Christian Church(Disciples of Christ)
Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
Contact: news@cm.disciples.org
95b-22
April 15, 1996
Office of Communication
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations have all the ingredients to be change agents and they should be, according to a leading Disciples minister. The challenge, says the Rev. T. Garrott Benjamin, is moving beyond a survival mentality to a holistic religion that effectively serves local communities and brings "real life back to our churches." The senior minister of the 3,000-member Light of the World Christian Church in Indianapolis keynoted a recent gathering of Disciples leaders interested in engaging their congregations in social justice ministries. The "Midwest Summit" was sponsored by the Disciples' Homeland Ministries division. The intent, says the Rev. Gerald Cunningham, was to establish a process for equipping these persons to carry out programs addressing hunger, youth violence, ex-offenders, and other issues. Thirty participants were commissioned to begin "broader, more effective community ministries," according to the Homeland Ministries senior associate. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and its clergy ought to be known as "catalysts for change," says Benjamin. But to do that, lay and clergy persons must engage their cities, communities and the world. In particular, he says, "We need ministries that will capture the imagination of the young urban dweller." That's a sentiment shared by the Rev. Rufus Burrow, a professor at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis. He says it's time for congregations to take seriously their roles at Christian social responsibility. The church must address issues like the surging number of murders committed across the nation by black males, according to the theologian. Young black males must be stopped from destroying themselves and their communities "by any means necessary," Burrow says. Christian churches have "abdicated the leadership of our communities to those willing to step up to the plate," Benjamin laments. The task of Disciples congregations and others is to discern "what God wants you to do." God requires that churches see that justice is done both within religious institutions and in the community, according to Burrow. "Time has all but run out." Benjamin called for more individual involvement on the part of church members and leaders, "family rejuvenation," public school restoration, and economic development. In addition, he said that committed, socially-conscious church leadership and a commitment to "saving our children" could also turn the tide. He specifically recommended the nationwide establishment of his congregation's "Respect Academy," a preschool movement that teaches values of self-respect and respect for others. Though geared to youngsters, parental involvement in the program ensures that entire families are helped. Two other emphases at Light of the World church involve ministries to men and juvenile offenders. Brotherhood International enlists male members to provide security for the church members, staff and property, offers them as mentors for young black males, and trains them to evangelize other black men. Project Impact is a state-funded variation of the Respect Academy for youth and teen offenders. Other congregations and clergy are also on their way to doing effective ministry in their communities. Cynthia Calamese of Detroit's United Christian Church discussed her congregation's "Sisters in Support" group. The 12-step program was aimed at helping women battling drug addiction, physical and emotional abuse and other problems. The 10-week peer counseling project also made referrals to counseling and medical professionals for more serious problems. In the Mid-America Region, the Rev. David Brent helped organize an ecumenical body aimed at bringing reconciliation to a racially divided community. Christians United for Racial Equality played a significant role in the aftermath of a racial disturbance in Jefferson City, Mo., last year, he said. Besides the sharing of ministry models, most helpful was a needs assessment and evaluation session led by Patricia Clark, director of social services for the National Benevolent Association, said Cunningham. The workshop gave participants more "tools for developing new community programs."
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