How we help
Mission Shawnee's Philosophy of Ministry

We want to be like Jesus.

Stated briefly, that's it. And here's what it means to us: Jesus was passionate about meeting the needs of people. He helped anyone and everyone, and seemed to give special attention to people that society and the religious establishment had neglected. His passion for ministering to people was such a singular focus that He was willing to sacrifice the friendships of a lifetime in His own home town synagogue to speak the truth. To Him, it was more important to heal than to obey Sabbath laws; it was more important to bring salvation to the woman in Samaria than to respect the social conventions of his day.

While we don't wish to be offensive, we do seek to share Jesus' passion for helping. We don't like to say no. Like Jesus, we want to provide what is needed -- not merely what is requested. This means that we do at least three things when people come in seeking help.

1. We seek to identify the broader needs rather than just the surface ones. We're not here just to give "handouts". We want to identify the issues that prevent the individual from living successfully. We want to point people in the direction of being able to live as God intended them to live.
   
   
2. We seek to meet that immediate need whenever possible without creating or perpetuating a pattern of dependence.
   
   
3. We quickly go beyond the physical or financial need to the spiritual. We pray with each person who comes in. We talk with them about their relationship with Christ. We invite them to place their trust in Jesus Christ.

Recently, a woman requested help with her utility bill. She was asked to fill out an application which helped to identify some of the broader needs. The application also opened the door for prayer and for a conversation about salvation. The woman left with both her physical and her spiritual needs having been addressed.

We want to be like Jesus.