Dialogue with me here...

This past weekend we had our first "serve day" which was actually more of a "serve week" to many of us.  The whole "lead-up" to the event was interesting in inself.  Origins sent letters to every church body in the area asking if they would participate with us in serving the community for one day.  I'm not sure how many letters were sent (Tammy/James if you're reading this will you elaborate and fill in/correct anything necessary) but some of the responses that were received just kind of ticked me off.  It just goes to show that we have a lot of work to do in this area to unify the body of Christ.  Some churches were against participating because they wouldn't have top billing.  Some weren't willing because we said it wasn't about soul-winning or aquiring new church members.  Some said they couldn't work next to someone of a different faith.  Some just didn't have the time.  And most, I think, just ignored the request.

It saddens me so much to know that there are so many churches out there who are telling their congregations to love but who won't set the example for them.  It's almost as if they're teaching that it's only good to love others when it benefits you (or, better yet, the financial status of the church organization).  I just don't remember that fine print being in the Bible.  Jesus said the first commandment was to love God and the second was to love others.  Paul said if we do things but don't love then we're just making noise.  And the entire second chapter of James tells us we are to provide for the needy AND have faith along with the deeds.  

When and where did these things get pushed aside?  Why?  Why is it that those of us attempting to change the way "church" works from being a spectator sport - an institution, to a movement coming against so much resistance by the rest?  What are they scared of?  

This weekend I asked a few people this question, "Is this type of thing, this community service, a form of evangelism?"  Then I get home and I get an e-newsletter discussing the same thing!  (Gotta love that).  The blog that ensued from that little article has been quite the heated debate.  (If you're interested, you can find it at http://doableevangelism.com/2008/06/01/busting-the-myth-of-pre-evangelism/).  I've read these posts over the past three days with joy and excitement that there is hope, there are others out there who are trying to change things.  But also with tears in my eyes, pain in my heart and a desire to jump through the internet into the faces of some of these "protestors" of serving others. 

I would love to hear your response to the same question.  Is service to others evangelism? How? Why or why not?  But most of all, I want to know WHY you believe what you believe.  Is it because that's all you've ever been taught?  Is it because of your interpretation of the scriptures?  I'm just really curious.  I'd love to get some dialogue going on here.

Jen

PS - I'll have some more details on our serve day later!  It was great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!