Everyone Needs Saving

Outreach for the broken

In this short presentation, I would like to propose a new ministry here at Trinity Baptist Church. An outreach ministry that focuses on those that are more broken and more lost than others. The individuals I would like this ministry team to reach are those that are incarcerated, struggle with substance abuse, battle severe mental illnesses (PTSD, depression, anxiety, Bi-polar, Borderline personality disorder, etc…)as well as unplanned pregnancies. Over the next few minutes I ask that you consider these few points as I ask your blessings to start this ministry.

We are the broken!

Chances are that everyone has been affected by incarceration, substance abuse, or mental illnesses in some way, shape, or form. Either from experiencing it first hand or knowing someone close to you who has battled this. Taking all other struggles, sins, and testimonies it is safe to say that we are all broken. But how can we as Christians effectively reach these individuals who battle these things on a daily basis? Talking about awareness and education to prevent such things are great but where the fight is truly one is being connected to these individuals and show them love, and share the Gospel. Luke 5:31-32 says...

Luke 5:31–32 ESV

31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Jesus spent the vast majority of His ministry in direct contact with the most broken, diseased, societal outcast people you could imagine. He came to save us and sat us free. As a man who has battled mental issues, who has helped the sick and injured, and as someone who was a Sgt in a detention center, I know firsthand the amazing grace God gave me. How He pulled me from the darkness, and made me a new creation.

Incarcerated

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, 85 percent of the total inmate population suffers from substance abuse or mental illness. Out of that 85 percent, 45 percent are due to individuals who are self medicating with drugs and alcohol for things like PTSD, Depression, Bi_polar,etc… Stats from the CDC state that in 2022 in America, 49,000 people commited suicide. That’s one death every 11 minutes. 13.2 million admitted to having suicidal thoughts, 3.8 million made a plan, and 1.6 million attempted suicide. That was two years ago and I can bet that number has risen.

How can we help? This ministry would partner with Iredell County Sheriff’s Office and would go into the jail at least once per week to share the Gospel to those incarcerated in the detention center. Men, Women, and Youth. The goal would be to make disciples within the inmates who can serve as disciples of Christ. By doing this it will spread God’s Word not only further but to those who desperately need saving .

Substance Abuse

1 Peter 5:8 says, “8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” How can we help those who struggle with substance abuse? By volunteering at substance abuse clinics, hosting community events where we can share the Gospel as well as give aid to those who are battling substance abuse. Another way to help is by finding NA and AA meetings and volunteering to lead or help in anyway. At the center of every way to help, Christ is there. Luke 10:25-37 Jesus gives the parable of the Good Samaritan. He ask the lawyer what is written when the lawyer ask how to obtain eternal life. The lawyer quates Deuteronomy 6:5 “5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” and your neighbor as yourself” Jesus told him he was right. This is how we not only love our neighbor by showing compassion, but honor God.

Pregnancy Support

Unplanned pregnancy is on the rise. It seems like every other ad on TV or the radio is discussing pro-life versus pro-abortion. Mooresville is the fastest growing city in NC. With that, all stats involving unplanned pregnancy are going to naturally be higher. How can we help as well as share the Gospel. I make the recommendation that we partner with an organization known as Embrace Grace. They are a nation wide, pro-life, ministry that aids churches in being a beacon of hope and love to those who are currently pregnant with an unplanned baby. Now, we as Christians know that we did not get on this earth by chance. No, we are all here because God created us individually. He knows how many hairs are on our head, our thoughts before we think them, and our words before we speak them. Embrace Grace understands the importance and beauty of a life and want to show women that.

A quick rundown on what this ministry looks like...

Volunteers will be given training materials. Pregnant women, generally single mothers, come once a week and the gospel is shared with them as well as resources that will be shared to help with their pregnancy. This will go on thru the duration of their pregnancy. This ministry also hosts a baby shower, maternity photos, as well as baby photo shoot. After the baby is born, the group still stays in contact with the new mothers and baby to continue discipling them. My wife, Katie, led this ministry at another church and I can confirm that this program helps expecting mothers, but it also has saved a life by preventing an abortion. The vast demographic for the women that are helped with this ministry are women who have experienced trauma, shame, substance abuse, legal trouble, or mental illness. They shared last years stats on their website but the numbers looked like this…1,140 new small groups started across the nation, 18,500 Moms and Dads were ministered to, more than 8,400 volunteers were trained. Even if we created our own model, this type of ministry is in desperate need. We need to show these mothers mercy, grace, understanding, safety, and love just like Jesus has shown us.

Closing

As I wrap this up, I hope that I have conveyed the importance of these types of ministries that our community desperately is in need for. We are called to be a hospital for the broken. I feel that sometimes we loose sight of that. This ministry isn't for everyone because a lot of hard conversations are going to be had, in a lot of uncomfortable settings. Isaiah 6:8 “8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”” I have experience with these settings and with communicating with individuals who deal with these issues. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and answering any questions you may have

Thank you!