Core Value #6

SERVICE: We believe in giving more to the community than we take.  In 2 Corinthians 8:2-3, the Bible indicates that a group of believers from the church in Corinth gave beyond their natural ability.  In a time of extreme poverty, these believers showed great generosity.  They did not give like a wealthy philanthropist, but they gave beyond their ability out of their extreme poverty.

A church does not have to be rich to give more than it takes.  We can give our time as well as our treasure.  When we provide events to the community, we will always loose money!  Why?  Because we are not providing an Easter Egg hunt, a Kids Crusade, a steak dinner, a house clean-up, or a schoolyard landscaping, we want to really give it to our community our of our means.  Our church has a part to play in making our school districts successful.  Our church has a role to play in making our nursing homes the best that they can be by offering a protestant service and our volunteer time.  In all these ways and many more, we are striving to give, give, give to our community.

This core value has shown itself meaningful in our youth ministry, kids ministry, 50+ ministry and in many of our small groups who have taken on community projects.  As a core value, it is at the core of every level of ministry.

Not only is it true for our local community, but we are also giving to the larger community of believers through missionary work.  In fact, we are preparing for a team to leave this week to work on a church building in western Missouri.  If you think of a way to give God's love through service, then don't let me hold you back!  Let me push you forward!  Let me promote your cause and gather helpers to give more than we take.