"EXCELLENT POINT, the media has us trained like Pavlov's dog, to salivate at every breaking story; and the stories are always negative!"
You're absolutely right - we don't seem to be able to discern anymore! We judge everyone the same.
Here are some of the ministries Lakewood Church is heading up and that the pastor (Joel) is in charge of overseeing:
BEYOND THE WALLS
Lakewood Church encourages its members to share the love of Christ with the
Houston community through volunteerism, evangelism, and ministry. Regardless of your interests, spiritual gifts or talents, there is a place for you.
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of Gods people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 2 Corinthians 9:12
ANGEL FOOD MINISTRY
Angel Food Ministries provides a hands on opportunity to meet the physical, financial, and spiritual needs of people at Lakewood Church and the Houston community. Specifically, Angel Food provides groceries at low cost.
These are fresh quality products provided by the same distributors that supply our local grocery chains! The food is not outdated or damaged.
There is no limit to the number of boxes an individual can purchase, and there are no applications or qualifications, everyone can participate in the program.
Food purchased as a donation for someone in need, is a fully tax-deductible charitable donation. This is a great opportunity to bless someone in need.
URBAN EVANGELISM
Each month, Lakewood Volunteers visit and minister to the lost, hurting and those in need. Ministry locations will vary from parks, the downtown area, shelters, and apartment complexes to the homeless on our streets. Training is provided before each outreach.
SATURDAY COMMUNITY OUTREACHES
Different outreach events as planned.
HOSPITAL & NURSING HOME MINISTRY
The Hospital and Nursing Home Ministries are committed to ministering the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. Our dedicated volunteers bring encouragement, prayers of faith and the healing touch of Christ to those who are hospitalized, homebound, or reside in residential care facilities.
COMFORT MINISTRY
Assisting with funeral arrangements;
Officiate funerals, wakes or memorial services; and
Providing comfort and support to family members following the funeral.
The Comfort Ministry also offers a Grief Recovery Support Group, which meets bi-monthly. This class is designed to be a relaxed time for discussion and support where people who are recovering from traumatic events or are walking through the process of bereavement can find love and hope. The Grief Recovery Support Group is lead by facilitators who share scripture, resource materials and prayer to help people as they grieve in an atmosphere of safety and peace.
STEPHEN MINISTRY
Stephen Ministry provides one-to-one care to those who are experiencing grief, separation or divorce, serious illness, loss of employment, or any other painful life situation or crisis.
RECOVERY CLASSES
The Recovery series are open to the public and are designed to assist individuals through biblical teaching and instruction. They will help you regain health and vitality in your relationships, finances, vocation, personal well-being, and aspirations.
Various provided courses include Addiction Recovery, Anger Management, Breaking Strongholds, Boundaries, Divorce Recovery, Fidelity, and Search for Significance, which give direction and a pathway to achieving your best life!
They also help people every month with job loss - to write resumes, learn how to do an interview and get career ideas to help them get employed.
OUTREACH MINISTRY
The pastor, choir members, musicians, and other members of the church do evangelism concerts to reach out to the lost as well as other Christians. And many have come to the Lord through these concert outreaches.
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Victoria is young, and whether or not she did anything wrong, I believe she has learned a very hard lesson - that people in the public's eye have to be much more careful in words and actions than any of the rest of us!
I just believe that just as President Bush is maligned by people who do not know him, Chrstian leaders's actions will also be distorted...especially the image of those who are pro-life. And many of you have been there! So consider that when you judge!
Thanks for the info. I used to belong to Second Baptist headed by Ed Young when I lived in Houston. They also do so very much for the poor, especialy during the hollidays. Ed Young was a very inspiring preacher!