Contact:
Tara Powers, Brian Burch
Lambert, Edwards & Associates
616) 233-0500
bburch@lambert-edwards.com
Groundbreaking Community Service Ministry Guides Christians Towards Greater Outward Focus
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., September 6, 2007 — While cancelling church on Sunday might seem like a radical move, that is exactly what a new community service campaign is inviting churches to do.
Three leading Christian organizations, World Vision, Outreach, and Zondervan, have partnered to create Faith in Action (FIA), a groundbreaking 4-week ministry that invites Christians to mobilize and "Be the Church," by practicing their faith in a way that uniquely serves their immediate community.
"Faith in Action has helped us transform from 'member-oriented' to a church that is motivated to help others, grow in Jesus' image and truly be the church," said Pastor Jim Yelvington of Sanctuary Church in San Juan Capistrano, California. "Our presence is getting noticed; we've even had members of the community call and donate to our church because of our new reputation."
FIA culminates in a community outreach Sunday where regular services are cancelled and the entire congregation engages in service projects in, and with, the community. The program also helps Christians invite members of their community to join in serving.
"A church that puts its faith into action focuses not on themselves, but on Christ’s teaching and his divine example of compassion," said Dean Sinclair, director of Church Engagement at Zondervan. "Our hope is that churches across the country will unite and show their community a true servant’s heart."
Additional information is available at www.PutYourFaithInAction.org.
About Faith In Action
Faith in Action is a resource developed by Christian humanitarian organization, World Vision, church communication resources provider, Outreach, Inc., and Zondervan, the leader in Christian communications. FIA features a campaign kit which includes a step by step approach to transforming a congregation and reaching the community.
Zondervan, a
HarperCollins company, is a world leader in Christian communications and the leading Christian publishing brand. For more than 75 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through general and academic resources by influential leaders and emerging voices, and been honored with more Christian Book Awards than any other publisher. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with offices in San Diego and Miami, Zondervan conducts events and publishes its bestselling
Bibles,
books,
audio,
video,
curriculum,
software, and
digital products through its
Zondervan,
eZondervan,
Zonderkidz,
Youth Specialties,
Editorial Vida, and
National Pastors Convention brands. Zondervan resources are sold worldwide through retail stores, online, and by
Zondervan ChurchSource, and are translated into nearly 200 languages in more than 60 countries. Visit Zondervan on the Internet at
www.zondervan.com (mobile site:
zvan.mobi).
