From Awareness to Action: Turning Community Needs into Kingdom Impact by General Secretary Rev. Kenneth L. Hollingshed

From Awareness to Action: Turning Community Needs into Kingdom Impact

Last month, I challenged our congregations to assess the communities God has called us to serve. We discussed the importance of praying, observing, listening, learning, and identifying needs. This month, I want us to move from awareness to action by responding to those needs with the love of Jesus Christ and creating Kingdom impact in our communities. October provides several opportunities for congregations to put that love into action through intentional outreach, education, compassion, and service. 

From Breast Cancer Awareness Month to Domestic Violence Awareness, World Mental Health Day, and World Food Day, these observances remind us that people in our communities face challenges that extend far beyond what we see during Sunday morning worship services. These are more than awareness campaigns; they are also ministry opportunities. 

Turning Awareness into Ministry Opportunities 

In Matthew 25:35–40, Jesus reminds us that our faith is demonstrated through our actions: feeding the hungry, welcoming the strangers into our churches, and caring for those in need. This is also reflected in theologian Dr. J. Deotis Roberts' book, Liberation and Reconciliation: A Black Theology. Dr. Roberts argues that liberation and reconciliation are deeply connected and reminds us that the Gospel addresses the whole person and must not be separated from the realities that affect individuals and communities. This also aligns with James 2:17, which states that faith without works is dead. Evangelism is not just something we declare; the love of Christ should also be evident in the way we serve others. 

National awareness campaigns can provide great starting points. During September, our local congregation, Morning Chapel CME Church, where I serve as pastor, invited a guest speaker as part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. He is a 26-year survivor of prostate cancer and gave a powerful testimony of how he has survived, persevered, and is now committed to helping others. His story made our Sunday morning worship even more powerful as he shared his knowledge and testimony. It also encouraged other men and me to take a more active role in our own health, ask important questions, and appreciate the importance of preventive care and early detection. 

In October, we plan to continue this commitment by acknowledging cancer survivors and those who are fighting for their lives, like my dear mother, who is currently battling stage 4 cancer. We will also recognize the families and caregivers who walk alongside them, like my sister, who helps care for our mother in Georgia. At Morning Chapel, we will continue our annual tradition of remembering members who have passed from cancer with a balloon release following worship. We will also invite guest speakers to address cancer and domestic violence awareness. 

Across our CME Connection, congregations can take similar action by recognizing cancer survivors, inviting professionals to discuss health concerns, partnering with domestic violence organizations, addressing food insecurity, supporting caregivers, or connecting families with needed resources. Not every church has the same resources, but every church can identify one meaningful way to respond to the needs around it. 

Beyond Recognition: Building Relationships 

Evangelism and outreach should not be measured only by attendance, meals distributed, or events we held. We must also consider whether our ministries build connections and demonstrate the Church's presence in the community. Our goal is not only to host an event, but also to make a difference in people's lives. This is an October challenge to our Connection. As General Secretary of Evangelism & Missions, I challenge every CME congregation to identify at least one opportunity during October to move from awareness to action. 

Whether your church honors cancer survivors, supports families facing domestic violence, addresses food insecurity, or helps kids with school supplies, remember that every single act of love is an opportunity to show the love of Jesus Christ. While October is a special time to focus on outreach, consider how your church can sustain these acts of love year-round. Loving our neighbors is exactly how we live out the Great Commission. We are called to make disciples and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

As we live out our Connectional theme, "Christian Methodism: Open for God's Business," I urge every CME church to go into their communities this month. Identify one genuine need, take one practical action, and establish one relationship. The needs are right in front of us, and there are many opportunities available to us. The only thing left to decide is whether we are ready to move from awareness to action. When our churches meet real human needs with the love of Jesus, our communities will not just notice our presence; they will experience the true and life-transforming power of God's Kingdom. 

Call to Action:

 ·      Pray for your community: Gather your evangelism team to thank God for the lives touched and pray over the new connections you've made. 

·      Identify One Need: Look around your community or your church pews, and choose just one real need. 

·      Take One Action: Don’t just talk about awareness this month; turn your concern into a practical act of ministry. 

·      Build One Connection: Reach out and team up with local organizations, ministries, or groups already doing great work in your community. 

·      Go Beyond a One-Time Event: Stay connected, keep building those relationships, and share your stories of God at work with the General Department of Evangelism and Missions.

 

Resources

Roberts, J. Deotis. Liberation and Reconciliation: A Black Theology. 2nd ed. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2005.

CONNECT... ENGAGE... EMPOWER...INFORM !

Sign Up For CME Communications

Technology Discounts

Connectional Resources

FOLLOW US