now that I was also facing my own fears regarding my cultural, generational, and social perspectives. Despite these internal struggles of an introverted organizer, one warm smile and a firm handshake wiped them far away, that of Mr. Stokes.

Historic Aberdeen Gardens in Hampton, Virginia

I still remember how I'd call on him to open up the Aberdeen Museum for me, a restored home in the neighborhood that served as a central meeting place for the 5 youth that participated in the youth group. Mr. Stokes was always there with a smile to open up the building. The youth group wouldn't be me greatest success thus far in my career and I remember on more than one occasion being the only one at the museum. Then along came Mr. Stokes, waiting there with me, taking time out of his day to check in on me, learning about my family, college classes i was taking, and just doing what he could to make feel apart of the community. At every Aberdeen breakfast or event I always looked for Mr. Stokes, because his smiling welcome always made me feel like I belonged in Aberdeen. The last time I talked to Mr. Stokes he asked, as he always did, how my "lovely wife" and "those little ones" were doing.


From those first years in Aberdeen, my heart was bound to that special community in a unique way. I saw something in Mr. Stokes and the many other Aberdeeners I have come to know and love. I learned that your neighbor is more than the resident in the house that is next to your, the one that just lives near you. A truly good neighbor is one that is "near." They near enough to ask about your day, near enough to lend a hand, near enough to cheer you up with a "hello," near enough to look out for you, near enough to make you feel at home, and near enough mourn and lift you up when things are tough.

The Aberdeen Gardens Museum, Mary Peake Blvd

Mr. Stokes had the special ability to make you feel like the most important person to him at that time. He knew how to give, and he knew how to serve. His strong and protective nature made you feel honored to have him on your side. I can unashamedly say they he is on a short list of reasons why I continue in public service. After struggling with some random bureaucratic challenge, all I had to do was to get a call or visit from Mr. Stokes, and I would remember instantly why I chose this field - to help good people like him, "do good stuff."


The faith and love of Christ from Mr. Stokes doesn't make this day bitter in the least, because I know I will see my brother in Christ from Aberdeen one day soon. Yes, it is a bit sad that others won't be able to be blessed by such an example as Mr. Stokes. I do know he lived a much fuller life than I will ever have a chance to ask him about. I also know that he is walking the streets of heaven with his dear wife and I can only hope that I have home in heaven with Mr. Stokes as my neighbor. Until then, may I be the neighbor to others that he was to me. Even though we lived miles apart he was always be my good neighbor.

Healthy Families - Our Top Priority in Virginia

I have an urgent personal request for those who care about families and children throughout the state. 


I am a new board member on Hampton's Healthy Families Partnership Inc. the non-profit resource arm of Hampton's Healthy Families Partnership that provides prenatal support, parenting education, an in home services to hundreds of families throughout Hampton.

However, the programs are facing funding reductions from the State for a third consecutive year.The House Budget Committee has proposed to divert sales tax revenues to transportation projects rather than look at raising the fixed gas tax after almost 20 years or looking at other funding options.

I believe this short-sighted approach to cutting one of the most successful prevention programs in the entire state to fund transportation needs will only lead to greater burdens on our communities through treatment, intervention, and rehabilitation programs in the next 10 years. It is impossible to dispute the power of a healthy start for our children in seeing our communities and even our country continue to be leaders within the world. Parenting and early childhood education are some of the key factors in bringing the crime rate to lowest it has been in decades, seeing more students college bound, and having a region who's economy has weathered the recession better than many others. Stable and strong families are the key to stable and strong community and  Healthy Families is the leading agency in providing services to ensure that.


Here is why I believe deeply in this organization's unique role in the community. 

• They provide research based information and support that faith-based organizations cannot provide such as prenatal education preparing parents for labor and delivery. They can also leverage broad community resources, regardless of denomination, to support the neediest in our community.
• They help create support networks for numerous military families that don't have family nearby. They provide educational offerings and by create safe places for parents, grandparents and children to interact and learn. 
• They offer prevention services to families from all backgrounds, income levels, and situations, with a proven track record for success (See this example from Lynchburg)

Personally, they provided Rachel and I excellent information and support both prior to and through the sudden loss of our first child and in preparing for the birth of of our son. I also have many friends who have benefited from their programming, from classes, support groups, play groups, to new parent visits.

I ask that you to simply contact one of the Virginia Delegates below by either email or phone. I called yesterday on my way home from work, it is as easy as that. Our delegates need to hear from you and know that they need to restore the funding to the Healthy Family programs before our communities see more major set backs in prevention services. Below is a list of House Budget Conferees that I was provided:

House Budget Conferees
Del. Lacey Putney	dellputney@house.virginia.gov	804-698-1019
Del. Kirk Cox	delkcox@house.virginia.gov	804-698-1066
Del. Chris Jones	delcjones@house.virginia.gov	804-698-1076
Del. Steve Landes	delslandes@house.virginia.gov	804-698-1025
Del. Beverly Sherwood	delbsherwood@house.virginia.gov	804-698-1029
Del. Johnny Joannou	NO EMAIL  Fax # 804-786-6310	804-698-1079

When calling please ask them to:

"Please support restoration of funding for Healthy Families. Cutting funding for these programs puts more Virginia children at risk."  Please do your small part to ensure the future of the families in our communities are a little brighter.

More Information on Hampton's Healthy Families Partnership:

• Youth Education & Families Website
• Youth Education & Families FaceBook Page
• Fox 43 Hampton Roads Show - School Readiness
• Fox 43 Hampton Roads Show - Child Neglect
• Fox 43 Hampton Roads Show - Summer Learning

The Right People or The Best Planning

2011 Day Of Caring (Hampton, VA)

I had the privilege a couple of months ago to participate in a one-day housing rehab blitz that rallied over 200 volunteers to spruce up over 25 homes in a 5 block radius, in less than 8 hours. I was blessed with working as the on-site logistics coordinator for the event (I was given this task less than 1 week before the event). Regardless of communication and logistical challenges that this project faced early on, the event was a relative success: several residents received a much needed hand, volunteers we able to give to their community, the local housing stock receive a touch up, and the community benefited from a sense of care and concern during tough times. I learned a very valuable lesson from this project that serves as a continual reminder for how we do community building. I realized that good planning means little when you have great people involved. I could have planned and prepared for most challenges, had plans B through Z lined up, but without motivated and passionate people fueling the initiative, it would grind to a halt.


Good planning serves an important purpose: to be prepared for issues, barriers, or challenges and enabling us to capitalize our assets in overcoming them. However, great people are the key to moving any good plan forward. Great people overcome challenges and can give of themselves beyond your expectations. Instead of watching the clock they monitor progress. These are the people that see challenging times as a time to support and thrive rather than a time to simply survive.


Many accomplished authors have tried to unlock the secrets to building a great team of such people, so I won't even attempt to start. However, I have experienced, in the last few years, the real and tangible power of social capital in moving projects forward. Social capital, in a nutshell, is the intangible currency that we trade through our relationships, a sort of relational spending money. To me social capital is the currency that is used to motivate, compel, inspire, or even guilt others into action. When social capital is used well, it serves as the conductor of win-win solutions and partnerships. When dealt through malice or ignorance, it corrodes the structure of the relationship, often leading to guilt, regret, or mistrust. I admit that the mastering of using social capital eludes me as it seems some are natural wielders of it, whereas, others, such as I, have to develop their skills in applying it appropriately. (see Romans 12 - especially verse 20)


I believe we need to reconsider the power of people over planning and social capital over financial reserves. Each are important in any organization in their proper place, but focusing on developing great people will lead to greater returns on any investment.

Who are the People in Your Neighborhood?

I recently presented at the Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference on the power of Community Stakeholders. The core message was that "resources exist in communities to do great things but knowing the networks and how to access them are key." We explored how to breakdown the traditional gatekeeper barriers and look for key trust agents that can serve as advocates for your community initiatives. Below is the link to the Prezi that I used. The accompanying group activity will be added later but you can see the instructions in the presentation. Feel free to share and tailor it for your own group.

Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood:
The Power of Community Stakeholders

Community Stakeholders on Prezi

I couldn't post this presentation without a quick shout out to my first civic engagement mentor: Bob from Sesame Street...

Hampton's "True" Civic Engagment model

So we (the Neighborhood Office) are exploring this year what "true" Civic engagement is, what our most effective role should be within the city, and how we can strengthen neighborhoods in Hampton. No small task by any stretch. To really understand what we need to do we have to understand what has been done.

The work that was started here over 15 years ago to find better ways for citizens and government to work together (in partnership), was revolutionary at the time. The early 90's in Hampton saw other revolutionary programs around drug prevention, positive youth development, healthy family, and youth in government. The city leaders (most being Hampton residents as well) knew that the city's work needed to be done differently. They no longer wanted to develop plans, programs, and policies, only for them to be opposed or resented by the citizens they were working to serve. Trust of local government was quite low.

The short story version was that the leaders gathered and agreed upon a new Neighborhood Initiative that would change the way decisions were made. No longer would a professional make a decision in isolation based on their best understanding. Now, those with the greatest interest in the decisions (residents, property, and business owners) would be the ones to influence the decisions through deliberative discussions.

This type of initiative was largely unheard of from within a local government and even today large metro areas are still slow to adapt true civic engagement principles. The local leaders had to use their best judgment and advice of the citizens they serve and create a new way of doing business in Hampton. From that a body of community leaders, institutional representatives, business leaders, and city leaders was appointed by the city council to strengthen our neighborhoods and affect positive change. Leaders worked with staff to shape the future of the city and establish long term plans. They begin to build networks of residents, organizations, and leaders that had an interest, a dream for a better community, a hope in the power of collaboration.

Through the years they saw many successes in safety (second/third safest city in Hampton Roads), youth (nationally recognized youth civic engagement initiative), community enhancement (over $1 mil given to neighborhoods for public improvement), leadership development (Youth Leadership Academy, Neighborhood College & Workshop Series), education (beautification, volunteerism, and leadership). But with all great initiatives, challenges with sustainability of innovation and motivation are always looming overhead.

So we find ourselves, especially as the economy and communication media have changed, we must look for the next revolutionary approach the allows for a sustainable approach. Very few of those that developed the vision of neighborhood partnership are still around today. Retirements, advancements, health, societal changes have left us with a fewer founding faces, forgotten history, old ways, and lots of new tools.

There are now numerous opportunities for the "re-invention," "re-energizing," and "re-adoption" of the founding principles of the original Neighborhood Initiative. However, challenges lie in identifying and energizing the new "trust agents" (from Chris Brogan) in the community, renewing a sense of hope in collaboration, and celebrating the amazing things that one small community can achieve with shared efforts.

Next Post: How simple is community involvement needed to make a positive change?

Awsome resource on community development!

 I was reading Janice Foster's blog (Grassroots Grantmaking) and saw a publication from Indianapolis that might be of use.

What an awesome resource! Well worth the read and definitely deserves sharing for any neighborhood or community leader. The material applies to multiple areas and fields of work. Definitely a worthwhile resource!

Read her review and download a copy of the Organizers Workbook here.

Authentic Demand

Check out Grassroots Grantmakers blog from Tony Macklin on Annie E Casey Foundations report of Sustaining Neighborhood Change and "authentic demand" here. 

A good read and a great blog to follow. Enjoy!