How a Missional Ministry Starts

O.K., so I am having breakfast this morning with one of our core group men who has a burden for the homeless. He seems to be drawn to the inner city wherever he worships. We are located about six miles from downtown on the cusp of the super wealthy, the upper middle classs, the working class and the poor. We had Precept run demographic information for a five mile radius of location and 45 out of the 50 people groups in the U.S. (as identified by Claris) are represented in that five mile radius. The only groups that were not represented were the rural farming types.

Quite a place to do ministry if you like diversity which brings me to my point. Because of the density and proximity to so many different types of people, we are strategically located to do some great "missional" things.

This man has identified an underserved need downtown...transitional homeless housing. The homeless need a stepping stone between the shelter and mainstreaming back into society. That's the role of transitional housing...it helps the homeless get their feet wet to once again live independently and responsibility while having accountability measures in place to help them stay independent and responsible. It's tough where the rubber meets the road ministry, but it is a critical link for getting the homeless out of the cycle of homelessness.

This ministry opportunity would not be pursued, if not for the passion of this man. We want to equip people to pursue their God ordained passions to transform the city of Phoenix for Christ. Add this homeless project to the tutoring program at Camelback High, the possible small group study at Police Headquarters, and the work we are doing with needy families at the local elementary school and we are off to a good start. Please pray that God will bless our efforts, strengthen our resolve, and fuel our passion for the people of Phoenix.