WHAT IS IT?
“A missions trip where church creatives can put the skills God has given them to use by helping churches communicate better.”
It can be best summed with by my good friend – Jon Rogers …
No, we didn’t build a church building or construct an orphanage. No we didn’t run a VBS or witness on the streets. We have created sustainable solutions for churches to effectively communicate an ultimate message of God’s never-ending love for each community these churches are involved in.
Creative Missions pairs teams of church communication professionals, creatives, and techies with under-resourced churches to create sustainable solutions that both better engage and communicate the gospel to their communities.
Burdens have been relieved and results are evident throughout the 45 churches served throughout Albany, NW Arkansas, and Anchorage.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
- Creative Missions is not associated with a denomination. We help evangelical churches of many denominations and in different regions.
- Our goal is not to just provide a “quick fix,” but rather educate while on site and point churches to resources for sustainability.
Last week I found out I was selected, and I’m honored for the opportunity to serve in Baltimore for my 3rd consecutive year from May 17-23rd!
Teams were chosen based on what skills they have to offer and what needs there are to be met. The interest and advertisement of #CreativeMissions has grown since 2012 and there were only 30 slots available for Baltimore among all applicants.
I’d like to ask you for help in order to make this trip a success. Would you partner with me and other Creative Missionaries?
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
- Pray: Pray for the churches in Baltimore that we we will be helping. Pray for the church leaders we will be teaching. Pray for the people of Baltimore to know Jesus Christ.
- Financial Support (three different ways):
#1 – The trip: I need to raise $450 to cover my participation fee. This covers ground transportation once we’re there, lodging, workspace, meals, and production costs.
#2 – Getting there and back: I’d also love support for plane tickets. If you’d like to give in that way, you can visit my Fundly page.
#3 – Various: We still need monetary donations, printing, sound/tech components, stage design, ProPresenter licenses, gift cards (gas, office supply stores, Radio Shack), and more.
More about Baltimore and why we’re going there:
Baltimore is a very influential city. There are 15 colleges/universities (200,000 students) and 19 hospitals. However, recent numbers are eye–opening in terms of violence, poverty, and fatherlessness.
- Often found on list of violent cities – more murders than calendar days in January 2014
- 22% of the population lives below the poverty line.
- 58% of homes are led by single mothers.
Baltimore is in desperate need of the gospel.
- 52% of the population isnʼt affiliated with any religious body.
- Less than 10% of the population is affiliated with an evangelical church – the number of evangelical Christians in Baltimore cannot fill the Ravenʼs football stadium.
Creative Missions will be serving alongside Baltimore churches, helping them engage and spread the gospel, believing it has the power to change their city and influence the world.
WHY BALTIMORE; “CHARM CITY” ?
After spending the first three years in mostly rural and suburban areas, weʼre taking this party to the urban center. Thirty missionaries spread across five teams are supporting 15-20 churches.
Baltimore is a very influential city. There are 15 colleges/universities (200,000 students) and 19 hospitals. Johns Hopkins, in fact, is known as the nationʼs best hospital.
Baltimore is also rich in historical importance with past creative residents including Edgar Allan Poe, Billie Holiday, and Francis Scott Key.
However, recent numbers are eye-opening in terms of violence, poverty, and fatherlessness.
- Often found on list of violent cities – more murders than calendar days in January 2014
- 22% of the population lives below the poverty line.
- 58% of homes are led by single mothers.
Baltimore is in desperate need of the gospel.
- 52% of the population isnʼt affiliated with any religious body.
- Less than 10% of the population is affiliated with an evangelical church – the number of evangelical Christians in Baltimore cannot fill the Ravenʼs football stadium.
Creative Missions will be serving alongside Baltimore churches, helping them engage and spread the gospel, believing it has the power to change their city and influence the world.
Furthermore, Creative Missions provides me the opportunity to use my talents in the ways that best serve the Church. Missions is all about making the gospel of Jesus Christ known- how you do that is up to you, whether that’s building a house, evangelizing in neighborhoods, or helping a church get on its feet. I am happy to use my gifts to help a church on the communications/technology side of things so they can focus more on their communities.
Our Plan of Attack:
Weʼre building five teams to accomplish a three–pronged strategy.
- Big Focus Churches: Churches just short of knocking it out of the ballpark, but lack resources/budget to get there. These are also churches that have influence over other area churches. They’ll have a dedicated team for a majority of the week.
- Other churches: Less time spent – tend to 1-3 top needs and move on to the next.
- Workshops: Several churches will host workshops throughout the week and invite volunteers and other churches/businesses to attend. Teams will lead these.
Follow Along!
I’ll be posting updates about my trip here, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also like Creative Missions on Facebook and follow the hashtag #CreativeMissions on Tagboard to see ongoing updates from everyone!