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"You are the light of the world.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your father who is in heaven." 

Matthew 5: 14, 16.

It would be difficult to begin a new church without Mercy Ministries.  What are "Mercy Ministries?"  They are ministries of compassion aimed at the needy, poor, abused, sick and oppressed in your community.  Those we serve in Mercy Ministries, the "least of these," give us the opportunity to serve Christ himself.

By definition, a new church must establish itself in its community.  Otherwise it will never connect with the residents, never make a difference in their lives.  Without outreach and service, the community and the new church will never engage.

" ...there are two key ministries pivotal to the formation of a healthy church -- mercy ministries and leadership development." Redeemer Presbyterian Church Planter Manual.

Why is it so important to begin with significant, carefully selected Mercy Ministries?

• Every community has needs.  As members of the Body of Christ, we are about bringing the love of Christ to people, not about expecting them to come to us.  A new church (any church, really) must become relevant to the community in which it finds itself.  Mercy Ministries are the primary means to this end.
• When we serve we learn.  We cannot understand the community from a spiritual standpoint until we understand its needs.  And we must understand the needs, not just at the level of social statistics, e.g. crime rate, dropout rate, divorce rate, etc. but also at a personal level.  We must look into the face of need in our community.
• We build relationships by serving.  Serving on a personal level builds relationships with those we serve and also with those who serve alongside us.
• We gain positive visibility in the community.  Remember that many of the unchurched are uncomfortable with "church."  Mercy Ministries can be a powerful way to demonstrate to the unchurched that the Christian Community may be more relevant and caring than they thought. 
• We grow spiritually.  Those who serve alongside us in the new church are also pilgrims along the way, growing in their own faith.  Service is an important element in the Discipleship (spiritual growth) of members, many of whom are new believers.

It is important to integrate Mercy Ministries with other activities of the new church.  For example, Small Groups may become the delivery channel for outreach and service.  Likewise, a vital Youth Program (see Youth Guide) should consider linking to the primary Mercy Ministry of the new church.  And certainly, the Discipleship process of the new church must consider Mercy Ministries as a major element.

Go back to Mercy Ministries

Go on to Mercy Ministries: How To Start