By Pr. Sandra Barnes, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Chalmette, LA
At a recent gathering, a question stopped me in my tracks: “How do you get people to move out of the pews and into serving others in the world?” For many congregations, this question sits at the heart of discipleship and mission. Is this a question with which you or your faith community struggles?
In mid-June, members of the Gulf Coast Synod—Dcn. Aimee Elles, Pr. John Perez, members from Our Savior in Baton Rouge and Gethsemane in Chalmette, and myself—attended a gathering sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana titled ‘Serving Others: Multifaith Perspectives on Compassion in Action.’ During our time together, we heard from leaders representing different faith traditions, all of whom are deeply engaged in social ministry.
The first presenter was Aaron Bloch, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans. He emphasized grounding our service in faith values. Before focusing on the what or the how, we must begin with the why. Before a faith community is ready to serve, it must articulate its beliefs and values. What do you believe? What in your faith compels you to serve? What are your community’s core values? Only then are you ready for the next step.
The next presenter was Rev. Sam Hubbard, Movement Leader of Just Love—Greater New Orleans, a ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He emphasized the importance of asking questions—but not just any questions. Ask questions that build relationships. Love begins with curiosity: curiosity leads to care, care leads to connection, connection leads to collaboration, and collaboration circles back to love. Rev. Hubbard concluded, “What better question is your ministry waiting to ask?”
The final presenter was Paige Davis, Executive Director of the St. Charles Center for Faith + Action, affiliated with the Alliance of Baptists. She offered five key practices for working together within diverse communities:
- Create a safe space for sharing
- Listen first
- Consider others’ perspectives
- Offer care without strings attached
- Do not take offense
She reminded us that service is not complicated, nor is it about perfection—it is about offering your voice, your time, your energy, and your willingness.
The Rt. Rev. Shannon Duckworth, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, concluded our time together by reminding us that we are called to be outward and visible signs of God’s love—not alone, but together. She urged us to do this work in partnership. No one congregation or community can do everything alone. Seek partnerships—with neighboring congregations, ecumenical and interfaith partners, and community organizations—so that the work may be shared.
This work is not easy, but it is not complicated. Be clear about your faith (ask why), build relationships (ask better questions), and work together (with mutual respect). Then watch for where the Holy Spirit is already at work—and join in.
What is one question your congregation could begin asking this week?