Social Action as the Foundation for Outreach

Throughout history the church has used social service programs to demonstrate Christ’s love to a community. Institutions such as hospitals, orphanages and even universities have been built in the name of Christ, but all too often the ministry has become an end in itself, with the objective of bringing people to Christ being lost in the effort.

On the other end, churches in recent years have become increasingly busy with ministries that too often only benefit the church itself. Retreats, Bible studies, Potlucks, Conferences – these are all valid activities and can have good results. But the vast majority of these touch only church members. What kind of impact would it make on your community if your church participated in all of the following activities, for no other reason than the call of God to serve?

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Support a community teen shelter

Hold professional development seminars for business leaders

Here’s the story of one church that lives this philosophy.

A Philosophy of Service
The above is only a partial list of ministries for Grace Community Church of Cypress, CA. Started in 1981 by pastor Mick Ukleja, the church now has more than 2,000 adults in services each weekend.But from the beginning, the ministry of Grace has been one of service.

“Our approach is that we are God’s vice-regents on earth: to plant, build, feed, heal, educate and serve,“ said Ukleja. “We don’t want to compartmentalize our faith but integrate it into the world that God created.“

He continues, “Our philosophy is to go into the community, not ‘looking down’ at people to save them, but ‘looking up’ at people to serve them. By putting service before salvation, it gives us a whole different attitude. It's about doing what God's called you to do and trusting Him to save them.

This attitude has given people much more openness to us and to the message of Christ and we've had many, many opportunities to share Christ with people as a result.“

This proved especially true on September 14, 2001--the day the president asked the nation to pray about the tragedies. Grace’s 900 seat auditorium was packed with people and an estimated half were not regular attenders. $22,000 was collected in an offering for the NY Fire & Police Department’s widows & orphans funds.

“We took the money directly to the Cypress police department. The desk sergeant broke down and cried,“ said Ukleja.

“It blows people away that we're not asking them for anything,“ he commented. “Then, when people are looking for a place to go on Easter or Christmas, they come here. When they hear the gospel, they hear it in the context of all the service and caring they've received over the years throughout the community.“

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