I’ve invited more homeless people to church than I can count. On a few occasions, the person I invited showed up. Most often, however, the person gladly accepted the invitation and later apologized for not making it. There were also a couple of times when the person showed up an hour and half late, as … Continue reading What Does “Homeless Church” Look Like?
Urban Ministry
The Grit of the Kingdom
A couple years ago, after a small church gathering, a volunteer approached me and said, “I’m afraid my wife and I won’t be helping at the gathering anymore.” “Sorry to hear that,” I replied. He continued, “It’s just that so many of those who attend have no reverence for the church. Especially Bill. He’s always … Continue reading The Grit of the Kingdom
Why Suffering Matters – Pt. 3
In the last two posts, I’ve been pondering the meaning of suffering in the Christian life – just reflecting on some stories and personal experiences, and allowing scripture to speak into those events. In Part One, I wrote about vicarious trauma and the ways in which Christian workers should engage the inevitable suffering in this … Continue reading Why Suffering Matters – Pt. 3
Why Suffering Matters – Pt 2
My friend Julie has lived a hard life. She’s in her mid-forties, but has the mental capacity of a twelve-year-old. I’m not sure if she was born this way, or if her trauma-filled life caused it. Usually, Julie is full of positive energy. She comes to our ministry building to shoot pool, drink coffee, and … Continue reading Why Suffering Matters – Pt 2
Loving the Poor – “How Do I Get Started?”
A handful of people have recently asked me how they should approach ministry to the poor. Specifically, they want to know how to get started. I used to tell people, "Pray and do what Jesus tells you." While this is still the best approach, I’ve realized it’s not the most helpful advice. Ministry to the … Continue reading Loving the Poor – “How Do I Get Started?”
Why Friendship Matters
Mark stormed into our office. He was breathing heavily and smelled like alcohol. “What’s the problem, Mark?” Jeff asked. “You call the housing authority and tell them to forget it,” Mark replied in anger. “I’m tired of being on the streets. Tired of waiting. If they’re going to be this way about it, I don’t … Continue reading Why Friendship Matters
When They Don’t Come Back
I met Derek years ago when he came to Midtown Cafe with his older brother, Tim. When I learned he was Tim’s brother, I expected the worst. Tim is an unapologetic drug addict who will lie and steal with no remorse. The last thing I wanted in my life was another Tim to have to … Continue reading When They Don’t Come Back
How We Love With Prayer
I first met Gene when he wandered into the Midtown Cafe asking for spiritual guidance. With some help from volunteers and local pastors, Gene learned the gospel, placed his faith in Jesus, and got baptized. He was on fire for Jesus and wanted everyone to know his story. Sometimes he stood up in the middle … Continue reading How We Love With Prayer
Why Minister to the Poor?
Simon Sinek says that, in order to motivate people to act, we have to start with the why. We can tirelessly explain exactly what we want a person to do, and that might work temporarily. But if we really want to call someone to action, that person must be motivated by deep rooted belief rather … Continue reading Why Minister to the Poor?
What Is Church?
While I was at work the other day, I pulled out a giant flip chart, grabbed a Sharpie, and started writing down questions. A smart guy once said, “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality.” In a neighborhood like mine, defining reality involves asking a lot of questions. I wrote things like … Continue reading What Is Church?
Preston Searcy 