Soup for the Soul: A Positive Example of a Local Church 'Going'

My good friend Ken pastors a vibrant and growing church plant (Wallenpaupack Free Methodist Church).  They have been meeting in a school for about three years now.  About a year ago they started renting an old restaurant in a downtown location which they call The Hub.  The Hub has been utilized for everything from the pastor's office to meeting space for Bible studies and other special events and occasions.

A little while ago a layperson from the church approached Ken and asked if they could start a weekly soup kitchen from The Hub.  Ken's response was great.  He basically said, "Build a team and go for it, but you lead it."  They called the ministry Soup for the Soul.  For the first few weeks they either had no one show up or only about 1 or 2 people show up to receive a meal.  Then the leadership of this ministry realized something.  No one is coming but there is a low income apartment complex two blocks away.  What if we take the food to them?

This began a great change.  For weeks now Soup for the Soul, which is completely lead by laity, went from serving 0-2 people each Wednesday evening to serving 30-40 people each Wednesday evening!  They spend time with the residents.  They pray with the residents.  They have distributed about 10 Bibles.  The residents of this apartment complex look forward to this church arriving every Wednesday.  This church is loving on the people of this apartment complex.

This is a positive example of two things:  (1) This ministry is entirely lead by laypersons.  The pastor is available for help and guidance but he did not feel the need to micro manage this ministry and I think we are seeing the results of that decision; (2) This church realized for this ministry to grow and thrive (not just survive) they had to change from an attractional model to a going out model.

I'm excited for this church and this ministry.  I pray that God continues to guide and bless this church.  Do you have any examples like this to share?