Leavener Ministry, Inc. was established in March of this year as I was transitioning from my leadership role at Northside Baptist Church. It was intended to be the bridge from what I was doing to what I will be doing. As of August, it is what the Lord has revealed to us that we are to develop through His strength. So over the next few days/entries I will try to unpack it in words.
The first aspect of Leavener will be crisis intervention. Leavener will come along side individuals, couples, families, churches and church staff as they go through their initial crisis. At the moment the crisis occurs, there is shock, grief and indecision. Leavener will support, help and love them through their crisis. Indiscretions occur with individuals, couples, families and churches all the time. It is during these times they need to hear the Good News of God's grace. Sometimes they just need to know that someone cares.
As the Leavener community grows, it will involve many to help through a multitude of crisis situations. In Acts, the community of believers gave all they had to one another. Leavener is establishing the ministry to receive donations to minister to those who are going through crisis and in need. Leavener is already recognized by the state of Indiana as a tax exempt nonprofit ministry. We are in the process of applying for our 501(c)3 through the federal government. This process has become very complicated since 9/11 and they allow start ups 27 months to complete this application. Although donations will be helpful in many situations, it will still be important to minister to physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
It is not Leavener's intention to do long term counseling. In fact, I have met with a team of local counselors and shared the plans of Leavener. They are more than willing to be used as referrals and even discussed how they can refer situations to Leavener.
As for myself, this is where the Lord has lead me in the last 7-8 years. I would have considered myself to be a "program" guy at one point in my ministry. But I definitely have a different mindset and desire to minister to people by teaching them about forgiveness and grace.
Rusty
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2 comments:
There is no doubt that the Hand of the Lord is upon you, brother. There is a huge, huge need for exactly what you are doing. So many times I hear believer say to others going through crisis, "I'll pray for you, brother" Well, yes please pray for me, but what about offering some direction, perhaps a ministry of encouragement or even just a hug. Oh my goodness, thank you Lord Jesus for the Vision of my brother, Rusty. Please give him wisdom beyond his years. Most of all give Rusty eyes to see and ears to hear the cries of the flock. It is said, " Many are Called but few are chosen"
Speaking from someone who has gone through a crisis and not knowing where to turn to first- I feel such a need for this type of ministry within my community. Sad to say, but my church didn't come up along side of me during that situation and then when I did ask for help I was asked "What would you like us to do for you?" I couldn't answer right then, but just being there, present, maybe not even speaking just praying would have helped. God Bless You and all that you encounter in this new ministry!
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