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| "Dimensions of Faith," an extensive list of disability resources compiled by Bill Gaventa, Director of Community and Congregational Supports for The Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities |
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As part of the NEW LIFE 2010 initiative and in obedience to the Great Criteria (Matthew 25:31-46), the family of American Baptist Churches USA committed to vitalize a “multitude of caring ministries” that are responding to God’s call to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless and visit the sick and imprisoned—in other words, to bring healing to a hurting world.
Caring ministries are initiated at the root source of problems through community-based organizations such as Neighborhood Action Program centers and facilities of the American Baptist Homes and Caring Ministries (ABHCM). In these vineyards, the workers are on the front lines serving as God’s hands, heart and expression of love.
Anyone, however, can initiate a caring ministry—anyone, that is, who is willing to see God’s vision. In one American Baptist church, a woman dreamed that men who engaged in domestic violence needed skills to help them manage misplaced anger. Her pastor encouraged her to follow through on that vision God gave her. Today the church serves 200 men a week in a 12-week anger management program.
So you see, caring ministries begin within individual Christians. We need only say “yes” to the Spirit—and prayerfully listen and watch—to discern God’s call.
Caring ministries are sprouting up throughout our denominational family. With the power of the Spirit, American Baptists are transforming lives, neighborhoods and communities. Now it’s up to us to tell the story—because telling our story inspires others and glorifies God’s work in and through us.
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