Louisville ministry crossing racial barriers; Churches facing insurance coverage challenges; Tips on asking busy church members to serve

Good News for Today

In 1914 Louisville, when Blacks and whites lived in communities segregated by a city ordinance signed May 11 of that year, Black and white Baptists formed a community partnership that survives to this day.

Only five decades since the Civil War and 46 years after the passage of the 14th Amendment, the partnership was born amid exacerbated racial disparities.

“It was kind of unheard of when you think about it,” partnership leader Matthew Smyzer Jr. told Baptist Press, “when Black folk and white folk in 1914 – when I’m sure racial tensions were so much higher than they are right now – were able to set those aside for the cause of Christ, to offer holistic ministry from a mission perspective.

Today, a center to reach poor neighbors is the central focus of the ministry work together.

The facility sustained significant damage during a recent EF-1 tornado in Louisville. Thanks to community partners and friends from across Kentucky, work is underway to repair the center as a new school year is just around corner.

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In recent months, a series of natural disasters including Gulf Coast hurricanes, California wildfires, and severe Midwest storms have severely impacted communities nationwide. These events, coupled with skyrocketing construction costs following the COVID-19 pandemic, have left the insurance industry struggling to cope.

Specialized insurers like Church Mutual, GuideOne, and Brotherhood Mutual, known for insuring churches, report dwindling reserves. As a result, they've been forced to drop coverage for churches deemed high-risk, a move aimed at mitigating financial losses.

The repercussions are being keenly felt in Texas, where churches are grappling with the fallout. Many have been compelled to scale back programs and postpone essential building improvements due to financial constraints. Ironically, these upgrades could enhance insurability in the future.

For churches navigating these challenges, the impact is profound, affecting their ability to maintain operations and prepare for the future.

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In a Baptist Press Toolbox, Scott McConnell shares some tips for asking busy people to serve in church ministry.

1. Ask your congregation to step away from commitments to other “good” things next year to make room for a commitment of time to God and to ask Him what that activity should be.

2. Give people examples of ministry opportunities your church is planning to do over the next year so they can be specific with their time commitment. Otherwise, other things will creep in and take that time.

3. Ask people to write down their commitment to remind themselves and to share this commitment with you and others. This can start a conversation about preparing for that area of service. Their early willingness may motivate others to make similar plans.

McConnell offers several more you can find in the full article at Baptist Press.