Serving Communities Together

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”  – Matthew 5:16

IGNITE! Calhoun County is a multi-ethnic, multi-denominational community of churches seeking to display God’s love through acts of service so our communities are straightened and local churches are strengthened. Our goal is to demonstrate the love of God as we minister to the needs of the people throughout the communities of Calhoun County in the name of Jesus.

We seek to do Kingdom work. We believe that part of our mission as believers in Christ is to be a blessing to the communities in which God has placed us. In relation to Jesus’ words from Matthew 25:31-46, we believe that we are called to ministries like giving food to the hungry, water to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and serving those who are in prison. Or as James described it, “religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction…” We are called to show mercy and grace to those in need.

We believe that this is the call of God upon our churches. Not only are we to care for those who are members of our churches, but we are also to reach beyond the walls of the church into the homes and organizations in our communities for the purpose of ministering in the name of our Lord. Since our individual churches have limited resources in terms of people and finances, it makes very good sense for churches to work together to serve the common good of those in our communities who need help.

We realize that there are churches and organizations already engaged in ministries to the community. For instance, there are already ministries in place throughout Calhoun County which provide food, clothing, and assistance with utilities or prescription drugs. Our goal is not to reinvent the wheel or attempt to “fix” what is not broken. Where ministries already exist, we want to encourage churches to come alongside to help and encourage.

Ignite! has a vision and plan for specific ministries to the community. We seek to develop ministries in four broad areas:

• Education – mentoring, after-school programs, encouragement for teachers, physical improvements to schools, etc.

• Family – Home repairs, landscape assistance, wheelchair ramps.

• Poverty / Justice – GED training, prison ministries.

• Healthcare – free medical and dental clinics

Some of the ministries we participate in are ongoing in nature. But we also take part in major ministry events a couple times a year. We call these events “Big Serve” weekends. Dozens of Christians from our group of churches come together to repair homes, do landscape work, paint schools, lay sod, build ramps, help tornado victims, etc… If you are interested in serving the needs of the Calhoun County Community through our “Big Serve” ministry please call or email one of the pastors.