November 02, 2005

North Nashville Church Gets It

Today's Tennessean has article about a north Nashville church that is doing an excellent job of reaching out and helping those in need in the community.

"The need for housing in this community was one of the concerns that we kept hearing," McClellan said. "That need spurred us to take on housing as one of the ministries of the church.

"We see single-family home ownership (as) vital to help stabilize communities and families. We are looking to build more single-family homes and want to look for lots that will help us to keep the costs affordable.

"Our commitment to the neighborhood is an understanding that comes out of being in relationship with the neighborhood. It goes beyond economic development, but it's really about the development of people.

Amen to that. It's good to see a church reaching out and doing something beneficial for the community rather than turning inward and just letting the government do it (potentially making matters worse).

More churches need to take a cue from Fifteenth Baptist Church and get out and help those in need. I know that the 15-foot tall bronze statue next to the welcome center makes the church look good. Sure, the huge oil painting of the pastor is elegant. The marble staircase is simply marvelous. Yeah...it's all good, but there's one problem. A church isn't a country club!

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. -James 2:15-17

Let me clue you in on something...James isn't speaking to the government to do this work. He's speaking to Christian believers. No, works alone can't save you, but it goes hand-in-hand with your faith.

Now get out there and do something.

(ht S-Town Mike for the link)

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