1) ‘Social action’ in the context of church
There often seemed to be a stark divide between preaching of the gospel which is seen as an absolute priority over against social action or concern which was merely a tool to open up a community. That has largely changed to the point where evangelism and social action are the seen as the different sides of the same coin. Social action can demonstrate God’s love in a practical way to people, regardless of faith or background. Church leaders and members of the congregation can be amongst the first to notice social problems in the community. Social action projects and initiatives can be about responding to acute need and they can also be about showing how Christians’ care about people through a social action ministry.
2) Why is it a particularly important time for churches to consider what more they can do by way of social action?
As Christians we know that Jesus is the hope of individuals and nations, and that we, his people, are called upon to show God’s love and to seek God’s help to heal our land. Helping the poor and needy in our communities should not mean we take over government responsibilities and costs, but as the State steps back from helping the poor and vulnerable, it does give churches the opportunities to serve in ways that are increasingly relevant to many of its neighbours. In this way we demonstrate our relevance in society and we have the privilege of being God’s love in action and being able to share our faith.
3) How can social action be ‘embedded’ in your church?
A social action ministry can begin by working with a range of partners who have a track record of helping the poor, disenfranchised and those suffering injustice through the ‘system’. It can begin by individuals volunteering with action groups such as: Street Pastors, Foodbanks etc. However, the key change is when a church takes on the actions as part of its OWN ministry. It then begins to tailor its social action to the community around it, often still in partnership with organisations and by embedding these actions within the church. tCAS is an example whereby a church or cluster of churches can take direct action to help those in need and in doing so sharing the gospel of hope (see ‘Faith Friends’).
4) What impact/outcomes have you seen from your social actions
Churches that begin social action start a journey of remarkable transformation, repositioning the church to be at the very heart of the community. And as they do so, these churches became more attractive – to worshippers, to volunteers, to seekers, as a place to belong. Church becomes relevant to people and by demonstrating God’s love tangibly and through sacrificial action, individuals and families start to see Christ as someone they want to know personally.
The church may even attract funding or donations of goods and services and support from other organisations wanting to work with the local community. tCAS, for example, was awarded a grant voted by tenants of a Housing Association because of its relevance in the community.
5) Opportunities for churches to work together on a social action agenda.
Churches try hard to work together and this often falters over doctrinal interpretations or ways of worshipping. Social action is a different way of together being God’s love to the community. As churches engage on projects and initiatives and it brings congregations and people closer and able to share in way that is meaningful and productive. It also enables Christians to share their faith without embarrassment and with the full acceptance of the those they serve.
See: https://cuf.org.uk/uploads/resources/Growing-Church-through-social-action-qualitative_2012.pdf
If your church would like to discuss how tCAS can help your social action agenda, then please go to the Contact page and submit a query.