FOREIGN SACRIFICE
Lakeport Wesleyan Church in Lakeport, Michigan, began a “Not Equal Giving, But Equal Sacrifice” program to motivate people to give sacrificially to missions. One Sunday, the pastor brought to the pulpit several items: a newspaper, a bottle of pop, a TV cable, and other consumer products.
He held them up one by one, challenging attenders to sacrifice one or more of these conveniences. The money saved would be donated to the missions budget. A pledge card listed these items with their monetary worth. For example, television cable was $24 per month and $288 per year. A restaurant menu represented one dinner out per week, which cost $45 per month and $540 per year.
People were invited to sign cards stating, “I am willing to pay for spreading the gospel, what I already pay for _____________.”
The missions budget nearly tripled.
SQUARE DANCING
In mid-May, we sponsor a square dance to help nurture relationships within the congregation. We block off the street in front of the church on a Sunday afternoon, hire a caller, and invite the community to join us. Anyone, young or old, can take directions from a caller. Also, singles don’t need a partner because of the nature of square dancing. Dinner is served.
During the afternoon many curious people happen by, and inevitably a number join in. Last year two men wearing black leather jackets rode up on motorcycles. One of the pastors invited them to join us. They accepted and seemed to enjoy themselves. As they ate and looked on, they kept saying, “This is really cool. A little weird, but really cool.”
—Bill FerrellWinnetka Bible ChurchWinnetka, Illinois
Last issue, Leadership asked, What creative ideas have worked in helping transients? Here are three responses:
FOOD-AND-GAS VOUCHERS
Our local ministerial association gives vouchers to participating churches. When a transient shows up at a church, a staff person hands out a voucher for food or gas. The supermarket and gas station bill the ministerial association directly. Offerings from a community Good Friday and Thanksgiving service fund the ministry.
—Paul M. SnoddyTri-Village Church of ChristPataskala, Ohio
ANGEL FUND
Transients are directed to our Angel Fund, run by a board of seven volunteers: two review the cases, two serve as auditors, and three oversee the entire project. (One person serving on the Angel Fund board was helped by the ministry.)
When a transient requests help, an administrator takes a confidential case history, secures a release of information, and verifies the need. This process normally takes two to three days. We rarely work on a same-day basis.
If the need is legitimate, we make arrangements with organizations that can meet the need. We pay institutions—restaurants, utility companies, gas stations—not individuals. Each month the two auditors examine our books. Ours is a small church, started two years ago, but in six months the Angel Fund has raised $14,000 for needy applicants.
—Roger HouseLife Celebration CenterWentzville, Missouri
BUSINESS CARD
At Grace United Methodist Church in Long Beach, California, we handed transients our pastor’s business card, which included his signature and the following message: “Good for one free meal at (name of restaurant).” At the end of each month, the restaurant billed the church.
—Rebecca LivermoreSan Angelo, Texas
A MORE INTERACTIVE IDEAS THAT WORK
To make this column more useful, each issue will address a specific question. Then, in the following issue, we’ll publish the best responses.
This time the question is: How has your church creatively helped people to pray?
We’ll pay $25 for accepted items of about 150 words. Send E-mail to LeaderJ@aol.com or write to:
LeadershipIdeas That Work465 Gundersen DriveCarol Stream, IL 60188.
“Foreign Sacrifice” adapted by permission from IdeaSource, 4150 Belden Village St., 4th floor, Canton, OH 44718.
1996 Christianity Today/LEADERSHIP Journal
