Please forgive any possible formatting issues and the lack of pictures in our next few blogs. We are dealing with computer labs and broken cameras, so things are going to be a little different for a bit. Thanks for being understanding!
Let me tell you a little about Northern Ireland. First of all, it’s not where you would expect to go when applying for the World Race. It’s far from a third world country but is instead a popular vacation destination. That’s not something I can say about most of the places we’re intended to visit.
So why Ireland? Why would the World Race think that this is a country that could use a group of 53 Christians who are gung-ho about sharing the love of Jesus?
Now let me introduce you to Vineyard Church. I can say without hesitation that this church has the most amazing vision that I’ve ever seen actually played out. Their focus, simply, is to reach the lost. That might sound cliché, as what church doesn’t want to do that? But I can say that Vineyard has truly made this the focus of the church and of all their ministries.
We have been so blessed to be able to serve alongside this church as they reach out to the people of Coleraine, Northern Ireland. All of Vineyard’s decisions are based around the question of whether their actions are going to reach the lost.
All decisions.
This includes how small groups are structured, what their children’s program looks like (check out this video for more information), and even what worship music they’re going to sing on a Sunday morning. The church doesn’t want to sing songs that will only make sense to a seasoned Christian, but wants it to be clear and understandable to someone who has never stepped foot in a church.
Fourteen years ago six people decided to start holding a church service in one of the member’s homes. Now over a thousand people call Vineyard their church home.
Much of this is due to the multitude of services the church offers to the community. Vineyard’s staff once asked themselves how the community would be impacted if the church closed down. They were sorry to realize that very little would change.
Vineyard now has roughly thirty different volunteer-based programs that are designed to reach out to and support the community. Now while it’s great to have programs that reach out to people, the one huge difference I’ve noticed is how these services are offered.
Instead of open hours at a food bank where you are required to provide proof of poverty, people are given vouchers. They arrive at the church to pick up their food and are invited to sit at the church and enjoy the provided tea and scone. They are encouraged to spend time with the volunteers who are there and who want to know them.
The church also provides a clothing bank. Vineyard’s church recognized that it’s humiliating for a person to have to sort through tons of clothes in a huge warehouse. To reduce the feeling of separation and poverty, they’ve set up a small shop area where clothing of different sizes is arranged. Clients are able to come in and “shop” in the store for their items. They are also welcomed to enjoy tea services, as the church puts a strong emphasis on wanting their clientele to feel welcomed and valued.
As someone who has worked in social services for several years, I can honestly say I’ve seen few services presented in this way. While we do want to provide useful services to people, and while we want them to be utilized and positive, we don’t necessarily take into consideration how these are being presented.
Perhaps if I had been more courteous in how I worked with my clients, I would have had a greater impact for the sake of Christ. Perhaps if we would all take a look at our actions and recognize how we can BEST love people, we would do greater good.
Perhaps this is what Jesus had in mind when He told us to LOVE the least of these. When He said to love our neighbor as ourselves.
But what do you think? How are you showing people their value, whether high or low? How are we doing at reaching the lost?
