As a pastor, what is the most unique and innovative ministry that you have seen? We did it for couples in the Air Force that were stationed in New Mexico without family to watch their children.
So many of our military are sent away on temporary assignments leaving a single parent to watch their children. They were able to go shopping without children. We pay for the children to eat that night enabling the mother to get them to church in a timely manner. We encourage members to pray together as a family and ask God to show them what they could do to be a blessing to others. Many families bring their living room furniture, their kitchen appliances, some bring articles of clothing, while others donate office furniture and exercise equipment.
All of it is supposed to represent our best, not our junk. We clean up what needs to be cleaned and clear out the pieces that we would never want in our own home. While people are prayerfully considering what they should GIVE, another team gets busy meeting with local humanitarian organizations in our communities.
They are then informed that we are there just to help and serve them. One year we hired a local high school football team that had approached us regarding a fund raiser they were considering to help players make it to football camp. We enlisted them to load, haul, and deliver heavier items as a service to our Free Market shoppers.
We give away free hotdogs and popcorn and turn the event into a carnival! We make certain that every shopper has fun and feels celebrated, not like they are the needy looking for a handout.
