Why Compassion Ministry?
As many of you already know, May 2nd and 3rd is SERVE Evansville (https://www.sendrelief.org/serve-tour/evansville-serve-tour-stop/ ) where possibly over 1000 people will come and be the hands and feet of Jesus, ministering to people’s physical needs, doing projects in the EVSC school system, beautifying local parks, prayer-walking, providing free dental assistance, and evangelizing in the neighborhoods surrounding many local churches in Evansville. While many volunteers are coming for servant evangelism/ compassion ministry, there are just as many coming to proclaim the name of Jesus and share His Good News of the gospel. Whether it is compassion ministry or evangelism, it is important that we give our time, talent, and resources for the glory of God to make Jesus known, and both aspects are vital to the advancement of the gospel (Phil 1:12-18).
We should always look first to “Jesus, founder and perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12:1-3) for the example and model for us to follow. In the first of the four gospels, we hear that Jesus was moved with compassion for the crowds, giving us that, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matt 9:36). This text is a reminder that Jesus’s love and compassion for others outpoured through acts of physical and spiritual help. Jesus was both feeding and teaching – serving and evangelizing – and the same should be for us. By providing physical needs to those who are hurting, “harassed and helpless” (Matt 9:36), it opens doors for sharing the only hope that we have is because of the finished work of Jesus Christ our Lord. As followers of Christ, we should look to Jesus' earthly ministry as the example of spreading the Good News. We have a short, appointed time that we are here in these earthly bodies, and we need to use them for the purposes God has set forth in His Word.
At Oakhill Baptist Church, our Food Pantry ministry actively engages the community where we serve nearly 100 families each month by providing a three-day supply of food. Open every second and third Saturday of the month, we not only distribute food but also offer counseling, share the gospel with many, hold a worship service, and preach the Word. This presents a wonderful opportunity for our volunteers to participate in missions, evangelism, and to serve in accordance with God’s command. It is also a wonderful way in which you can practice to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mk 12:31) and be “doers of the Word and not just hearers only” (Jm 1:22).
Compassion ministry is a crucial way to build relationships and earn trust, which opens doors for people to hear and be transformed by the truth of God’s Word. By recognizing the practical needs of individuals, we often create opportunities to address their spiritual needs. People from all backgrounds can tell when those engaging with them are sincere. By genuinely loving and serving others, we foster an environment where the individuals we connect with are more likely to listen and open their hearts to the good news of the gospel. It is important to remember that people recognize when they are viewed as mere projects and tend to turn away quickly. Therefore, it is essential to show
genuine love for every person we have the privilege to minister to.
