Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.

While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed ...

Topics:	Community, Health, Presence of God, Relationships, Sin
Filters:	Deacon, Elder, Emergent ministry, Homelessness, Missionary, Outreach, Pastor, Pastoral care
Purpose:	Evangelism
References:	Mark 2:13-17
Date Added:	July 30, 2007

Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?

If you really keep the ...

Topics:	Community, Compassion, Fellowship, Intercession, Poor, Social justice
Filters:	Children's ministry, Deacon, Elder, Homelessness, Outreach, Pastor, Social justice
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	James 2:5-10, James 2:12-13
Date Added:	July 30, 2007

St. Francis of Assisi, it is said, found the sight and smell of lepers repulsive. Normally, he could spot them from afar and give them a wide berth. Yet on one occasion, Francis came upon a roadside leper and something entirely different occurred.

Compassion rose from within and Francis felt compelled to get off his horse, offer the leper alms, and embrace the wretched soul—sores, smells, and ...

Topics:	Accessibility, Christian life, Compassion, Discipleship, Experiencing God, Fellowship, Servanthood, Vulnerability
Filters:	Church board, Disability ministry, Homelessness, Hospitality, Outreach, Pastor, Shepherd, Volunteer
Purpose:	Ministry
References:	Isaiah 57:14-15
Date Added:	June 03, 2008