Serving Together

Although from all appearances, it appeared to be an “ordinary, normal, suburban-church-style” baby shower, this baby shower was anything but. This baby shower was the result of a discussion with the local women’s shelter director who had called me one day, knowing I was always on the lookout for ways that our ladies’ group could serve the community. She had told me there were two ladies at the shelter who were both pregnant, and even though they both had older children, neither had ever had a baby shower. Ever. So I broached the subject at our group’s next meeting and...Read more …

This is Walk the Way. Brought to you by Q Place. I’m Jeff Klein.  And I’m Pam Klein. Not too long ago, a friend texted me a picture of her youngest son, painting, helping out at a service project with our church. I sat back and marveled at how God works. We met this family years ago when we were novice gymnast parents – but they weren’t and they took it upon themselves to get us in the loop. No problem, they said, as we thanked them over and over, we’ll be spending lots of time together. They were so...Read more …

It was a new church, and I arrived early. As an introvert, I always felt more comfortable pitching in and serving with the others setting up. It saved me having to come up with something to talk about. I saw someone I knew, so I sauntered over and asked if I could help. “No; I’m pretty much set here, but thanks!” I stood awkwardly for a moment, then I scoped out the room. The hospitality table caught my eye. Since I have held the esteemed Donut Minister position at a previous church, I thought I would offer my expertise there....Read more …

I love how often God shows us that He isn’t limited to words—or our best laid plans—to get His message delivered to those who need to hear it. This is the story of how God used a roll of toilet paper in a ziploc bag to share His love. When Molly Scott of Cumming, GA, began facilitating a women’s small group from Browns Bridge Church in August 2014, she knew that one of the suggested activities for building community was finding a way to serve together. After discussing various opportunities, the group determined they wanted to help seniors. So Molly...Read more …

Just before Thanksgiving, I had the chance to be part of providing a Thanksgiving feast for about 75 students at the elementary school where our church meets. It wasn’t my first time—this terrific lunch for the kids is something our church and the school have been doing together for five years now! It’s such a privilege for a church to have a close, friendly relationship with a public school. The story of how that relationship has grown over time is really beautiful and is a living testimony that working together works, is consistent with the heart of God, and demonstrates...Read more …

Apathy occurs when you don’t think your time, money or effort will make a difference. When you stop listening to the cries of the world or looking at the pain in the world, your emotions and passions dull, and you’re as good as dead if you let it continue. Incarnation calls you to courageously keep alert and stay available. Most importantly, you really do have to pick a fight or two. But likely not the kind you’re thinking of. One day I got home and my wife, Cheryl, really wanted to talk. “Okay. So we really need to start praying....Read more …

First things first: Guys—don’t let the title of this post scare you away! What I’m about to share about doing things together is something men are naturally good at!   My friend Molly and I think of ourselves as Thelma and Louise. I’m not sure who’s who, but that’s not important. What is important is that we like to do things together. And this summer we were invited—together—to share with a group of moms. They wanted to hear from us because we are “further down the road” of parenting. We were just glad they didn’t call us old.   So...Read more …

One of the things I appreciate about being part of a small church plant is that I know pretty much everyone; and everyone I know feels pretty integral and needed. Small in number often means all hands on deck when it comes to serving in the many and varied ways God is calling each of us to do so. And all hands on deck—serving together—rocks. I’m thankful for the chance to share a few experiences here and a bit about what we’ve learned along the way. Bob, one of our “founding members,” was homeless. Very caring and giving, he literally...Read more …

This is Walk the Way. Brought to you by Q Place. I’m Jeff Klein. And I’m Pam Klein. Shane Claiborne once said that the best way for Christians to make people know about Jesus is by doing fascinating things. But what qualifies as fascinating? Jesus made the blind see, fed thousands of people with a small lunch, turned water into wine, made the lame walk and raised the dead. That’s fascinating! He also talked with people he wasn’t supposed to, touched the untouchable, and served people others had given up on. Equally fascinating. What fascinating thing can you do? It’s...Read more …